Memphis Travel Guide
Memphis is a city that’s become synonymous for having lots of soul.
After all, it’s known for soul food, soul music, and being the soulful heart of the civil rights movement.
So if you’re visiting Memphis, Tennessee, you’ll want to make sure that you take in everything this soulful Southern gem has to offer.
Are you ready to go walkin’ in Memphis?
Check out our Memphis Travel Guide — and learn everything you need to know before you visit this city:
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— Memphis Travel Guide —
Planning your trip
– Best Time to Visit
Memphis has something special in store for travelers any time of year—thanks to the numerous festivals continuously happening all over the city.
May is also an especially happening month as the city celebrates its huge Memphis in May International Festival. Some of the events during that festival include–the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Great River Run.
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ROB & JOLI’S TRIP TIPS:
When it comes to weather though, we find though that it’s truly at its best between April and early June, or between October and November. These brief seasons provide a welcome respite from the humid summers.
– Getting There
- By Car
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If you love a road trip, Memphis should be a definite must-stop for your adventure around the South. Combining Nashville and Memphis is a popular road trip idea, and this 200-ish mile drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. In fact, some people even stretch their trip to as far as New Orleans, another huge music city in South.
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- By Air
.If you’re coming from further away, Memphis International Airport (MEM) will most likely serve as your first stop. Though it’s been around since 1929, it’s recently been undergoing a multi-million dollar modernization effort to enhance its overall passenger experience.
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Plus, MEM is also the proud home of the FedEx World Hub and is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world.
– Getting Around
- By Walking
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Just as the popular song goes, we personally enjoyed walking in Memphis. We had a lovely stroll during the daytime, while the weather was nice and comfortable. If you’re staying within downtown, most places are about a 15- to 20-minute stroll from each other.
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- By Bikes and Scooters
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You seriously can’t miss these all over Memphis. And for good reason too — they let people zip along, getting you where you need to be faster. Most of them can easily be accessed and unlocked via mobile apps, which are usually listed on the bike or scooter itself.
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- By Car
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If you desire flexibility, then driving might be the way to go for you. There are plenty of parking lots available near downtown. Parking can go as low as $4 for 2 hours and up to $27-29 for 24 hours. Also, there are some metered spots for a minimal rate. Most of these spots are free of charge on Sundays.
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- By Public Transport (Trolleys & Buses)
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VINTAGE TROLLEYS — These awesome restored vintage trolleys cover three main routes in the downtown area and pass notable destinations, such as: South Main’s Historic Art District, National Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street, the Mississippi River, and Renasant Convention Center. Not only are they convenient, but they also make for a great photo op, too!
. - FARE: A one-way trolley ticket costs $1
- PASSES: A Day pass costs $2 each. 3-Day passes cost $9 each. Reduced fares are also available for seniors. More info.
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PUBLIC BUSES — The local MATA city bus service is comprehensive and can also get you almost everywhere in the city. MATA bus has about 33 routes and thousands of bus stops scattered all over town. More info.
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- What’s the best form of transport?
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It ultimately comes down each individual’s preference. Personally, we liked walking around the city. During hotter days, however, we’d suggest using public transportation and/or driving on your own. For the sights located a little further from the main tourist area, like Graceland, we also used rideshares. This saved us a lot of time and gave us more flexibility in our itinerary..
— Memphis Travel Guide —
Where to Stay
– Downtown
- For tourists and especially first-time visitors — staying Downtown is the way to go.
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While there is much to see around the city, Downtown Memphis has by far the most tourist spots in one neighborhood. Sites such as Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum, and FedExForum are easily accessible from here. Given their prime location, the average hotel rates also come at a premium, usually around $180-$260+ a night.
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– Midtown Memphis
- Midtown Memphis can be a terrific choice, especially for families.
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During peak seasons, the rooms in Downtown can sell out sooner or can be a bit more expensive. Thankfully, you can get great affordable rooms in Midtown Memphis, without being too far from the action. Some very accessible sights in Midtown are places like: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Overton Park, Memphis Zoo, and the Mallory-Neely House. The famous culture and music festival Cooper-Young Festival is also held in this area.
>>> TOP 10 BEST MEMPHIS HOTELS <<<
– Graceland
- If you’re visiting Memphis just to see everything Elvis, you might as well stay near Graceland.
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It’s located about 10 miles or 15 kms south of downtown, about a 15-minute drive from the city. It’s also only 3 miles or 4.5 kms from the MEM airport. Aside from being the King of Rock and Roll’s home and final resting place, there are lots of other Elvis-themed attractions here. The luxury hotel resort, The Guesthouse at Graceland, which Priscilla Presley helped design, is located only a few steps away from Graceland itself.
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– Our Hotel Recommendations
- We stayed at Hotel Napoleon, a stunning historic hotel right in the heart of downtown.
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We thoroughly enjoyed our stay thanks to its central location, clean and modern interiors, and warm welcoming staff. Check out our hotel review for our photos and honest thoughts on this hotel.
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Here are some of the best-rated hotels in Memphis:
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>> BOOK NOW to get the best rates for
MEMPHIS HOTELS <<<
— Memphis Travel Guide —
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
We’ve put together this itinerary of the essential Memphis musts. You can try to pack all of these into one long weekend—from the iconic sites to some must-visit restaurants.
For first-timers, we recommend allotting at least 3 to 4 days. Honestly, some might find it hard to fit everything in from this Memphis Travel Guide. Then again, it’s an excellent excuse to plan another trip back!
Here’s a sample itinerary from our trip. Feel free to copy this or take inspiration for your own Memphis three-day getaway:
– Day 1
The Peabody Ducks
After breakfast, start your day at the iconic Peabody Hotel Memphis lobby, where you’ll marvel at one of Memphis’ most beloved traditions. At this iconic hotel, you can witness the adorable resident ducks marching in a parade every day down to the fountain at 11:00 am and back up again to their duck palace at 5:00 pm. Don’t forget to go up to their penthouse to check out the Duck Palace, as well as the stunning rooftop view of Memphis.
TIP: Arrive at the Peabody Hotel at least 30 mins before the march to get a good spot.
Lunch at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
Then, head over to Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous located in the narrow alleyway just across the Peabody hotel. It’s an excellent spot for lunch and a must-visit if you’re interested in good barbecue. This restaurant is famous for its dry-rub ribs and tenderloin sandwiches. It’s been around since 1948 and has been named one of the best barbecue restaurants in America.
Sun Studio
After lunch, it’s a 3-minute drive or 20-min walk to Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash got their start, thanks to Sun Records owner Sam Phillips. Here, you can see the inside of the recording studio itself. And its museum has displays about artists who recorded here throughout the years such as: B.B. King, Ike Turner, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and more.
TIP: It’s also right across the street from another must-see spot: The Edge Motor Museum—a collection of antique automobiles from different eras. Take a quick stop here at this small museum if you’re a fan of rare and classic cars.
Dinner at Gus’s Fried Chicken
Hop on a trolley back to South Main Street to grab dinner from Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. It’s called world-famous for a reason — it’s been on nearly every best fried chicken list. They serve up tender, juicy chicken covered in perfectly crisp skin seasoned to perfection. Their sides such as: coleslaw, mac & cheese, potato salad, baked beans, and more are equally as delectable.
>>> TOP 10 BEST MEMPHIS HOTELS <<<
Old Dominick Distillery
Just a few steps from Gus’s Fried Chicken, visit Old Dominick Distillery, which has been producing whiskey for over 150 years. Founded in 1866, this distillery is the first in downtown Memphis to produce whiskey even prior to the Prohibition era. Don’t forget to sample their signature drink, the Memphis Toddy, which blends their signature bourbon with a lovingly-curated array of seven spices and natural ingredients.
Nighttime at Memphis Pyramid
If you still have got energy left, visit the Memphis Pyramid. This massive pyramid is not just home to a massive Bass Pro Shops Store, it’s also got a hotel, a huge aquarium, an observation deck, a pistol & archery range, batting cages, and many other attractions!
