Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour

Thinking about exploring Memphis without the stress of planning every detail? The Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour might be just what you’re looking for. It offers a chance to see some of the city’s most famous hotspots at your own pace, hopping on and off as you please. As someone who’s seen a lot of city tours, I’ll share what makes this one stand out—and where it might fall short.

First, what really appeals is the freedom to explore at your leisure. Plus, the live guides seem to bring energy and local insight that can really enhance your visit. But, on the flip side, some reviews suggest the ride quality and schedule might not be perfect for everyone. It’s a solid choice for travelers who value flexibility and engaging guides, especially if you’re okay with some rough rides and limited commentary.

If you love the idea of creating your own Memphis itinerary, want a budget-friendly way to see major sights, and don’t mind a few rough patches with transport quality, this tour could fit the bill. But if smooth rides and frequent commentary are your priority, you might want to weigh other options.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on-hop-off format lets you explore at your own pace.
• Entertaining tour guides add personality and local stories.
• Iconic Memphis stops cover everything from Beale Street to Graceland.
• Ride comfort and schedule can vary, so be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride.
• No included attraction tickets, so budget for entry fees separately.
• Ideal for curious travelers who value flexibility and local insight.

Exploring Memphis on Your Terms

This tour is designed with the traveler who wants control over their sightseeing. Instead of sticking with a group, you can hop off at any of the 10 stops and linger as long as you like. That means you can spend extra time at Sun Studio, soak in the music history at the Stax Museum, or just enjoy Beale Street’s vibe—whenever it suits you.

The tour is operated with an air-conditioned bus, which is a nice perk in the heat of Memphis summers. But, a word of caution from reviews—some found the ride quite rough because the buses lack suspension, making for an uncomfortable experience if you’re sensitive to bumps. Also, the bus schedule isn’t especially frequent; one review mentions that the bus only arrives every hour and a half, which could mean some waiting around if you miss your stop.

The Stops: What You’ll See & Experience

Stop 1: Edge Motor Museum

While not as famous as other stops, this museum could be a quiet way to start your day. Not much detail is given, but it’s an option for car enthusiasts or those interested in Memphis’ automotive history.

Beale Street

This is probably the most iconic spot on the tour. Known for its vibrant live music scene and historic clubs, it’s a can’t-miss for those wanting a taste of Memphis’ legendary blues and jazz. Many visitors find Beale Street lively and fun, especially in the evenings.

Memphis Queen Line & B.B. King’s Blues Club

These stops give you a chance to soak in Memphis’ musical legacy. B.B. King’s Blues Club is a well-known venue, perfect for grabbing some food and catching live music. The Queen Line is more of a scenic ride, giving you views of the river and city.

Blues Hall of Fame Museum & Stax Museum

Music lovers will appreciate these stops. The Blues Hall of Fame Museum offers insight into Memphis’ deep blues roots, while Stax Museum celebrates soul music’s history. Both are worthwhile if you’re into the musical scene.

FedExForum

If you’re into sports or concerts, this arena is a major venue in Memphis, often hosting big events. It’s a good photo op and a reminder of the city’s lively entertainment scene.

Graceland

A highlight for many visitors—home of Elvis Presley. While the tour doesn’t include the actual ticket to enter, getting close to Graceland from the bus is still exciting. It’s a must-see site, with plenty of storytelling along the way.

Stops at the Civil Rights Museum & Other Key Locations

Though not explicitly listed in the detailed itinerary, the Civil Rights Museum is often a key part of Memphis sightseeing, and one review mentions it as a stop. It’s a powerful reminder of Memphis’ important role in social history.

The Guide & Tour Atmosphere

Several reviews highlight the guides, especially Evelyn, as a real highlight. She’s described as friendly, knowledgeable, and funny—adding a personal touch that makes the ride memorable. Good guides can turn a simple bus ride into a mini-lesson on Memphis’ culture and history, and from reviews, Evelyn seems to excel at this.

Conversely, some comments point out that the bus itself can be noisy or rough, which may detract from the experience. If you’re sensitive to noise or rides that jolt, this is worth considering.

Pricing & Value

At $50 per person, the tour sits at a reasonable price point for a city hop-on-hop-off experience. You’re paying mainly for the flexibility and the guides’ insights rather than for access to attractions, which are ticketed separately. Travelers seem to feel that the tour’s value depends heavily on the guide and the experience of the ride itself.

Some reviewers find the service a bit limited—more like a shuttle than a traditional guided tour—especially with no included commentary. But if your main goal is to see several key sites without the hassle of driving or planning, it offers good convenience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys the freedom to explore at your own pace, this tour fits perfectly. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate engaging guides and don’t mind a rougher ride or less frequent buses. Those interested in Memphis’ music sites will find it convenient to hop on and off at major attractions.

This isn’t a tour for people looking for a luxurious or smooth ride experience—if that’s your priority, other options might be better. However, for those wanting a budget-friendly, flexible way to get a feel for Memphis, it can be a good choice.

Final Thoughts

The Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour offers a practical way to see the city’s main sights while maintaining the freedom to tailor your day. The engaging guides add value, and the stops cover the essentials—Beale Street, Graceland, and key music museums. Just be prepared for some rough rides and limited scheduling, which might require some planning on your part.

It’s best suited for travelers who are curious, flexible, and comfortable with some bus discomfort. If you’re after an easy, engaging introduction to Memphis that respects your pace, this could be a worthwhile addition to your trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the flexible nature of the tour means kids can hop off at any stop. However, be aware of the rough ride and limited amenities.

How many stops are there?
There are 10 different stops around the city, including major sites like Graceland, Beale Street, and the Stax Museum.

Does the tour include tickets to attractions?
No, the ticket price covers the bus ride and guide commentary. Entrance fees to attractions like Graceland or the museums are separate.

How often does the bus come?
According to some reviews, the bus arrives roughly every hour and a half, which requires some timing planning.

What is the ride like?
The bus is air-conditioned but can be quite rough because it lacks suspension, making the ride bumpy at times.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews praise the guides, especially Evelyn, for being friendly, funny, and full of interesting stories.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather to operate smoothly. If canceled due to weather, you’d be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the bus.

In the end, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, flexible way to get a broad view of Memphis, this tour offers a lot of value—just go in with realistic expectations about ride comfort and schedule. It’s a great way to get a taste of the city’s sound, soul, and scenery without feeling rushed.