Historic Memphis Walking Tour

From$32.92
120 minutes – 180 minutes
Memphis, USA

About this activity

Join a guided walking tour through Memphis' historic neighborhoods, including Court Square and Sweet Auburn, to uncover the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Highlights

  • Explore historic Court Square
  • Discover vibrant Sweet Auburn district
  • Learn about Memphis' rich history
  • Visit iconic landmarks
  • Experience local culture firsthand

Full description

Step into the heart of Memphis on this engaging walking tour that takes you beyond the famous Beale Street. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll explore historic sites like Court Square, delve into the vibrant Sweet Auburn district, and uncover the stories that shaped this iconic city. Along the way, you'll visit landmarks that showcase Memphis' rich cultural heritage, from its musical roots to its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of Memphis, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided walking tour of historic Memphis
  • Visit to Court Square
  • Exploration of vibrant neighborhoods
  • Transportation to and from the tour location

Itinerary

1

History of yellow fever in Memphis

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

History of WDIA, the "Goodwill Station"

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

History of one of Memphis' oldest and most beautiful parks

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Renamed Fourth Bluff Park in 2016, site of the Battle of Memphis in June 1862

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

History and importance of the Mississippi River

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Once known as Howard's Row, see the oldest collection of original buildings in Downtown Memphis

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

History of the South's Grand Hotel and the Peabody duck march

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

**IF OPTION SELECTED** Visit the Orpheum Theater, the premier entertainment venue in Memphis since 1928. If the add -on option is selected, guests will be allowed to participate in a guided tour of the building (available Monday-Wednesday only and subject to change based on availability).

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Pets are not allowed on the tour.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • 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.
  • Guests who choose the Orpheum Theater guided tour (AVAILABLE MONDAY-WEDNESDAY ONLY) will arrive at the theater for the 12:00pm tour. Your tour guide will depart at that time; the Orpheum Theater is just 2 blocks from where the tour begins.

Traveler reviews

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Memphis done right!

Absolute amazing tour! Our guide was informative and funny. Very interesting information to share on the history of Memphis without being history boring. Plenty of quirky tidbits sprinkled in to keep adults and kids entertained. Would not only recommend, but would do the tour again just to hear it again and soak it all in! One of the highlights of our trip!

Lisa_PJul 2, 2026VIATOR

Walking Memphis

Excellent Guide very knowledgeable funny Memphis a lovely city to get around Learned things about this city and Elvis I never knew

Winifred_WJun 24, 2026VIATOR

Ducks and More

Mary was a terrific tour guide. She knew so much about the history and was able to answer all of our questions. The tour was well planned, and it was fun to see the ducks.

Pamela_MJun 15, 2026VIATOR

Good tour with a good level of history

This is a nice tour to get a fell of Beale street and the surroundings with finally ending at the ducks

Saira_DJun 11, 2026VIATOR

Outstanding

Informative, casual, excellent guide, perfect distance

133chasefJun 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

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. Guests who choose the Orpheum Theater guided tour will arrive at the theater for the 12:00pm tour. Your tour guide will depart at that time; the Orpheum Theater is just 2 blocks from where the tour begins.