Memphis Discovery Tour: History, Food & Sights

From$49.39
2 hours – 3 hours
Memphis, USA

About this activity

Experience Memphis' rich history, culture, and cuisine on this guided tour, including visits to iconic landmarks and a delicious barbecue lunch.

Highlights

  • Explore Beale Street's vibrant nightlife
  • Visit the National Civil Rights Museum
  • Discover the history at Sun Studio
  • Enjoy a traditional Memphis barbecue lunch
  • Stroll through the historic Victorian Village

Full description

Dive into the heart of Memphis with this engaging tour that combines history, culture, and culinary delights. Visit iconic landmarks like Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Sun Studio. Savor authentic Memphis barbecue for lunch and explore the charming Victorian Village. This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the soul of the city, making it perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Memphis' historic sites
  • Admission to the Rock 'n' Soul Museum
  • Authentic Memphis barbecue lunch
  • Gratuities for the tour guide

Itinerary

1

The tour starts on Beale Street at Alfred's on Beale, and begins by exploring the history of the Home of the Blues

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Admission included (if option selected) to this world-class museum telling the complete story of Memphis music

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3

Enjoy a delicious tasting of Memphis BBQ

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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)

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO
5

Pass by: History and importance of the Mississippi River to Memphis

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Pass by: History of "Millionaire's Row," the beautiful historic homes of Memphis' cotton barons

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: History of the city's oldest surviving residence

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Pass by: History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Pass by: History of the Presley family's first real home in Memphis

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

Pass by: History of Danny Thomas and St. Jude's

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11

Pass by: History of one of the city's oldest and most beautiful parks

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12

Pass by: History of the Orpheum Theater

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13

Pass by: History of baseball in Memphis

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14

History of WC Handy, the "Father of the Blues," and the birth of the blues on Beale Street

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15

Pass by: History of the Shelby County Courthouse

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16

Pass by: History of the city's oldest church

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
17

Pass by: History of the South Main Historic District

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18

Admission included (if option selected) to see Memphis' newest attraction exploring the history of the American sports car.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately
  • Vegetarian options available upon request
  • Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions in advance

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
  • Bring a camera to capture memorable moments
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly

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

  • 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.

Traveler reviews

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Don't miss!

Great tour! our guide was extremely knowledgeable and fun. She shared the real benefits of seeing Memphis. We extended this tour at the Rock & Soul Museum that shared the birth of Blues music. WOW!

hedyg2018May 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

This was a really fun and informative tour. Highly recommended

Shannon, our tour driver was really knowledgeable and friendly and the bus driver was a really good driver, who told us what to look out for on one of our tour options which we appreciated.

Micah TMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great tour

It was fabulous and our guide was very knowledgeable.

G9337ZIyvonneaMay 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Kate was a fabulous story...

Kate was a fabulous story teller- so knowledgeable about Memphis !!! Wish we had more time at the Civil Rights Museum

Rosemary_MMay 11, 2026VIATOR

Great Tour

Had a great time. Saw many interesting sites and our host was very knowledgeable and informative. He obviously is very passionate about Memphis and its culture.

Joseph_HMay 7, 2026VIATOR

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.