Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour

Discover the captivating history of Memphis on a leisurely walking tour of historic Cotton Row. Explore Court Square, enjoy river views, and hear tales of rebels and bootleggers.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Beale Street - The tour starts on historic Beale Street, the Home of the Blues, at Alfred’s on Beale
  • Court Square - History of one of Memphis’ oldest and most beautiful parks
  • Confederate Park - History of the 1862 Civil War Battle of Memphis
  • The Peabody Ducks - History of the South’s Grand Hotel and the Peabody duck march
  • Mississippi River - History and importance of the Mississippi River
  • General Washburn’s Escape Alley - Civil War history of Memphis
  • WDIA-WHRK Radio Building - History of WDIA, the “Goodwill Station”
  • Barboro Alley - History of yellow fever in Memphis
  • The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange - History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row
What's Included
  • Professionally-led tour with an expert guide
  • Inclusive of all local taxes
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Embark on a two-hour on-foot adventure around Memphis, delving into its vibrant past at an unhurried pace. Our journey takes us to the historic Cotton Row and Court Square - the heart of 19th-century Memphis with its breathtaking beauty; soak up the panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River; and listen to captivating stories about Civil War rebels and Prohibition Era smugglers. A part of your journey involves a treasured Memphis tradition, the renowned Duck March at The Peabody Hotel. This tour is tailored to entertain all age groups.

  • 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.
Location
Alfred's On Beale
Beale Street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(367 Ratings)
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Carol_a
Aug 2, 2024
Great tour! Highly recommend - Kate, the tour guide, was so knowledgeable about the city and historical happenings. She was open to questions and very friendly. Although this is a walking tour, it is a easy walk. You see all the highlights of the area. The tour was about 90 minutes, perfect.
Review provided by Viator
Carrie_j
Aug 1, 2024
Interesting - It was an interesting tour full of the history of Memphis. Learned fun info that unless you’re a local you’d never know about. Our guide Kate was amazing and so knowledgeable!
Review provided by Viator
Bridgete908
Jul 21, 2024
So much to learn! - We really enjoyed the historical tour of Downtown Memphis. Our guide, Mary, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. You could tell she really enjoyed her job and loved Memphis - you can't get a better tour guide than that! We learned a lot and plan to come back to learn more based on our great tour and experiences while visiting Memphis. Two thumbs up!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explorer29631328547
Jul 6, 2024
Relaxing Tour - Had a great and informative tour with Mary. She was very energetic and knowledgeable. Loved learning about the Beale Street area and the history of Memphis. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberlyindy
Jul 4, 2024
Great tour and guide - My mom and I went on this walking tour and we both loved it. This was our first visit to Memphis and this tour was the best! Our guide shared great insights and stories that really helped us get a sense of the city. Would definitely recommend and would take this tour again on another visit to Memphis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_g
Jun 18, 2024
Informative and relaxed - Mary was enthusiastic, friendly, and knowledgeable. Engaged with everyone. Box requires I add more, welcome to computers controlling us.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_n
Jun 15, 2024
I highly recommend the tour. - The tour was very informative the bus was comfortable but the winner was Michelle our driver. My husband gets around on a scooter but she gave me some suggestions and we were able get him through the entire tour. She bent over backwards to help us . She’s a keeper for your company.
Review provided by Viator
589jedb
Jun 8, 2024
GREAT TOUR! - Wow...this was a great tour. Mary was an amazing guide, and we really appreciate that she ran the tour even though there were only two of us. She was thorough, thoughtful, prepared, organized, and very patient with our questions. Take this tour and request Mary as your guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jed_b
Jun 7, 2024
A fantastic tour of a great and important city - Wow...this was a great tour. Mary was an amazing guide, and we really appreciate that she ran the tour even though there were only two of us. She was thorough, thoughtful, prepared, organized, and very patient with our questions. Take this tour and request Mary as your guide!
Review provided by Viator
798angiew
Jun 7, 2024
Knowledgeable and courteous - Charles gave a fantastic guide of downtown Memphis! He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous of those of us affected by the heat. We always stopped to talk in the shade!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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