Memphis is a city that practically breathes music, history, and southern charm. Its rich musical heritage, iconic landmarks like Beale Street and Sun Studio, and the mighty Mississippi make it a natural for memorable city tours. Whether you’re a history buff, music lover, or just looking for a fun way to explore, Memphis has options that will keep you engaged. We particularly enjoy tours that combine a little of everything—like the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission—which offers a great overview plus a behind-the-scenes look at the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Watching the famous March of the Ducks at the Peabody hotel is also a quirky highlight that adds local flavor to your day.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the ten best city tours in Memphis. Each offers a different slice of the city’s soul, from comprehensive bus adventures to intimate Elvis-themed experiences, river cruises, and even scavenger hunts. Read on to find the tour that best matches your interests, schedule, and budget.
1. Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission
This tour is a solid introduction to Memphis, especially if you’re eager to see the highlights and explore the roots of rock ‘n’ roll. Starting with hotel pickup, a friendly guide takes you on a narrated journey past the Mississippi River, Victorian homes, and landmarks like St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Pyramid Arena. The highlight is the visit to Sun Studio, the legendary recording studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others laid down their first hits. The tour includes a comprehensive bus ride and stops at the iconic Peabody Hotel for the famous Ducks March, giving you a taste of Memphis’s playful side.
Guests love the mix of city sights and history, with many saying the Sun Studio visit was the tour’s highlight. The 4-5 hour experience, priced at $75, offers great value considering the comprehensive itinerary and round-trip hotel transfers. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded day exploring Memphis’s cultural heart.
Bottom line: This tour strikes a nice balance between sightseeing and music history, making it suitable for first-timers and music fans alike.
2. Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise
At number two, this 6.5-hour guided tour combines downtown sightseeing with a relaxing Mississippi River cruise. Your professional guide will share stories about Memphis’s past while taking you past Beale Street, Victorian Village, and the Lorraine Hotel—where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a mix of land and water experiences, with hotel pickup and drop-off making logistics simple.
The highlight is the Island Queen paddlewheeler, which offers panoramic views of the river and the city skyline. Guests enjoy the lively commentary during the cruise, and many comment on the guide’s humor and knowledge, especially highlighting Darrell’s engaging storytelling. The tour costs $85 per person, offering excellent value for those seeking both cultural landmarks and a scenic boat ride.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in Memphis’s civil rights history, blues roots, and river scenery in one well-organized trip.
3. Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat
This flexible tour caters to those who want a quick overview or a deep dive into Memphis’s key sites. Starting at just $45, it offers a guided tour of the city’s most iconic spots like Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel, and the Pyramid. The best part is the option to add visits to Sun Studios and a Mississippi River cruise, making it customizable based on your schedule and interests.
Guests appreciate the ease of hotel pickup, and the ability to choose what to include makes this tour flexible. It provides a good introduction for travelers with limited time or those wanting to focus on specific highlights. If you’re a music lover, the optional Sun Studio visit is particularly worthwhile. The 2 to 7-hour duration makes it adaptable for a full or half-day outing.
Bottom line: An affordable, flexible option ideal for travelers who want to customize their Memphis experience without sacrificing essential sights.
4. Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour
This highly-rated tour (4.8/5 from 100 reviews) is designed for travelers seeking a rundown of Memphis in a short time. For around $38, you’ll explore Beale Street, Victorian Village, and get a taste of the Mississippi River via optional scenic cruise. The tour also includes a visit to the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and a chance to try Memphis-style barbecue at Central BBQ.
Guests often comment on the knowledgeable guide and the small group format, which makes for a personalized experience. The tour covers major sights efficiently, making it perfect for those with limited time or who prefer a structured, fast-paced itinerary. The $38 cost offers considerable value given the number of sites visited, and the optional Mississippi cruise adds a relaxing touch.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers wanting a well-rounded, budget-friendly city tour with a focus on Memphis’s key historic and cultural sites.
5. Memphis City Tour + Elvis Experience with entry to Graceland
This 7-hour tour is a must for Elvis fans and music history lovers. Starting with a local guide, you’ll explore Elvis’s Memphis: Beale Street, Lansky Brothers, the Arcade Restaurant, and more. After soaking in the city’s musical roots, you’ll head to Graceland, Elvis’s iconic mansion, for a dedicated self-guided visit.
Guests praise the tour’s depth, noting guides are passionate about Elvis and Memphis’s music scene. For $195, it’s a considerable investment but delivers a comprehensive Elvis immersion alongside city highlights. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics easier, and the tour’s pace is relaxed enough for a thorough experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for Elvis enthusiasts, combining city sights with an immersive Graceland visit—though it’s best suited for dedicated fans or those with a strong interest in Elvis’s life.
