Memphis Discovery Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get the complete Memphis experience on this all-inclusive city tour. It’s a part history tour, part attraction hopping, part food tour that will introduce you to everything that makes Memphis special. You’ll visit World Famous Beale Street (the Home of the Blues), see the Mississippi River and historic Cotton Row, and get a barbecue tasting at one of the best barbecue joints in the city! Along the way, we'll show you our favorite Memphis sights, including Victorian Village, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, historic churches, and Court Square, the lovely and historic heart of 19th century Memphis. Visit the Lorraine Motel. to see the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
Admission to the National Civil Rights Museum, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum or Edge Motor Museum is available (please make sure you select that option).
Available options
Tour + Rock'n'Soul + Riverboat
Rock'n'Soul/Riverboat : Tour includes admission to the Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum and Riverboat Cruise<br/>Duration: 6 hours: Adds 4 hours to basic tour
Adds 3 hours to tour + museum option
Tour Only: No Museum Admission
Duration: 2 hours
Tour + Civil Rights Museum
Civil Rights admissions: Admission to the National Civil Rights Museum<br/>Duration: 3 hours: Adds additional hour to basic tour
Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat
Civil Rights Museum/Riverboat: Tour includes admission to the National Civil Rights Museum and Riverboat Cruise<br/>Duration: 6 hours: Adds 4 hours to basic tour
Adds 3 hours to tour + museum option
Tour + Rock'n'Soul Museum
Rock'n'Soul admissions: Admission to the Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum<br/>Duration: 3 hours: Adds additional hour to basic tour
Tour + Edge Motor + Riverboat
Edge Motor/Riverboat : Tour includes admission to Edge Motor museum and Riverboat Cruise<br/>Duration: 6 hours: Adds 4 hour to basic tour
Adds 3 hour to tour + museum option
Tour + Edge Motor Museum
Edge Motor Museum admissions: Admission to Edge Motor Museum<br/>Duration: 3 hours: Adds additional hour to basic tour
What's included
National Civil Rights Museum admission (if option selected)
BBQ tasting (BBQ is pork, and we do not offer substitutions)
Professional guide
Rock 'n' Soul Museum admission (if option selected)
Edge Motor Museum admission (if option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The tour starts on Beale Street at Alfred's on Beale, and begins by exploring the history of the Home of the Blues
2
Stop 2
Admission included (if option selected) to this world-class museum telling the complete story of Memphis music
3
Enjoy a delicious tasting of Memphis BBQ
4
Stop 4
History of the 1968 Sanitation Strike and the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Admission included if option selected (1.5 hours tour)
5
History and importance of the Mississippi River to Memphis
6
Stop 6
Pass by
History of "Millionaire's Row," the beautiful historic homes of Memphis' cotton barons
7
History of the city's oldest surviving residence
8
History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row
9
History of the Presley family's first real home in Memphis
10
History of Danny Thomas and St. Jude's
11
Stop 11
Pass by
History of one of the city's oldest and most beautiful parks
12
Stop 12
Pass by
History of the Orpheum Theater
13
History of baseball in Memphis
14
Stop 14
History of WC Handy, the "Father of the Blues," and the birth of the blues on Beale Street
15
History of the Shelby County Courthouse
16
History of the city's oldest church
17
History of the South Main Historic District
18
Admission included (if option selected) to see Memphis' newest attraction exploring the history of the American sports car.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Drinks (alcohol)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
361 reviews
5★
294
4★
43
3★
7
2★
10
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.9
360 reviews
5★
321
4★
29
3★
7
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Within a few blocks there are four different parking garages, and several open-air parking lots. The closest garage to our location (just two blocks away) is at 149 Peabody Place between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn. You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
Meeting point
Please check in at our ticket podium, located on the patio at Alfred's downstairs.
Important notes
• Tour Departs from the Backbeat Tour Ticket Counter at Alfred's on Beale (197 Beale St.)
Within a few blocks there are four different parking garages, and several open-air parking lots. The closest garage to our location (just two blocks away) is at 149 Peabody Place between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn. You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
About Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, is a vibrant city rich in musical heritage and Southern charm. Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the home of the blues, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. The city's iconic landmarks, live music venues, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in the American South.
Top Attractions
Graceland
The former home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a must-visit for music fans. The mansion and museum offer a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Historical
3-4 hours
Moderate ($38 for adults, $25 for children)
Beale Street
A historic street in downtown Memphis, Beale Street is famous for its live music venues, bars, and restaurants. It's the heart of the city's nightlife and a major tourist attraction.
Entertainment
2-3 hours or more
Free to explore, variable for food and drinks
National Civil Rights Museum
Located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum chronicles the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate ($17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $14 for children)
Memphis Zoo
One of the largest zoos in the United States, the Memphis Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 500 species. It features a variety of exhibits and conservation programs.
Nature
3-4 hours
Moderate ($22 for adults, $16 for children)
Sun Studio
Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Sun Studio is where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their early hits. The studio offers tours and recording sessions.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate ($15 for adults, $12 for children)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Memphis Barbecue
Slow-smoked pork ribs and pulled pork, often served with a tangy, spicy sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be made gluten-free
Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with sides like coleslaw and macaroni and cheese.
Main Course
Contains gluten and dairy, can be made gluten-free
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
A classic Elvis Presley favorite, made with peanut butter, banana, and sometimes bacon.
Breakfast
Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Sweet Tea
A refreshing, sweetened iced tea, a staple in Southern cuisine.
Drink
Contains sugar, can be made with alternative sweeteners
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Fishing
Boating
Picnicking
Birdwatching
Shopping
Dining
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
These months offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals and events during these periods.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, French, German
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT), UTC-6 (Standard Time), UTC-5 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Memphis is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and it's important to stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
Getting there
By air
- Memphis International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown
By bus
Memphis Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
MATA operates a network of buses that serve the city and its surrounding areas. Fares are affordable, and buses are a convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Memphis
Midtown Memphis
East Memphis
Cooper-Young Historic District
Day trips
Arkansas River Museum
15 miles (24 km) • Half day
Located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs focused on the history and culture of the Arkansas River and its surrounding regions.
Hernando de Soto Park
20 miles (32 km) • Half day
A beautiful park located along the Mississippi River, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. The park is named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who is believed to have crossed the Mississippi River in this area.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
25 miles (40 km) • Full day
A beautiful state park located along the Mississippi River, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Festivals
Memphis in May International Festival • May
Beale Street Music Festival • Early May
Memphis Grizzlies Playoffs • April-May (varies by season)
Pro tips
- Visit Graceland early in the morning to avoid crowds and long lines
- Explore Beale Street in the evening for live music and a lively atmosphere
- Try the famous Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ or Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
- Take a stroll through the Memphis Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and local goods
- Visit the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about the history and legacy of the civil rights movement
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
