Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring Memphis without it turning into a logistical headache, a guided bus tour like this one from Backbeat Tours might just be your best bet. It promises a solid overview of the city’s famous sights, music history, and culture—all in a manageable, stress-free package. It’s especially appealing if you want a taste of everything without the hassle of planning multiple stops or navigating on your own.

What caught our eye is how this tour combines iconic landmarks like the Lorraine Motel and Beale Street with culinary treats at Central BBQ, plus optional features like museums and a Mississippi River cruise. It’s a flexible experience, adaptable to how much time you have, with reviews raving about the guides’ knowledge and the value for money. But, as with anything, it’s worth considering that some options—like the river cruise—are weather-dependent and might not always be available.

If you’re someone who loves learning about music, history, and local culture all in one go, this tour might be your sweet spot. It also seems suitable for travelers who prefer guided commentary and a relaxed pace rather than trying to hit every spot on their own. However, if you’re after an in-depth museum visit or a personalized experience, it might feel a bit rushed or limited.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Coverage: Hits the main highlights like Beale Street, Lorraine Motel, and Victorian Village.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Several reviews praise the guides for their expertise and fun personalities.
• Variety of Experiences: Tours include museum entries, BBQ tasting, and optional river cruises, making it well-rounded.
• Good Value: At $38, you get a lot for your money, especially considering the included food and museum access.
• Weather Flexibility: The river cruise is weather-dependent, so be prepared for possible schedule changes.
• Suitable for Casual Sightseers: Perfect if you want a relaxed, guided introduction rather than a deep dive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Getting a Feel for Memphis on a Bus

This tour is designed to give you a broad-brush overview of Memphis in just a few hours. It’s perfect if your time’s limited but you want to see the city’s highlights without the stress of planning multiple visits or navigating on your own. Think of it as a taste test—filling in the blanks of your Memphis story with plenty of context along the way.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a 2-hour guided bus ride through the city, providing an excellent chance to see Memphis’s layout and get some historical background from your local guide. You’ll pass by notable sights like I Am A Man Plaza, the historic Cotton Row, and the Orpheum Theater, which are key landmarks that shape Memphis’s character. Your guide’s commentary is often highlighted as a major plus—reviews consistently mention how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Visiting the Lorraine Motel

One of the most poignant moments is a stop at the Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Here, you’ll see the balcony where King spent his last moments. Many reviews speak to the powerful, respectful atmosphere at this site—a somber reminder of the city’s vital role in civil rights history. It’s a touching stop that many find meaningful and well worth including.

Beale Street and Victorian Village

Next up, you’ll explore Beale Street, the birthplace of Memphis blues and a hub of live music. While the tour doesn’t go into every detail of what’s happening on Beale, you’ll get a sense of its vibrancy and history. If you’re a music lover, this is a highlight—you’ll see where the blues was born and learn about its influence.

Across the city, Victorian Village offers a quick glimpse into the neighborhood’s elegant architecture and history. It’s a nice contrast to the lively streets, providing a sense of the city’s diverse character.

Tasting Memphis: BBQ at Central BBQ

A definite highlight for many travelers is the BBQ tasting at Central BBQ. At around lunchtime, this stop allows you to sample some of the best pork BBQ Memphis is known for. Reviews rave about the quality and flavor—“The BBQ is pork, and we do not offer substitutions,” the tour notes, but many find it satisfying and authentic. The meal adds real value to the tour, turning it into a full sensory experience.

Museum and River Options

The tour offers optional visits to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Edge Motor Museum, both of which can be included if you choose. These museums deepen your understanding of Memphis’s musical roots and classic American muscle cars. Reviewers who visited the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum appreciated the insights into music pioneers, making it a worthwhile addition.

If you select the scenic Mississippi River cruise, you’ll get a relaxing boat ride with views of the river and city skyline. However, note that this part is weather-dependent, and some reviews mention that the experience can be cut short if the weather turns sour or if the cruise is not available.

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The Overall Experience

From the reviews, what stands out is the consistent praise for the guides—Larry, Shannon, Taylor Nicole—who bring the stories to life with their knowledge and humor. One reviewer even said, “Our guide on the day was fantastic! Knew her history of Memphis!” This kind of feedback suggests that your guide is likely to be a highlight, making the experience more engaging and memorable.

The tour’s pace is generally described as just right—neither rushed nor slow—making it accessible for most travelers. It’s an excellent way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, especially if you’re in Memphis for a limited stay or want a familiar overview before exploring on your own.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

The tour costs $38 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the included stops and tastings. It lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, so you can tailor it to your schedule. Usually, it’s available in the morning, fitting well into a day of sightseeing.

Included in the price are the guided bus tour, a BBQ tasting, and optional museum admissions and river cruise—if you select those options. You’ll meet at the downstairs ticket booth, and the tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Practical tips include bringing comfortable shoes (for walking around the stops), a camera, and a charged smartphone for photos or additional info. Keep in mind that drinks are not included, and you might want to bring some water for the day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, guided overview of Memphis that hits the main sights and offers some local flavor. It’s particularly suited for first-timers, casual travelers, or those who prefer to learn about a city without the stress of planning every detail. The knowledgeable guides keep the experience lively, and the mix of sightseeing, tastings, and optional museum visits caters to a variety of interests.

If your goal is to get a taste of Memphis’s musical roots, civil rights history, and local cuisine without committing to multiple separate activities, this tour can be a great choice. However, if you’re after an in-depth museum experience or a more personalized, unhurried approach, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves a bus ride and some walking around sites. While the bus itself is accessible, specific details about mobility accommodations are not provided, so it’s best to ask the provider directly if needed.

Can I customize the stops or activities?
The tour has a set itinerary, but you can choose whether to include the museum visits and river cruise. It’s a package designed to be flexible within those options.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 2 to 6 hours. Most tours tend to be in the morning, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the 2-hour guided bus tour, the BBQ tasting, and optional museum and river cruise admissions. Drinks are not included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot, especially during busy seasons. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours beforehand.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a charged smartphone are advisable. Rain gear might be wise since the tour takes place rain or shine.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the focus on history, music, and food. If your kids enjoy sightseeing and learning, they’ll likely enjoy it too.

What if the weather ruins the river cruise?
Since the cruise is weather-dependent, it might be canceled if the weather isn’t cooperating. The rest of the tour will still go on, so plan accordingly.

All in all, the Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and food, all delivered by enthusiastic guides who know their city inside out. It’s a solid choice for visitors looking for an efficient, informative, and enjoyable way to get to know Memphis. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to see the highlights or someone wanting a relaxed overview, this tour checks many boxes.

While it may not satisfy those craving an in-depth museum experience or a personalized tour, it certainly provides good value and a memorable introduction to Memphis’s soul. The combination of landmarks, storytelling, tastings, and optional extras makes it a versatile option that could become a highlight of your trip.

For anyone curious about Memphis’s music history, civil rights legacy, or just eager to see the city’s top sights without the hassle, this tour is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: