Top Memphis Historical Tours

Trace Memphis' history, from the Civil War to modern-day, on this guided walking tour. Learn about the history of this rowdy blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll river town, and visit many of the city’s top attractions—Beale Street and sections of the Mississippi River among them. Experience, too, a time-honored Memphis tradition: Peabody Hotel's March of the Ducks.

Avoid ticket lines at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum when you prebook your admission ticket. Learn about the history of blues, rock and soul music with the help of an included audio guide that adds depth to the museum’s exhibits. Delve into Memphis' musical legacy and learn all about the pioneers such as BB King and Muddy Waters who put Memphis on the map.

Experience Memphis on this all-inclusive tour! Visit Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel, and the Mississippi River. Enjoy a BBQ tasting and explore iconic sites like the Rock 'n' Soul Museum or Edge Motor Museum. Discover the history behind the city’s landmarks and immerse yourself in Memphis’ unique culture.

Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the The National Civil Rights Museu, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After visiting the museum of choice, you'll be driven safely back to Beale St., or to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

Our tour will take you through the heart of Memphis, exploring the intertwined stories of civil rights, segregation, and the unifying power of music that shaped this remarkable city. Go at your own pace, our smartphone guided tours is location aware and plays as you walk automatically. Stop and grab a drink, or chicken at Gus's, then continue anytime. It's infused with music to set the theme. The tour never expires. And listen again anytime after the on location tour.

Explore the darker side of Memphis history. A twilight exploration of Memphis' murderous, scandalous, fascinating past, complete with serial killers, mobsters, vengeful lovers, and compelling unsolved cases. A knowledgeable local guide will take you to the scene of some of the city's most notorious crimes. Along the way you'll learn about: -A serial killer's summer of terror -Beale Street's deadliest saloon -Georgia Tann, notorious baby thief -Memphis' coldest case -Alma Theede, the "Black Widow" of Vance Avenue -the largest jail break in Shelby County history -and more! We'll even make a special stop for custom, to-die-for cocktails at the stylish Moxy Hotel (mocktails, soda, and water also available).

Follow in the footsteps of musical legends, such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, on this walking tour of Beale Street in downtown Memphis. Your guide knows the ins and outs of the street—said to be where blues began—ensuring you won't miss a beat of its storied past. Pass by highlights including Lansky Brothers, where Elvis Presley was known to shop, as well as the more-than-100-year-old A. Schwab General Store.

Delve into the heart of Memphis Rap & Hip Hop culture with a guided bus tour that showcases the neighborhoods, venues, and iconic landmarks that shaped the city's vibrant hip-hop scene. From historical insights to personal stories of legendary artists, this tour offers an authentic glimpse into the lives of Memphis rappers, DJs, and producers. Capture memorable moments with designated photo opportunities at key sites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the musical legacy that resonates through M-Town. This tour is perfect for music enthusiasts and those eager to learn about the cultural impact of rap in Memphis. - Guided bus tour with expert commentary on Memphis rap history - Designated photo stops at iconic rap venues and landmarks - Explore the cultural significance of hip-hop in Memphis - Designated stops at delicious local food spots

Explore the city of Memphis through the lens of the Civil Rights Movement during this driving sightseeing tour. See key landmarks and monuments that are important to African-American history such as Slave Haven, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street. Listen to engaging commentary about the history of the area from periods of slavery to the civil rights movement to present-day.

The Mojo Tour is a unique, high-energy musical tour of Memphis, a city that’s given the world three great genres of popular music: blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and sweet Southern soul. Led by professional Beale Street musicians and featuring live music, comedy, history, and storytelling, the tour brings this famed musical heritage to life on the nation’s only music bus. Along the way you’ll see such famous landmarks as Sun Studio, Beale Street, Stax Studio, the Lorraine Motel, Cotton Row, Peabody Hotel, Overton Park, and the early homes of Elvis and B.B. King. It’s no accident that legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, BB King and Otis Redding all got their start in the city known as the Home of the Blues: find out how it all went down on this entertaining tour of Memphis’ greatest hits.

Explore the vibrant history of Memphis with a self-guided walking tour of Beale Street, the birthplace of the blues. Meander through this iconic area, where music and culture intertwine beneath neon lights. Discover significant landmarks such as the Beale Street Baptist Church and the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, showcasing the rich African American heritage and civil rights history. Visit A. Schwab, the oldest general store, and the historic W.C. Handy Home and Museum that honors the 'Father of the Blues.' The tour culminates at the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, celebrating the evolution of music that resonates through this legendary street. - Self-guided tour allows for exploration at your own pace - Discover iconic locations like Beale Street Baptist Church and A. Schwab - Learn about legendary musicians and civil rights figures shaped Memphis - Visit modern landmarks including the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum

Step into Elvis Presley’s world on this private Memphis tour that goes beyond the usual stops. Visit iconic spots like Beale Street, The Orpheum Theatre, and the Overton Park Shell, where Elvis gave his first big performance, with your guide. Then, with your included tickets, head to Graceland for a self-guided mansion tour where you have a scheduled entry time, an audioguide, and access to the exhibits and museums. It’s the perfect experience for anyone wanting a deeper look into the King’s life and legacy.

