Overview
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.
20 sights · 15 things to do · 45 places to eat · 10 bars & cafés · 18 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Memphis
Beale Street
"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-ou…
Blues Hall of Fame Museum
The Cotton Museum
National Civil Rights Museum
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 feat…
Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
Downstairs from the Center for Southern Folklore, this wonderful museum holds a collection of over 900 Asian and Judaic artifacts.
The 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.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Apr and Mar.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MEM Frederick W. Smith International Airport, Memphis — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- JBR Jonesboro Municipal Airport, Jonesboro — 58 mi away. Directions
Memphis is on the southwestern corner of Tennessee, with the Mississippi River and the state of Arkansas bordering it to the west and the state of Mississippi to the south.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Not categorized by price in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Beale Street, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, FedExForum
- Lunch Flying Saucer
- Afternoon Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art, The Cotton Museum
- Dinner Blues City Cafe
- Evening Bluff City Coffee
Day 2
- Morning Memphis Zoo, Overton Park, Overton Square
- Lunch Bosco's
- Afternoon Cooper-Young, The Pink Palace Museum
- Dinner Bayou Bar and Grill
- Evening Boscos
Day 3
- Morning Graceland, Mud Island Park
- Lunch Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue
- Afternoon Memphis Tigers
- Dinner Coletta's
- Evening Joe's Liquor
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Memphis is one of the cheapest places in the USA to live, and that includes going out to eat. Memphis is famous for two things: music and food. The local BBQ is well-known, and you can sample it "wet" (with spicy, tangy sauce) or "dry" (rubbed with spices before cooking), with rib tips being a well-known local specialty. Other options abound across the city, from Southern home cooking to international fare. You won't go wrong with famous names, but the adventurous will find real treasures in modest hole-in-the-wall joints that make up for their shabby appearance with fabulous flavor.
Memphis has a tradition of hiding its best food at the back of convenience stores. For instance:
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Although downtown Memphis has experienced quite a rebirth and renewal in the last few years, the center of the city is older; it is full of new development, teeming with change and coming into its own. In the past few years, the city has emerged to boast one of the largest downtown populations among US cities. Citizens again have a vested interest in making downtown a safe, exciting place to visit and relax in after decades of abandonment.
Climate
Memphis is extremely hot in the summertime, and the humidity can make you feel even hotter! Those who have trouble tolerating high heat and humidity may wish to avoid visiting in July and August. Daytime summer temperature average around 92°F. Heat indices tend to average around 98°F during the day and 77°F at night in the summer. It's not unheard of for heat indices to climb upwards to 110°F and not go below 85°F at night on some particularly hot and sweltering days.
Tourist information
- 'Memphis Travel website
Get in
Memphis is on the southwestern corner of Tennessee, with the Mississippi River and the state of Arkansas bordering it to the west and the state of Mississippi to the south.
By plane
*Allegiant Air: Austin, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando/Sanford *American Airlines: Charlotte, Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington-National. *Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Cancun, Cincinnati, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-LaGuardia, Orlando, Salt Lake City *Frontier Airlines: Denver, Washington-Dulles *Southern Airways Express: Destin, Florida; Harrison, Arkansas; Jackson, Missouri; and Nashville *Southwest Airlines: Austin, Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love, Houston-Hobby, Orlando, Tampa. *United Airlines: Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, Houston-Intercontinental, Newark.
By car
- is a good route into town but doesn't go through Memphis; to get to the other side of 40 you take the north loop which is I-40, or the south loop, which is known as I-240 and is Memphis' beltway.
- will take you right into town; just take the Riverside Drive exit from either direction to be at Beale Street in a minute.
- Comes from Alabama, through Mississippi, and ends in Memphis.
- Parking - Except for downtown, parking is usually free. If you're downtown, try a garage on Union Avenue or Front Street for around $2/hr, $7/day. Expect to hunt for cheaper parking if there's an event going on at the FedEx Forum, Beale Street or AutoZone Park. Parking vendors also appear to charge higher prices during these peak times.
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. The Memphis Central Station is on South Main St, which is just south of downtown.
By bus
Go Greyhound
Travels primarily on Interstate 22/US Hwy 78 (Memphis - Tupelo - Birmingham AL); I-40 (Oklahoma City - Little Rock - Memphis - Nashville), with some variations of the route diverging from Little Rock to Dallas Ft Worth on I-30); I-55 (St Louis - Memphis and Memphis - Baton Rouge on two separate routes); and I-55/57 (Memphis - Effingham (Illinois) - Chicago). Passengers can transfer buses in Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Dallas-Ft Worth, St Louis, Nashville or Oklahoma City to continue to other destinations. MATA bus routes 2 and 4 will take you downtown while route 64 (airport shuttle) takes you to the airport.
