Memphis: 90-minute Haunted Walking Tour

If you’re curious about Memphis’s darker stories and ghostly legends, this 90-minute haunted tour offers a mix of history, local lore, and chilling tales. Hosted by Backbeat Tours, this experience promises an engaging stroll through the city’s oldest streets, with stories that go beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you’re a ghost-story fanatic or simply looking for a different way to experience Memphis, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

What we love most about this tour is the expert guiding—many reviews praise guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the stories come alive. Plus, the chance to go inside the most haunted building in Memphis, Ernestine & Hazel’s, adds a memorable touch that many ghost tours lack.

One consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking—so comfortable shoes are a must, and it’s not ideal for those with low mobility or wheelchairs. The tour also sticks to a walking route, so if you’re expecting extensive building visits, you might find it a bit limited. That said, if you enjoy engaging storytelling paired with historic sites, this tour will suit you well.

This experience is perfect for history buffs, ghost lovers, and anyone intrigued by Memphis’s mysterious side. It balances entertainment with a touch of spine-tingling fun, making it suitable for a broad audience ready to explore Memphis’s haunted heritage.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides bring stories to life with humor and insight.
• Inside Access: Get inside some of Memphis’s most haunted buildings, including Ernestine & Hazel’s.
• Historic Highlights: Visits include the iconic Orpheum Theater and the Victorian-era John Alexander Austin House.
• Walking Adventure: The tour covers key sites on foot, making comfortable shoes essential.
• Authentic Stories: Real legends and ghostly tales rooted in Memphis’s history.
• Flexible Cancellation: Full refund available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect

Introduction at Alfred’s On Beale

Your adventure begins at Alfred’s on Beale Street, a lively spot that sets the tone for a memorable night. Check in at the Backbeat Tours podium, marked by a bright red ghost figure and a neon-lit sign—easy to spot within the patio fence. From here, you’ll meet your guide and prepare for a walk through Memphis’s haunted past.

The Orpheum Theater and “Mary”

The first stop is the historic Orpheum Theater—a Memphis landmark since 1928. Here, your guide will tell you about “Mary,” a ghost said to haunt the theater since 1921. Many reviews highlight this as one of the most engaging parts of the tour, with guides sharing tales that feel both spooky and rooted in real history. The theater’s stunning architecture adds to the atmosphere, making it a great intro to Memphis’s entertainment history.

The John Alexander Austin House

Next, you’ll visit this Victorian mansion famous for its tragic love story. The John Alexander Austin House is known for its ghostly residents, particularly a pair of star-crossed lovers whose spirits are said to linger. The guide will detail the Victorian-era setting and the eeriness associated with the house, making it one of the highlights of the tour. Many guests appreciate the storytelling here, noting it as a “very informative and entertaining” stop.

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Downtown Memphis and South Main

The walk continues through downtown and South Main, areas bustling with history and stories of vice, voodoo, and lost souls. Your guide will share legends tied to the city’s darker past, offering a good balance between historical context and ghostly tales. It’s a chance to see some of Memphis’s oldest streets, with the energy shifting from lively daytime to the mysterious after hours.

Ernestine & Hazel’s: The Haunted Inside

The highlight of the tour is the inside visit to Ernestine & Hazel’s, reputedly Memphis’s most haunted building. This former brothel is notorious for its ghost stories, including tales of spirits that still linger around the haunted jukebox and the creepy atmosphere. Many reviews praise the inside visit, with some describing it as a “creepy hotel” that really lives up to its haunted reputation. As this is the only building accessible on the tour, it’s a unique chance to experience Memphis’s haunted nightlife from the inside.

Wrapping Up at 531 S Main

The tour concludes about 10 minutes walk from the starting point, at a bar where you’re free to stay and enjoy food or drinks. The guides are flexible, and many guests take the opportunity to socialize or walk back along Beale Street, soaking in the lively Memphis night scene.

Authenticity and Value

Guides and Narration

One of the most praised aspects, according to numerous reviews, is the guides’ energy and storytelling ability. Guides like TC, Liz, Sheena, and Jana are celebrated for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. As one reviewer put it, “TC was very enthusiastic about the things he was telling us, really made it fun,” and others note that guides are “very knowledgeable and engaging.” This is key, because a good storyteller can transform a series of sites into a compelling narrative that sticks with you long after the tour ends.

The Inside Access Experience

Getting inside Ernestine & Hazel’s is a big bonus—many ghost tours stick to outside stories, but this tour’s inside visit adds a spooky, immersive element. Guests frequently mention how this made their experience feel more authentic and memorable, with one reviewer describing it as “a creepy hotel, a former brothel, and learning about the ghosts who live there.” It’s a rare opportunity to step into a building with such haunted notoriety.

