What to Know Before Booking a Nashville Food Tour

When you think of Nashville, music probably comes to mind first. But the city’s food scene is just as vibrant as its honky-tonks. On a recent trip, I joined the Nashville’s Gulch Tour with Local Tastes of Nashville, a walking food tour that combines delicious bites with local history. There are a few tour options to choose from, but I enjoyed the variety of restaurants visited and the tasty bites offered.

If you’re considering booking one of their tours, here’s what you should know before you go.

Booking Your Tour

Local Tastes of Nashville makes booking simple. Tickets must be purchased in advance—either online through their website or by calling their office. Cash isn’t accepted, so plan to pay with a card.

The Gulch Tour is one of several options they offer (others include Germantown/Farmers Market and a Speakeasy Cocktail Tour). The Gulch is a trendy, urban neighborhood filled with restaurants, murals, and history, making it a great choice for first-time visitors.

We found some pretty cool street art murals along the way. The guide was great at pointing them out and giving us a few minutes to snap a selfie or photo of the fantastic street art.

RELATED TRAVEL TIP: Visit the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville

The tour dates and start times vary, based on the tour you’ve booked. For example, the Nashville Gulch tour is available Monday 1:00 p.m., Tues-Saturday 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Other tours offer experiences in different parts of the city, and different start times.

Tours typically last 2.5 to 3 hours and cover less than two miles at a casual pace. You’ll stop at four to five restaurants or specialty shops, with enough tastings to count as a full meal.

What to Expect on the Gulch Tour

• Food Variety: From Nashville hot chicken to sweet treats, the tastings highlight the city’s signature flavors. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
• Local Stories: Guides share history, architecture, and cultural tidbits about the Gulch. Even locals often learn something new.
• Small Group Feel: Tours are led by personable guides who keep the experience fun and interactive. Our guide was wonderful and shared her passion for the foods and culture.
• Rain or Shine: Tours run in all weather, so dress accordingly. Severe weather is the only reason a tour might be canceled.
• Rest Breaks: You’ll sit down at several stops, so it’s not an endurance test—just a leisurely stroll with plenty of food. Bring comfortable walking shoes.

RELATED TRAVEL TIP: Check out these additional activities in Nashville

If you want to experience Nashville beyond the stage, a food tour is the perfect way to do it. The Gulch Tour with Local Tastes of Nashville blends iconic flavors, neighborhood history, and a fun social atmosphere into one memorable afternoon. By the end, you’ll leave with a full stomach, a few new friends, and a deeper appreciation for Music City’s culinary side.

Things to Bring (and Not Bring)

When planning to participate in a Nasville food tour, there are certain things you should bring with you. There are also things you should NOT bring with you, because those items just become annoying things you’re trying to keep track of while moving from place to place.

Here are a few suggestions of what to bring and what to leave at home (or hotel).

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing (umbrella, jacket, or sunscreen depending on the season)
• A camera or phone for photos of murals and food
• A healthy appetite
• Cash to tip the guide (or an app like Venmo)

Don’t Bring:

• Large bags become rather annoying. Small backpacks or shoulder bags are okay, but leave the larger bags at home.

The Details

Address: The meeting spot for your tour varies by the tour booked.

How long to spend: Tours last about 2.5 to 3 hours. but plan to arrive a little early for your tour start time so you aren’t the one holding up the tour.

Cost: Depending on the tour you choose, the costs range from $50-$150 per person.

Hours: Tour start times vary by tour, but are usually midday, afternoon, or evening.

Website: https://localtastesofnashville.com/

Phone: (615) 800-7052

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