Travel guide · United States
Memphis travel guide
Blues, soul and rock 'n' roll studios, dry-rub ribs and the Mississippi riverfront
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Memphis sits on a bluff above the Mississippi in the far southwest corner of Tennessee, where the blues of the Delta met country, gospel and R&B and helped give birth to rock 'n' roll. Visitors come for Graceland, Sun Studio and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, for the neon of Beale Street, and for the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Between them, the city's barbecue — dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork with slaw — is reason enough to stay another day. Plan 3 days for a first visit; the best months are April–May and October–November.
Key facts
- Country
- United States
- Best time to visit
- April–May and October–November
- Ideal stay
- 3 days
- Main airports
- MEM
- Mid-range daily budget
- $180–$290 per person (estimate)
- Known for
- Graceland and Elvis, Blues on Beale Street, Soul music at Stax and Sun Studio
Why visit Memphis
- Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum tell the story of American popular music where much of it was recorded.
- The National Civil Rights Museum, built around the Lorraine Motel, is one of the most powerful history museums in the country.
- Beale Street's blues clubs have live music most nights, often without a cover charge on weeknights.
- Memphis barbecue, especially dry-rub ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, is among the most celebrated in the South.
- The redesigned Tom Lee Park and the Big River Crossing walkway put the Mississippi within easy reach of downtown.
Top things to do
The six sights most first-time visitors build a trip around. See all 18 things to do.
Historic site · Whitehaven
Graceland
Elvis Presley's home from 1957 until his death in 1977 is preserved much as he left it, from the TV Room with three televisions to the shag-carpeted Jungle Room.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- History
Museum · South Main Arts District
National Civil Rights Museum
Built around the Lorraine Motel, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Rainy day
Street · Downtown and Beale Street
Beale Street
Three blocks of neon-lit clubs, bars and shops mark the street where W.C.
- Time needed
- An evening
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Free
- History
Historic site · Union Avenue
Sun Studio
In this small studio on Union Avenue, Sam Phillips recorded 'Rocket 88' in 1951, Elvis Presley's first single in 1954 and the famous 'Million Dollar Quartet' session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in 1956.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Soulsville
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
On the site of Stax Records, home of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Experience · Downtown and Beale Street
The Peabody Ducks
Twice a day at the historic Peabody hotel, a small flock of mallards marches along a red carpet to a John Philip Sousa tune, from their rooftop palace to the lobby's marble fountain and back again, led by the Duckmaster.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Iconic
Where to stay
Downtown and Beale Street is the easiest base for a first visit. Compare all 7 areas.
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife and solo travellers
Downtown and Beale Street
Blues clubs, the Peabody's ducks and the riverfront bluff
$$$ · Best for culture, couples and food lovers
South Main Arts District
Galleries, restored warehouses and the National Civil Rights Museum
$$ · Best for food lovers, families and culture
Midtown and Overton Square
Theatres, restaurants and the green space of Overton Park
$$ · Best for food lovers, nightlife and budget
Cooper-Young
Bungalows, independent restaurants and bars around the Cooper and Young intersection
What to eat
- Dry-rub ribs — Pork ribs charcoal-grilled and coated in a dry rub of paprika, garlic and spices rather than sauce, the style that made Memphis barbecue famous.
- Pulled pork sandwich — Slow-smoked pork shoulder, chopped or pulled, piled on a soft bun and topped with tangy coleslaw, usually with a sweet, tomato-based sauce on the side.
- Barbecue spaghetti — A Memphis original: spaghetti tossed in barbecue sauce with smoked pork, served as a side or a main.
- Barbecue nachos — Tortilla chips piled with pulled pork, cheese sauce, barbecue sauce and jalapeños, a local favourite at ballgames and barbecue joints.
- Spicy fried chicken — Crisp fried chicken with a peppery, cayenne-spiked batter, usually served with beans, slaw and white bread.
- Delta hot tamales — Simmered rather than steamed, Delta tamales are smaller than Mexican ones, made with cornmeal and spiced meat and cooked in a chilli broth, a tradition in the Mississippi Delta since the early 20th century.
When to go
The best time to visit Memphis is April to May and October to November, when days are about 17–28°C and comfortable for walking, festivals and barbecue. Summer is hot and humid but brings Elvis Week in August, and winter is mild and quiet with low hotel prices.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Mild, blooming and festive, with Memphis in May and the barbecue contest, though spring storms can be strong. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot and humid with highs above 30°C and afternoon storms; Elvis Week fills Graceland and nearby hotels in August. |
| Autumn | September–November | Warm September gives way to dry, comfortable October and November days, with neighbourhood festivals. |
| Winter | December–February | Cool and damp with occasional ice, Elvis's birthday celebration, the International Blues Challenge and low prices. |
Getting there and around
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about 16 km southeast of downtown, around 20 minutes by car or rideshare. Graceland is about 10 minutes from the airport.
Downtown, Beale Street, South Main and the riverfront are walkable and served by vintage trolleys, but Graceland, Stax, Sun Studio and the parks are spread out, so most visitors use a car or rideshares.
Plan your days
Two days covers Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio and an evening on Beale Street. A third day adds Stax, the riverfront, Overton Park and more barbecue; add a day for the Mississippi Delta.
Practical information
- Currency
- USD
- Language
- English
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Tipping
- Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, cash for bands and 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
Downtown and Beale Street are heavily visited, but some streets nearby feel empty after dark; stay in busy areas at night and use rideshares between neighbourhoods. Car break-ins are common, so never leave anything visible in a parked car. Summer heat and spring storms are the main weather risks.
Flights to Memphis
Questions travellers ask
+How many days do you need in Memphis?
Two days covers Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio and an evening on Beale Street. A third day adds Stax, the riverfront, Overton Park and more barbecue; add a day for the Mississippi Delta. How to split your days.
+When is the best time to visit Memphis?
The best time to visit Memphis is April to May and October to November, when days are about 17–28°C and comfortable for walking, festivals and barbecue. Summer is hot and humid but brings Elvis Week in August, and winter is mild and quiet with low hotel prices.
+What is Memphis known for?
Graceland and Elvis, Blues on Beale Street, Soul music at Stax, Sun Studio, Civil rights history, Barbecue and Mississippi River. Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum tell the story of American popular music where much of it was recorded.
+Is Memphis expensive?
Memphis is affordable for international visitors: a mid-range trip costs roughly $180–$290 per person per day before flights (AMZBooking estimate). Costs and money-saving tips.
+Do you need a car in Memphis?
Helpful but not essential. Downtown is walkable, and rideshares cover Graceland, Sun Studio and Stax; a car is best for Shelby Farms and Delta day trips.