Plan Your Trip to Memphis: Best of Memphis Tourism
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The Soul of Memphis: Bars, Blues and Barbecue
- Charles Vergos' Rendezvous5,291Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous is a top contender for "Best BBQ in Memphis", and you’ll find out why after taking a bite out of their famous charbroiled ribs prepared with a signature dry rub recipe that’s over 70 years old.
- Beale Street8,888Beale Street is the epicentre of all the magic, and one of the most iconic streets in America. For the best experience, come in the evening where the streets are bumpin' with music. See if you can also spot brass notes with names of famous musicians like Elvis Presley, W.C. Handy and B.B. King embedded into the sidewalks.
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum2,431Stroll through different exhibits that reveal the influences behind rock and soul music and find out how they took over the Billboard charts—and then conquered the world.
- Lafayette's Music Room341Music museums aside, another way of getting the Memphis sound experience is to hit up one of the many Blues bars. At Lafayette's, you can bask in the soulful crooning of live music and enjoy delicious Southern fare like po-boys and shrimp and grits while you're at it!
- Sun Studio12,713Swing by the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll for a guided tour around the most famous recording studio ever. It’s where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Jerry Lee Lewis all did their first recordings—talk about walking on hallowed ground!
- Payne's Bar-B-Que149Want to try something other than ribs? Have the chopped or sliced pork sandwich at Payne’s Bar-B-Que. Crispy, tender and oh-so-delicious, especially with a side of beans and some mustard slaw.
- B.B. King's Blues Club502Jam to the Blues, soul and other styles of music at one of the most famous bars in Memphis. It’ll be an unforgettable night filled with great music and amazing food. PS: The catfish and fried pickle chips are top recommendations.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music2,225My favorite part about the Stax Museum is the Express Yourself dance floor, where you can groove to the music. There are also other innovative exhibits, galleries and collections dedicated to preserving the legacy of American soul music and its artists.
- Central BBQ4,255Had your fill of music? Time to fill your tummy with Memphis soul food, which is none other than Memphis-style barbecue! Central BBQ is a top choice among locals and tourists alike, with their dry rub ribs and pulled pork hailed as crowd faves.
- Blues Hall of Fame Museum230This is a must-visit on your Memphis music pilgrimage. Learn all about the history and culture of the Blues through various galleries and get to see awards, album covers and even iconic memorabilia like R.L. Burnside’s guitar and Otis Spann’s piano.
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Memphis Is Great For
Moving to the music
Soul food stops
Memphis travel advice
Hotel Options Downtown
According to forum posts, travelers looking for hotels in downtown Memphis have recommended the Peabody for its historic significance and unique duck parade. However, if the Peabody is booked, alternatives like the Comfort Inn and the Sheraton offer comfortable stays and are within walking distance of Beale Street and other attractions.
Midtown Recommendations
For those interested in staying in Midtown Memphis, some travelers suggested the Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center for a reliable stay, while others preferred The Memphian at Overton Square for a more upscale experience.
East Memphis Suggestions
Travelers exploring the East Memphis area mentioned several hotels around I-240/Poplar Avenue. Recommended options include the DoubleTree by Hilton on Sanderlin, Embassy Suites, and the Marriott, known for their convenience and amenities like indoor pools, which are appreciated during colder months.
Graceland Vicinity
For visitors attending events at Graceland, the Guesthouse at Graceland came highly recommended for its proximity and shuttle services to nearby attractions, making it a convenient choice for concert-goers.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Shuttle and Ride Services
Travelers have noted that hotel shuttles at Memphis Airport may require contacting the hotel from the airport to arrange a pickup. There are phones near the luggage carousels to call hotels, although it's uncertain if these phones are still in place due to the prevalence of personal cellphones. It's recommended to check with your hotel for specifics.
Public Transport
According to forum posts, there is a bus service running from the airport to downtown areas like Beale Street. Buses operate from the Hudson Transit Center, and travelers can find route and schedule details on the MATA website. However, some users mentioned that the bus service might not be very reliable and suggested considering alternative transportation options.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
Several travelers mentioned using Uber and Lyft without any issues for transportation from Memphis Airport. These services are recommended for convenience, especially when public transit schedules are not aligned with travel plans.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Shuttle Services
According to forum posts, there is no longer a shuttle service directly to Graceland. However, for guests staying at the Guesthouse at Graceland, a hotel shuttle runs every half-hour and plays Elvis songs during the ride.
