15 Best Memphis Tours

Welcome to Memphis, Tennessee, a city where the very air hums with history, rhythm, and soul. Nestled on the mighty Mississippi River, this legendary destination isn’t just a dot on the map; it’s the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, the home of the blues, and a pivotal site in the Civil Rights Movement. You’ll feel the echoes of Elvis, B.B. King, and Martin Luther King Jr. on every street corner.

Get ready to dive deep into a vibrant culture that has shaped American music and history, from the hallowed grounds of Graceland to the gritty juke joints of Beale Street. To truly experience the magic of Memphis, you need to immerse yourself in its stories. We’ve curated the 15 best tours and attractions that promise unforgettable memories, rich insights, and a true taste of Memphis. For the best experience, consider visiting in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant. Always book popular tours in advance, especially for Graceland, and wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of exploring!

Memphis Tour With Optional Graceland Admission

Prepare for the ultimate Memphis immersion with a comprehensive city tour that offers the flexibility of adding a Graceland admission. This tour is your gateway to understanding the heart and soul of Memphis, combining historical insights with musical legends. You’ll journey through the city’s iconic neighborhoods, pass by famous landmarks, and hear captivating stories of its past and present.

The optional Graceland admission transforms this experience into a pilgrimage for Elvis fans, allowing you to walk through the King’s mansion, see his planes, and explore his automobile museum. What makes this tour unique is its ability to tie together the diverse threads of Memphis’s identity, from the Civil Rights Movement’s impactful sites to the vibrant music scene that put Memphis on the map. Expect comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s narrative to life. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors, families, and anyone who wants a broad overview of Memphis with the flexibility to delve deeper into Elvis’s legacy.

Sun Studio Guided Tour

Step back in time to the hallowed grounds of Sun Studio, arguably the most important recording studio in music history. This isn’t just a museum; it’s where rock ‘n’ roll was born, where blues met country, and where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins first laid down their iconic tracks. What makes Sun Studio truly unique is its raw, authentic atmosphere. The guided tour takes you through the very room where these musical giants recorded, allowing you to feel the history emanating from the microphones and mixing boards.

You’ll hear fascinating anecdotes, see original artifacts, and even get the chance to hold the very microphone Elvis used. Expect passionate guides who bring the stories to life with humor and reverence. This attraction is a must-visit for music lovers of all ages, history buffs, and anyone curious about the origins of modern popular music. It’s an intimate experience that connects you directly to the roots of rock ‘n’ roll.

Historic Memphis Walking Tour

Embark on a journey through time with the Historic Memphis Walking Tour, an engaging exploration of downtown Memphis’s rich past. This tour unveils the layers of history embedded in the city’s architecture, streets, and hidden gems. What makes this walking tour unique is the intimate scale and the depth of knowledge your guide will share.

You’ll wander through iconic areas, learning about the city’s origins, its role in the cotton industry, the Civil Rights Movement, and the evolution of its vibrant music scene. Expect to discover stunning historical buildings, hear captivating stories of famous residents and pivotal events, and gain a profound appreciation for Memphis’s resilience and character. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone who enjoys a leisurely yet informative stroll. It’s an excellent way to get oriented with downtown and uncover fascinating details you might otherwise miss.

Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission

Step into the opulent world of 19th-century Memphis elite with admission to the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum. This stunning Victorian mansion, built in 1871, is a beautifully preserved testament to the city’s post-Civil War prosperity. What makes this museum unique is its authentic period furnishings and architecture, transporting you back to a bygone era. You’ll explore exquisitely decorated rooms, from grand parlors to elegant bedrooms, marveling at the intricate details, original artwork, and historical artifacts.

The house tells the story of two prominent Memphis families, the Woodruffs and the Fontaines, offering insights into their daily lives, social customs, and the challenges of the time. Expect a guided tour that brings the house’s history and its former inhabitants to life with captivating narratives. This museum is ideal for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those who appreciate Victorian-era aesthetics. It’s a tranquil escape from the bustling city, offering a glimpse into Memphis’s refined past.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum Admission

Dive deep into the legendary sounds of Memphis at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate that tells the complete story of the birth of rock and soul music. What makes this museum unique is its comprehensive narrative, tracing the origins of these iconic genres from the rural field hollers and blues of the Mississippi Delta to the explosive sounds that emerged from Memphis. You’ll journey through seven galleries, filled with interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and engaging audio-visual displays.

