Step into Memphis’s shadowy past with Backbeat Tours’ gripping 90-minute True Crime Tour. Discover infamous crime scenes, hear stories of legendary figures, and unwind with a signature cocktail at a chic hotel—a memorable way to see Memphis’s darker side.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking required
Wildlife
History
Memphis’s reputation as a crime hub developed during Prohibition and the mob era, shaping many stories still told today.
Conservation
This tour emphasizes city preservation and respectful storytelling to honor local history without glamorizing crime.
Backbeat Tours
Step into Memphis’s shadowy past with Backbeat Tours’ gripping 90-minute True Crime Tour. Discover infamous crime scenes, hear stories of legendary figures, and unwind with a signature cocktail at a chic hotel—a memorable way to see Memphis’s darker side.
Backbeat Tours is a Memphis-based tour company offering a range of guided experiences that showcase the city’s history, music, food, and folklore. Operating from Memphis, Tennessee, Backbeat Tours presents walking tours, bus-based Mojo Tours, extended discovery excursions, and specialty themed experiences.
Highlights include the Historic Memphis Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale, a 90-minute walk led by the author of A Guide to Historic Downtown Memphis; the Memphis Mojo Tour with Sun Studio admission led by professional musicians; and the Memphis Discovery Tours that combine sightseeing with local BBQ and museum visits. Tours range from one-hour Beale Street walks and 90-minute specialty walks — such as the True Crime Tour and the Walking Ghost Tour — to three-hour Discovery and Mojo Tours that include museum admission or a Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise.
Many tours emphasize music history, with stops like Sun Studio and the Stax Museum included on select itineraries. The True Crime Tour offers a signature cocktail stop at the Moxy Hotel as part of its route. Backbeat Tours focuses on local storytelling and guided commentary that ties landmarks, anecdotes, and cultural context together for guests of all ages. Admission inclusions and professional guide partnerships appear on specific itineraries, providing clear expectations at booking. Visitors can choose from themed options — history, music, crime, food, and haunted walks — tailored to different interests and timeframes. By centering local expertise and varied formats, Backbeat Tours delivers accessible, topic-focused experiences across Memphis. Booking information, schedules, and specific admission details are available on the tour listings online.
Base Location
Memphis, TN
Historic downtown hub
Tour Durations
1–3 hours
Short, guided experiences
Tours Offered
9
Variety of themes and lengths
Special Access
Sun Studio & Stax
Includes museum admissions
Reserve a spot on a Beale Street walk, Mojo Tour, riverboat cruise, or specialty themed tour and discover Memphis on a guided, expertly narrated outing.
Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll be walking through city streets, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Bring a notebook
Jot down any stories or details that pique your interest for later reflection.
Arrive early
Getting to the meeting point a few minutes early ensures a prompt start and a better experience.
Be prepared for the dark
Some sites may be poorly lit, so use a flashlight or phone light for safety and clarity.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes make walking through city streets comfortable and safe.
Phone or Camera
Capture photo memories of historic sites and city views.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Stay warm during the cooler months or evenings.
winter|fall
Small Flashlight
Helpful for poorly lit areas and uneven surfaces.
winter|spring