The Memphis Mojo tour from Backbeat Tours is the most fun way to get your bearings in Memphis and one of the most popular tours in the city. A guide who is also a musician tells the story of Memphis music and plays songs live as the bus rolls through town, and the passengers are encouraged to sing along and play percussion. The route starts on Beale Street and passes W.C. Handy Park, The Peabody, the Cotton Exchange, Lauderdale Courts, where Elvis lived with his parents as a teenager, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Sun Studio, mostly as short stops or drive-bys with stories at each. If you choose the option, the tour includes admission to Sun Studio or the Stax Museum, which turns it into an efficient half day. It is ideal on a first morning, because it maps out the city and points you to the places you will want to return to. This page links to the tour on Viator, rated 4.8 from more than 1,650 reviews.
How to visit: the tour meets at 197 Beale Street, by Alfred’s on Beale, and the listing includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Depending on the option you choose, it lasts from about an hour and a half to three hours, with the longer version adding Sun Studio or Stax admission. It is a mobile ticket with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and groups run up to about three dozen passengers. Prices are moderate, with discounts for children and seniors, and gratuities are listed as included.
What to expect: this is a party-style tour as much as a history lesson, so expect singing, jokes and plenty of stories. Most stops are drive-bys or quick photo stops rather than visits inside. The bus is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers can be accommodated.
Making the most of it: take it on your first day, choose the Sun Studio option if you do not have time for a separate visit, and note the places you want to see properly later. Sit near the front to catch the musician’s stories.
What to expect
The experience
A guided bus tour with live music and stories, passing the key music sites of Memphis, with optional Sun Studio or Stax admission.
Best time
Your first morning in Memphis, to get oriented before visiting the museums.
How long
About ninety minutes, or up to three hours with the admission option.
Tips
Pick the Sun Studio or Stax option if you are short on time, and remember most stops are drive-bys rather than visits inside.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers, music fans and groups who want an entertaining overview of the city.
- Families
- Kids enjoy the singing and percussion, and strollers can be accommodated.
- Couples
- A light-hearted start to a music weekend, with a singalong thrown in.
- Pair with
- Graceland in the afternoon, or Beale Street in the evening.
- Time needed
- Half a morning, or longer with the admission option.
Good questions
Where does the Memphis Mojo tour start?+
It meets at 197 Beale Street, by Alfred’s on Beale. The listing also includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
How long is the Memphis Mojo tour?+
It lasts about ninety minutes for the basic tour and up to about three hours with the admission option. Check the option you book.
Does the tour go inside Sun Studio?+
Only if you choose the option that includes Sun Studio or Stax admission. Otherwise the tour passes by with stories.
Is the Mojo tour accessible?+
The bus is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers can be accommodated. Contact the operator about specific needs before booking.
Can I cancel the tour?+
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. After that the booking is not refundable.
