The 12 Top Historical Tours In Memphis: Which Is Best?

Memphis isn’t just about legendary blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll — it’s a city layered with stories of civil rights, historic neighborhoods, and musical legends.

The city’s streets and landmarks tell tales of resilience, tragedy, and triumph, making it an ideal place for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. One of our favorite experiences? The Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale.

It offers a well-rounded glimpse of Memphis’s past, visiting iconic spots like Beale Street, the Mississippi River, and the Peabody Hotel, all while sharing stories of Prohibition and the Civil War. Plus, the March of the Ducks at the Peabody Hotel is a memorable tradition you won’t want to miss.

For those interested in African-American history, the Essence of Memphis Tour provides a powerful narrative, exploring landmarks like the Lorraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum. Whether you prefer walking, bus tours, or immersive experiences, Memphis’s history is waiting to be explored.

Quick Overview

This list covers a wide array of historical tours that suit different interests: guided walking tours that highlight Memphis’s architecture and Civil War past, African-American history tours with powerful stories, and music-focused excursions that explore Memphis’s musical roots.

For a deep dive into the city’s civil rights legacy, the 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour provides a compelling experience.

For music lovers, the Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour and the Memphis: Mojo Music History 90-Minute Bus Tour are excellent choices.

If you’re interested in haunted Memphis stories, the Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour offers spooky tales and Victorian Village stops.

For a private, personalized experience, the Memphis: True Crime and Heritage Tour and the Memphis History & Heritage: Private Half-Day Walking Tour are top options.

1. Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale

At number 1, this 2 to 3-hour walking tour offers a comprehensive look at Memphis from the Civil War through modern times. The tour covers top sights like Court Square, Confederate Park, and the Mississippi River, with a special stop at the Peabody Hotel to witness the famous Ducks March.

The guide shares stories about Memphis’s struggles with yellow fever, its role in Prohibition, and its Civil War battles.

This tour is highly rated, with 394 reviews averaging 5.0/5, and is praised for its engaging narrative and well-paced itinerary.

You’ll visit sites such as the Cotton Museum and explore Howard’s Row with its historic buildings. The highlight? Ending at the Peabody for the Duck March — a Memphis tradition.

For an affordable, family-friendly way to get your bearings, this tour offers rich insights without breaking the bank—just $32.92 per person.

Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs wanting a well-rounded introduction to Memphis’s past, with plenty of iconic landmarks and stories.

2. 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour

This driving tour takes you through Memphis’s critical sites related to the African-American experience, focusing on the civil rights movement and rich cultural contributions.

Starting with the Lorraine Motel (site of MLK’s assassination) and the National Civil Rights Museum, your guide narrates Memphis’s journey from slavery to civil rights victories. Other stops include the Underground Railroad site and Church of God in Christ, where MLK delivered his last speech.

With a 5.0/5 rating from 171 reviews, travelers especially appreciate the meaningful stories and engaging commentary. The tour runs about 2.5 hours and costs $72.00, offering a deep, impactful look into Memphis’s struggle for equality.

This experience is ideal for those wanting more than just sightseeing — it’s a chance to connect with the city’s historic civil rights milestones.

Bottom Line: A heartfelt tour perfect for history lovers interested in social justice, with the opportunity to see key landmarks while learning their stories.

3. Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour

Music is woven into Memphis’s identity, and this 3-hour tour combines a behind-the-scenes visit to Sun Studio with a lively overview of Memphis’s musical legacy. Led by a professional musician, you’ll visit the legendary studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded early hits.

The tour also passes by the homes of Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash, giving you a sense of Memphis’s musical geography.

The guide’s expertise adds flavor, making music history accessible and fun. Rated 4.8/5 from 287 reviews, travelers praise the energetic narration and interactive elements like singing along.

The tour’s value lies in its combo of cultural sights and insider stories, perfect for music fans and curious travelers alike.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a lively, music-focused experience that merges history, culture, and behind-the-scenes access.

4. Memphis: Mojo Music History 90-Minute Bus Tour

For a quick, engaging introduction, this 1.5-hour bus tour is a lively crash course in Memphis’s musical roots. Led by a professional musician, you’ll see Sun Studio, Beale Street, and Stax Records, all while learning the stories behind your favorite songs.

The stops include early homes of icons like Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash, making it easy to connect the dots between Memphis’s neighborhoods and its musical legends.

With a 4.7/5 rating from 103 reviews, guests note the interactive format — including the chance to grab a tambourine or sing along — makes it enjoyable. At just $38, it provides excellent value for those short on time but eager for a musical taste of Memphis.

Bottom Line: Great for music fans seeking a quick, fun overview of Memphis’s most celebrated musical sites.

5. Memphis Haunted History Bus Tour

If you’re captivated by ghost stories and spooky tales, this 1.5-hour bus tour will send shivers down your spine. It covers Memphis’s dark side, stopping at Victorian Woodruff-Fontaine House and the Mallory-Neely House, both rich with stories of tragic accidents and legends.

Your guide shares tales of ghostly encounters and unsolved mysteries that have haunted Memphis for generations. The tour also visits the Victorian Village and downtown, blending history with supernatural lore.

Rated 4.5/5 from 163 reviews, travelers find the stories compelling and well-presented, with some appreciating the balance between history and ghostly fun. It’s perfect for those looking for a lighthearted scare combined with cultural insights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for fans of ghost stories who want a taste of Memphis’s spooky side without a long commitment.

6. Memphis 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour: Beyond Beale

This 2-hour walking tour offers a relaxed stroll through Memphis, exploring its historic neighborhoods and hidden stories. It emphasizes local characters and lesser-known landmarks, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s past. The highlight is witnessing the Peabody Duck March, and hearing the stories behind Memphis’s architecture and social fabric.

With 4.7/5 from 64 reviews, visitors appreciate the conversational style of the guide and the opportunity to see parts of the city often missed by larger tours.

It’s a nice balance of history and local flavor, perfect for travelers who want a laid-back but informative experience.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who prefer a leisurely pace with authentic stories and a taste of Memphis’s lesser-known sites.

7. Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

For those fascinated by Memphis’s darker tales, this 1.5-hour bus tour reveals the city’s most notorious crimes, mobster stories, and scandals. You’ll hear about Georgia Tann’s baby theft scheme and learn about infamous figures like Alma Theede.

The tour’s focus on true crime makes it distinct from other more traditional history tours. Rated 4.8/5 from 23 reviews, participants highlight the engaging storytelling and the chilling stories.

It’s perfect for crime enthusiasts or anyone interested in Memphis’s murder mysteries and notorious past. The price of $41 offers a good value for those eager to learn about the city’s less savory side.

Bottom Line: A compelling choice for true crime fans wanting a gripping, story-driven experience.

8. Memphis 101: Music, History, and Iconic Landmarks Private Tour

This private 3-hour tour offers a personalized exploration of Memphis’s musical, cultural, and historic landmarks. Led in an air-conditioned Mazda 3, your guide takes you beyond downtown to neighborhoods like Uptown, Soulsville, and Cooper-Young. The tour includes visits to W.C. Handy’s home, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and iconic sites like Beale Street.

With a 5.0/5 rating from 10 reviews, travelers praise the flexible itinerary and depth of local knowledge. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a tailored experience that combines music, history, and local stories.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, customizable tour that covers Memphis’s diverse neighborhoods and musical history.

9. Memphis: History & Heritage Private Half-Day Walking Tour

This half-day private walk takes you through Memphis’s most significant historic sites, including Beale Street, the Mississippi River, and the Lorraine Motel.

The tour also visits the Cotton Museum and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, providing a broad view of Memphis’s cultural and civil rights history. The personalized approach makes it ideal for travelers who value expert insights and the chance to ask questions.

At $225 per person, it’s a premium experience, but the private format offers tailored storytelling and in-depth exploration.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want an intimate, in-depth understanding of Memphis’s history with a personal guide.

10. Memphis African American Music History Tour

This tour blends music with African-American heritage, focusing on landmarks like Sun Studio and Stax Records. Led by Jackie Murray, this 2.5-hour tour takes visitors through Memphis’s musical evolution, highlighting artists like Isaac Hayes and Aretha Franklin. Participants get a sense of Memphis’s crucial role in blues, soul, and rock.

With a 5.0/5 rating from 1 review, it’s a personalized experience led by a highly regarded guide. The combination of culture, music, and history makes it ideal for music fans eager for a meaningful connection.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in the cultural roots of Memphis’s iconic music scene, especially African-American contributions.

11. Arkansas Experience USA Nature Culture History Discover

While outside Memphis proper, this 12-day tour offers an immersive trip into Arkansas’s landscapes and historic sites. From Johnny Cash’s childhood home to spectacular caves and historic towns, it’s geared towards travelers wanting a deep, personal journey through America’s heartland. With no reviews yet, it’s clearly aimed at those seeking a comprehensive, multi-day experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a long, detailed adventure that combines nature, history, and culture.

12. Overton Park Shell Guided Backstage History Experience Tour

Finally, the Overton Park Shell offers a backstage tour of Memphis’s historic amphitheater, where Elvis Presley played his first professional gig. This 1-hour tour provides a unique look at Elvis’s early days and the venue’s musical significance.

Rated with no reviews yet, it’s a niche experience for music history fans interested in Memphis’s live performance scene. The tour’s intimate environment provides a different perspective from larger museums or walking tours.

Bottom Line: Ideal for Elvis fans and music history enthusiasts wanting exclusive backstage insights.

How to Choose

To select the best Memphis historical tour for your trip, consider your interests: Are you more drawn to Civil War and civil rights history? The Essence of Memphis African American History Tour offers a powerful narrative.

Prefer music and legendary studios? The Big Mojo Sun Studio Tour and the Mojo Music Bus Tour are perfect. For a more personalized experience, the Private Half-Day Tour can be tailored to your interests.

Budget matters too. If you want an affordable, rundown, the Historic Memphis Walking Tour is excellent. For something more immersive or specialized, consider private or themed options. Remember, booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, as these tours can fill up quickly.

To sum it up, Memphis offers a variety of history-focused tours that cater to different interests and stamina levels. For a broad overview, the Memphis Beyond Beale Walking Tour is a top choice.

Music lovers will enjoy the Sun Studio tour or the Mojo Bus Tour, while those interested in civil rights should not miss the Essence of Memphis Tour. Ghost fans and true crime enthusiasts will find the haunted and true crime tours particularly compelling.

No matter your focus, Memphis’s stories are waiting — just be sure to book early and prepare for a memorable journey through one of America’s most storytellers-rich cities.