Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour

If you’re looking for a different angle on Nashville, this Revelry Tours experience offers a peek into the city’s shadowy history that many visitors miss. Instead of the usual country music and bright lights, this tour explores the seedy districts, red light districts, and rougher nightlife of downtown Nashville — revealing stories of mystery, vice, and violence that helped shape the city’s character.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the expert guides who bring the stories alive with enthusiasm and insight, and the way the itinerary combines history with atmospheric stops that truly capture the city’s darker past. However, a potential consideration is that drinks are not included, so you’ll need to budget accordingly if you want to sip along the way.

This tour suits those with a curiosity about less polished, more gritty aspects of Nashville, especially history buffs, fans of true crime, or anyone interested in the city’s naughty side. It’s a good pick for those comfortable with a 2-hour evening walk through some of Nashville’s more edgy neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from knowledgeable guides makes history engaging.
• The tour covers historical districts like Printer’s Alley and the Red Light District.
• It’s a walk-and-sample experience, with visits to bars and historic sites.
• Drinks aren’t included, so budget for purchases if desired.
• It’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for travelers over 21.
• The 2-hour duration offers a compact, immersive experience of Nashville’s darker past.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off at 600 Church Street, near Cornerstone Square, where the guide meets the group in the center circle inside Church Street Park. The tour is planned for evenings, running approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable way to add some excitement to your Nashville evenings without feeling drained or rushed.

You’ll want to arrive 15 minutes early to meet your guide and settle in. The group size tends to be small and intimate, which enhances the storytelling and allows for questions and discussions along the way.

Exploring the Red Light District and “The Men’s Quarter”

The first stop transports you back to mid-1800s Nashville, focusing on what was once called “Smokey Row”. This area was notorious in its day for its vices and nightlife, and the guide will share tales of murder, love, and scandal that took place there. You get a vivid sense of how vice and entertainment intertwined, shaping Nashville’s reputation behind closed doors.

What makes this segment special is how the guide brings history to life, describing the atmosphere, the buildings, and the stories of the people who inhabited these dark corners. The visit to the Bobby Hotel provides a sense of stepping back in time while enjoying a modern-day setting, blending past and present.

The Red Light District of “Smokey Row”

This part of the tour feels like stepping into a mystery novel. The guide shares stories about prostitution, gambling, and crime, illustrating how these elements thrived in mid-1800s Nashville. Visitors often find this mix of history and storytelling both fascinating and slightly chilling.

“The Men’s Quarter” at Dream Nashville

Next, the group heads to Dream Nashville, which once hosted a neighborhood known as “The Men’s Quarter”. According to the tales, this area was once filled with opium dens, saloons, and indulgent vices—a place where men sought pleasure and escape from their routines. The guide highlights how such vice districts were common in many American cities, but Nashville’s unique character makes its story worth hearing.

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Printer’s Alley at Night

No exploration of Nashville’s dark past would be complete without a visit to Printer’s Alley. Historically, this was a bustling publishing hub by day but transformed into a lively, libation-filled scene after hours. It was a magnet for musicians, drunks, and gamblers alike. Today, Printer’s Alley retains some of that boisterous spirit, and your guide will explain how it evolved from a print and publishing area into a nightlife hot spot.

The Final Stop: CMT/Ryman Auditorium

The tour wraps up at the CMT/Ryman Auditorium, where the guide shares the grisly story of Stringbean & Estelle—a dark chapter in country music history involving murder and mystery. It’s a fitting end that ties Nashville’s musical fame to its grittier stories of crime and tragedy.

What’s Included and What You Should Budget For

The ticket price of $35 per person covers your guided tour, entry into the various bars and establishments, and the guides’ insights. Drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some cash if you plan to sample local libations at each stop — that way, you can enjoy the atmosphere without surprises.

The tour’s balance of history and lively storytelling makes it a great value for those interested in Nashville’s less polished side. It’s a compact experience, perfect for an evening activity before heading out for dinner or more live music.

The Value of a Knowledgeable Guide

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides. Jenna, who took the tour recently, remarked, “Nestor 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.” That personal connection and storytelling depth really make a difference, turning what could be just another walk into a memorable, educational experience.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility concerns. It’s designed for those over 21, reflecting the adult themes and bar stops along the way. The duration of 2 hours generally fits well into a Nashville evening, leaving plenty of time for dinner or other activities afterward.

If you’re a history nerd, a fan of true crime stories, or just curious about Nashville’s less polished side, this tour will appeal. It’s especially great for those who want a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s past, rather than the typical tourist attractions. The small group setting and expert guides make it both fun and informative, ensuring you get stories that stick with you long after the tour ends.

This Revelry Tours experience offers a unique window into Nashville’s shadowy past, blending history, storytelling, and atmospheric visits into a well-paced 2-hour walk. While you should plan to buy drinks separately, the value here lies in the insightful guides and the chance to learn about Nashville’s darker stories—stories that aren’t always part of the city’s shiny reputation.

For travelers who crave a different perspective on Nashville, want to hear colorful stories from a knowledgeable guide, or simply enjoy a bit of intrigue and history, this tour fits the bill. It’s a compelling way to add some mystery and history to your Nashville trip — all without breaking the bank or losing sight of your curiosity.

Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, the tour is intended for those over 21 because of the bar stops and adult themes involved.

Does the tour include drinks?
No, drinks are not included, so you’ll need to purchase beverages separately at the stops.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 600 Church Street, near Cornerstone Square. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early.

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

What is the cost of the tour?
The price is $35 per person, which includes the guide and entry into bars and establishments.

What topics are covered?
The tour covers Nashville’s red light district, “The Men’s Quarter,” Printer’s Alley, and stories of crime and tragedy, including the tale of Stringbean & Estelle.

Are the guides knowledgeable and engaging?
Yes, reviews highlight the enthusiasm and expertise of guides like Nestor, making the stories come alive.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What kind of experience does this tour offer?
It’s a dark, atmospheric walk through Nashville’s seedier, more mysterious past, with historical storytelling and bar visits.

This tour is an excellent choice for travelers eager to see Nashville through a different lens — one that’s a little darker, a little more intriguing, and filled with stories that you won’t find in the usual guidebooks.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby