Everything You Need to Know About Memphis

Memphis, the capital of Tennessee, is an unforgettable mixture of American music, culture and cuisine. A city deeply rooted in the civil rights movement, it is home to the first African-American mayor since Reconstruction, Willie Herenton. It has been called both the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll” and the “River City” due to its proximity to the Mississippi River. It’s a place for culture and history, for live music and good eats, for nightlife and outdoor recreation – and it packs all of this into a vibrant and culturally diverse metropolis.

But perhaps the most common question people have about Memphis is, “What can I do there?” This guide will answer this question and help you plan the perfect trip to Memphis.

What can I do in Memphis?

Memphis offers a plethora of things to do that will satisfy any type of traveler. From music lovers and history buffs to foodies and outdoor adventurers. Here are 10 things to do in Memphis that you won’t want to miss:

1. Take a tour of Graceland.

No trip to Memphis would be complete without taking a tour of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic estate. Tour the mansion, as well as other areas such as the car museum and relive his fascinating life through an audio tour.

2. Visit a jazz club.

Memphis is the birthplace of jazz, home to many of its greats like W.C. Handy and B.B. King. Visit a jazz club such as B.B. King’s Blues Club or Sam’s Lounge to experience this music first-hand. There are also opportunities to take Memphis jazz tours that explore some of the city’s famous music venues.

3. Tour Stax Records.

Visit the legendary Stax Records and take a tour of the iconic studios, where many classic hits were recorded, such as “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave, “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn, and “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam & Dave.

4. Explore the National Civil Rights Museum.

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the site of the Lorraine Motel in downtown Memphis, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. This important museum illustrates the history of civil rights from slavery to the present day and is a must-see for anyone interested in history or civil rights.

5. Have dinner at one of Memphis’ famous restaurants.

Memphis is home to some of the world’s most famous restaurants such as The Rendezvous, BB King’s Blues Club and Gus’ Fried Chicken. Enjoy southern cooking like delicious smoked ribs or fried catfish while enjoying the music scene in any one of these famous restaurants.

6. Enjoy live music on Beale Street.

Known as “Home of the Blues,” Beale Street is a hotbed for live music ranging from blues, jazz and rock. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues here, so it is easy to find something to do no matter your interests.

7. Take a carriage ride through town.

The perfect way to take in the sights of Memphis is from the back of a horse-drawn carriage. Tour companies offer guided tours around town, passing by some of Memphis’ most iconic landmarks like Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

8. Visit Sun Studio.

Sun Studio is where rock “n’ roll was born with the recording of Elvis Presley’s hit song “That’s All Right.” Take a tour of the studio, view artifacts from its history, and check out the studios where artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash have recorded over the years.

9. Go to an outdoor activity.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Shelby Farms Park is the perfect spot with its large lake that offers boat rides or fishing trips, or explore miles of trails for biking and hiking. For those who want to explore nature without leaving town, visit Overton Park for its greenspace and dog parks or explore the riverside at Tom Lee Park.

10. Take a spooky (and haunted!) pub-crawl.

Get a unique perspective on Memphis by taking a Haunted Pub-Crawl Tour through some of Memphis’ creepiest pubs! Guests visit some truly haunted locations like the Earle Marion West Mansion, the Grove Haunt Grounds and Court Square Bar & Cafe for scary stories about their past—and their ghosts! Experience some of Memphis’ scariest legends firsthand and make sure you book ahead as these tours tend to sell out quickly! Book your tour here, or check out Memphis Tours’s website for more options!
 
 
    
 
 
    
   
When visiting Memphis, there is no shortage of things to do and see! Whether you’re there for music, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of activities for everyone. Have fun exploring all that Memphis has to offer – you won’t be disappointed!