Learn about the haunted history of Memphis on this informative walking tour. Listen as your guide shares stories of famous hauntings and locations known for paranormal activity such as Earnestine and Hazel’s, the Arcade Restaurant, the Green Beetle, and Orpheum Theater. Stop for photos along the route as you delve deep into city’s dark past.

Memphis holds rich music and cultural history that can be tricky to navigate alone. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can customize the itinerary to fit your interests—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your preferences, ensuring you see the places you truly want to experience. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour offers insider knowledge, hidden gems, and a deeper connection to Memphis.

Dive into the vibrant craft beer scene in Memphis with this insider’s tour that includes VIP access to three local breweries for tastings of up to a dozen unique artisan beers. Learn about the history of each brewery and its brewing process from your beer expert guide as you sample a wide variety of microbrews. Enjoy comfortable bus transportation so you can imbibe worry-free.

Visit the birthplace of Elvis from Memphis, on this guided tour with hassle-free transportation. After being picked up at your hotel, travel to Tupelo, Mississippi, the home where Elvis lived for 13 years. With a guide, tour the 2-room house built by Elvis’ father. Then, visit his elementary school, church, and soda fountain he often frequented.

Explore the heart of Memphis on this self-guided driving tour through music history. You’ll drive from Downtown Memphis to Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, tuning into essential stories of blues, soul, and rock and roll. See the iconic Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash are recorded, stop by the Stax Museum of Soul, and even visit Aretha Franklin’s birthplace! And, of course, revisit the wild true story of Elvis Presley’s rise and fall. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

See the highlights of Memphis and learn about the city in a deeper way than you could on your own on a city tour. Get your bearings as you pass by key landmarks or upgrade to a package that includes a ride on a riverboat and or a visit to Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first song.

Tour the historic Memphis home of the Woodruff and Fontaine families. The Victorian era mansion was built in the French style and is furnished in period antiques. This is your chance to visit the past and learn what Memphis was like in the 19th century. Explore at your own pace on a self-guided tour and learn more by scanning QR codes throughout the house.

When in Memphis, taking this tour to Elvis’ childhood home is a must for fans of the King. Enjoy a comfortable, narrated coach ride to the town of Tupelo, Mississippi, and then tour the Elvis Presley Birthplace childhood home, plus the Elvis Presley Museum, and Tupelo Hardware Company—all important sites in his childhood and musical career.

Memphis’ pub scene can be tricky to maneuver if you’re new to the city. Let a guide help you find the way during this haunted pub crawl as they lead you to at least three of the city’s most popular bars—while mixing in some spooky stories of ghosts, lore, and local legends, too. Plus, your guide is a real paranormal investigator and can answer any questions you may have and let you know their personal, experienced opinion.

Beale Street. The home of the Blues. The birthplace of Rock and Roll. It’s one of the most iconic streets in America. This is a location aware tour on our walking tour app. Go at your own pace, anytime. This tour never expires. And after taking the tour on location, listen to the remote version anytime to relive the tour. The tour is professionally narrated and infused with music to set the mood. You'll see this historic street and hear the tales of the legends that tore it up and made music history. You’ll hear about Elvis, BB King, The father of Blues W.C. Handy, The mayor of Beale Street Rudy Williams and so many more. Along the way I’ll take you to the best spots to eat, drink and take in a live show.

The Overton Park Shell is an historic bandshell and museum in the Midtown Memphis oasis known as Overton Park. Lovingly called “The Shell” by Elvis Presley and most others, the storied amphitheater is where Elvis Presley played his first professional gig in 1954 at just nineteen-years-old, bringing live Rock & Roll to the world’s stage in an explosive way during a country music show headlined by yodeler Slim Whitman. The Shell remained important to Elvis and his family, as they continued to regularly visit and perform there over the years. Surviving many ups and downs since opening during The Depression of the 1930s, The Shell is still a cutting-edge regional performing arts pavilion today, offering 50 free concerts yearly accommodating up to 3,000 music lovers in its gorgeous park setting. The Shell’s fascinating story is now told through its new immersive Backstage History Experience guided tour that ties together almost a century of colorful Memphis and Midtown music histories.

The Memphis Beale Street Discovery Walk is a self-guided adventure right on your phone, blending iconic landmarks with playful clues that lead you from one story to the next. This is a self-guided digital experience accessed from your phone via a link and password provided after booking. Start in the heart of Beale Street, where neon lights and blues clubs tell the city’s musical tale, then follow your path past legendary stops like B.B. King’s Blues Club, A. Schwab’s century-old emporium, Silky O’Sullivan’s goats, and the Elvis statue. Along the way, short clues keep you guessing while rich stories bring Memphis to life in a way that feels fun, personal, and unforgettable. The best part? You control the pace. Linger at a club for live music, stop for a snack, or breeze through the sights — the mystery stays with you until the final reveal at the historic Peabody Hotel, home of the world-famous ducks. It’s part scavenger hunt, part storytelling journey, and all Memphis!