Unseen Nashville Tours
See the city through a different lens.
Led by The Contributor’s newspaper vendors with lived experience of homelessness, Unseen Nashville street tours offer a powerful, one-mile walk through downtown Nashville that reveals the stories, struggles, and resilience so often overlooked in our city.
These guided walking tours blend personal storytelling with data and context about homelessness in Nashville. Along the way, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of life on the streets, learn how public policy shapes lived experiences, and gain insight into the services and systems meant to support our unhoused neighbors.
Our goal is to show you the parts of Nashville most people don’t see — whether because society looks away, or because these truths are hidden in plain sight.
Join us for an eye-opening journey that challenges assumptions, deepens empathy, and highlights the humanity behind the headlines.
FAQs
Is there a suggested age for these tours?
Our Unseen Nashville street tours will present some uncomfortable information about homelessness. Although we tailor each tour to the group participating, we recommend that the minimum age for these tours as 12 years old.
What is the weather policy?
Just like our unhoused neighbors, we don’t get to choose the weather when we are outside. These tours happen rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Some exceptions: we will notify you via email and reschedule the tour in case of extreme inclement weather such as thunderstorms, tornado warnings, ice storms, etc.
How much are the tours? Do you offer group rates?
The tour is $20 per person. For groups of 10+, please reach out to Unseen@TheContributor.org.
What makes Unseen different from other downtown Nashville tours?
Unseen provides a perspective of our city that is often not seen. This is because our tours are given by individuals who have previously experienced homelessness in Nashville. These tours provide education on important landmarks for individuals experiencing homelessness, data about homelessness in our community, and personal stories from our tour guides. You will not hear these stories elsewhere (except maybe in The Contributor newspaper).
How far will the tour be?
The walking tour is about a mile in distance. However, there will be 4 stops along the tour.
How long is the tour?
The tours run about 75 minutes to 90 minutes.
Can I tip my tour guide?
Tips are always accepted by our tour guides. To tip your tour guide, you can tip with cash, via Venmo, or with a donation to The Contributor that can be passed along directly to your tour guide.
Is this tour accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or wheelchair users?
Yes! Our tour is accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or those who utilize a wheelchair. The tour covers one mile in 75-90 minutes with 4 distinct stops and no stairs. If you are unable to walk that distance, we encourage you to bring mobility devices to assist you.