The Walk and Its Pace

While walking is a core part of the tour, it generally lasts around 25 minutes between sites, with a total duration of 1.5 hours. This keeps things brisk but manageable. Comfortable shoes are recommended—many reviewers mention that some walking can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to standing or walking for extended periods. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with low fitness levels, as noted in the info.

Cost and Value

Priced around the typical range for a guided walking tour, this experience offers good value through its inside access and engaging guides. The fact that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund adds flexibility, which is a plus for travelers with uncertain schedules. For those who enjoy a mix of history and ghost stories, this tour provides an entertaining and reasonably priced way to experience Memphis’s haunted streets.

Real-Life Insights

Reviewers mention that guides not only share ghost stories but also sprinkle in Memphis facts and history, which enriches the experience. One said, “Very informative about the history,” and another noted, “The guide was very passionate about Memphis.” This suggests the tour strikes a good balance: it’s spooky enough for thrill-seekers but grounded enough in history for those who crave substance.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Alfred’s on Beale Street, you’ll gather with fellow ghost enthusiasts. The location is lively and central, making it an easy start point. From there, your guide will lead you through the city’s darkened streets with stories that weave past and present.

Visiting the Orpheum Theater, you’ll step into an iconic venue famed for its ghostly legend of “Mary.” The theater’s grand architecture and historical significance make it a perfect first stop, setting the tone for the evening.

The Victorian-era John Alexander Austin House offers a glimpse into Memphis’s past, with stories of tragic love and lingering spirits. The Victorian setting adds a haunting romanticism that many find captivating.

Walking through downtown Memphis and South Main, you’ll hear tales of vice, voodoo, and ghostly encounters from the city’s less-polished history. These parts of the tour highlight Memphis’s complex character beyond the usual tourist attractions.

Inside Ernestine & Hazel’s, you’ll experience the most immersive part of the tour. This former brothel is reputedly haunted, with stories of restless spirits, haunted jukeboxes, and eerie atmospheres. Guests often mention it as the creepiest part of the experience, which is exactly what makes it memorable.

The tour wraps up near 531 S Main Street, where you’re free to stay and enjoy Memphis’s nightlife, or walk back to Beale Street. The final stop’s proximity to Beale Street makes it convenient to continue exploring or grab a late-night snack.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This haunted walk offers a mix of storytelling, history, and a dash of the supernatural. It’s especially appealing for those who love engaging guides and inside access to truly haunted locations. It suits travelers who enjoy a walk-around experience that’s not overly strenuous but still packs a punch with spooky stories and local legends.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-told stories, authentic historic sites, and a bit of ghostly thrill—this tour will likely be a highlight. However, if mobility is an issue or you prefer more elaborate building visits, you might want to consider other options.

This tour balances entertainment with a respectful nod to Memphis’s darker past. It provides a memorable way to explore the city’s haunted reputation, making it a worthwhile addition for inquisitive travelers.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including walking and inside visits, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Alfred’s on Beale Street, with check-in at the Backbeat Tours podium located at the patio bar marked by a red ghost and neon sign.

Is there inside access to any buildings?
Yes, you will go inside Ernestine & Hazel’s, which is considered Memphis’s most haunted building, adding a unique inside experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking, and a camera is recommended if you’d like to capture the spooky moments or the architecture.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with low fitness levels. Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While some ghost stories are spooky, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who enjoy ghost tales and walking tours.

What’s the price?
Pricing is typical for guided walking tours with inside access and engaging guides. You can reserve now and pay later, making it flexible for your budget.

Do guides share historical facts as well as ghost stories?
Yes, many guests comment that guides combine entertaining ghost tales with insightful Memphis history, creating a well-rounded experience.

Final Summary

This haunted Memphis tour stands out through its lively guides, inside access to one of the city’s most haunted buildings, and a well-balanced mix of history and ghost stories. Its 90-minute format makes it an accessible evening activity that offers plenty of atmosphere and storytelling punch. The ability to explore Memphis’s haunted past from the inside makes it especially memorable—more than just a walk-by ghost story.

It’s ideal for travelers who love stories, history, and a bit of spooky excitement, especially those who enjoy engaging guides who can make legends come alive. While it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or seeking elaborate interior visits beyond Ernestine & Hazel’s, it offers great value for a fun, atmospheric glimpse into Memphis’s darker side.

In the end, this tour delivers a blend of authentic storytelling, historic sites, and spooky charm—perfect for those wanting to see Memphis from a different, ghostly perspective. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious about Memphis’s haunted reputation, it’s a fascinating way to spend an evening in the Bluff City.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby