A city just as eclectic as its musicians, Memphis is the stomping ground for music greats of today and years past, such as Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. From Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame to Beale Street’s blues-club vibes, music lovers never run out of things to do in Memphis. Other attractions and must-dos include visiting the National Civil Rights Museum and Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, as well as dining on traditional Tennessee barbecue.
Memphis is hot and has high humidity in the summertime, which can make a not-so-fun travel combination. Unless you’re visiting for Elvis Week in August, try a trip in the spring or fall, instead. Both seasons offer much better temperatures for exploring the many things to do in Memphis and also tend to be less crowded. If you don’t mind colder temperatures (and possibly a little snow), a winter visit also can be nice, with many holiday displays and events happening in December.
Memphis is a somewhat walkable and bikeable city, depending on what areas you’re visiting and your activity level. There are, however, other ways to get around. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) covers much of the city with 33 routes and is an affordable option for getting from place to place. Hop-on hop-off bus tours and free shuttles, such as the Sun Studio Shuttle, also can get you to main attractions with ease.
If you have access to a car, spend a day away from busy Beale Street and start with a visit to Full Gospel Tabernacle Church on Hale Road. The church was founded by Al Green and still features his gospel music during some of the services. Afterward, drive over to Elwood’s Shack on Summer Avenue for comfort food, and then spend a nostalgic evening at the iconic Summer Drive-In, the largest drive-in movie theater in the area.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CDT (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 20 | Tours 69 | Reviews 7,438 |
Hailed as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and blues, the city helped launch the careers of a roll call of iconic artists―including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. This Tennessee city is also known for its civil rights history and many BBQ joints, serving the famous Memphis-style barbecued pork ribs.
...MoreMusic fans will find plenty of things to do in Memphis. Some of the must-see attractions are Elvis Presley’s Graceland; the Rock’ n’ Soul Museum; and Beale Street, the so-called "Home of the Blues." For history buffs, the National Civil Rights Museum marks the site of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination.
...MoreTwo days is enough time to dive into the city’s musical legacy at the many museums, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, and soak up the nightlife along Beale Street, with its blues bars and BBQ joints. The next day, tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland and take a Mississippi River cruise.
...MoreThe most visited attractions are all must-do's for music fans—Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the legendary Sun Studio, and Memphis Rock’ n’ Soul Museum. This Mississippi River city is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and the Beale Street entertainment district.
...MoreThe most famous nightlife is downtown—hit the blues bars and BBQ joints along Beale Street, then swing by the legendary B.B. King’s Blues Club or Wild Bill’s. For a more local vibe, Midtown neighborhoods Cooper-Young and Overton Square have everything from cocktail bars and microbreweries to live music venues.
...MoreNo. Memphis is not considered one of the safer US cities. However, it’s still possible to travel safely here if you stick to tourist areas, watch out for pickpocketing, and take care after dark.
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