Expect to see instruments, costumes, and memorabilia from music legends, while learning about the social and economic conditions that fueled the musical revolution. The museum highlights the contributions of both black and white musicians, showcasing how they broke down racial barriers through music. This attraction is a powerful and educational experience for all ages, especially music lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in American cultural heritage.

Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour

Savor the true taste of Memphis with the Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour, a culinary adventure that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots to discover the city’s authentic flavors. What makes this tour unique is its focus on local, often family-run, eateries that embody the spirit of Memphis cuisine. You’ll sample a variety of dishes, from classic Memphis BBQ and Southern comfort food staples to unexpected delights, all while learning about the city’s culinary history and culture.

Expect to visit several different establishments, each offering a unique taste and story. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the ingredients, traditions, and the people behind the food. This tour is perfect for foodies, adventurous eaters, and anyone who wants to experience Memphis through its delicious and diverse culinary scene. Come hungry, leave happy, and with a deeper appreciation for Memphis’s gastronomic identity.

Memphis Mojo Music Bus Tour

Get ready to groove on the Memphis Mojo Music Bus Tour, a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a city tour with live music and interactive entertainment. What makes this bus tour truly unique is that your guides are professional Memphis musicians, who not only narrate the city’s history but also perform songs right on the bus! You’ll journey through historic neighborhoods, passing by famous music landmarks like Sun Studio, Stax Records, and Beale Street, while hearing the stories behind the songs and the artists who made them famous.

Expect a lively, engaging, and often humorous presentation that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. It’s an immersive experience that brings Memphis’s musical legacy to life in a dynamic way. This tour is perfect for music lovers, families with older children, and anyone looking for a fun, entertaining, and informative overview of Memphis’s musical heritage.

Haunted Pub Crawl In Memphis

For those who enjoy a side of spooky with their spirits, the Haunted Pub Crawl In Memphis offers a chillingly good time. What makes this tour unique is its blend of local history, ghost stories, and a visit to some of Memphis’s most historic and reputedly haunted pubs. You’ll walk through the atmospheric streets of downtown, stopping at various watering holes where you can grab a drink (at your own expense) while hearing tales of restless spirits, tragic events, and unexplained phenomena.

Expect a lively guide who will regale you with eerie legends and historical facts about Memphis’s darker past. This tour is perfect for adults (21+), history enthusiasts with a penchant for the paranormal, and groups looking for a unique and entertaining evening out. It’s a fantastic way to explore downtown Memphis after dark, with a thrilling twist.

Elvis Memories Sightseeing Tour

Embark on a journey dedicated to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with the Elvis Memories Sightseeing Tour. While Graceland offers the ultimate deep dive, this tour provides a broader perspective of Elvis Presley’s life and connection to Memphis, going beyond the mansion walls. What makes this tour unique is its focus on the significant places that shaped Elvis’s early life, career, and personal moments in the city.

You’ll visit his childhood homes, the Lauderdale Courts public housing where he lived, his high school, and other key locations tied to his rise to stardom. Expect a knowledgeable guide who shares intimate stories and historical context, painting a vivid picture of the young Elvis before he became a global phenomenon. This tour is ideal for dedicated Elvis fans who want to explore all facets of his Memphis story, as well as those interested in the cultural landscape that nurtured his talent.

Hard Rock Cafe

Experience a slice of American pop culture and rock ‘n’ roll history at the Hard Rock Cafe Memphis. While not a traditional “tour,” a visit here is an immersive experience in itself, celebrating the city’s profound musical legacy within a vibrant dining atmosphere. What makes the Hard Rock Cafe unique is its extensive collection of music memorabilia, including items from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other Memphis legends, displayed alongside global rock icons.

You’ll dine amidst guitars, costumes, and rare photographs, each telling a story of rock history. Expect classic American fare – juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches, and delicious desserts – served in a lively, music-filled setting. This destination is perfect for families, groups, and anyone looking for a fun, casual meal surrounded by iconic rock ‘n’ roll artifacts. It’s a great way to refuel and soak in some musical ambiance after a day of exploring Memphis.

Memphis Ghosts Walking Tour

Uncover the eerie side of Memphis with the Memphis Ghosts Walking Tour, a spine-tingling journey into the city’s haunted past. This tour delves into the darker history of Memphis, exploring its most notoriously haunted locations and sharing tales of restless spirits and paranormal occurrences. What makes this walking tour unique is its focus on the chilling legends and documented hauntings that lurk beneath the city’s vibrant surface.

