Discover 10 Great City Tours In Memphis

Memphis is a city that pulses with music, history, and a bit of southern soul. It’s a place where the Mississippi River shapes the landscape and the sounds of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll echo through the streets. Whether you’re a music lover eager to visit Sun Studios or a history buff wanting to walk the streets where MLK was shot, Memphis offers experiences that are both authentic and memorable.

We especially like tours that combine city sights with unique local touches, like watching the “March of the Ducks” at the Peabody Hotel or cruising along the mighty Mississippi. These tours not only cover the highlights but give you a taste of Memphis’s character beyond the usual.

One of our favorite options is the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission. It provides a solid overview of Memphis’s landmarks, with the added bonus of exploring the legendary birthplace of rockabilly music. The tour’s inclusion of Sun Studios makes it ideal for music fans, and the narrated sightseeing adds depth to the experience.

For those seeking a comprehensive package, the Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise offers a perfect blend of urban exploration and river adventure. No matter your interests, Memphis’s tours promise a mix of history, music, and southern charm.

1. Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission

At number 1, the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission offers a well-rounded experience in about 4 to 5 hours. This tour is perfect for travelers who want convenience and depth. It includes round-trip transportation from your downtown hotel, saving you the hassle of figuring out how to get around.

The bus takes you past the Mississippi River, Victorian homes, and cultural landmarks, giving you an overview of Memphis’s diverse neighborhoods.

The highlight is a visit to Sun Studios, famously called the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” where legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley recorded their early hits. The tour also includes stops at the Peabody Hotel to see the ducks march, the historic Beale Street, and a cruise along the Mississippi River.

Reviewers rave about the guide’s energy and knowledge, with one calling it “very informative and enjoyable.” The price of $75 makes it a good value for those wanting a comprehensive, guided introduction to Memphis.

Bottom line: This tour is ideal for first-timers who want a balance of city sights, music history, and fun surprises like the Peabody Ducks. It’s a great way to see Memphis without the hassle of planning every detail.

2. Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise

Number 2 on our list is a longer, more immersive experience. The Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise lasts about 6.5 hours and costs $85. It combines a downtown sightseeing tour with a paddlewheeler cruise on the Mississippi River.

The tour kicks off with a local guide sharing stories about Memphis’s most famous sites, such as Beale Street, Victorian homes, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

What makes this tour special is the river cruise aboard the Island Queen, which offers three decks and excellent views of the river and city skyline.

It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to combine land and water experiences, with reviews praising the humorous, knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace. Highlights include the Lorraine Hotel (where MLK was assassinated), adding a poignant note to the day.

Priced slightly higher, the value lies in the mix of city highlights and the Mississippi River experience, perfect for those who want a full day exploring Memphis’s history and culture.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a detailed city overview coupled with a scenic river cruise, especially if you enjoy stories behind the landmarks.

3. Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat

For around $45, the Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat provides a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore the city. It covers iconic sites like the downtown area, Pyramid Arena, and Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. The tour is designed to be customized; you can add a Sun Studios visit or a Mississippi River cruise for an additional fee.

What makes this tour stand out is its adaptability and affordability. It’s suitable for travelers who want a quick overview but also wish to customize their experience. The guided narration digs into Memphis’s cultural significance, and the optional add-ons allow you to tailor the experience to your interests.

People love how easy it is to get a sense of Memphis’s core sites quickly. Some reviewers mention the tour’s informative commentary and friendly guide, making it a solid choice for a short trip.

Bottom line: A flexible option for travelers with limited time or budget, who want to add on specific experiences like Sun Studio or a river cruise.

4. Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour

Number 4 is the Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour, which costs just $38 and lasts 2 to 6 hours. It’s a comprehensive tour that hits the highlights—Beale Street, Lorraine Motel, Victorian Village, and the Edge Motor Museum—all with minimal fuss. The tour includes scenic drives along the Mississippi River and a sampling stop at Central BBQ, making it a good mix of sights and bites.

Rated highly with a 4.8/5 from 100 reviews, it’s praised for its efficient itinerary and friendly guides. Reviewers mention that the tour doesn’t feel rushed and provides a good overview of Memphis’s cultural touchpoints. Plus, the scenic cruise on the Mississippi River can be included if you select that add-on.

This tour suits travelers who want flexibility and a quick but thorough introduction to Memphis’s most famous spots. Its low price point makes it excellent for those on a budget.

Bottom line: Ideal for independent travelers who want a well-organized, inexpensive overview with optional extras.

5. Memphis City Tour + Elvis Experience with entry to Graceland

Number 5 is perfect for music fans eager to see Elvis Presley’s world. The Memphis City Tour + Elvis Experience lasts about 7 hours and costs $195—more than some others, but includes entry to Graceland and a guided tour around Memphis. Your guide helps you explore Elvis’s hometown, visiting landmarks like the Lansky Brothers, Overton Park Shell, and historic downtown spots.

The highlight, of course, is Graceland itself—a must-see for Elvis fans, with a fascinating museum and a glimpse into his personal life. Reviewers mention that guides share personal insights and make the experience engaging. This tour is suited for those who want a deep dive into Elvis’s life and Memphis’s musical impact.

The value is clear for fans, with a carefully curated itinerary and a mix of city sights and Elvis history. The downside is the longer day and higher price, but it’s justified if Elvis is your main interest.

Bottom line: Best for dedicated Elvis fans and those wanting a combination of Memphis sights and the King’s mansion.

6. Premium Elvis Experience: City Tour with Graceland Tickets

For the true Elvis enthusiast, the Premium Elvis Experience offers an exclusive, private tour. It lasts about 7 hours and costs $480, with a private guide, a self-guided tour of Graceland, and stops at iconic Elvis sites like the Orpheum Theatre and Lansky Brothers. The day ends with a photo stop at Graceland’s gates, giving you a chance to soak in the mansion’s grandeur.

This tour focuses on personalized attention and exclusive access, making it perfect for serious fans who want an intimate experience. Reviewers praise the guide’s extensive Elvis knowledge and the comfortable transportation. It’s expensive but offers a level of customization and privacy other tours can’t match.

Ideal for travelers who want a luxury, in-depth Elvis experience with no crowds, and are happy to invest in a luxury tour.

Bottom line: For the Elvis devotee willing to pay for a private, tailored experience, this tour delivers.

7. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options

Number 7 offers a flexible Memphis City Tour that lasts from 2 to 7 hours, priced from $45. It covers significant landmarks like Memphis Pyramid, Lorraine Motel, and Beale Street, with options to add a paddlewheel cruise or Sun Studio visit. The narrated mini-coach makes it easy to get a quick overview, with stops at the Peabody Ducks and Civil Rights Museum.

A key feature is its customizable nature—you can opt for extra experiences, making it suitable for both quick visits and more in-depth explorations. Reviews note the friendly guides and that the tour is well-organized, with some mentioning it can be a bit “long” if you opt for all extras.

Ideal for travelers wanting a budget-friendly, flexible tour with options to extend their experience.

Bottom line: Versatile and customizable, perfect for those who want to tailor their Memphis adventure while staying within budget.

8. Epic Scavenger Hunt Game in Memphis by Operation City Quest

Number 8 is a fun and interactive way to explore Memphis. Using your smartphone, you will search for nearly 60 objects and complete challenges in the downtown area. It lasts about 2 hours and costs just $10 per person. This game transforms sightseeing into a competitive and engaging experience, ideal for families or groups wanting to see the city differently.

While it might lack the depth of a guided tour, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a self-directed adventure with a bit of friendly competition. Many reviewers find it a cost-effective and entertaining way to see Memphis and learn about its streets and stories.

Suitable for travelers who want to mix fun with sightseeing and don’t mind using their phones to navigate.

Bottom line: A budget-friendly, active way to explore Memphis, particularly appealing to families or groups seeking an interactive experience.

9. Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City – Arrival Private Transfer

Number 9 provides a simple, private transfer service from Memphis Airport to your downtown hotel. It’s a no-fuss option, costing about $85 and taking roughly 15 minutes. The service includes flight tracking, free Wi-Fi, and help with luggage, making your arrival hassle-free.

If you’re arriving tired or with a lot of luggage, this private ride guarantees a smooth start. It’s a practical choice for travelers who prefer to avoid taxis, rental cars, or public transportation, and value comfort and reliability.

Perfect for those arriving late or wanting a quick, stress-free transfer into Memphis.

Bottom line: An excellent, no-stress option for arriving travelers needing dependable transportation.

10. Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Private Transfer

Concluding our list, the Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Private Transfer ensures you leave Memphis comfortably and on time. It’s a quick 20-minute drive, with professional drivers, door-to-door service, and no hidden fees. The service includes nameplate pickup and clean, modern vehicles.

This is the perfect choice to wrap up your Memphis visit, especially if you have an early flight or want to avoid last-minute stress. Reviews are absent but the service is designed to be reliable and straightforward for busy travelers.

Bottom line: Reliable, quiet, and comfortable—ideal for travelers wanting a smooth, predictable end to their trip.

How to Choose the Right Memphis Tour for You

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. If Elvis is your main focus, the Elvis-focused tours (Tours #5 and #6) are tailored specifically for you.

For those who want a broad overview without breaking the bank, Tours #1, #3, and #4 offer excellent value and flexibility. If you love a mix of outdoor activity and sightseeing, the river cruise options like tours #2 and #7 are perfect.

For a fun, interactive experience, the scavenger hunt (#8) can add an element of playfulness to your trip. Finally, if you’re arriving or departing Memphis, the private transfer services (#9 and #10) ensure smooth logistics.

Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like Graceland, and always check the weather forecast—Memphis can be scorchingly hot in summer or unexpectedly rainy.

In summary, Memphis offers a range of tours that cater to different interests and budgets. For a comprehensive experience, the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission is hard to beat.

Elvis fans will appreciate the Elvis Experience options, while those wanting a mix of city sights and river views should consider the Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise. For a more playful approach, the scavenger hunt provides a fun twist.

Whatever your style, Memphis’s tours promise an authentic taste of this city’s music, history, and soul. Be sure to book early to secure your spot and make the most of your Memphis visit.