Memphis is Elvis + BBQ + blues + civil rights history. 2-3 days perfect. Here are the 15 essentials.
Top Things to Do in Memphis
1. Graceland (Elvis’s home)
Cost: $80.
4 hours minimum. Audio guide + planes + cars.
2. Sun Studio (where Elvis first recorded)
Cost: $15.
Where Elvis + Johnny Cash + B. B. King recorded.
3. National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel)
Cost: $18.
Where MLK was assassinated. Powerful.
4. Eat Memphis BBQ at Central BBQ or Cozy Corner
Cost: $15-25.
Dry rub style ribs.
5. Walk Beale Street + B.B. King’s Blues Club
Cost: Free walking.
$5-15 cover at clubs.
6. Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Cost: $15.
Where Otis Redding + Isaac Hayes recorded.
7. Peabody Hotel + the Duck March (11am + 5pm daily)
Cost: Free lobby.
Ducks march to fountain on red carpet.
8. Eat fried chicken at Gus’s World Famous
Cost: $10-20.
Spicy + crispy. Best fried chicken in South.
9. Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Cost: $13.
Smithsonian-affiliated. Music history museum.
10. Walk Memphis Mississippi Riverwalk
Cost: Free.
2 miles along the river.
11. Eat at Hog & Hominy (modern Southern)
Cost: $40-60/person.
Best fine dining in Memphis.
12. Catch a Memphis Grizzlies game
Cost: $20-100.
NBA basketball.
13. Brookhaven Greenway hike
Cost: Free.
2-mile urban greenway.
14. Day trip Tunica, Mississippi (casinos)
Cost: Free entry.
30 min south. Mississippi River casino strip.
15. Drink at Earnestine & Hazel’s (haunted bar)
Cost: $5-10/drink.
Soul Burger + ghost stories.
Practical Tips for Memphis
Currency: Local currency essential. USD accepted in some tourist areas at worse rates. Carry small bills.
Transport: Use Uber/Cabify/local apps (not street taxis). Public transport is cheap but watch belongings.
Safety: Don’t flash phones/cameras in crowds. Use hotel safes. Use Uber not taxis at night.
Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Round up taxis. Tips welcome from porters + drivers.
Where to Stay in Memphis
Stay in safe tourist neighborhoods. Mid-range boutique hotels offer best value. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season.
FAQ
Is Memphis safe?
Memphis is generally safe in tourist areas. Standard travel precautions apply – watch valuables in crowds. Use trusted taxi apps. Avoid certain neighborhoods at night.
How many days do I need in Memphis?
Memphis deserves 3-5 days for first-timers. Add days for surrounding regions + day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Memphis?
Avoid wet/hurricane seasons. Dry season + spring/fall offer the best balance of weather + crowds + prices.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Basic Spanish helps enormously. Locals appreciate the effort. Google Translate works in a pinch. Some staff in tourist hotels speak English.
What about altitude sickness?
Cusco (11,000 ft), Quito (9,300 ft), La Paz (12,000 ft) cause altitude sickness for 10-30% of visitors. Acclimate 1-2 days, drink coca tea, take diamox if needed.
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