TIP: The Memphis Pyramid closes early on Sundays, so check their schedule before visiting.
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– Day 2
National Civil Rights Museum
No first-time visit to Memphis is complete without visiting the National Civil Rights Museum. Built around the historic Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, here you’ll learn about the history of segregation and civil rights struggles in the USA. It’s inspiring to see examples of how people fought back against injustice throughout the years.
TIP: It’s worth spending at least 2-3 hours there—you’ll be awed by the history.
Lunch: Central BBQ or Arcade Restaurant
If you’re looking for a quick lunch spot, Central BBQ is right next door to the museum and has some of Memphis’ best barbecue! If you have more time, check out Arcade Restaurant, which is known to be one of Elvis Presley’s favorite diners. Try the fried peanut butter ‘n’ banana sandwich recommended by the King himself.
Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
After lunch, make sure you stop by Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum for some soulful tunes and great stories about Memphis’ rich musical history. Created by the Smithsonian, this museum tells the interesting story of the humble beginnings of rock and soul music, its pioneers, and how this genre became a major music influence throughout the world.
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Just a 5-minute walk from the museum is the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. This museum introduces visitors to some of the world’s greatest musicians, who have deep roots or meaningful connections to the city of Memphis. Moreover, their exhibit boasts of a small but robust collection of rare memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and more.
TIP: If you’d like to visit both the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Memphis Music Hall of Fame — be sure to inquire about discounted combo tickets for both museums.
>>> TOP 10 BEST MEMPHIS HOTELS <<<
Beale Street Landing
A few blocks away is Beale Street Landing, a great place to take a stroll, especially around sunset. Take in the beautiful panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi as the steamboats go by. Or you can even catch your own scenic river cruise or kayaking tour from here.
Dinner: Beale Street
Beale Street is like no other place on Earth—after all, it’s the Home of the Blues. People come from all over to hang out at this historic street and enjoy everything from live bands to food trucks. Take your time taking in the lively street atmosphere, the bright neon lights, and visiting the bars here.
TIP: Our personal recommendation on Beale Street is to check out BB King’s Blues Club and their famous fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. Not only will this restaurant fill your soul with good food, but it’s also got the best music, and plenty of drinks to wash it down with!
OPTION: Add Big River Crossing
For some extra exercise early in the morning or later in the day, visit Big River Crossing, which is free and open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
It’s a pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River and is the USA’s longest public rail, bicycle, and pedestrian bridge. Nearly a mile-long, the bridge even crosses state lines—Arkansas and Tennessee. It’s a great way to get some exercise while you take in breathtaking views of the river and Memphis skyline!
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– Day 3
Mud Island
Start your day with a stop at Mud Island, a 52-acre park that offers sensational views of both the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline. The park’s centerpiece is the Riverwalk, a huge scale replica of the Lower Mississippi River. Also, you’ll find a colorful giant block-letter “Memphis” sign on display–a perfect backdrop for fun Instagram and social media photos.
TIP: You can access Mud Island via car or via the skybridge from downtown at 125 N. Front St.
Graceland
Next stop is Graceland — The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley’s home. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Memphis. Whether or not you’re a fan, it’s a fun experience. Tour his home, check out the King’s cars, planes, and memorabilia at Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Plus, check out the fun merchandise at the gift shop!
TIP: There’s a lot to do here, so we suggest dedicating a half-day for casual visitors or a full day for die-hard Elvis fans.
— Bottomline
Memphis is an incredible, exciting, and constantly changing city. The music is world-class, the people are friendly, and the food is delicious.
The only problem is that it’s easy to get lost in all the excitement of the place. That’s why we hope this Memphis Travel Guide has given you some ideas for when you’re there.
Memphis has so much to offer travelers from all over the world—and we can’t wait for you to visit!
Disclaimer: We were invited by the Memphis Travel team for a hosted stay as media guests. However, all opinions expressed in this Memphis Travel Guide are our own and based on our honest personal experience.