You’ll visit historic buildings, alleyways, and sites where tragic events or unexplained phenomena have been reported. Expect a captivating storyteller as your guide, who will recount spectral encounters and historical mysteries, making you look at familiar landmarks in a whole new, unsettling light. This tour is perfect for thrill-seekers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the unseen forces that might still roam Memphis. It’s an atmospheric and unforgettable way to experience the city after dark.

Memphis City Tour And Riverboat Cruise

Experience Memphis from two captivating perspectives with the Memphis City Tour And Riverboat Cruise. This comprehensive package allows you to explore the city’s key landmarks by land before gliding down the majestic Mississippi River. What makes this combination unique is the dual vantage points it offers: a guided bus tour provides historical and cultural context for the city’s famous sites, while the subsequent riverboat cruise offers stunning panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and the river’s storied banks.

You’ll learn about the city’s role as a major port and its connection to the river, seeing the bridges and bluffs from a completely different angle. Expect comfortable transportation and informative commentary on land, followed by a relaxing and scenic cruise. This tour is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants a well-rounded and picturesque exploration of Memphis and its iconic river.

Self-Guided Memphis Music Tour With Transportation

Design your own rhythm with the Self-Guided Memphis Music Tour With Transportation, offering unparalleled flexibility to explore the city’s musical landmarks at your own pace. What makes this option unique is the freedom it provides. Instead of a fixed itinerary, you’ll typically receive a pass or access to a curated route that includes transportation (often a hop-on/hop-off bus or access to specific shuttles/ride-shares) and admissions to key music sites like Sun Studio, Stax Museum, Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and sometimes even Graceland.

You decide how long you want to spend at each location, allowing for deeper dives into the exhibits that capture your interest most. Expect pre-arranged transportation logistics and a comprehensive guide to help you navigate. This tour is perfect for independent travelers, serious music aficionados who want to linger, and those who prefer to explore without the constraints of a group schedule.

Memphis Discovery Tour Including Rock & Soul Museum

Gain a solid understanding of Memphis’s core identity with the Memphis Discovery Tour Including Rock & Soul Museum. This tour is designed to give you a strong foundation in the city’s history and culture, with a special emphasis on its unparalleled musical heritage. What makes this tour unique is its streamlined approach, combining a guided overview of key city landmarks with a dedicated deep dive into the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

You’ll see iconic sites like Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum (exterior view), and historic districts, accompanied by insightful commentary. The inclusion of the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum ensures you get a comprehensive understanding of how Memphis music shaped the world. Expect a comfortable and efficient way to grasp the essence of Memphis. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors, those with limited time, and anyone who wants a concise yet impactful introduction to the city’s most significant cultural contributions.

City Of Memphis Tour

For a broad and engaging introduction to the Bluff City, the City Of Memphis Tour offers a comprehensive overview of its most significant landmarks and stories. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a fantastic sense of orientation and appreciation for Memphis’s diverse heritage. What makes this tour unique is its wide-ranging coverage, touching upon the city’s musical roots, its civil rights journey, its historic neighborhoods, and its connection to the Mississippi River.

You’ll typically travel by comfortable bus or van, making stops at key photo opportunities and learning about the city’s past and present through expert narration. Expect a well-paced journey that highlights the must-see attractions and provides a solid foundation for further exploration. This tour is perfect for anyone new to Memphis, families, or travelers who prefer a structured way to see the city’s main highlights without feeling rushed.

Plan Your Visit

Memphis isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that resonates deep within your soul. From the electrifying birthplaces of rock ‘n’ roll and the blues to the solemn sites of the Civil Rights Movement, this city offers a tapestry of stories, sounds, and flavors unlike anywhere else. You’ve seen the incredible variety of tours available, promising everything from deep historical dives and culinary adventures to spine-tingling ghost walks and musical journeys.

Each tour offers a unique lens through which to view this extraordinary city, ensuring that every type of traveler finds their perfect Memphis rhythm. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Memphis adventure today! Book your preferred tours in advance, pack comfortable shoes, and prepare to be captivated by the undeniable charm and vibrant spirit of the Bluff City. Your unforgettable Memphis story awaits.