Memphis , United States

Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour

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(899 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

There’s no better way to get acquainted with Memphis than by tasting some of its most acclaimed foods. You’ll sample the very best of Memphis cuisine from BBQ nachos to southern tamales to delectable desserts. Memphis offers a plethora of choices from delicious and historic family-owned, local restaurants to trendy award winning Chefs. We provide a local, sustainable experience tasting a variety of foods, allowing you to feel like a native Memphian. Your guide will provide a sampling of culture and history sprinkled throughout this walking tour. 2 person minimum per booking

Available options

Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour

What's included

Local taxes

Food tasting

Local Memphis guide

Detailed itinerary

Our Memphis Food Tours provide visitors and locals alike, a variety of unique food tasting and culinary excursions at the birthplace of the blues and the soul of barbecue. The Bluff City offers a plethora of choices from delicious and historic family-owned, local restaurants to trendy award-winning chefs.

Tastin’ Round Town provides a local, sustainable experience tasting a variety of foods, allowing you to feel like a native Memphian. Each tour is designed to include delicious food tastings from specialty eateries as well as an off-the-beaten-path glimpse of the history, culture, architecture, and entertainment offerings of the Mississippi Delta.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

307 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

592 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

2 person minimum per booking

Children must be accompanied by an adult

This tour is wheelchair accessible

Please let us know ahead of time if you are celebrating a special occasion.

Alcohol is not included with the ticket price but is available for purchase from each venue. Please have proper identification should you wish to make a purchase

Please alert us to any known allergies

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

Our starting point is inside the lobby of the Hampton Inn at Beale Street. We gather to the right of the hotel check-in guest. Your guide is the friendly face carrying a giant whisk. If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to call 901.482.7555

Important notes

• Each tour begins inside the lobby of the Hampton Inn at Beale Street, 175 Peabody Place, at the corner of Peabody Place and BB King
• Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with the tour guide. The tour guide will be the friendly face holding a giant whisk
• We tour rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended!
• This tour is wheelchair accessible
• Please let us know ahead of time if you are celebrating a special occasion
• Alcohol is not included with the ticket price but is available for purchase from each venue. Please have proper identification should you wish to make a purchase
• Please alert us to any known allergies. Phone# 901-482-7555
• Your tour guide will be the friendly person carrying a GIANT whisk!

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