Belle Meade Historic Site: is it worth it?
Our score, honest verdict, what it costs, how to avoid the crowds, and what to do instead if it is not for you.
Our verdict: do it smarter
Belle Meade is a real historic site with several tours, but the mansion tour is a higher price than many Nashville museums and it is outside downtown. Choose the tour that matches your interest, check the current prices, and book ahead for special events.
The Mansion Tour starts at $32 on the official site, and separate adult, youth and senior prices were not listed.
Guided tours every 30 to 45 minutes keep groups small.
A preserved 1853 mansion and estate with several themed tours.
Open daily, but it is outside downtown and parking was not on the page.
Who should go, and who should skip it
- You like historic homes and guided tours
- You want a half-day outside the downtown core
- You want a free or very low-cost activity
To compare, read our review of Tennessee State Museum, Centennial Park and the Parthenon and Tennessee State Capitol.
Better alternatives and what pairs well
MUSEUMPhoto: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0Tennessee State Museum
A free museum of Tennessee history, from early peoples to the present, in a modern building near the Farmers' Market.
PARKSPhoto: Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 2.0Centennial Park and the Parthenon
A full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon in Centennial Park, with a museum and a large gold statue of Athena inside.
MUSEUMPhoto: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0Tennessee State Capitol
A free, historic Greek Revival capitol with guided and self-guided tours on weekdays.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I arrive?
The arrival address is 110 Leake Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205 (mailing address 5025 Harding Pike).
What tours are offered?
The official site lists the Mansion Tour (about 45 minutes), the Journey to Jubilee Tour about the experiences of Black Americans before and after emancipation, Wine and Bourbon Experiences, Family Tours and Adult Group Tours.
What are the hours?
Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM, with mansion tours every 30 to 45 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
