Memphis True Crime & Historic Tours with Backbeat Tours - Memphis

Memphis True Crime & Historic Tours with Backbeat Tours

Memphiseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels with basic stamina for walking 2-3 miles.

Overview

Walk the streets of Memphis with Backbeat Tours for true crime tales and historic stories that go deeper than Beale Street’s neon lights. Discover unsung stories and iconic sites on a uniquely engaging tour.

Details

Memphis, Tennessee, is a city where the pulse of history beats loudly through its streets, and Backbeat Tours offers a compelling way to experience the city’s layered stories beyond the usual landmarks. Centered in the heart of Memphis, these walking tours unveil a side of the city steeped in true crime tales and historic depth, moving past the famous Beale Street into neighborhoods and narratives many visitors miss.

Backbeat Tours’ standout offering, the Memphis True Crime Tour, draws guests into some of the city’s most intriguing and lesser-known crime stories. This tour unfolds like a real-life detective story, guided by passionate experts who blend historical facts with anecdotal flair. The tour’s format, which includes a knowledgeable guide and live musical interludes, lends a unique rhythm to the walk, creating an immersive experience that balances chilling stories with Memphis’ vibrant cultural backdrop.

Alongside the crime tours, the Historic Memphis Walking Tour titled "Memphis Beyond Beale" introduces travelers to a diverse collection of sites, including Elvis Presley’s first apartment and the Lorraine Motel, the tragically iconic site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. These sites, coupled with engaging storytelling, paint a vivid image of Memphis’ past, inviting visitors to connect with the city’s resilience and complex heritage.

Backbeat Tours enhances the experience with logistical ease—pickup and drop-off right on Beale Street keeps the energy alive and lets visitors slip seamlessly into the city’s nightlife afterward. The company’s ability to accommodate groups of all sizes with personable guides and engaging musical performances stands out in Memphis’ tourism scene. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these tours reveal authentic layers of Memphis that travelers won’t find in guidebooks, making Backbeat Tours essential for anyone looking to understand the city beyond the surface.

Adventure Tips

Stay Hydrated and Dress Comfortable

Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water—Memphis can get hot, especially in summer.

Arrive Early for Beale Street Access

Tours start near the heart of Beale Street—arrive early to soak in the atmosphere before the walk begins.

Bring a Camera for Historic Sites

Historic landmarks like the Lorraine Motel and Elvis’ apartment offer great photo ops, so keep your camera ready.

Wear Weather-Appropriate Layers

Spring and fall can have variable weather—layering helps you stay comfortable on the walk.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • I AM A MAN monument reflecting civil rights history
  • Lorraine Motel, site of MLK assassination, now the National Civil Rights Museum

Wildlife

  • City birds like pigeons and mockingbirds
  • Squirrels in nearby green spaces

History

Memphis’ true crime history echoes from its decades as a cultural crossroads, with stories spanning Prohibition gangsters to civil rights era struggles.

Conservation

Tours emphasize responsible city tourism practices that respect historic sites and reduce environmental impact in urban spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Late afternoon golden hour
Early morning for soft light
Blue hour after sunset

Best Viewpoints

  • Beale Street vibrant neon signs
  • Lorraine Motel exterior
  • Mississippi River views from downtown

What to Photograph

Historic architecture
Street performers
Iconic Memphis murals

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating city streets comfortably throughout the tour.

Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during warmer months when Memphis heat builds.

summer specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Adjusts to Memphis’s changeable spring weather during outdoor walking tours.

spring specific

Portable Charger

Useful for keeping phones charged for photos and guide app use on longer days.

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