Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Night-Time Walking Tour

Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Night-Time Walking Tour Review

If you’re after a night out that mixes a little scandal, a dash of the spooky, and a sprinkle of Nashville’s less-glamorous past, this Bordellos, Burlesque & Blood tour might be just the ticket. While I haven’t personally taken it, based on detailed reviews and tour info, this experience promises a fun, adult-oriented stroll through some of the city’s darker, more intriguing chapters—served with tales of vintage crime, secret vices, and historic hotspots.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides clearly know their stuff, making the stories come alive with a friendly, engaging tone. Second, the stunning views and well-chosen landmarks give it a solid sense of place, letting you walk through Nashville’s shadowy past while soaking in some of its most iconic spots.

One thing to consider is that this tour is strictly for guests 21+, and drinks are not included—so this isn’t a party with free flowing alcohol, but a more curated, storytelling experience. If you enjoy learning about the quirky and possibly overlooked parts of a city’s history, and you’re comfortable walking around at night, this tour could be quite the memorable outing.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy history, true crime, or vintage entertainment stories—or just those looking for a different way to experience Nashville after dark. If you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or even with a small group of friends, expect a personalized and intimate atmosphere.

Key Points

• Adult-Only Experience: Strictly for guests 21+, with no alcohol included.
• Two-Hour Walk: A manageable length for an evening adventure.
• Historically Rich: Focuses on the darker, seedier side of Nashville’s past.
• Engaging Guides: Friendly and knowledgeable storytellers bring the history to life.
• Well-Designed Stops: From historic landmarks to hidden stories, each site adds to the narrative.
• Booking and Cost: Averaging 22 days in advance, at $35 per person, the price offers good value given the storytelling depth and unique experience.

A Deeper Look at the Tour Itinerary

This 2-hour night walk starts at Church Street Park, where your guide kicks off with a story involving a dashing doctor, a young woman with a broken heart, and a mysterious mixture of pills. It’s a compelling opening that hints at Nashville’s lesser-known romantic and criminal tales. The 18-minute segment here sets a tone of intrigue and hints at the city’s colorful past.

Next, you’ll head to Standard Proof Whiskey Co., where the guide recounts stories of love gone wrong—marriages, affairs, and murders. This stop again lasts about 18 minutes, and it’s clear that the tales aren’t just surface-level. The stories are rich enough to give you a real sense of Nashville’s hard-to-find history of vice and tragedy. Many reviews praise the guide’s storytelling skills, with one guest stating, “She was very friendly. It was just like walking around, chatting with a friend,” which suggests an informal, approachable vibe.

Moving on, the tour visits Bobby Hotel, where you’re transported back to the 1800s in Nashville’s red-light district, “Smokey Row.” The 16-minute stay here is more than just a photo op; it’s an exploration of Nashville’s more risqué roots. The guide’s stories help paint a vivid picture of the city’s seedy underbelly, with some reviewers noting the guide’s ability to make even lesser-known landmarks interesting and engaging.

The journey continues to Dream Nashville, by Hyatt, in what was once “The Men’s Quarter,” a hub of indulgence and vice. This stop provides a glimpse into the hidden pleasures of historic Nashville, with the guide recounting stories that reveal a more indulgent side of the city’s history.

Finally, you visit Skull’s Rainbow Room in Printer’s Alley, renowned for nightlife, alcohol, and the publishing companies that thrived by night. The 16-minute stop here is perfect for soaking in the lively, slightly rebellious spirit of old Nashville.

Throughout the tour, the guide’s storytelling is consistently praised. One reviewer raves, “Nestor was a fabulous guide. Knowledgeable and very personable,” and others echo that sentiment about the guides’ ability to blend humor, history, and local lore seamlessly.

What to Expect on the Tour

Expect a mix of walking through Nashville’s historic streets and stopping at key landmarks that have played a role in its more scandalous past. The stops are well spaced, around 16-18 minutes each, giving enough time to absorb the stories without feeling rushed. Keep in mind, it’s a nighttime walk, so dress comfortably, and wear shoes suitable for walking on city streets.

