Nashville: Double Decker Bus City Tour with 100+ Sights

Summary

Music, stories & city color on Nashville’s open-top bus loop

You’ll catch Nashville’s energy from an open-air seat as your local guide shares stories about icons like Ryman Auditorium and Centennial Park’s Parthenon. Snap photos of more than 100 sights on this quick one-hour loop through Music City — and maybe even catch yourself humming along before it’s over.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re in Nashville when your guide starts singing before you’ve even left the curb,” I joked to the couple next to me as our double decker bus rolled down Lower Broadway. The air smelled faintly like barbecue and hot pavement, and honestly, I was still half-asleep from my early flight — but the city just sort of wakes you up. Our driver, Marcus, pointed out the Ryman Auditorium with this reverence in his voice that made me sit up straighter. I didn’t expect to feel anything about a building, but there it was.

We passed so many places I’d heard about — the Country Music Hall of Fame (I could see people pressed against the glass), Union Station with its clock tower looking almost European, and then suddenly we were at Centennial Park. The Parthenon replica is way bigger than photos make it seem. There were joggers looping around the pond and some kids feeding ducks, which made me miss home for a second. Marcus told us President Polk is buried by the State Capitol — he said it so casually that it took me a minute to realize how wild that actually is.

I kept trying to snap photos but mostly ended up with blurry shots of neon signs or someone’s cowboy hat in the frame. The breeze on top of the bus felt good though — even with all the city noise below, there was this weird peacefulness up there. Someone behind me started humming along when we drove past Printers Alley (I think they thought no one could hear). We only had an hour for this Nashville sightseeing tour but somehow it felt like we got a real taste — not just tourist stuff, but little bits of real life too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — One-hour Nashville city sightseeing tour

• Board open-air double-decker bus
• See Ryman Auditorium
• View Nissan Stadium
• Pass Country Music Hall of Fame
• Drive by Music City Center
• Pass Tennessee State Capitol
• See Parthenon at Centennial Park
• View Vanderbilt University
• Pass Riverfront Train Station
• Explore Historic Lower Broadway
• Pass Frist Art Museum
• See Nashville Riverfront Park
• Pass Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
• Drive through Printers Alley
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long does the Nashville double decker bus tour last?

The city sightseeing tour lasts approximately one hour.

Which attractions are included on the Nashville sightseeing tour?

You’ll see places like Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Centennial Park’s Parthenon, Tennessee State Capitol, Nissan Stadium, Frist Art Museum, Vanderbilt University, and Printers Alley.

Is there a live guide on board?

Yes, a local guide provides commentary throughout the tour.

Is this Nashville city tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you join at the departure point downtown.

Are children allowed on this double decker bus tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

How many points of interest are covered during the tour?

The route highlights over 100 points of interest around Nashville.

Is public transportation available near the departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation aboard an open-air double decker bus for one hour through Nashville’s top sights like Ryman Auditorium and Vanderbilt University. A local driver-guide shares stories as you pass over 100 points of interest — just hop on downtown and enjoy seeing Music City from above before heading off to explore more on your own.