Memphis’ most rewarding guided tours pack in rich history and local culture without wasting time. The standout experiences include a focused 90-minute walking tour hitting the essential downtown landmarks – perfect for first-timers who want the authentic story of this music city. For food and drink enthusiasts, the 3.5-hour brewery circuit combines craft beer tastings with local eats, while offering insights into Memphis’ growing beer scene. The combo city tour with Mississippi River cruise provides the best overall value, covering both land and water perspectives of this historic river town. Let’s look at our favorite Memphis tours for experiencing the city like a local.
Key Points
- The 90-minute Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour covers key sites and features like the March of the Peabody Ducks with a 96% traveler recommendation rate.
- The 3.5-hour Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour includes up to 12 beer samples, a local food tasting, and a 5-star rated experience.
- The 1-hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour explores the street’s evolution and civil rights history with a maximum group size of 15 for personalized experiences.
- The Guided Memphis City Tour With Riverboat Cruise provides a 6.5-7 hour comprehensive experience combining downtown exploration and a scenic Mississippi River cruise.
- The Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers VIP access to three local breweries with artisan beer sampling, a 100% recommendation rate, and a Badge of Excellence.
Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour
The Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history, from the pivotal events of the Civil War to the vibrant cultural landscapes of modern-day Memphis.
With 96% of travelers recommending this 90-minute tour, it’s no wonder it’s earned a Badge of Excellence in the area. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes guests to key sites like Beale Street, Court Square, Confederate Park, and the Mississippi River, providing engaging historical narratives along the way.
Highlights include witnessing the famous March of the Peabody Ducks and exploring the WDIA-WHRK Radio Building, where groundbreaking African American radio programming once aired.
Visitors also have the option to extend their experience with a guided tour of the Orpheum Theatre.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, this tour offers an immersive and informative look at Memphis’ storied past, making it a must-do activity for anyone seeking to understand the city’s enduring cultural significance.
Read our full review: Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour Review
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Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Offering a VIP-style exploration of Memphis’ thriving craft beer scene, the Signature Guided Brewery Tour immerses visitors in the rich history and flavors of the city’s most renowned breweries.
Priced at €67.10 per person, this 3.5-hour tour provides up to 12 beer samples, a fresh-baked snack, and round-trip transportation.
Led by a knowledgeable Beer Guide, the experience showcases the stories behind local craft breweries through guided tours and tastings. Guests can expect to visit multiple breweries, with each stop lasting around 55 minutes.
Beyond the brews, the tour also includes a 45-minute food tasting featuring local specialties.
With convenient pick-up and drop-off at the Peabody Hotel Downtown, the Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers an engaging and well-rounded exploration of Memphis’ vibrant beer culture, earning it a perfect 5-star rating from previous participants.
Read our full review: Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour Review
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Beale Street Guided Walking Tour
A highly acclaimed Beale Street Guided Walking Tour immerses visitors in the rich musical heritage and civil rights history of this iconic Memphis destination. Earning a 4.8-star average rating from 162 reviews, the tour covers 0.5 miles in approximately an hour, showcasing legendary landmarks like the A. Schwab General Store and the Lansky Brothers clothing store.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour traces Beale Street’s transformation from a red-light district to the birthplace of blues music, while also exploring Memphis’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement.
Highlights include Handy Park, where famous musicians once performed, and insights into Elvis Presley’s close ties to the neighborhood. Accessible to all, the tour accommodates wheelchairs, strollers, and service animals.
With a maximum group size of 15, the experience provides a personalized and engaging exploration of Beale Street’s captivating past. Travelers consistently praise the tour’s depth of information and the guides’ ability to bring the history to life.
Read our full review: Beale Street Guided Walking Tour Review
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Guided Memphis City Tour With Riverboat Cruise Along Mississippi River
Combining a guided tour of downtown Memphis with a scenic cruise along the mighty Mississippi River, this comprehensive experience immerses visitors in the city’s rich history and natural splendor.
Over the course of approximately 6.5-7 hours, the tour takes guests to key landmarks like Beale Street, Victorian Village, and the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
The highlight is a paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi, providing commentary on the river’s influence on commerce and breathtaking views.
With ample free time to explore Beale Street, the tour caters to first-time visitors seeking an immersive overview of Memphis.
Despite some accessibility challenges, reviewers praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, as well as the enjoyable experiences, including the famous Peabody Hotel Duck March.
At $85 per person with free cancellation, this tour offers an excellent value for those wanting to make the most of their time in the Bluff City.
Read our full review: Guided Memphis City Tour With Riverboat Cruise Along Mississippi River Review
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Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Immersing visitors in Memphis’ thriving craft beer scene, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour provides an insider’s glimpse into the city’s burgeoning breweries.
With a 100% recommendation rate from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, this experience grants VIP access to three local breweries, where guests sample up to a dozen unique artisan beers.
Led by knowledgeable beer experts, the tour offers a fascinating look into the history and brewing processes behind each libation. Guests enjoy a flight of four beers at each stop, complemented by provided snacks.
Comfortable bus transportation ensures a worry-free experience, while the friendly atmosphere encourages engaging interactions with fellow participants.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates most travelers aged 21 and up, with a maximum group size of 14.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour presents an enticing option for beer enthusiasts seeking an immersive exploration of the city’s thriving craft scene.
Read our full review: Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour Review
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Recap
Memphis offers a variety of guided tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and renowned brewery scene. From walking tours of historic Beale Street to riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River, these guided experiences provide an in-depth and engaging way to discover the unique charm of Memphis. Whether you’re interested in the city’s musical legacy or its thriving culinary landscape, there’s a guided tour that’s perfect for you.