Memphis: 90-minute Haunted Walking Tour

Discover Memphis’ Haunted Heritage in Just 90 Minutes

The Memphis: 90-minute Haunted Walking Tour offers a compact yet immersive glimpse into the city’s spooky past. Priced with flexibility—reserve now and pay later—the tour lasts 1.5 hours and departs from Alfred’s on Beale. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 37 reviews, this experience appeals to those interested in ghost stories, historic buildings, and Memphis’s darker stories. The tour includes stops at Memphis’ most haunted buildings and offers inside access to Ernestine & Hazel’s—a notorious former brothel.

While some reviews highlight the enthusiasm and knowledge of guides, others suggest that the experience is mostly walking and storytelling, with limited inside visits. This tour suits visitors who enjoy lively narration and a brisk pace but may not be ideal for those seeking in-depth exploration of every site or accessibility for wheelchair users. Overall, it offers an entertaining introduction to Memphis’s supernatural side.

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Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick but engaging ghost tour
• Starting point: Alfred’s on Beale, with check-in at the Backbeat Tours podium inside the Patio Bar
• Main highlights: The Orpheum Theater, John Alexander Austin House, Ernestine & Hazel’s, and the Green Beetle tavern
• Inside access: Visit Ernestine & Hazel’s, a historic and reportedly haunted bar
• Guide expertise: Guides are praised for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and engaging
• Physical demands: The tour involves walking, not suitable for wheelchair users or those with low fitness

Starting at Alfred’s on Beale and the Haunted Legend of the Orpheum Theatre

The tour begins at Alfred’s on Beale, a lively music venue and familiar meeting point. From there, it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the Orpheum Theatre, one of Memphis’s most iconic venues. The theater’s haunted reputation centers around “Mary,” a spirit said to have haunted performances since 1921.

Guides narrate stories of ghostly sightings and eerie occurrences at this historic venue. The walk allows guests to appreciate the theater’s Victorian architecture and the mystique surrounding its long history of performances—adding a theatrical element to the ghost stories.

The Victorian Charm of the John Alexander Austin House

Next, the tour moves to the John Alexander Austin House, a Victorian-era mansion. This site is known for its romantic yet tragic story involving star-crossed lovers. The guide shares details about the house’s history, emphasizing its haunted reputation and the spirits believed to linger within its walls.

Visitors get a glimpse of the mansion’s architecture and the ghostly legends tied to it. The storytelling paints a vivid picture of Memphis’s historic affluent neighborhoods and their spectral inhabitants, heightening the sense of stepping back into a ghostly past.

Exploring Downtown Memphis’s Dark Side on Foot

Most of the tour’s 25-minute walk spans Downtown Memphis, where several haunted sites are located. The guide leads guests through streets filled with stories of vice, voodoo, and phantoms that have been part of Memphis’s history. This segment offers a lively narrative about the city’s darker moments and the spirits reportedly still present.

This section balances walking with storytelling, making it suitable for those eager to see the city’s historic streets while hearing gripping tales of ghostly activity. The pace is brisk, and guests should be prepared for some outdoor walking.

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The South Main District and its Haunted Vibe

Continuing into the South Main neighborhood, the tour explores an area rich with history and haunted lore. This part of Memphis has a reputation for ghost stories involving old buildings and long-standing legends. The guide shares insights into the local history and haunted tales, weaving them into the neighborhood’s character.

Guests get to see vibrant streets that contrast the eerie stories, making the experience both lively and spooky. The walk through South Main is an opportunity to absorb Memphis’s historic vibe while contemplating its ghostly past.

Inside the Most Haunted Building: Ernestine & Hazel’s

The highlight for many is the inside visit to Ernestine & Hazel’s, a notorious former brothel that is considered Memphis’ most haunted building. The guide explains the various spirits said to inhabit the bar, including a haunted jukebox. This site’s reputation as a haunted bar makes it a memorable stop, especially with the chance to step inside a building with a grim history.

Guests are encouraged to soak in the atmosphere and listen to stories of ghost sightings and unexplained noises. The inside access provides a tangible connection to Memphis’s more notorious and haunted past, elevating the experience beyond just stories.

Walking Back to Beale Street and Final Stop at 531 S Main St.

The tour concludes with a 15-minute walk back toward Beale Street, ending near 531 S Main St. Guests are free to stay at Ernestine & Hazel’s afterward or continue exploring Memphis’s lively nightlife. The tour’s final point is conveniently close to the historic district, making it easy to transition into other activities.

The finish location offers a chance for guests to reflect on the stories heard and, if desired, enjoy a drink in the haunted bar or nearby venues.

Practical Details and Tour Experience

The tour is led by live English-speaking guides praised for their energy and knowledge. Guides like Jana, Sheena, and others are noted for their storytelling skills and enthusiasm. The group size typically allows for interaction, and the pace is brisk, covering several sites within 90 minutes.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the atmospheric locations. The tour does not accommodate wheelchair users or those with low fitness levels, as it involves walking on city streets and uneven surfaces.

The meeting point is clearly marked with a red podium and neon ghost light inside the Patio Bar at Alfred’s. After the tour, guests can opt to stay at Ernestine & Hazel’s or walk back to Beale Street, which is about 10 minutes away.

The Guide’s Role and Guest Experience

Guides are widely praised for their knowledgeable storytelling, enthusiasm, and ability to answer questions. Many reviews highlight the guides’ passion, making the ghost stories both fun and credible. Some guides, like Jess and Hannah, are especially appreciated for their storytelling flair and engagement.

While most reviews are highly positive, some mention that the tour is primarily walking and storytelling without extensive inside visits. A few guests find it less engaging if expecting more building access or detailed history beyond the ghost stories.

Final Thoughts: A Fun and Spooky Introduction to Memphis

The Memphis Haunted Walking Tour offers a compact and lively way to explore Memphis’s haunted sites in just 90 minutes. It is particularly well-suited for visitors who enjoy storytelling, ghost legends, and atmospheric walks. The inside visit to Ernestine & Hazel’s is a definite highlight, providing a tangible link to the city’s sometimes dark past.

The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and engaging narration, making it both fun and informative. However, it’s primarily a walking experience with limited inside access, so those seeking a more extensive or museum-style visit might find it somewhat brief.

This tour delivers a lively introduction to Memphis’s haunted legends, perfect for a quick evening activity or a taste of the city’s mysterious side. It balances historical tales with ghostly legends, making it a memorable outing for anyone curious about Memphis’s darker stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Memphis Haunted Walking Tour?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, covering multiple haunted sites across downtown Memphis.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Alfred’s on Beale, with check-in at the Backbeat Tours podium inside the Patio Bar.

What are the main stops?
Highlights include the Orpheum Theater, John Alexander Austin House, Ernestine & Hazel’s, and the Green Beetle tavern.

Is inside access included?
Yes, the tour includes inside visits to Ernestine & Hazel’s, a highly haunted bar with ghost stories and a haunted jukebox.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with low fitness, as it involves walking on city streets.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the sites.

Can I join the tour without paying upfront?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, guides are praised for their enthusiasm, storytelling skills, and depth of knowledge.

What if I want to stay longer at Ernestine & Hazel’s?
Guests are welcome to continue enjoying drinks or food at Ernestine & Hazel’s after the tour or walk back to Beale Street.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for unaccompanied minors due to the haunted themes and walking nature.

How do I find the meeting point?
Look for the red podium inside the patio fence and the neon ghost light at Alfred’s on Beale.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby