Nashville Ghost Bar Walking Tour: Haunted Stories & Drinks

Summary

Haunted tales in downtown bars, ghost stories by the river, laughter in Printer’s Alley

You’ll wander through Nashville’s shadowy downtown with a local guide, hear eerie stories at Ryman Auditorium, sip drinks inside historic haunted bars on this ghost bar walking tour, and explore Printer’s Alley after dark. Expect goosebumps and laughter—and maybe leave wondering what else lingers after last call.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed on this Nashville ghost bar walking tour because I’d convinced myself I don’t believe in ghosts. But then my friend dared me (and promised to buy the first round), so there we were—meeting our guide near the Ryman Auditorium as dusk started settling in. The air had that sticky Tennessee heaviness, and you could smell fried food drifting from somewhere down the block. Our guide, Marcus, handed out headphones—said it was so we wouldn’t miss a word over the usual Broadway chaos. Smart move.

We stopped outside the Ryman first. Marcus told us about its haunted past—he got quiet for a second before describing footsteps heard backstage when nobody’s around. Some folks in our group laughed nervously; one woman squeezed her partner’s hand so tight I thought she might cut off circulation. After that, we ducked into a bar I’d never noticed before (I think it used to be a print shop?), and you could still smell old paper and something sweet behind the whiskey. I tried asking for a local beer but totally blanked on the name—bartender just smiled and poured me something dark anyway.

The walk itself wasn’t too long—maybe a mile total—but there were these moments in Printer’s Alley where the streetlights flickered and you could almost imagine shadows moving differently than they should. Marcus kept dropping little facts about Nashville’s history between stories of haunted rooms and river legends. At one point he asked if anyone felt cold air near their ankles; someone said yes but honestly, it was probably just nerves or maybe wishful thinking? Still, I caught myself glancing over my shoulder more than once.

By the end, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in over two hours—which never happens—and even though I’m still not sure about ghosts, there was something about hearing those stories right where they happened that made me feel…well, not alone exactly. Just connected to all these people who’ve walked those same streets before us. Anyway, if you’re up for a weirdly fun night with some history (and drinks), this is worth it—even if you’re skeptical like me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted Nashville ghost walking tour

• Hear stories at haunted building
• View river and hear urban legends
• Visit bars in Historic Printer's Alley

Top questions

How long is the Nashville ghost bar walking tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers roughly one mile on foot.

Is alcohol included on this Nashville ghost tour?

No, drinks are not included in the price—you’ll buy your own at each bar stop.

What age do you have to be for this tour?

You must be 21 or older with valid photo ID to join this tour.

Are there stops at haunted bars during the tour?

Yes, you’ll visit at least two haunted bars along the route.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it runs rain or shine—dress appropriately for all weather conditions.

Is pickup included for this Nashville ghost walking tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet downtown at the starting point near Ryman Auditorium.

Can people with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility limitations or trouble walking.

What’s included

Your evening includes a friendly local guide leading you through downtown Nashville with audio transmitters and headphones provided so you can catch every story—even over honky-tonk noise—as well as visits to at least two haunted bars where you can purchase drinks along the way before finishing up back near Broadway.