Rideshare and Taxis
Many users have recommended using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft as a convenient option for traveling to Graceland. The cost from the Memphis airport to Graceland via Uber or taxi is estimated to be around $15.
Public Transportation
For those preferring public transport, bus #42 is mentioned as a direct route to Graceland. However, from downtown, travelers might need to take a bus to Cleveland St. to connect with #42. Buses #2 and #50 are also options for part of the journey from downtown.
Luggage Storage
Travelers have inquired about luggage storage options at Graceland, which does provide lockers for visitors. This could be useful for those heading straight to the attraction from other locations.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Sun Studio
According to forum posts, Sun Studio is highly recommended by several travelers as a must-visit for music fans in Memphis. It offers a guided tour that is both informative and engaging, making it a standout experience for visitors interested in the roots of rock and roll.
Memphis Music Museums
Travelers have called out the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum and the Stax Museum as significant attractions. These museums offer extensive exhibits on the musical history of Memphis, covering a variety of genres and famous musicians associated with the city.
Beale Street
For live music, Beale Street is highlighted by many users as a vibrant location where music lovers can enjoy performances most nights. It's noted for its lively atmosphere and array of bands playing across different venues.
Additional Music Venues
Some travelers suggest exploring other music venues beyond Beale Street, such as the Hi-Tone and Growlers, which host a range of musical performances, providing more local and intimate music experiences.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Travel Planning
According to forum posts, it's recommended to plan ahead when visiting Graceland, especially by purchasing tickets in advance to secure a timed entrance. This helps avoid long waits and ensures entry during busy periods.
Tour Duration
Some travelers mentioned that touring just the mansion at Graceland takes about an hour and a half. However, if you're interested in a more comprehensive experience, including the planes and additional exhibits, it could take an additional two hours.
Transportation Tips
For those concerned about transportation, forum users suggested using ride-sharing services as a convenient option to reach Graceland, especially if staying near the airport or in downtown Memphis. The journey from downtown to Graceland typically takes around 20 minutes by car.
Accommodation Advice
Travelers have called out the Guesthouse at Graceland as a highly recommended place to stay for its proximity and thematic ties to the Graceland estate, offering easy access and enhanced security.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Dining Choices
According to forum posts, Memphis offers a variety of dining options across different cuisines. For barbecue, Central BBQ and Rendezvous are highly recommended. Gus's is celebrated for its fried chicken, and Flight is noted for its upscale dining experience.
Specialty and International Cuisine
For travelers interested in international or specialty foods, the posts suggest Catherine and Mary's for Italian and the Global Cafe for a unique international experience. Vegetarian diners might find good options at Majestic Grille, which offers a praised vegetable plate.
Breakfast and Casual Dining
For breakfast, Brother Junipers and the Arcade are popular choices among travelers. For a more casual meal, Hueys and Soul Fish Cafe are frequently mentioned, offering a relaxed dining experience with local flavors.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Weather and Crowds
According to forum posts, the best times to visit Memphis are during the early fall, specifically September and October. Travelers have called out these months for having pleasant weather, not too hot or cold, and lower humidity. This makes it comfortable for exploring the city.
Local Events
Some users noted that while September sees fewer crowds, weekends can still be busy in tourist areas. October is repeatedly mentioned as an ideal month, suggesting a balance of good weather and manageable tourist traffic.
Considerations for Other Seasons
Despite the popularity of fall, one post mentioned visiting in early July around Independence Day, pointing out that although it is hot and humid, the city remains busy with tourists. This indicates that summer can also be a viable, though less comfortable, time to visit Memphis.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Family Museums and Historical Sites
According to forum posts, Memphis offers a variety of family-friendly museums and historical sites. The Children's Museum of Memphis, Pink Palace Museum, and the National Civil Rights Museum are highlighted as engaging educational experiences. Additionally, the Fire Museum of Memphis and the Chucalissa Archaeological Museum provide unique insights into local history and culture.
Outdoor and Recreational Activities
Travelers have called out several outdoor and recreational spots suitable for families. Shelby Farms Park offers activities like zip-lining and kayaking, while the Memphis Zoo features a range of exotic animals. For a more relaxed experience, the Memphis Botanical Garden and Mud Island, with its park and river views, are recommended.
Unique Memphis Experiences
Some travelers suggested unique Memphis experiences that appeal to children, such as watching the famous duck march at the Peabody Memphis, visiting the Bass Pro at the Pyramid with its indoor swamp and wildlife, or exploring the Big River Crossing. The Metal Museum and the Brooks Museum of Art also offer family-friendly programs that cater to younger visitors.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?