Your guide will serve as your storyteller and historian, taking you through tales of murder, mystery, and vice—elements not often covered in traditional Nashville tours. The stories are likely to lean toward the macabre, giving you a more colorful picture of what life was like behind the scenes of Nashville’s more glamorous veneer.

While drinks are not included, the tour stops at some historically significant bars and hotels, so you might find opportunities to continue your night with a drink at the end, if you wish.

Price and Value

For $35, this tour is quite competitive, especially given the personalized stories and focus on Nashville’s underbelly. It’s a two-hour experience, which means you’re paying roughly $17.50 an hour for a knowledgeable guide and an exclusive look into some of Nashville’s secret stories. Considering many similar tours include alcohol, this one emphasizes storytelling and historical insight, making it a value-packed option for those interested in the city’s darker side.

However, keep in mind that alcohol isn’t included, so if you’re looking for a pub crawl with free drinks, this isn’t it. Still, the stories you’ll hear are engaging enough to satisfy a curiosity about Nashville’s less-glamorous past.

Booking and Practical Tips

Most travelers book about three weeks in advance—on average, 22 days ahead—so plan ahead to secure a spot. The tour starts at 600 Church St at 8:00 pm and ends near the historic CMT / Ryman Auditorium, making it easy to find public transportation or walk to nearby restaurants afterward.

Since the tour is capped at 20 participants, it tends to be fairly intimate, which helps the guides give personalized attention and keep the storytelling lively. Confirmations are given immediately upon booking, and cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews are glowing, with a 4.7-star average from 12 reviews. Participants consistently praise the guides—calling them knowledgeable, personable, and funny. Several mention the stories’ quality, with one reviewer noting, “Her personality and knowledge of Nashville made her a highlight of our trip,” highlighting how guides make or break this experience.

That said, there’s a notable negative review from someone claiming they were told the tour was canceled less than two hours before the scheduled start, with difficulty obtaining a refund. While this seems to be an isolated incident, it’s a reminder to book with care and to double-check the cancellation policy.

Authentic Quotes:

• “We had such a great time. It was like walking around, chatting with a friend.”
• “Nestor was a fabulous guide. Knowledgeable and very personable.”
• “Hilarious, non-stop laughter and fun.”

Should You Book This Tour?

If you’re into murder stories, vintage nightlife, or Nashville’s secret history, this tour offers a fun, relaxed way to explore the city after dark. It’s ideal for adults who enjoy learning through storytelling and want an experience that’s a bit different from the usual music or bar crawl.

The two-hour walk provides a nice mix of history, local lore, and scenic city views, making it a worthwhile option for an evening activity. While not perfect for those seeking a family-friendly or daytime experience, it hits the spot for travelers craving something edgier, more intimate, and full of stories that are often left out of standard tours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is adults-only (21+), as it focuses on mature themes like vices, crime, and historic scandal.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, beverages are not included. You might find opportunities to purchase drinks at some stops, but the tour itself centers on storytelling.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you’ll be on your feet for about two hours. Dress for the weather, especially if it’s cool or rainy.

How many people typically join the tour?
The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, giving it a more personal and engaging feel.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 600 Church St and finishes near the CMT / Ryman Auditorium area on Commerce St.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time and get a full refund. Less than 24 hours, and the refund policy doesn’t apply.

Is this tour offered year-round?
The info doesn’t specify seasonality, but it’s held at night, so it’s likely best in warmer months or on clear evenings.

To sum it up, the Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Night-Time Walking Tour offers a distinctive way to experience the city’s lesser-known stories. It’s perfect for adult travelers with an interest in history, crime, or vintage nightlife, especially if you enjoy engaging guides and scenic city streets. While it might not be a fit for younger travelers or those looking for a pub crawl, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a memorable, slightly spooky night out in Nashville.