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City in Tennessee, United States
Photo: Egghead06 (talk), Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
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"Home of the Blues". Dozens of bars and clubs, most of them featuring live music. At night the street is closed to vehicles and you can drink on the street; some bars have "drinks to go" windows where you can get a 32-ounce cup of beer for $5 and go bar-hopping. Many bars have no cover charge. Peabody Place is largely a wasteland, as nearly all the stores inside have closed.
The Lorraine Motel
The museum was built out of the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, and out of the boarding house across the street, from which came James Earl Ray's shot. The museum features exhibitions on the whole civil rights movement, segregation and slavery in American History from the 1800s to the 1960s including the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. amongst others in the civil rights movements.
Downstairs from the Center for Southern Folklore, this wonderful museum holds a collection of over 900 Asian and Judaic artifacts.
formerly the National Ornamental Metal Museum
Displays art jewelry, architectural pieces and sculpture. The grounds are full of permanent installations, and the museum boasts one of the best views overlooking the Mississippi River. They also have a working smithy.
An interactive museum designed to teach children and adults about fire safety. Also features a realistic room to show how much damage a dropped lit cigarette can do.
The park was once accessible by monorail, made famous by a chase scene in the movie The Firm, but it has not been running for years. The park contains a museum of the Mississippi River and a scale model of the river. Visitors used to be welcome to remove their shoes and wade through the replica mighty Mississippi, but it is now dry. The "Gulf of Mexico" is a large pool in which visitors may rent paddle boats. At the tip of the park is an excellent vantage point of the city and the river. The northern end of the island is occupied by HarborTown, a model community. Entry to the park is free.
A short video is shown at frequent intervals and then you are given a headset so that you can listen to commentary and numerous songs as you walk through the exhibits. Sponsored by the Smithsonian. The museum used to be housed in the Gibson guitar factory across the street, which puts visitors right on the factory floor. Famous musicians periodically visit to pick up custom guitars or to play a set at the Gibson Lounge, in the west end of the building.
Numerous blues, rock 'n' roll, and rockabilly recordings were made here, including Elvis's and Johnny Cash's first recordings. Tours are usually given by wallet-chained and mutton-chopped local musicians. Tour tickets can be purchased at the cafe and gift shop inside the front door of the studio. Free parking is available in the back of the building.
Pandas and other animals galore - consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country. Lots to do for children and adults. Seasonal events include numerous educational events, Lantern Festival in wintertime for all ages, annual Zoo Brews beer-tasting from around the world, and drinks and music in the Yellowstone-inspired Teton Trek Lodge for adults.
Memphis Museum of Science & History
Built as a private residence by Clarence Saunders, the man who introduced Piggly Wiggly, the world's first self-service grocery store, the Pink Palace Mansion was later taken by the tax man and subsequently turned into a museum. (Saunders never actually lived in the house.) It is a very eclectic place, with everything from shrunken heads to animatronic dinosaurs with a life-size copy of the first Piggly Wiggly in between. Also has an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Well worth a visit.
Encompasses the Memphis Zoo, the Metal Museum, the Brooks Art Museum, the Overton Park 9 Golf Course, and the largest stand of old growth forest in a US city.
This neighborhood of restored homes is centered around the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue, known by some as "the intersection of Memphis." This intersection has several cool bars and restaurants, as well as numerous shops. Be sure to come for the free annual Cooper-Young festival in September.
Overton Square has undergone many changes over the years but is still the hottest place in midtown Memphis for locals and tourists who are looking for somewhere to eat, shop, or be entertained.
Part of the Memphis Museums of Science and History (MoSH), its 65-acres of lakes, meadows, and forests feature lush gardens with native wildflowers and trees and provide a home to a wide variety of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
With over 96 acres of natural woodlands and cultivated gardens, the Botanic Garden is home to the seasonal outdoor concert series 'Live at the Garden' and the renowned Japanese Garden of Tranquility. The gardens also feature "My Big Backyard", a 2½ acre children's garden with a larger-than-life birdhouse, a tunneling adventure, a teaching pond, "leaping lawn", "critter creek", and many other spaces that cater to children of all ages.
One of the United States largest urban parks, Shelby Farms is over five times the size of New York's Central Park. Visitors enjoy walking, fishing (with a valid Tennessee fishing license), mountain biking, horseback riding, sailing, canoeing, paddle-boating, disc-golf, and bird-watching. Its Woodland Discovery Playground includes a large treehouse, sand area, climbing nets and activities for children of all ages. The park is also home to a herd of American Bison.
The promotional material says "no backpacks" but this is not so. In any case, they can keep your backpack at the front desk, as with cameras which are not allowed.
Home of Elvis Presley, "The King of Rock and Roll". It's no surprise that this is the number one tourist attraction in Memphis. Think "tacky tourist" trap but don't miss it – you might be pleasantly surprised. Although it is not advisable to venture in the suburbs surrounding the site, there is lots and lots of Elvis stuff to see here - the house itself (the upper floor, with Elvis' bedroom and Lisa Marie's nursery, is not open to the public), customized private airplanes, an automobile collection, gold records, costumes, and more. Elvis Week ("Death Week" to the locals) in early August, culminating in the candlelight vigil on the anniversary of Elvis' death, is a big deal. Check out the bizarre felt-pen scribblings on the fence outside. If you happen to be in Memphis during Birth or Death Week – January and August, respectively – sit downtown for a few hours just to watch the Elvis fans. Not just on Halloween, but at any time of year, dress up like the King (or like Priscilla if you're a girl) and you'll instantly be a star in your own right!
Minor League Baseball team that plays at AutoZone Park, in the middle of downtown. They are the Triple-A affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals.
FedExForum is the largest public building construction project in Memphis history. Managed and operated by the Memphis Grizzlies, the facility is home to the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and the University of Memphis Tigers men's basketball team.
National Basketball Association (NBA) team that plays at the FedExForum
Teams representing the University of Memphis, which participate in NCAA competition as members of the American Conference. The most visible Tigers team by far is the men's basketball team, regularly a conference contender and occasionally a national contender as well. As noted above, the men's basketball team plays at FedExForum (though not the women's team, which plays on campus). The football team also plays off campus at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on the former Mid-South Fairgrounds.
You can see most of Memphis' historic musical attractions on this fun, funky, educational bus tour. It's the only tour in town to put Memphis' musical heritage in the hands of real musicians, who will combine story, comedy, and live music in a one-of-a-kind show on wheels. Audience participation is encouraged with drums and other percussion pieces provided on the restored 1959 transit bus. The 90-minute tour is well worth the time and money. Admission must be purchased in advance online or by phone.
The Grizzlies' NBA G League affiliate plays at the Landers Center on the Mississippi side of the border in Southaven, MS.
Month-long festival featuring:
Check out this great beer producer. You can tour the facility for free on any Saturday, but you must make reservations. Tours start at 1PM.
Forested area along the Mississippi for recreating and observing nature.
Features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 4 miles of hiking path along the Mississippi bluffs, and a small nature center. Formerly named the Shelby County Negro State Park, it is now named for African American educator and politician, T.O. Fuller.
Skydiving for beginners and the experienced alike.
Axe, Hatchet and Tomahawk Throwing
A destination for axe-throwing, tomahawk, and hatchet enthusiasts. Craft beverages are available. Groups and parties welcome. Experts will guide you through axe-throwing, ensuring a safe and entertaining experience for all skill levels.
Featured musical acts could be anybody, from reggae to country-western acts – all of them party bands, to be sure. Make sure you show up ready to move a little, and drink a little.
It sits unassumingly in a strip mall three miles northeast of Beale Street, where, as if out of an old movie, the boisterous Memphis Soul Survivors, led by the boisterous Miss Nicki, play to a boisterous crowd. Night hours on F-Su. As they pay the $10 cover, patrons are greeted at the door by Wild Bill himself.
Memphis' newest music venue, in Midtown at the former location of Strings 'n' Things.
A classic diner and the oldest restaurant in Memphis. One of the most Memphis-cultured places in town. Speros Zepatos founded the diner in 1919 after immigrating from Cephalonia, Greece. Traditional diner food with the addition of pizza and hummus sandwiches. Featured in several movies, including Jim Jarmusch's "Mystery Train".
Calvary Episcopal Church Waffle Shop
Probably the oldest pop-up restaurant in the South. Serving waffles since 1928. Probably the only place you can get Tomato Aspic, Fish Pudding, Boston Cream Pie, or Chicken Hash for lunch.
Eclectic, unique atmosphere, a staff that defines cool and of course the Soul Burger. Visitors can request a special ghost tour upstairs of the one-time brothel and then enjoy the best burger in Memphis. With a jukebox loaded with classic hits and a staff full of colorful stories of its history, even Cameron Crowe couldn't resist including Earnestine and Hazel's in his film Elizabethtown.
Kind of trendy, but nice wait staff and good food.
Good ribs. The garlic pan-seared shrimp is tasty, as well.
90 beers on tap and ~120 in the bottle. Best beer selection in town. Serves typical bar food which is decent quality despite the Flying Saucer being a small chain.