6. Premium Elvis Experience: City Tour with Graceland Tickets
This private tour offers the most personalized Elvis experience, with a dedicated guide taking you through Memphis’s Elvis-related sights like Beale Street, Lansky Brothers, and Overton Park Shell. The highlight is a 3-hour self-guided tour of Graceland, where you can explore at your own pace. It’s a 7-hour experience, priced at $480, and includes transportation from downtown Memphis.
Guests rave that Brandon Cunning, the guide, is a music expert and musician who makes Elvis’s story come alive. The private nature of this tour means fewer crowds and more tailored attention. It’s the ideal choice for serious Elvis fans or travelers wanting a deeply personal Memphis adventure.
Bottom line: For those seeking a boutique, exclusive Elvis experience combined with city sights, this tour is unbeatable—but it comes with a premium price.
7. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On
This flexible, multi-option tour covers the essentials in about 2 hours but can extend to a full day with add-ons. Starting at $45, it takes you past the Pyramid Arena, Lorraine Motel, and the Peabody Ducks. You can upgrade to include a paddlewheel cruise or Sun Studio visit, making it perfect for travelers who want to customize their experience.
Guests find the tour guides friendly and informative, with Darrell’s storytelling standing out. While some reviews mention timing issues, the overall consensus is that this tour offers good value for its price, especially with optional extras. The combination of city highlights and add-ons caters to various interests.
Bottom line: Flexible and economical, suitable for travelers who want to tailor their Memphis experience without overcommitting.
$45.00 per person
8. Epic Scavenger Hunt Game in Memphis by Operation City Quest
For something different, this 2-hour scavenger hunt challenges you to find nearly 60 objects around downtown Memphis via an app. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore the city’s streets, with challenges and photo-scoring adding a competitive edge. This activity costs just $10 per person, making it an affordable, lively way to see Memphis from a new perspective.
While reviews are limited, the concept appeals to travelers seeking an active, off-the-beaten-path adventure. It’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone who enjoys games and exploring at their own pace. The hunt covers various categories, with points awarded based on difficulty, making it engaging for all ages.
Bottom line: Perfect for a playful, informal exploration—especially if you prefer games over traditional sightseeing.
$10.00 per person
9. Memphis Airport to Memphis City Private Transfer
If your focus is on arriving smoothly, this private transfer service from Memphis Airport to your hotel is a dependable choice. For $85.03, a professional driver will meet you, help with luggage, and get you to downtown comfortably. They monitor your flight to avoid delays, and amenities like Wi-Fi and soft drinks make the ride pleasant.
While not a tour in the traditional sense, it’s a practical service that ensures your Memphis arrival is stress-free. It’s best suited for travelers arriving late or with limited time to navigate public transport or cabs.
Bottom line: Reliable, hassle-free transfer for a comfortable start or end to your Memphis trip.
$85.03 per person
10. Memphis City to Memphis Airport Private Transfer
The departure transfer mirror’s the arrival service—professional, private, and simple. For around $82, you’ll be taken from your hotel to Memphis Airport, with a driver ready at your scheduled time. The service includes door-to-door delivery, no hidden fees, and a clean vehicle, ensuring a smooth departure.
This service provides peace of mind, especially if you want to avoid last-minute transportation worries. It’s particularly useful for early flights or when traveling with luggage.
Bottom line: A dependable way to conclude your Memphis visit comfortably and on time.
$82.19 per person
How to Choose the Best Memphis City Tour
When deciding which tour fits your needs, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you want a broad overview with a focus on music history, the Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission offers excellent value. For a deeper Elvis experience, opt for the Premium Elvis Experience, which combines personalized guide service with a private Graceland visit. Travelers interested in civil rights or river scenery should look at the Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise.
Those on a tight budget or with a sense of adventure might enjoy the Epic Scavenger Hunt Game, which makes exploring Memphis a game. And newcomers arriving at the airport will appreciate the private transfer services for a stress-free start or end.
Final Thoughts
Memphis offers a remarkable range of city tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a well-rounded introduction, the bus tours with optional add-ons are reliable choices. Elvis fans will find the Graceland-focused trips irresistible, especially the private, premium experiences. Meanwhile, active travelers might prefer the scavenger hunt to see the city in a fun, unconventional way.
No matter what you choose, booking early will ensure you get your preferred time, especially during peak travel seasons. With so many options, it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your Memphis visit. Enjoy your trip—and don’t forget your camera!