Ultimate Guide to Visiting Nashville's Grand Ole Opry: Tours, Shows, and Essential Tips
Visiting the Grand Ole Opry is an essential experience for any Nashville trip. Here's your complete guide to tours, live shows, and everything you need to know before you go.
No Nashville itinerary is complete without stepping into the Grand Ole Opry, the crown jewel of country music and one of the city's top attractions. Hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, expect a vibrant, packed house full of energy no matter which performance you choose.
While Nashville reigns as the country music capital, the Opry's stage has welcomed diverse genres from country and pop to Americana, gospel, and comedy. Dubbed the "home of American music," it's a must-visit for all tastes.
About the Grand Ole Opry
This iconic 4,400-seat venue and broadcasting studio boasts a rich history and continues to deliver world-class musical performances.
The Grand Ole Opry traces its roots to 1925, when fiddle player Uncle Jimmy Thompson performed on the new WSM Barn Dance radio show. The name "Grand Ole Opry" emerged shortly after and endured. Now the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history, it has featured countless legends.
To accommodate growing crowds, it relocated several times, including to the Ryman Auditorium in 1934 and its current Grand Ole Opry House in 1974.
How to Visit the Grand Ole Opry
Experience a Live Show
Catch the magic of the Grand Ole Opry House with tickets to a live performance. A rotating lineup of top musicians and entertainers ensures an unforgettable night, whether you're seeing a favorite artist or buying on impulse.
Tickets range in price to suit every budget.
Take a Grand Ole Opry Tour
Enhance your visit with a guided tour through the Opry's storied halls. Knowledgeable guides share tales of country music icons and the venue's fascinating history.
Options include daytime tours, post-show experiences, and the Acuff House Tour exploring Roy Acuff's former home.
Book a VIP Experience
Go backstage with the "Behind the Opry Curtain VIP Tour." Witness the show's inner workings, including an onstage view as the iconic red curtain rises.
Best Time to Book
For this popular venue, secure tickets and tours early. Shows and tours sell out frequently, regardless of the day. Book ahead via the official website, box office, or phone to avoid missing out.
Getting There
Located 13 miles from downtown Nashville, rideshares like Lyft are convenient. Many hotels and the airport offer shuttles to nearby spots like Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Public buses from downtown take about an hour each way and drop off right at the venue.
