Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour

If you’re looking for a different kind of Nashville experience that goes beyond country music and honky-tonks, the Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour might just be what you need. This two-hour journey through some of the city’s more shadowy corners promises a mix of history, intrigue, and a dash of the macabre. It’s not your average sightseeing—think back alleys, seedy districts, and stories of vice that once thrived in the heart of downtown.

What really draws us in about this tour are two things: first, the expert guides who bring the stories to life with enthusiasm and knowledge, and second, the way it paints a vivid picture of Nashville’s lesser-known past. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that drinks aren’t included—so if you’re hoping to sip as you explore, you’ll need to budget for that separately. This tour fits best for those with a taste for history, darker tales, or simply a wish to see Nashville from a different angle.

Are you the kind of traveler who’s curious about the city’s underground stories? Or perhaps you’re interested in unique, story-rich tours that aren’t just “sights”? If so, this tour could be a great pick. It’s particularly suited for night owls, history buffs, or anyone looking for something a bit spookier and more atmospheric.

Key Points

• Unique Focus: Explore Nashville’s darker past, including the Red Light District and “The Men’s Quarter”.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Nestor receive high praise for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.
• Historic Locations: Stops include Printer’s Alley, the Bobby Hotel, Standard Proof Tasting Room, and CMT/Ryman Auditorium.
• Cost & Value: At $35, it offers a fairly affordable way to experience Nashville’s seedier side, though drinks are extra.
• Duration & Flexibility: The 2-hour evening tour is manageable and offers a compact but story-rich experience.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and starts conveniently at Church Street Park.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour

What’s the Story Behind This Tour?

This tour is designed for those interested in the less glamorous, more shadowy stories of Nashville. It takes you through historic districts involved in vice, entertainment, and crime—places where the city’s darker stories unfolded. It’s a chance to learn about the red light district from the 1800s, the “Men’s Quarter,” and Printer’s Alley, which was once a publishing hub that turned into a lively nightlife scene.

The tour doesn’t shy away from the gruesome tales—such as the story of Stringbean & Estelle at the CMT/Ryman Auditorium, which adds a layer of local legend and mystery to the experience. This isn’t just about facts; it’s about atmosphere, stories, and understanding how Nashville’s past still echoes through its streets.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start Point at Church Street Park:
Your adventure kicks off here, where your guide will meet you by the center circle inside the park. From there, the tour begins with a stop at Standard Proof Tasting Room, a cozy spot where you can imagine the city’s barroom scenes, hearing about stories of loveless marriages, affairs, and murders that cast a shadow over Nashville’s history.

Mid-1800s Red Light District:
Next, you’re transported back to the mid-1800s red light district at the Bobby Hotel. Guides there help you visualize the lively, sometimes dangerous, nightlife that thrived in those streets. It’s a chance to see the city’s seedier side through the lens of history, not sensationalism.

The Men’s Quarter at Dream Nashville:
Here, the focus is on what was once called “The Men’s Quarter”—an area replete with indulgence and vice, where everything men craved from gambling to illicit activities was available. It’s a fascinating look at how urban spaces were once divided and used.

Printer’s Alley:
Once a hub for publishing during the day, Printer’s Alley transformed at night into a lively nightlife zone filled with bars and entertainment. The tour helps you picture the scene when Nashville’s streets buzzed with activity, libations flowing freely, and stories of notorious characters.

Final Stop at CMT/Ryman Auditorium:
The tour concludes with a move to the iconic Ryman area, where your guide recounts the gruesome tale of Stringbean & Estelle, adding a legendary Nashville twist to the evening. It’s a memorable end that ties together the city’s entertainment and darker history.

The Guides: Knowledge and Enthusiasm Matter

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the guides’ expertise. Jenna from the US praised Nestor, saying, “He was a great guide. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the tour. He brought us to some really great spots that we wouldn’t have known about without the tour.” Having a guide who’s passionate makes the experience more immersive and engaging, especially when stories have layers of history and local legend.

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The Experience: Atmosphere and Value

For $35, this tour offers a cost-effective way to explore Nashville’s hidden stories. While drinks are not included, that might be a plus for those who prefer to focus on the stories rather than the alcohol, or for those who want to plan their drinking separately.

The two-hour duration is just right—long enough to cover multiple sites and stories without feeling rushed. The evening timing adds to the ambiance, making it a perfect post-dinner activity, especially if you’re into ghost stories, crime tales, or simply curious about the city’s seedier history.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal, and the meeting point is convenient—just inside Church Street Park. Arriving 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start, as recommended.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This isn’t a tour for everyone—it’s best suited for adults interested in Nashville’s darker side. If you’re curious about the city’s history beyond the music scene or enjoy stories of crime and vice, you’ll find plenty to intrigue. It’s also good for night owls and history buffs who love a story with a bit of edge.

If you’re traveling with children or family members under 21, this probably isn’t the right fit, given the content and theme. But for those who love the thrill of uncovering Nashville’s secret past, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

The Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour offers a distinctive perspective on Nashville that most visitors miss. It combines history, storytelling, and a little bit of the spooky, all delivered by guides who genuinely know their stuff. At $35, you get a compact yet rich experience that’s perfect for an evening activity—especially if you’re into stories of vice, crime, and the city’s seedier past.

While it’s not a booze tour, the focus on atmospherics and stories makes it a compelling way to see Nashville’s darker, more intriguing side. It’s a memorable experience that will appeal to travelers with a curiosity for the city’s less-glamorous history, especially those who appreciate engaging storytelling.

FAQ

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  No, it’s designed for adults due to the themes of vice and dark stories.

• Are drinks included?
  No, drinks are not included in the $35 price, so plan to buy drinks separately if you wish.

• Where does the tour start?
  Your guide will meet you by the center circle inside Church Street Park.

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts about 2 hours, usually in the evening.

• Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
  Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  It’s recommended, especially since you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What makes this tour different from other Nashville activities?
  Its focus on the city’s darker, seedier history sets it apart from typical music or sightseeing tours.

• How knowledgeable are the guides?
  Reviews highlight guides like Nestor, who are enthusiastic and well-informed.

• Can I do this tour if I’m not a big drinker?
  Absolutely, since drinks aren’t included, you can focus on the stories and history.

• What should I wear?
  Dress comfortably for walking; evening temperatures can vary, so layer accordingly.

If you’re curious about Nashville’s shadowy past and enjoy storytelling, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s a chance to see a side of the city most visitors overlook, and with expert guides leading the way, you’re in good hands.

You can check availability for your dates here: