Memphis walking tours offer practical ways to experience this vibrant Tennessee city. The Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour stands out as the most comprehensive option, efficiently covering downtown essentials like Beale Street and the famous Peabody Hotel duck march in just a few hours. For music lovers, specialized Beale Street tours bring the birthplace of blues to life with stops at historic clubs and recording studios.
Two tours deserve special mention: The Ghost Tour, run by passionate local historians who mix spine-tingling tales with factual Memphis history, and the flexible self-guided audio tours that let you explore at your own pace while avoiding tourist crowds.
Let’s explore the top walking tours that showcase the best of Memphis.
Key Points
- Guided historic walking tours in Memphis provide in-depth exploration of the city’s key landmarks, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
- Themed walking tours on Beale Street focus on musical legends and civil rights history, with wheelchair accessibility and nearby parking.
- Self-guided audio tours on Beale Street offer flexibility and professional narration, though with mixed reviews on map usability and value.
- Haunted Memphis walking tours offer a unique perspective on the city’s haunted heritage, led by expert storytellers and utilizing EMF detectors.
- Walking tours in Memphis are highly recommended for their engaging commentary, suitable for both locals and travelers interested in history and culture.
Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour
Early in the morning, the Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour takes travelers on an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Covering key landmarks like Beale Street, Court Square, Confederate Park, and the Peabody Ducks, this 90-minute tour is led by knowledgeable guides who bring the past to life through captivating stories and historical insights.
With stops at the Mississippi River, General Washburns Escape Alley, and the iconic Orpheum Theatre, guests gain a deeper understanding of Memphis’ evolution from its steamboat roots to its modern-day significance.
Rated 5.0 stars with a 96% recommendation, this wheelchair-accessible tour offers an engaging and accessible way to discover the city’s vibrant history.
Read our full review: Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour Review
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Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street
The Memphis: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street offers visitors an immersive audio experience to explore the iconic street known as the home of blues and birthplace of rock and roll.
The 50-minute self-guided tour, priced at Kč 155 per person, includes an audio guide in English with professional narration and music production. Travelers can take the tour at their own pace, pausing for drinks or live shows along the way.
While some found the map difficult to use, the overall experience has received a 3.8/5 rating, with mixed feedback on the value for money.
The tour can be taken anytime, as it never expires and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Beale Street Guided Walking Tour
Beale Street, Memphis’s iconic entertainment district, hosts the Beale Street Guided Walking Tour, a 75-minute exploration led by knowledgeable guides.
This highly-rated tour covers 0.5 miles, showcasing significant spots like Handy Park, Lansky Bros. Clothier, and the over 100-year-old A. Schwab General Store.
Travelers will learn about the street’s musical legends and civil rights history. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with nearby parking available.
Reviewers praise the engaging guides and informative insights, though some note room for improvement in the tour’s presentation quality and interactive elements.
At $21.95 per person, the Beale Street Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive introduction to this vibrant Memphis landmark.
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Memphis: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
For visitors looking to explore Memphis beyond the iconic Beale Street, the Memphis: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour offers a unique and engaging way to discover the city’s hidden gems.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 43 participants, this 1-hour tour takes guests on a thrilling journey through the streets, challenging them to solve clues and uncover the city’s rich history and culture.
With pickup available, the tour provides an immersive experience that allows participants to explore Memphis at their own pace.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the city, the Memphis: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour is an excellent choice for an unforgettable adventure.
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Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour
Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour transports visitors on a captivating 2-hour journey through the city’s dark past.
Expert storytellers share eerie tales of haunted locations, including the iconic Orpheum Theatre, the former brothel Ernestine & Hazels, and the Victorian-era John Alexander Austin House.
Participants explore Memphis’s rich history, delving into the realms of voodoo, vice, and lost souls.
The tour covers approximately 2 miles on public sidewalks, with a maximum group size of 24 travelers.
Priced at €29.61 per person, the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s haunted heritage, engaging visitors with personalized experiences and a wealth of local knowledge.
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Memphis: 2-Hour Haunted Walking Tour
Visitors to Memphis can embark on a captivating 2-hour haunted walking tour that transports them through the city’s dark past. Priced from Kč 731 per person, this English-language tour explores locations like the Orpheum Theater, the John Alexander Austin House, and the infamous Ernestine and Hazels, a former brothel recognized as one of Memphis’ most haunted buildings.
Participants will hear eerie legends and learn about the ghosts believed to inhabit these establishments. With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 31 reviews, the tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and historical context.
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended, and gratuities for the guide aren’t included in the price.
Read our full review: Memphis: 2-Hour Haunted Walking Tour Review
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Memphis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour
Although Memphis is known for its vibrant music scene and barbecue culture, the city also harbors a rich tapestry of haunting tales and supernatural encounters.
For those brave enough, the “Memphis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour” offers a chilling glimpse into the city’s ghostly past. With a 91% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, the tour takes visitors to spooky locations, where a knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories while providing EMF detectors to enhance the experience.
While some have reported issues with guide engagement and accessibility, the majority of guests praise the tour’s historical insights and engaging storytelling, making it a must-try for those seeking a paranormal adventure in Memphis.
Read our full review: Memphis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour Review
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Memphis: Bluff City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
The Memphis: Bluff City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour takes visitors on a chilling exploration of the city’s supernatural history. Priced at $32 per person, the 1-hour tour departs from the Lorraine Motel, site of a tragic boiler incident at the nearby Hotel Pontotoc.
Guests will visit the haunted Lorraine Motel and hear the tale of Room 306 before investigating the haunted jukebox at Earnestine and Hazels. The tour also explores the Orpheum Theater, home to the resident spirit known as Mary.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, it offers an opportunity to explore Memphis’s dark past with an expert guide. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this walking tour, which operates rain or shine.
Read our full review: Memphis: Bluff City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour Review
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Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour
For those seeking to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Beale Street in Memphis, the Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive and informative adventure.
This self-paced tour, available daily from March 2023 to December 2025, takes visitors on an engaging journey, starting at the Beale Street Baptist Church and ending at the iconic B.B. King’s Blues Club.
Along the way, the app-guided tour explores the origins of Beale Street, the influence of African American culture, and the legacy of legendary musician B.B. King.
With a competitive price point and positive reviews, this walking tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the rich history and vibrant essence of Memphis’s renowned Beale Street.
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Memphis: 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour
Embarking on the 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour, visitors can explore the rich history and vibrant culture that defines this iconic Memphis landmark.
Priced at $21.95 per person, the tour promises an engaging exploration of Beale Street’s significance in African-American culture, from its legendary musicians to notorious gangsters.
Along the way, guests will visit notable locations like A. Schwab’s, Handy Park, and Old Lanksky’s, gaining unique insights from a knowledgeable guide.
With no upfront payment required and flexible cancellation policies, this tour offers an accessible and immersive experience.
Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the tour’s highlights.
Read our full review: Memphis: 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour Review
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Memphis: 2-Hour Guided Historic Walking Tour
Expanding on the 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour, the 2-Hour Guided Historic Walking Tour in Memphis offers a deeper dive into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Priced at $32.92 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities.
Highlights include witnessing the legendary Duck March at the Peabody Hotel and exploring significant sites like Historic Court Square, Fourth Bluff Park, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last march.
Guided by knowledgeable experts who share engaging commentary, the tour provides a unique perspective of Memphis as both a gracious Southern city and a rowdy river town.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 53 reviews, this tour is praised for its authenticity and entertainment value.
Read our full review: Memphis: 2-Hour Guided Historic Walking Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Walking Tours for Families With Children?
For families with children, the best walking tours offer engaging experiences that educate and entertain. Look for tours with interactive elements, kid-friendly narratives, and opportunities to explore at a comfortable pace.
How Accessible Are the Walking Tours for Individuals With Disabilities?
The walking tours’ accessibility for individuals with disabilities varies, with some offering wheelchair-friendly routes and assistive devices. It’s best to contact the tour operators to inquire about specific accommodations to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Can the Self-Guided Audio Tours Be Downloaded to a Smartphone?
Many self-guided audio tours can be downloaded to a smartphone, making them accessible for individuals with disabilities. This allows users to explore at their own pace and access the tour content conveniently on their mobile device.
Are There Any Walking Tours That Include Food or Drink Tastings?
Yes, there are walking tours in Memphis that include food or drink tastings. These experiential tours allow visitors to sample local cuisine, craft beers, and spirits while exploring the city on foot.
Do the Walking Tours Have Any Age Restrictions or Age-Specific Content?
The walking tours generally don’t have age restrictions, but some may offer age-specific content or tastings. It’s best to check with the tour operator for details on what’s included and any age requirements before booking.
The Sum Up
Memphis offers a variety of guided and self-guided walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From tours focused on Beale Street’s music scene to haunted ghost walks, there’s something for all to discover the unique sights, sounds, and stories that make Memphis a must-visit destination.