Choose Date
Explore Haunted Downtown Memphis on a Walking Ghost Tour
Explore the darker side of Memphis on a 90-minute outdoor walking tour through the eclectic South Main Historic District, where you'll hear chilling stories from professional storytellers about the city's haunted heritage and sensational murders; along the way you'll stop at iconic sites like the historic Orpheum Theater, home to "Mary" who has haunted performances since 1921, the Victorian John Alexander Austin House, haunted by star-crossed lovers, and the notorious Ernestine & Hazel's, a former brothel long regarded as one of the most haunted buildings in Memphis-note you can go inside this creepy establishment and see its haunted jukebox on Wednesday-Sunday only.
About this activity in Downtown Memphis
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Take a 90-minute guided walking tour of Downtown Memphis’ South Main Historic District and hear chilling stories from professional storytellers about the city’s haunted past.
- Visit iconic haunted sites including the Orpheum Theater, the Victorian John Alexander Austin House, and the notorious Earnestine & Hazel's (interior access Wednesday–Sunday).
- Explore roughly 2 miles of historic streets and landmarks, perfect for fans of ghost stories, local history, and spine-tingling urban exploration.
- Finish near Beale Street with the option to stay at Earnestine & Hazel's for a drink or follow your guide back - a great way to extend the evening in Memphis’ vibrant nightlife area.
Important Information
- This mostly outdoor walking tour lasts about 90 minutes, covers ~2 miles on public sidewalks with some elevation, and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
- Tour price includes a guided walking tour and local taxes; gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, and food or drinks at Earnestine & Hazel's are not included.
- Infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller; service animals are allowed. Public transportation and multiple nearby parking garages (closest at 149 Peabody Place) are available.
- The tour does not include formal entry into most buildings, so dress for being outside and wear comfortable shoes suitable for city sidewalks and stairs.
Meeting Point
Meet in the South Main Historic District near the Orpheum Theater box office on Main Street; look for your guide there 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Includes
- Local taxes are included in your booking price.
- Experience a guided walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included - you can tip your guide at your discretion.
- Hotel pickup and drop‑off are not provided as part of this tour.
- Food and drinks at Ernestine & Hazel's are not included in the ticket price.
Other
- Infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller for easier navigation.
- Service animals are allowed to accompany you on the tour.
- Public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to the meeting point.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy the experience fully.
- Parking options within a few blocks include four different parking garages and several open‑air lots; the closest garage is at 149 Peabody Place (between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn).
- You can also try on‑street metered parking on Second Street just south of Beale, on Beale between Front and Second, or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
- After the tour concludes, you’re welcome to stay at Ernestine & Hazel's - it’s an easy 10‑minute walk back to Beale Street by traveling north on Main Street; you may also walk back with your guide.
- The tour covers approximately 2 miles on public sidewalks with some elevation, so plan comfortable shoes.
- This experience is conducted mostly outdoors and does not include entrance into any buildings, so please dress accordingly for the weather.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Fair price, David was very knowledgeable about the subject, as well as the architecture and basic history of the Memphis area.
Read More
Summary:
Sheena was awesome!!!! We loved it!!! It’s done by locals, it’s not a big business thing at all, which is probably the best part!!!! Group was small and it made it even better to hear the stories, histories and sites!!
Read More
Summary:
Sheena was an excellent tour guide and was very informative. We had a great time and enjoyed listening to the ghost stories and learning more about Memphis.
Read More
Other Popular Activities in Downtown Memphis
Explore top attractions and memorable experiences, including iconic observation decks and family-friendly activities.
138 activities found
5 star rating Recommendation
From
US $43Per Person
5 star rating Recommendation
From
US $92Per Person
5 star rating Recommendation
From
US $78Per Person
5 star rating Recommendation
From
US $19Per Person
5 star rating Recommendation
From
US $189Per Person
Plan Your Downtown Memphis Event: You’ll Find Live Music, Food, River Tours
Plan your next event in Downtown Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee to tap into a vibrant mix of live shows, guided tours, riverfront experiences, and lively food-and-drink scenes that make the area ideal for Group-Friendly concerts, corporate gatherings, and family-friendly outings. Here you can pair curated sightseeing and culinary experiences with outdoor and Water-Based activities to create multi-day, immersive Events that appeal to couples, families, and adventure-seekers alike. Whether you’re booking a performance, a workshop, or a private tour, this destination gives you flexible, experience-driven options that simplify planning and boost guest engagement.
House
- Air Conditioner
- Pet Friendly
- Security/Safety
House
- Air Conditioner
- Pet Friendly
- Security/Safety
House
- Air Conditioner
- Pet Friendly
- Security/Safety
House
- Air Conditioner
- Parking
- TV
Know more about Downtown Memphis
You’ll take a 90-minute outdoor walking tour through the South Main Historic District, covering about 2 miles on public sidewalks with some elevation. Professional storytellers share haunted heritage tales as you visit sites like the Orpheum Theater, the Victorian John Alexander Austin House, and Ernestine & Hazel's (inside visits available Wednesday–Sunday). The tour is conducted mostly outside, so dress for the weather and walking.
You will be taken inside Ernestine & Hazel's on tours that run Wednesday through Sunday only. Note that drinks or food at Ernestine & Hazel's are not included in the ticket price.
Service animals are allowed and public transportation options are nearby. Within a few blocks there are four parking garages and several open-air lots; the closest garage is two blocks away at 149 Peabody Place (between Second Street and BB King Blvd.). You can also try metered on-street parking on Second Street, Beale, or Peabody Place.
Yes - families can join this storytelling walking tour, and infants or small children may ride in a pram or stroller. The route is on public sidewalks and covers roughly 2 miles, so plan for moderate physical activity. Content includes ghost stories and historic murders, so consider age-appropriate readiness for younger children.
The tour blends theatrical storytelling with Memphis entertainment history - you’ll hear about the Orpheum Theater’s long-running apparition “Mary,” Victorian-era hauntings at the John Alexander Austin House, and the lurid past of Ernestine & Hazel's. It’s ideal if you enjoy live storytelling, historic buildings, and show-business lore in the South Main Historic District.
Yes - the tour suits groups and couples looking for adventure, thrill, and immersive storytelling. It combines eerie local legends, historic architecture in the South Main Historic District, and stops at iconic sites like the Orpheum and Ernestine & Hazel's for a memorable night in Memphis.
