The 8 Best City Tours in Memphis
Memphis isn’t just a city on the Mississippi—it’s a place where music, history, and culture collide in a way that’s hard to match elsewhere. Whether you’re interested in the roots of rock and roll, the Civil Rights movement, or the legendary sounds of Beale Street, Memphis offers a variety of city tours that bring its stories to life. These tours are perfect for those who want more than just a quick glance—they provide insights, access, and memorable moments that you’ll carry home. Since Memphis makes it easy to explore with convenient hotel pickups, narrated guides, and immersive experiences, it ranks as a top destination for city sightseeing.
From the deep dives into iconic music studios to river cruises that show the city from a new perspective, there’s a tour here for every interest and travel style. Whether you prefer a comprehensive half-day tour with all the major sights or a private experience tailored just for you, Memphis’s tour options deliver both fun and education. Ready to find out which tour fits you best? Let’s look at the top picks.
1. Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission
At number 1 on our list, the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission offers a well-rounded look at Memphis’s highlights in about 4 to 5 hours. The tour includes convenient round-trip transportation from your downtown hotel, making it ideal for travelers who want to see the city without the hassle of planning logistics. The narrated bus ride takes you past the Mississippi River, Victorian homes, and key landmarks like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Pyramid Arena, and Schwab, a historic general store.
The star of this tour is the visit to Sun Studios, where legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash cut some of their earliest recordings. The studio tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at Memphis’s musical roots and is a definite highlight. You’ll also stop at the Peabody Hotel to watch the famous “March of the Ducks,” a quirky tradition that adds a dash of local flavor. The tour also includes a cruise along Beale Street and Cotton Row, giving you a taste of Memphis’s vibrant street life and Victorian architecture.
Guests consistently praise this tour for its informative guides and seamless experience. One reviewer called it “well worth it,” noting the Sun Studio visit as the highlight. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a balanced overview of Memphis’s history, music, and culture without spending a full day.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, easy-to-book tour that combines city highlights with Memphis’s musical legacy—and the chance to see the legendary Sun Studios.
2. Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise
Number 2 on our list offers an immersive 6.5-hour experience blending city sights with the grandeur of the Mississippi River. The Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise begins with a downtown sightseeing tour led by humorous, knowledgeable guides who bring Memphis’s stories to life. You’ll pass Beale Street, Victorian homes in Victorian Village, and landmarks like the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
The tour then continues with a paddlewheeler cruise aboard the Island Queen, which offers stunning views from three decks. This river ride is a peaceful way to see Memphis from the water, with plenty of commentary along the way. The tour’s combination of land and water experiences makes it ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded perspective on Memphis.
Guests have raved about the guide Darrell, who offers humor and expertise, making the day both educational and fun. The cruise, in particular, provides a relaxing break and a different angle on the city. The only downside is that the full experience takes over six hours, so it’s best suited for those with a full day to spare.
Bottom Line: An engaging way to explore Memphis’s streets and enjoy a scenic Mississippi River cruise, suitable for those wanting a deeper connection to the city.
3. Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat
Number 3 features a flexible format that lets you explore Memphis with a local guide, with options to add visits to Sun Studios and a river cruise. This tour is perfect if you want a shorter, customizable experience. Starting at just $32, it provides an overview of Memphis’s core sites in a 2-7 hour window, depending on your preferences.
The guide takes you through downtown Memphis, the Pyramid, and the Lorraine Motel, offering insightful commentary along the way. The highlight is the visit to Beale Street’s historic clubs and vibrant street scene. If you upgrade, you’ll enjoy the Sun Studio tour, learning about Memphis’s musical pioneers, or take a Mississippi River cruise to see the city from the water. Reviews point out this tour’s excellent guide, Michelle, who shares engaging stories and facts, making it a favorite among travelers wanting a personalized experience.
This tour is ideal for those with limited time or who prefer to pick and choose highlights. The flexible timing and optional add-ons let you tailor your day.
Bottom Line: A customizable, budget-friendly option that covers Memphis’s essentials with an option to add on musical or river experiences.
4. Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour
Number 4 is a comprehensive bus tour that covers many of Memphis’s key attractions over 2 to 6 hours. For just $38, it offers a detailed look at Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel, Victorian Village, and even the Edge Motor Museum, along with a chance to taste Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ. The tour is praised for its clear narration and engaging guide, Larry, who makes the city’s stories come alive with anecdotes and humor.
The highlight for many is the visit to the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, and the tour’s inclusion of a Mississippi River cruise is optional but highly recommended for a different perspective. Guests find this tour ideal for those wanting a good overview without a full-day commitment, and the small group size makes it easier to ask questions.
One reviewer called it “an enjoyable, highly recommended” way to get a sense of Memphis’s diverse sights. Its value lies in combining multiple attractions with flexible timing and the opportunity to sample Memphis-style barbecue mid-tour.
