Memphis’s historical tours offer efficient ways to learn about Tennessee’s most fascinating city. The Historic Memphis Walking Tour stands out for its no-nonsense approach to Civil War sites and downtown landmarks. Music lovers will appreciate the 90-minute Mojo Bus Tour, which hits all the right notes with visits to famous recording spots. The African American History Tour gives a powerful look at Civil Rights history, while the 3-hour Big Mojo Sun Studio tour combines the best music stops into one comprehensive route. For those interested in darker tales, the Haunted History Bus Tour reveals the city’s spooky past. These are our favorite Memphis tours, ranked from most essential to optional.
Key Points
- The Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour is a 90-minute tour that covers key landmarks and highlights Memphis’s role in the Civil War and Prohibition.
- The Memphis: Mojo Music History 90-Minute Bus Tour is led by a professional Beale Street musician and offers an engaging experience into Memphis’s musical heritage.
- The Essence of Memphis African American History Tour is a 2.5-hour tour that focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and covers significant landmarks with a personalized experience.
- The Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour provides a deep dive into Memphis’s rich musical legacy with interactive singing and percussion activities.
- The Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour is a 2.5-hour exploration of downtown Memphis and Victorian Village, offering ghost stories and interactive experiences using EMF meters.
Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour
The Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive journey through the city’s rich history.
Covering key landmarks like Beale Street, Court Square, and the Mississippi River, this 90-minute tour showcases the city’s pivotal role in the Civil War, Prohibition, and its influential musical heritage.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides engaging storytelling and memorable experiences, such as witnessing the famous March of the Ducks at the Peabody Hotel.
Highly rated by travelers, this accessible tour is an excellent way to discover Memphis’s past and explore its vibrant culture.
With a maximum group size of 20 and free cancellation, it’s a convenient and enriching experience for history enthusiasts.
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Memphis: Mojo Music History 90-Minute Bus Tour
For those seeking to delve deeper into Memphis’s iconic musical heritage, the Memphis: Mojo Music History 90-Minute Bus Tour offers an immersive and engaging experience.
Led by a professional Beale Street musician, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s most legendary musical landmarks, including Sun Studio, Stax Studio, and the Lorraine Motel.
Along the way, participants engage with interactive elements like tambourines and bongos, as well as sing-alongs.
With a duration of 1.5 hours and a price of $38.41 per person, this tour provides excellent value for money, earning an impressive 4.8/5 rating from over 85 reviews.
Read our full review: Memphis: Mojo Music History 90-Minute Bus Tour Review
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5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour
Exploring Memphis through the lens of the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, the 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey.
With a 99% recommendation rate from 165 reviews, this tour offers an in-depth exploration of significant landmarks like the Slave Haven, National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street.
Guided by highly praised storytellers, the experience is both educational and deeply moving, covering topics from slavery to the present day.
Wheelchair accessible and with a maximum group size of 10, the tour provides a personalized experience that many travelers describe as life-changing and essential for understanding Memphis’ history.
Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour
As one of the most popular historical tours in Memphis, the Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour immerses visitors in the city’s rich musical legacy.
During this 3-hour experience, guests explore the legendary Sun Studio, known as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and visit iconic landmarks like Beale Street, Stax Studio, and the Lorraine Motel.
Along the way, professional musician guides provide engaging entertainment, history, and stories.
With interactive elements like singing and using percussion instruments, this tour offers a uniquely immersive way to discover Memphis’ musical heritage.
Given its popularity, booking in advance is recommended to secure availability.
Read our full review: Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour Review
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Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour
The Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour offers visitors a chilling exploration of the city’s dark past. For $32.92, you’ll embark on an evening adventure through downtown Memphis and the Victorian Village, uncovering ghost stories, murder mysteries, and local legends.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2.5-hour tour accommodates up to 22 travelers aged 10 and above. Highlights include visiting two spooky stops and using EMF meters for interactive experiences.
Guests rave about the informative and entertaining commentary, especially from the guide known as “Matt with the hat.” With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this historical and haunting tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Memphis’ eerie past.
Read our full review: Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour Review
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Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour
Visitors seeking a darker glimpse into Memphis’s history can embark on the Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour. For $40.61 per person, this 1.5-hour tour provides a chilling exploration of the city’s notorious past.
Guests will learn about serial killers, mobsters, and unsolved cases while riding a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The tour includes a stop at the Moxy Hotel for themed cocktails, mocktails, or soft drinks.
With knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, this unique tour offers a fascinating perspective on Memphis’s dark legacy. Reviewers praise the tour’s historical insights and recommend it to those interested in the city’s grim past.
Free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option make booking convenient.
Read our full review: Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour Review
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Memphis: 2-Hour Guided Historic Walking Tour
This 2-hour guided walking tour invites visitors to enjoy Memphis’s rich history. Priced from Kč 656 per person, the tour explores significant sites like Historic Court Square, Fourth Bluff Park, and locations tied to the Civil War.
Guests will witness the iconic Peabody Duck March, a tradition since 1933, and gain a unique city perspective from a rooftop view. The knowledgeable guide, Mary, shares engaging stories and insights, receiving 5/5 ratings from past travelers.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this walking tour offers an excellent value for money, making it a must-do activity for history enthusiasts visiting Memphis.
Read our full review: Memphis: 2-Hour Guided Historic Walking Tour Review
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Sum Up
Memphis offers a variety of historical tours that cater to diverse interests. From guided walks through the city’s storied past to bus tours exploring its musical heritage and dark underbelly, there’s something for every history buff. Whether you’re interested in the Civil Rights movement, the blues, or the city’s haunted legacy, Memphis provides an immersive and educational exploration of its rich cultural tapestry.