3 days in Memphis

Day by day

1. Day 1: Graceland and National Civil Rights Museum

   Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum and Beale Street, then Big River Crossing in the evening.

   1. Morning

      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.

   2. Late morning

      National Civil Rights Museum

      Allow at least three hours, and leave time for the exhibits across the street in the Legacy Building, which many visitors rush.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Dry-rub ribs

      Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, in an alley across from the Peabody, has served them since 1948; barbecue joints across the city offer both dry and wet.

   4. Afternoon

      Beale Street

      Three blocks of neon-lit clubs, bars and shops mark the street where W.C.

   5. Evening

      Big River Crossing

      Walk over at sunset, then stay for the light show; bring water in summer, as there is little shade.

2. Day 2: Sun Studio and Stax Museum of American Soul Music

   Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and The Peabody Ducks, then Overton Park and the Levitt Shell in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Sun Studio

      Stand on the marked spot where Elvis recorded and hold the microphone; the guides tell stories that bring the room to life.

   2. Late morning

      Stax Museum of American Soul Music

      On the site of Stax Records, home of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Pulled pork sandwich

      Barbecue restaurants and roadside joints throughout the city.

   4. Afternoon

      The Peabody Ducks

      Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot around the fountain or on the mezzanine; the morning march is usually less crowded.

   5. Evening

      Overton Park and the Levitt Shell

      Bring a picnic blanket to a free Levitt Shell concert on a warm evening, and walk the Old Forest trails beforehand.

3. Day 3: Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum and Blues Hall of Fame Museum

   Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame Museum and Tom Lee Park, then Beale Street in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

      Developed with the Smithsonian Institution, this museum tells how sharecroppers' music from the Delta became rock 'n' roll and soul, using audio guides that let you listen to more than a hundred songs along the way.

   2. Late morning

      Blues Hall of Fame Museum

      Combine it with the National Civil Rights Museum across the street on South Main.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Barbecue spaghetti

      Many traditional barbecue joints offer it as a side; ask if it is not on the board.

   4. Afternoon

      Tom Lee Park

      Reopened in 2023 after a major redesign, this long riverside park below the downtown bluff has playgrounds, shaded pavilions, sports courts and lawns facing the Mississippi.

   5. Evening

      Beale Street

      Blues clubs, bars and street performers in a pedestrian zone that stays busy late on weekends.

Before you go

• Graceland: Buy timed mansion tickets online in advance, especially in summer, around Elvis's birthday in January and during Elvis Week in August.

If it rains

• Swap in Dixon Gallery and Gardens (East Memphis): Leave time to walk the gardens, especially in spring when azaleas and dogwoods are in bloom.
• Swap in Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid (Pinch District): Take the lift to The Lookout at sunset for the best river view in the city.
• Swap in Children's Museum of Memphis (Midtown): Ride the historic carousel and, in summer, bring swimwear for the splash park.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Downtown and Beale Street keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, South Main Arts District ($$$) suits culture, couples and food lovers. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 18–21 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Memphis
• 2 days in Memphis

Questions travellers ask