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Published on June 19, 2025. Last Updated on March 14, 2026.
A visit to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. From the iconic stage to the dressing rooms that hosted generations of stars from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood. The Opry isn’t just a venue, it is an institution. Country music lovers around the world, if you are planning a Grand Ole Opry Tour, we’ve got you covered. In this post we share 3 essential tips for visiting one of Tennessee‘s most iconic venues.
Whether you’re a country music fan or a first time visitor to Nashville curious about the Opry’s legacy, these tips will make your tour unforgettable.
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Grand Ole Opry Tour Tips: The details
Located at 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, the Grand Ole Opry is an emblematic symbol of country music. Founded in 1925 as Barn Dance a WSM live radio broadcast, it has since grown into an institution that celebrates country music. For upcoming shows, behind the scenes tours, and more, visit the website.
Can you tour the Grand Ole Opry?
Absolutely yes!
Fun Fact! The very first Grand Ole Opry show was in 1925. It was a WSM Barn Dance live radio show featuring fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson.
What is a Grand Ole Opry tour like?
Grand Ole Opry tours kick off with a high-quality intro video that brings the Opry’s legacy to life. Backstage tours also include a walk through the backstage area. This includes dressing rooms where Opry members get ready before a show. And a chance to step onto the famed Opry stage. Visitors even have a chance to take a commemorative photo standing in the circle. It is quite the experience to stand where opry members like Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have performed.
Fun Fact! The original home of the Grand Ole Opry was Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. This iconic stage is still home to live music. And of course, you can book a tour.
Our Grand Ole Opry Tour
We visited the Grand Ole Opry on a Monday morning in June, the day after CMA Fest. After breakfast at Biscuit Love in the Gulch, we drove to the Grand Ole Opry arriving at 11am. Once at the Opry, we did the 11:45am tour that lasted an hour. After the tour, we explored the area a bit more before heading back to downtown Nashville at 1pm. All in all, we spent two hours at the Grand Ole Opry.
During our trip to Nashville, Buddy and I did want to see a Grand Ole Opry show. Unfortunately, we were only in Nashville for two days and during that time, there were no shows! So we did miss out on some live country music. Maybe next time.
That said, make sure to check out the Grand Ole Opry schedule before visiting!
Despite not seeing a show, Buddy and I did get our fill of country music. The day before we went to CMA fest. And we had no idea this event was happening when we booked our trip to Nashville! And after our tour to the Grand Ole Opry, we spent the rest of the day in downtown Nashville. There we explored the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then we ended the day at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse. It was a day of great music and museums!
3 Tips for an Unforgettable Grand Ole Opry Tour
1. Be prepared for high ticket prices
Is the Grand Ole Opry tour worth it? In our experience, yes. However, things can be pricey. Even the least expensive backstage tour still carries a hefty price tag. But the behind-the-scenes access justifies the cost. So if you are a country music fan, a Grand Ole Opry tour is worth every penny spent.
When we visited, we opted for the least expensive Grand Ole Opry tour, which we thought was still very expensive! In our opinion, the opening video was amazing. It provided a really great overview of the history of the Opry. The video took us back in time to the Opry’s early days as a radio show through its time at the iconic Ryman Auditorium to its current spot as performance mecca. The video was a nice introduction to the role of the Opry House in country music history.
2. Buy your tickets online, or at the door
Tour tickets are timed and can be purchased online or in person. If you’re visiting during peak season or a busy event week, booking in advance is probably the best way. However, for spontaneous travelers, walk-up tickets may still be available — just expect some waiting time.
During our visit, we arrived around 11 a.m. and bought our same-day tickets for the 11:45 a.m. tour. The wait was short enough to browse the gift shop and explore the surrounding area before our slot.
Bonus Tip: Tour guides sometimes offer discounted Grand Ole Opry tickets for upcoming shows. If you plan on doing a tour and attending a show, wait to buy your tickets until after your tour for a discount. During our visit, we nearly bought show tickets on the spot, but had to leave early the next day to travel home so Buddy could attend summer school.
3. Know where to park ahead of time
Parking at major attractions can be chaotic, and the Opry is no exception. There is a lot of paid parking near the venue. And those staying at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel will have access to additional parking options nearby. Whichever spot you choose, make sure to give yourself extra time to navigate the area, especially on event days.
During our visit to the Grand Ole Opry, not wanting to pay for parking, we parked for free at Opry Mills Mall, which is adjacent to the Opry House. But we were unfamiliar with the area and we got lost trying to find the Opry! Don’t make our mistake! To avoid confusion, review parking options online before your visit. Or enter via Music Valley Drive to ensure a direct route to the entrance.
A Teenager’s Perspective
My favorite part of the Grand Ole Opry tour was seeing the tech. And by tech I mean the very high tech equipment they use for the live performances. The Opry sound system is very impressive. Honestly, everything is super impressive. I learned a lot about country music including the history and all the artists. The backstage area is very interesting to say the least. The guide told us stories about every place.
Our guide also recommended that if you come for a performance to eat beforehand because the food at the Opry is very expensive. But the tour guide said to buy the popcorn because it is really good.
I did not see many teenagers there. Maybe it was just the day we went.
But if you are a teenager into country music, I recommend you visit.
Final Thoughts on a Grand Ole Opry Tour
The Grand Ole Opry isn’t just for die-hard fans. With its blend of historic storytelling and live music, it’s a destination that resonates with audiences of all ages. From the Ryman Auditorium’s legacy to the current Opry house, this Nashville staple continues to spotlight the evolving sound of country music.
I enjoyed seeing the dressing rooms and the view of the Opry house from the iconic stage. It was also fun sitting in the iconic Opry pews at the end of the tour. As a family we did take the photo on stage with a mic in the famous circle. But, we did not buy the photo at the end of the tour. Nonetheless, it was an unforgettable experience!
Whether you plan your visit for a performance, a tour or both, the Opry offers a look into the soul of a genre that has shaped American culture for nearly a century. The experience is rich, nostalgic and surprisingly modern. The tour is a must-do for anyone curious about what makes Nashville’s music scene so enduring.
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