Planning to explore Nashville without the headache of parking? You’re onto something.
Nashville’s hop-on, hop-off trolley tours are popular for a reason. Whether you're hoping to take in the sights with ease, catch a bit of local history, or just get around town conveniently, you’ll want to know what the real experience is like.
We asked folks who’ve been there, done that, and here’s what they had to say about it.
Skip the Parking Stress, Enjoy the Ride
No one likes wrestling with downtown parking. As one visitor points out, hopping on the trolley means “no parking hassles. Enjoy!”.
This sentiment is echoed by another visitor, who shares their strategy: “We live here and do it when family comes. We always do two loops—one to see everything and the second to get off where we want and never have to deal with parking besides near the first stop.”
Sounds like a local-approved hack, doesn’t it?
Plan to Do a Full Loop First
It’s tempting to start hopping on and off right away, but many seasoned riders recommend completing one full loop first. One visitor's advice is to stay on the trolley for the entire route the first time around, then use your second loop to stop at all the places that caught your eye.
Another visitor backs this up: “We’ve done the hop on hop off in other cities and do the same… take the first full loop, then decide where to get off the second time around.”
Start Early—It’s Worth It
With so much to see, starting early lets you cover more ground and enjoy your favorite spots without rushing. One visitor suggests kicking things off at 8 or 9 in the morning so you can take your time. “Try to start as early as possible so you can spend as much time as you want at the stops,” they say.
A couple of others recommend having an exit plan if you don’t make it back to your starting point—an Uber or Lyft will do the trick.
Fan-Favorite Stops and Local Gems
The Marathon Works area isn’t just the starting point; it’s also a destination in itself. “Don’t forget to shop the shops there at Marathon Works too. Great deals!” advises one visitor.
And if you’re into history, another visitor recommends a stop at the nearby Nelson's Green Brier Distillery: “Make sure to visit Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery; they have an amazing story about the distillery.”
Looking for a great lunch? One visitor has a tip for you. “Stop 1 – highly recommend the deli inside, yummy sandwiches.” And for an iconic Nashville bite, another visitor mentions hitting up Biscuit Love in the Gulch—always a solid choice.
Not Just About the Sights—It’s the Stories Too
A good guide can make or break the experience, and it seems Nashville’s trolley guides are a hit.
One visitor describes it as “very entertaining and informative,” and another Nashville local points out, “Each guide has interesting things to say… be sure to hop on and off to take advantage of that.” If you’re lucky, you might get “Cousin Debbie” as your guide, who, according to another visitor, is “the BEST!”
Know the Hours and Plan Your Exit
One little quirk about Nashville’s hop-on, hop-off tour? It ends earlier than similar tours in other cities. As one visitor notes, “It is a must to start early because it ends early… we had to Uber back to our car.” Make sure you’re aware of the timing so you’re not left scrambling.
Why Locals and Visitors Love It
For first-timers and locals alike, this tour has a lot of fans. One visitor says it’s “great,” while another loves the unique views and history you get along the way: “Love the history and seeing things off the beaten path.” Meanwhile, another visitor is looking forward to their first trip this Saturday. The flexibility of the tour is a major plus for many; as one visitor mentions, “We did the east side last time and have the west side planned for our upcoming trip.”
I am at the Hilton downtown at Broadway where can I jump on at near there 🙂