Bottom Line: A flexible, well-reviewed tour perfect for travelers who want to cover a broad range of Memphis’s sights with some food and optional water experience thrown in.
5. Memphis City Highlights: Private Guided Sightseeing Tour
Number 5 is a private guided tour, ideal if you prefer a personalized experience. For just $30 and roughly 90 minutes, this tour takes you through Memphis’s most iconic sites, including Mud Island, Beale Street, and the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. Your guide, Cassandra, tailors the experience to your interests, adding a layer of flexibility that larger group tours can’t match.
This tour is best suited for visitors with limited time or those who want to focus on a few key areas, especially if you’re traveling with family or a small group. The highlight is the private aspect, allowing for a more relaxed pace and personalized insights. Guests praise Cassandra’s friendliness and knowledge, saying she made the tour memorable.
While it’s shorter than the other options, it delivers a focused overview that can be combined with other activities or tours. For travelers seeking a custom, intimate experience, this is a solid pick.
Bottom Line: A quick, personalized tour that hits Memphis’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide and the flexibility to customize.
6. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options
Number 6 offers a flexible, all-in-one Memphis experience at a reasonable price of $45 per person. This comprehensive tour covers top attractions like the Pyramid, the Lorraine Motel, and Beale Street, with optional upgrades for a river cruise or a visit to Sun Studio. The tour departs from downtown Memphis, making it easy to join.
The guide provides a narrated overview of Memphis’s history and culture, including a visit to Schwab’s general store and the famous Peabody Ducks. The optional river cruise on the paddlewheel boat offers added relaxation and scenic views, while the Sun Studio visit immerses you in Memphis’s musical past. While some reviews mention minor delays, most appreciate the value for money and the wide range of options.
This tour suits travelers who want a flexible, budget-friendly way to experience Memphis’s highlights with the ability to tailor the itinerary to their interests. It’s especially good for those who want an overview but also want to include specific experiences like the Sun Studio tour or river cruise.
Bottom Line: A versatile tour that provides a solid introduction to Memphis with options to customize your adventure.
7. Epic Scavenger Hunt Game in Memphis by Operation City Quest
Number 7 is a fun, interactive way to explore Memphis in a different way. The Epic Scavenger Hunt Game uses an app to challenge you to find nearly 60 objects across downtown Memphis. You’ll perform challenges, take photos, and score points—all while discovering hidden corners and iconic sites.
Priced at just $10 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option that appeals to families, groups, or anyone wanting to add a little activity to their sightseeing. The game lasts roughly two hours and can be played at your own pace. It’s especially good for those who prefer a self-guided adventure over traditional tours, and it encourages interaction with the city’s streets and architecture.
While it doesn’t cover the same depth of history or landmarks as guided tours, it offers a playful way to see Memphis’s streets and learn about its culture in a dynamic format.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective, entertaining activity for groups wanting an active, engaging way to explore Memphis.
8. Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Private Transfer
Number 8 is a practical choice for those leaving Memphis—the private airport transfer ensures a comfortable, hassle-free ride to MEM. For $82.19 per person, your driver will meet you at your hotel, help with luggage, and deliver you directly to the airport in about 20 minutes.
While not a sightseeing tour, this service guarantees a smooth end to your trip. The reviews highlight professionalism, clean vehicles, and punctuality as key strengths. It’s ideal for travelers who want to avoid the stress of navigating traffic or waiting for a cab after a long day of touring Memphis.
If you’re pressed for time or arriving early in the morning, booking a private transfer eliminates the guesswork and ensures a timely departure.
Bottom Line: A reliable, comfortable way to end your Memphis visit and make your way to the airport on time.
How to Choose the Right Memphis City Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. For an all-in-one experience that covers major sights and includes a river cruise, the Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise offers the best bang for your buck. If you prefer a more personalized, shorter experience, the private guided tour suits small groups or families.
For those keen on Memphis’s musical legacy, the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio combines city highlights with a visit to Sun Studio, perfect for music fans. Budget travelers or families seeking fun without a rigid schedule might enjoy the scavenger hunt, offering a playful way to explore.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and ensure a smooth experience. All tours offer different angles on Memphis’s rich culture—pick the one that fits your pace and interests.
Memphis’s diverse offerings mean there’s no shortage of ways to explore its streets, stories, and sounds. Whether you choose a comprehensive guided tour, a private experience, or an active scavenger hunt, each option offers a memorable way to get to know this unique Southern city. For first-time visitors, combining a city tour with a visit to Sun Studio or a Mississippi River cruise can give a well-rounded perspective. For those with limited time, a private or customizable tour delivers a focused experience. Whatever your choice, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on Memphis’s best moments.