The Ultimate Memphis Travel Guide: Top Things to Do
From blues and BBQ to history and hip-hop, Memphis is a must-visit Southern city packed with culture, music, and flavor. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, this guide covers the best attractions, food spots, and hidden gems you can’t miss.
🎵 Must-Do Memphis Experiences
1. Visit Graceland (Elvis Presley’s Home)
📍 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd
🕒 Hours: 9AM–4PM (Closed Tue)
💰 Tickets: From $45 (VIP tours available)
✔ Walk through Elvis’ mansion, private jets, and car museum
✔ Don’t miss the Lisa Marie Jet and Elvis’ Pink Cadillac
Pro Tip: Book early morning tickets to avoid crowds.
2. Explore Beale Street (Live Music & Bars)
📍 Beale St, Downtown
🕒 Best Time: Evenings (after 6PM)
🎸 Top Spots:
- B.B. King’s Blues Club (live music & ribs)
- Silky O’Sullivan’s (dueling pianos & goat mascot)
- Rum Boogie Café (blues & strong drinks)
Free Fun: Street performers & people-watching!
3. National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel)
📍 450 Mulberry St
🕒 Hours: 9AM–5PM (Closed Tue)
💰 Admission: $18 (Powerful MLK Jr. assassination exhibit)
✔ Stand at the balcony where Dr. King was shot
✔ Interactive exhibits on civil rights history
Emotional but essential.
🍗 Memphis BBQ: Where to Eat
4. Central BBQ (Best Ribs)
📍 Multiple locations | 🍖 Must-Try: Dry-rub ribs + BBQ nachos
5. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
📍 310 S Front St | 🍗 Spicy, crispy perfection
6. The Four Way (Soul Food Legend)
📍 998 Mississippi Blvd | 🥧 Fried catfish + sweet potato pie
Pro Tip: Go to Payne’s BBQ for chopped sandwich hidden gem.
🎶 More Memphis Music & Culture
7. Sun Studio (Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll)
📍 706 Union Ave
💰 Tours: $15 (Stand where Elvis, Johnny Cash & B.B. King recorded!)
8. Stax Museum of American Soul Music
📍 926 E McLemore Ave
💰 Admission: $15 (Isaac Hayes’ gold Cadillac on display)
9. Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
📍 191 Beale St | 🎧 Free audio guide included
🌳 Outdoor & Unique Activities
10. Shelby Farms Park (Biking & Paddleboarding)
📍 500 N Pine Lake Dr | 🚣 Rent kayaks for $20/hour
11. Bass Pro Shops Pyramid (Wildest Store Ever)
📍 1 Bass Pro Dr | 🎣 Free observation deck with city views
12. Peabody Ducks March (Iconic Hotel Tradition)
📍 The Peabody Hotel | 🦆 Daily at 11AM & 5PM
🍹 Nightlife & Hidden Gems
13. Alchemy (Speakeasy Vibes)
📍 940 S Cooper St | 🍸 Best craft cocktails in town
14. Wild Bill’s (Authentic Juke Joint)
📍 1580 Vollintine Ave | 🎷 Live blues in a no-frills spot
15. Railgarten (Outdoor Bar & Games)
📍 2166 Central Ave | 🎳 Ping-pong, fire pits, & retro vibes
🚗 Day Trip Idea
16. Visit Clarksdale, MS (Delta Blues Road Trip)
📍 1.5-hour drive | 🎸 Stop at Ground Zero Blues Club
Final Tip: Wear comfy shoes—you’ll walk a lot on Beale Street!
What’s first on your Memphis list? Comment below! 🎶🍖
What is the cheapest way to get from Nashville to Memphis?
Here’s the clear comparison table:
| Travel Method | Estimated Cost | Duration | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Greyhound, Megabus) | $20–$40 | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Affordable, multiple daily departures | Can be slower than driving, limited flexibility |
| Rideshare/Carpool | $15–$30 | ~3.5 to 4 hours | Cheap, potentially faster than bus | Less reliable, depends on availability |
| Drive Yourself | $25–$35 (gas only) | ~3.5 hours | Flexible, stop as needed | Need access to a car, parking fees possible |
| Amtrak (Not Direct) | $50+ (combined bus/train) | 6–8 hours or more | Scenic, comfortable train experience | No direct route, longer and more expensive |
| Flight | $100+ | ~1 hour (plus airport time) | Fast in-air time | Expensive, airport travel and wait times |
FAQ
How far is Memphis from Nashville?
Memphis is approximately 210 miles (338 kilometers) west of Nashville by road.
Travel Time by Mode:
Driving: About 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and route
Bus: Around 4 to 4.5 hours
Flight: About 1 hour of flight time (plus airport procedures)
The two cities are connected mainly via Interstate 40 (I-40), making it a straightforward and direct drive. Let me know if you want the best scenic or fastest driving route!
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