Memphis: City Discovery Bus Tour

Rating: 4.8/5 (based on 89 reviews)
Price: $38 per person
Duration: 2 – 6 hours (check availability for specific start times)
Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Introduction: A Practical Look at Memphis’ Top Sights

Memphis is a city brimming with music, history, and soul, making it a natural choice for a guided tour. This City Discovery Bus Tour offers a well-rounded glance at Memphis’s most famous landmarks and cultural highlights, all packed into a flexible timeframe of 2 to 6 hours. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or food enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

One of the things we love about this tour is its focus on authentic experiences—like tasting some of Memphis’s most acclaimed barbecue at Central BBQ and visiting iconic sites such as the Lorraine Motel. The guided element, with knowledgeable guides, makes exploring this vibrant city both fun and educational. However, a potential consideration is the weather, as some parts of the tour involve outdoor sightseeing and boat options that depend on good weather conditions.

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of planning individual stops. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers with limited time, families, or those eager to get a taste of Memphis’s musical and civil rights history in a relaxed, guided setting.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines cultural, historical, and musical highlights of Memphis.
• Authentic Food Tasting: Enjoys a BBQ lunch at Central BBQ, one of the city’s favorites.
• Flexible Options: Choose to include museums and river cruises for a personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Larry are praised for their knowledge and humor.
• Accessible and Convenient: Hop-on, hop-off style tour with a central meeting point.
• Value for Money: At $38, it offers a lot of content and memorable experiences.

An In-Depth Look at What to Expect

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour begins at a central ticket booth located on the downstairs patio, making it easy to find and access. The entire experience is designed to give visitors a rounded sense of Memphis, combining indoor and outdoor activities, with the flexibility to customize your day according to the options you select—museum visits, river cruises, or both.

The typical duration ranges from 2 to 6 hours depending on your choices. The guided city tour itself lasts about 2 hours, but many guests extend their experience with museum visits or boat rides, which can turn this into a full day adventure.

Visiting the Lorraine Motel

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the visit to the Lorraine Motel, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum complex. Here, you’ll see the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent his last moments. This site is essential for understanding Memphis’s civil rights history and is treated with reverence and respect by guides. Several reviewers mention how impactful this stop is; Herb describes it as an “informative and entertaining way to learn about Memphis,” though the tour itself doesn’t include museum admission unless you opt for the museum ticket upgrade.

Beale Street and Downtown Sights

A visit to Beale Street offers a glimpse into Memphis’s musical soul—blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. Your guide will walk you through its history—how it earned its reputation as the birthplace of blues and its evolution into a lively hub of nightlife. Reviewers like Mary Frances praise guides like Larry for balancing humor with insightful history, making this part of the tour lively and engaging.

Other sights include I Am A Man Plaza, the Orpheum Theater, and historic Cotton Row. Guests appreciate the way guides weave stories into the sights, giving a deeper context to landmarks that might just seem like old buildings without their narration.

Music and Cultural Highlights

Memphis’s musical heritage is front and center, with visits to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Edge Motor Museum for optional add-ons. The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum provides insights into legendary musicians and the evolution of Memphis music, which is often praised by guests like Scott and Mary for being very knowledgeable and engaging.

The Edge Motor Museum, focusing on American muscle cars, is a surprising but interesting addition, especially for car enthusiasts. It showcases the history of American automotive design, making the tour appealing to diverse interests.

Food: Central BBQ and Tasting Experience

A big hit among participants is the BBQ tasting at Central BBQ, often highlighted as a memorable meal. Reviewers like Scott mention it as a “very tasty” inclusion, and it offers a chance for visitors to enjoy some of Memphis’s best barbeque—considered among the city’s culinary staples. This stop not only satisfies hunger but also immerses you in local flavors, making the tour feel authentic and grounded.

Optional River Cruise

For those who select the river cruise add-on, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River. Since multiple reviewers mention the boat ride as a nice experience, it’s clear that this component offers a relaxing way to see Memphis from a different perspective. However, weather can influence this part, as Marvin notes that the boat was canceled due to weather, which is something to keep in mind when planning.

Museums and Additional Stops

Guests can choose to include admission to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Edge Motor Museum, both of which are praised for their well-curated exhibits. The museum visits add depth to the tour, particularly for those interested in Memphis’s rich musical and automotive history.

Group Size and Guides

The reviews consistently highlight the guides, especially Larry, as knowledgeable, personable, and humorous. With small group sizes—sometimes only six guests—the experience feels more intimate and personal, allowing for easy questions and lively interactions.

Pricing and Value

At $38 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering all that’s included—guided sightseeing, barbecue tasting, museum admissions (if chosen), and possibly a river cruise. When you consider the depth and variety of experiences packed into this price, it’s a solid deal.

While it doesn’t include some attractions like the Civil Rights Museum admission fee, the overall value remains high, especially given the flexibility to customize your day with additional options.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits a broad range of travelers. If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded overview of Memphis’s history, music, and culture, it hits the mark. Families and groups who enjoy guided narratives and authentic food will appreciate the mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and tasting.

Music lovers will especially value the insights from guides like Larry, while history enthusiasts will find the Lorraine Motel and civil rights stops meaningful. The optional museum visits and river cruise add layers for those keen on deeper exploration.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

In essence, the Memphis City Discovery Bus Tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see the city’s highlights without the stress of navigating alone. The mix of historical sites, musical landmarks, and local cuisine delivers a well-balanced experience that captures Memphis’s spirit.

The tour’s strength lies in its personable guides, authentic food stops, and flexible options—making it a great choice for first-timers or anyone wanting a taste of Memphis without spending a fortune. The inclusion of optional experiences means you can tailor it to your interests, turning a quick sightseeing trip into something more meaningful.

While weather can influence certain parts of the tour, the overall package provides excellent value. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a guided, relaxed approach to exploring a city that pulses with music, history, and Southern charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly and accessible for travelers of all ages.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred start time and options, especially since availability can vary.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a charged smartphone are recommended for photos and navigation. Remember, the tour runs rain or shine.

Are food and museum admissions included?
The barbecue tasting is included in the tour price, but museum admissions and river cruises are optional and can be added for an extra fee.

Can I join the tour without the museum or cruise?
Absolutely. The basic tour covers the city highlights and BBQ tasting, with options to extend your experience.

How long does the tour last?
It varies between 2 and 6 hours depending on which options you select and how long you want to spend at each site.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify, but since it’s a bus tour, it’s likely accessible. Confirm with the provider if mobility assistance is needed.

Will I see Beale Street?
Yes, the tour includes a stop or pass through Beale Street, where you’ll learn about its history as the home of blues.

What makes the guides special?
Guests praise guides like Larry for being knowledgeable, humorous, and engaging—adding a personal touch that elevates the experience.

This Memphis City Discovery Bus Tour provides an engaging, affordable way to explore the city’s most iconic spots and learn about its vibrant culture. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, history lover, or foodie, it’s a solid choice to make your Memphis visit memorable and meaningful.