Everything you expect in a Brazilian steakhouse. Expect $40-$50 per person for supper, but it's worth it. Lunch is the most economical time. Dressy attire--a dress shirt and slacks for men at the least--is strongly recommended.
A Memphis legend. Excels at Memphis-style BBQ in a no-frills environment where some of the crusty wait staff have logged more than 30 years. Go early – this in-the-basement establishment has quite a following and a long wait is expected nearly every night. Dry-rub ribs are the trademark, but also give the sausage plate and BBQ nachos a try. Pricey given the decor (and the fact that you're eating BBQ). Expect $15-20 per person.
Try their signature cup "The Real Cappuccino".
Bar/grill that occupies the site of the old North End restaurant. The North End was destroyed by arson in 1998, and Westy's took its place. Known for fried pickles, tamales, a wide selection of wild rice dishes and a popular fudge pie. Expect $7-12 pp, open late.
This retro diner it's got great burgers at a reasonable price. The only catch is that they are deep fried. It's definitely worth trying. Another recommendation is their chili cheese fries.
Blues, brews & burgers since 1970. Casual tavern with a custom of blowing toothpicks into the ceiling through straws. Burgers any way you can imagine earns it a perennial "best burger" win in local reader polls. Come on Sundays for jazz afternoons and blues evenings.
A great bar scene with awesome food that is a cut above your average bar grub. It's also a bit cheaper than the touristy places, as you can eat here for under $10 easily.
Gus's fried Chicken
Fried chicken.
Good place for bar food and/or rock shows. Try the fried dill pickles and of course the sweet potato fries. One of the biggest beer selections in town.
Super yummy Vietnamese soup less than $10 for a bowl as big as your head.
Very good Mexican food priced around $10 per entree, with the best margaritas as voted by Memphis residents.
Open for breakfast and lunch. Great omelettes. Fair-trade coffee. Strange hours. Associated with the Juniper Bakery, all proceeds going to drug rehab.
The only locally brewed beer in Memphis (also a national award winner). Great pizza, entrees, etc. Excellent jazz brunch on Sundays.
A Memphis landmark, the original Huey's offers one of the best burgers in town.
Serves reliable versions of basic "American-style Italian food", being open for breakfast, lunch (offering sandwiches and plate lunches) and dinner six days a week.
Another of the best barbecue places in Memphis. Popular barbecue with good service. A sandwich with two sides will run you about $7.
Great Cajun food at moderate prices. Tuesday is $3 pint night. The Gumbo and spicy chicken sandwich is great.
This is yet another great BBQ place. There are two locations, but the original on Central Ave. is said to be the best by locals. BBQ nachos and ribs are must-haves.
Consistently voted "Best Steak," by readers of all four major Memphis publications, Folk's Folly pairs fine dining with a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. This Memphis landmark embodies an unwavering commitment to quality by offering corn-fed prime steaks, and fresh seafood.
Hole-in-the-wall bar and restaurant that serves great food. Try the shish kebobs.
Some of the best ribs Memphis has to offer.
Good seafood is hard to come by in Memphis, but Half Shell scores. Extensive menu, with a Cajun tilt to most dishes. Fresh gulf oysters, King Crab, Champagne brunch on the weekends, and menu "front page" items that change frequently. The kitchen is open until 2AM (1AM on Sunday). There is also an abbreviated menu available at the Rhythms Cafe & Bar in Concourse B, near Gate 35 at the Memphis International Airport. Half Shell is also known for its live music on the weekends and its lively late-night bar crowd. Entrées $9 and up.
Delightful neighborhood bakery with delicious baked goods--don't miss the cupcakes, with names as creative as the cupcakes are delicious--and wonderful, welcoming staff. Light lunch served as well, menu changes weekly. Voted best birthday cake in memphis by Nickelodeon Parents Connect. Lunch Items $6 and under. Cupcakes $1.50.
Jerry's has some of the best Sno Cones you'll find anywhere, with a huge selection of flavors. They also have a hot food menu featuring burgers, and fried bologna sandwiches. You can get a full meal sandwich, fries, drink, and dessert all for under $10.
One of the oldest restaurants in Memphis, with excellent American-Italian food. Don't miss the barbecue spaghetti or pizza.
No ambiance to speak of, but the barbecue is outstanding even by Memphis's high standards. The Interstate Barbecue in the B terminal of the Memphis airport is just as good. There's always a line, but it's worth it. There will be another plane later.
Big slices, round pies, tender crust; Brooklyn style pizza. "The Memphis" features pulled pork, onions, and coleslaw from nearby Central BBQ. Rooftop seating with fans and shade.
local pizza and beer joint in a classic location.
Want to just hang out in your hotel? Call Camy's for the best pizza delivery in town. Only delivery.
