Memphis is one of the most famous American cities in the Southern States. Its fame is mainly due to music (this is where Rock’n’Roll was born, here the myth of Elvis Presley developed), however, the things to do in Memphis go far beyond an essentially musical tour. Here are 10 tips by Teresa R. Simpson, a freelance writer who knows this city like few others.
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Beale Street
Beale Street is the most famous street in Memphis, with lots of clubs and stores. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, local food, live music or a party in the night, this street has it all. Day or night, there is always something to do down on Beale. If you are a blues lover I recommend B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rum Boogie Cafe, the house museum of the great bluesman WC Handy and also our Blues Highway itinerary.
Sun Studio
This is the legendary recording studio that recorded the first records of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ike Turner and many others. Today it still functions as a recording studio, but also as a tourist attraction for music lovers from all over the world. There are tours of the Sun Studio available seven times a day, so there are abundant opportunities for a visit.
Graceland
Without a doubt, Graceland is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Memphis. Tourists are given the opportunity to visit Elvis’ house, his grave and also his car and airplane collections. If you’re an Elvis fan, I recommend checking out the itinerary we’ve dedicated to Elvis’s Birthplace.
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States as well as the largest by volume. It marks the western border of Memphis and is the reason the city is known as“The River City” or “Bluff City”. The banks of the Mississippi are bordered by almost five miles of parks, ideal for some outdoor relaxation. In addition, there are some interesting activities, such as river cruising or canoe rentals, to enjoy.
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum is a very interesting institution that documents the struggle for civil rights in the United States. The museum is housed in the renovated Lorraine Motel, the hotel where Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. It is a museum that attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world.
Peabody Ducks
The Peabody Ducks are undoubtedly one of the most unusual attractions in Memphis. Each morning, a procession of five ducks marches into the fountain of the Peabody Hotel’s grand lobby with the song King Cotton March by John Philip Sousa playing in the background. Each evening, the ceremony is reversed and the ducks walk the route in reverse. It may sound strange, but this is a tradition that has been going on in Memphis since 1932.
The Rendezvous Restaurant
Memphis is famous for its barbecue, and perhaps the most famous restaurant of its kind in the city is Rendezvous. In business since 1948, the restaurant has been featured in novels, movies, and print articles. In addition, many celebrities have been known to dine there. One example? In 2006, President George W. Bush and the Japanese prime minister enjoyed lunch here.
AutoZone Park
AutoZone Park is the baseball stadium of the Memphis Redbirds, an AAA minor league team affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals. This stadium is considered by many to be one of the best baseball facilities in the nation.
Memphis Zoo
Memphis Zoo has been one of the most popular attractions of Memphis for over 100 years. Its many impressive renovations over the past few years have made it even more state-of-the-art. Today, on an impressive 70 acres, it is home to more than 3,000 animals, including lions, bears, elephants, and even giant pandas from China.
Pink Palace Museum
If you want to take a step back into the past, into the history of the city of Memphis, the Pink Palace Museum is the place for you. It is one of the largest museums of its kind, with an impressive collection of exhibits designed to enlighten visitors about the cultural and natural history of Memphis and the Mid-South. In addition, the museum also offers a planetarium and a four-story IMAX theater.
Where to stay in Memphis
Both for its proximity to the main attractions and its good connections to the Downtown area, downtown is definitely the best choice and not surprisingly it boasts the highest number of accommodations among the various districts of the city. Here is a list with all the facilities available in Downtown:
Available accommodations in downtown Memphis
What about you? Have you ever been to Memphis? What attractions will you include on your tour?
