Historic Memphis Walking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore historic Court Square
- Discover vibrant Sweet Auburn district
- Learn about Memphis' rich history
- Visit iconic landmarks
- Experience local culture firsthand
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of historic Memphis
- Visit to Court Square
- Exploration of vibrant neighborhoods
- Transportation to and from the tour location
Itinerary
History of yellow fever in Memphis
History of WDIA, the "Goodwill Station"
History of one of Memphis' oldest and most beautiful parks
Renamed Fourth Bluff Park in 2016, site of the Battle of Memphis in June 1862
History and importance of the Mississippi River
History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row
Once known as Howard's Row, see the oldest collection of original buildings in Downtown Memphis
History of the South's Grand Hotel and the Peabody duck march
**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).
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
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
Historical walking tour downtown Memphis.
We really enjoyed learning about the political and economical back story of Memphis. Hearing the changes from 1800’s to how it continues to evolve today was quite interesting.Would definitely recommend if you enjoy history!
Shannon was the Best!
We chose Memphis for our annual multigenerational Mother's Day trip and this tour was one of the best parts of our visit. Shannon was phenomenal and we were grateful to have her to ourselves for the tour. She shared the good, bad, ugly and beautiful history of this great city in a manner that leaves you wanting more. We thoroughly enjoyed the time seeing the Peabody ducks in their home on the roof and hope to see Shannon one day when she is the stand-in DuckMaster. A job well done.
Historical walking tour of Memphis
Learned a lot about the history of Memphis , enjoyed walking and learning!
Memphis walking tour with Shannon
Shannon is a lovely personable girl who has excellent knowledge of Memphis and filled the tour with great facts. To top it all she is an actual Duck master! Thoroughly recommend.
A quick, informative insight into Memphis
We were on a short trip to Memphis and wanted to learn more about the city and it's history before we left. This was a whistlestop tour but suited our needs. It started early and finished at the Peabody Hotel allow us the opportunity to experience the duck walk at 11am.