Tasty Pizza (BBQ chicken is good). Cold beer. All you really need.
Great 1970s atmosphere, great 70s style pizza.
Round pizza, square cut, unique sauce and cheese. Also excellent hamburgers.
Brilliant! A real pizza place in Memphis (Germantown). This place also has and extensive craft brew beer menu.
Best deli sandwiches in Memphis. Try the "Cheesy Muff" (vegetarian muffeletta) or "My Bleeding Heart" (spicy spicy hummus pita).
Also has a good selection of harder liquor and high-test beer. This place is very popular and always packed on the weekends, but has a fantastic, efficient staff that get you in and out quickly. Open every hour it's legal: M-Sa 8AM-11PM.
Speaking of booze, if you need packaged goods and you're in midtown, head to Joe's (Poplar and Belvedere) as much to see Sputnik (the vintage, spinning, twisting neon star) as for the beverages. Go at dusk for maximum effect.
Probably has one of more extensive wine stocks in Memphis liquor stores.
Brew pub and food. Featured on many "Best Of" lists.
Playboy magazine rated Newby's the "best place to party like a Rock Star!"
Specializing in Italian style espresso based coffee. The coffee shop features comfort and conference style seating for meetings, free wireless internet, and print/copy/scan/fax capabilities to keep you productive throughout your day. Make sure to bring your laptop and stay a while. This coffee shop also feature a collection of Don Newman's vintage black and white photographs from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.
A social hub for Memphis' art and music community. Espresso by day and beers at night when the coffee shop hosts intimate folk/rock shows.
This is a nice and moderately priced bar/restaurant. It's a good place to start the evening on the Highland strip. They have many types of beer at reasonable prices (about $7 for a pitcher) and have some veggie-friendly selections on their menu.
A great place to come relax and have a cup of coffee and enjoy a nice hookah. This is a private club due to the smoking factor so be prepared to pay a $6 membership fee and to be carded (this is an 18 and up establishment). It's got a very nice, laid back atmosphere and also has free Wi-Fi. It's on South Highland next to McDonald's. This is a coffee shop, and there is no alcohol on premises. A DJ plays there on Saturday nights.
Victorian mansion-turned-lounge featuring potent drinks and an innovative, varied menu in a chic atmosphere. Explore all the rooms, each unique in theme and decor, full bars upstairs and downstairs, and a piano bar with amazing jazz singer weekend nights. Make sure not to miss the mac 'n' cheese, chocolate brioche sandwiches for dessert and the delightful mojitos.
The Super 7 Inn is just 10 minutes’ drive from the Memphis International Airport. This property is less than 7 mi from Memphis city center and Beale Street.
A few blocks from Beale Street; a relaxing accommodation.
Downtown near Memphis Medical Center.
This is right on Beale Street--as opposed to the Holiday Inn and the Peabody, both of which are a few blocks away. The room prices are average, but beware: it is noisy. If you want to party then this is the place, but for a quieter getaway, stay a few blocks away.
A hotel adjacent to Wolfchase Galleria Mall. Offers a pool, 24-hour fitness center, on-site dining and free wifi.
Offers indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, a restaurant and lounge.
Don't miss the ducks in the lobby fountain and their daily procession (11am and 5pm); you don't have to stay to see them. Luxury extras, sheets and service in a historically and architecturally significant hotel.
Overlooks the Mississippi River, offering luxury in a delightful boutique hotel atmosphere.
formerly Madison Hotel
Downtown near the river, it is a modern boutique hotel with clean lines, contemporary vibe and stylish luxury.
Not flashy, but a decent place to stay. Holiday Inn was founded in Memphis in 1952.
Dry goods store whose motto is "If we don't have it, you don't need it." It's the place for souvenirs. It's been there forever, and is a breath of fresh air from the bulk of the establishments on Beale St, with live blues of its own during the day. Most family friendly store on Beale.
A small shopping/entertainment district on Madison Avenue, near Cooper.
One of the oldest independent book stores in the country, Burke's has been selling new, used and rare books since 1875. A popular stop along book signing tours for authors ranging from John Grisham to Archie Manning and Anne Rice, Burke's has also been visited by celebrities such as Benecio Del Toro, Michael Jackson, Gene Hackman, REM and Matt Dillon.
By plane
By car
By foot or bicycle
If bicycling or on foot from West Memphis, Arkansas, take the Harahan Bridge.
By train
Running along the Mississippi River, Amtrak's overnight City of New Orleans between Chicago and New Orleans, serves Memphis once daily.
By bus
Memphis is laid out in a more or less east/west fashion. Roads primarily go east/west and north/south. The expressway cuts directly through the city.
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