Memphis, Tennessee, is a city with a rich and vibrant history that has been shaped by its famous music scene and cultural landmarks. If Beale Street could talk, it would have countless stories to tell about the musicians who have graced its stages and the crowds of music fans who have flocked to its bars and clubs over the years.
But Memphis isn't just a city for music lovers; there are endless things to do and see here for people of all interests. For fans of the King, no trip to Memphis would be complete without visiting Graceland; This must-see destination offers an enthralling glimpse into the life and legacy of the iconic home of Elvis Presley.
Memphis offers an abundance of fun and cultural experiences, to the point where it can be overwhelming. To help visitors navigate this rich landscape, a cheat sheet has been created with recommendations on the must-see destinations and activities in the city.
10 Memphis Mojo Bus Tour
This unique tour offers visitors an unforgettable musical journey through Memphis. The guided musical bus tour in Memphis takes visitors to Beale Street, Stax Studio, the must-visit Lorraine Motel, and other iconic landmarks related to the city's rich musical heritage. Led by local musicians, the tour is filled with live music and fun instruments like tambourines and bongos for all to enjoy. Visitors can upgrade their experience to include admission to Sun Studio, the most famous recording studio in the world.
- Tour: Memphis Mojo Bus Tour
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Cost: US$32.92 per person
9 Memphis History & Heritage: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
This walking tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Memphis, Tennessee. Visitors can stroll down Beale Street, the home of blues music, admire views along the Mississippi River, and learn about the hidden General Washburn's Escape Alley. Other attractions include the Cotton Museum and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. The tour ends with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. The museum provides a somber but moving experience, with informative exhibits on the civil rights movement.
- Tour: Memphis History & Heritage: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Cost: US$180.00 per person
8 Memphis Brew Bus Tour With Three Local Breweries & Tastings
Explore Memphis' craft beer scene with a weekend tasting tour that goes behind the scenes of three local brewers. Travel in private transportation with a knowledgeable guide who shares fun anecdotes and information about each brewery. Sample the city's best brews and escape the tourist track for a unique insider's perspective on Memphis. It's a fun activity for tourists or locals and a great way to spend time with friends or family without the need to drive.
- Tour: Memphis Brew Bus Tour with Three Local Breweries & Tastings
- Duration: ~3 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: US$58.05 per person
7 Taste Of Downtown Memphis Food Tour
Eat like a local - Embark on a private guided tasting tour of six Memphis restaurants and savor seven food samples, from family-owned eateries to award-winning restaurants. Along the way, learn about the city's culture and history. The walking tour is easy and doesn't require hiking abilities. Guests will gain knowledge about the city's history and the different types of BBQ available in Memphis. Plus, it's an opportunity to meet new people and discover more places to visit in Memphis.
- Tour: Memphis Brew Bus Tour with Three Local Breweries & Tastings
- Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: US$64.29 per person
6 Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour
Explore the dark side of Memphis with a spooky haunted bus tour that covers more ground than a walking tour. With two stops—one in downtown and one in Victorian Village—learn about the city’s ghost stories, murders, legends, and lore. The knowledgeable guide provides historical context while sharing eerie tales that are sure to give goosebumps. The tour offers a unique perspective on Memphis’ haunted past and includes lesser-known locations that visitors may not discover on their own.
- Tour: Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour
- Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: US$32.92 per person
5 Elvis In Memphis Private Tour Including Graceland Tickets
Discover the iconic Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, once resided. Daily tours of the mansion, entertainment, and exhibit complex are available. Follow in Elvis's footsteps and explore Memphis's music scene on a private walking tour that includes stops at significant sites like his childhood home and the studio where he inked his first contract. Afterward, savor a local diner lunch and then head to Graceland with a guide for a guided tour of the opulent mansion via Uber.
- Tour: Elvis in Memphis Private Tour including Graceland Tickets
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Cost: US$425.00 per person
4 1 Hour Axe Throwing In Memphis
With the help of Axe Masters and Axe Coaches, visitors will learn the technique to stick the axe in the target in three throws or fewer. Instructors are available to help those with no axe experience. Anyone can play and learn how to throw safely, plus it offers a fun upper-body workout that requires focus to succeed. It's also a great stress reliever.
- Tour: 1 Hour Axe Throwing in Memphis
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Cost: US$26.00 per person
3 Memphis Horseback Trail Ride Tour
Ride around the scenic trails of Shelby Farms in Memphis on horseback, where visitors can saddle up and discover the wildlife, including deer, ducks, and cranes. The horses provided for the ride are not only beautiful but also well-trained and gentle, reflecting the high level of care given to them. There's a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, pointing out various sights along the trail and answering all questions related to the horses and stables.
- Tour: Memphis Horseback Trail Ride Tour
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Cost: US$75.00 per person
2 Memphis Rock 'n' Roll Music Walking Tour
Starting at the renowned Orpheum Theatre, where numerous famous performers have graced the stage, this private walking tour of Beale Street, the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and Soul music, will take you through the neighborhood. Learn about the background of the Blues and the Beale Street neighborhood, which were crucial to the civil rights movement. Visit famous sites like Sun Studio, dubbed "The Birthplace Of Rock 'n' Roll," the first all-black radio station in the nation, and the finest hotel in the Mid-South. Learn about W.C. Handy, the so-called "Father of the Blues," and the enormous contributions he made to the music. No trip to Memphis is complete without stopping by The Peabody Hotel for the customary duck walk.
- Tour: Memphis Rock 'n' Roll Music Walking Tour and Sun Studio Admission
- Duration: ~3 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: US$142.00 per person
1 2.5 Hours Essence Of Memphis African American History Tour
This driving sightseeing tour in Memphis explores the city's African-American history, including landmarks 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 present day. Experience the power of MLK's Mountaintop sermon at the church where he delivered it. Gain a new perspective on Memphis and its music scene. Visitors appreciate the tour's comprehensive and well-researched information, as well as the enthusiasm of the guide.
- Tour: 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour
- Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: US$66.00 per person