Get around
- Driving: Travel by car is really the only way to get around Memphis if you want to do anything other than see Downtown.
- Public Transit:
- The Main Street Trolley operates along Main Street within the Downtown area.
- Bus service provided by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is available across the city. Some routes are very poorly served in the evenings. At nights and weekends some buses take a different route than during the day which can be a trap for visitors.
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.
Downtown is on the west; it sits atop the bluffs, overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. (It is referred to as Downtown, not as West Memphis, which is a town just across the river in Arkansas.) Moving east you'll come to Midtown, a charming part of the city thought by some as the best part of Memphis. Beyond that, you will find East Memphis, and then the suburbs of Germantown, Collierville, Cordova, and Bartlett. The area between downtown and Midtown, referred to by locals as "Crosstown," is coming to life slowly but surely. There is a movement to turn it into an artist community. Members of this movement call the area "the Edge". However, most of the "art district" is on South Main.
See
Downtown
- Downtown Memphis. Buy a ticket and take the trolley to get a good overview of the area.
See Beale Street
"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.
- Mississippi River. River tours available most days through a variety of providers. Tom Lee Park is a nice place to view the river.
See National Civil Rights Museum (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.
See Mud Island Park
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.
See Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
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.
The Edge
See Sun Studio
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.
Midtown
See Memphis Zoo
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.
See The Pink Palace Museum (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.
See Cooper-Young
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.
East Memphis
See Memphis Botanic Garden
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.
See Shelby Farms Park
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.
South Memphis
Around town
See Graceland
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!
Do
- Check out live music on Beale Street
Do Memphis Tigers
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.
Do Memphis Backbeat Mojo Tour
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.
- Take a carriage ride around downtown and see Beale Street, Court Square, Fourth Bluff Park, the Mississippi River, Hernando de Soto bridge, several movie locations on Front Street, and the original Peabody Hotel, all while learning about the great city of Memphis.
- Enjoy Fourth of July Fireworks at Tom Lee Park on the Mississippi River: These fireworks have improved immensely since the two fireworks shows merged into one in 2007, becoming Independence Day on the River. There is also food, music, and other entertainment.
- World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest - hundreds of teams compete for over $150,000 in prizes and bragging rights, and visitors can taste the country's best barbecue.
- Sunset Symphony - a day of entertainment on the banks of the Mississippi River featuring performances by local musicians, an air show with vintage and concept aircraft, and a closing performance by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO). After dark, as the orchestra begins their last set, the sky fills with fireworks, marking the close of Memphis in May.
Do Craft Axe Throwing (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.
Buy
Downtown
Shop A. Schwab
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.
Midtown
Shop Burke's Books
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.
Out East
- Collierville Town Square (Town Center) - Catch Poplar Ave. east to the town of Collierville and browse the interesting shops on the square. Very pretty in the holiday season. Small and quaint, this square boasts a setting and some shops that aren't found elsewhere in Memphis. A steam engine and a few private railcars are open to the public.
Graceland
Of all the places in the world one can buy Elvis souvenirs, none is better than Graceland.
Eat
Memphis is one of the cheapest places in the USA to live, and that includes going out to eat. Memphis is famous for two things: music and food. The local BBQ is well-known, and you can sample it "wet" (with spicy, tangy sauce) or "dry" (rubbed with spices before cooking), with rib tips being a well-known local specialty. Other options abound across the city, from Southern home cooking to international fare. You won't go wrong with famous names, but the adventurous will find real treasures in modest hole-in-the-wall joints that make up for their shabby appearance with fabulous flavor.
Downtown
Eat Arcade Restaurant
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".
Eat Waffle Shop (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.
Eat Earnestine and Hazel's
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.
Eat Automatic Slims
Kind of trendy, but nice wait staff and good food.
Eat Blues City Cafe
Good ribs. The garlic pan-seared shrimp is tasty, as well.
Eat Flying Saucer
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.
Eat Texas De Brazil
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.
Eat The Rendezvous
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.
Eat Bluff City Coffee
Try their signature cup "The Real Cappuccino".
Eat Westy's
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.
Eat Dyer's
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.
Eat Huey's
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.
Eat Bardog Tavern
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.
Eat Gus's World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken (Gus's fried Chicken)
Fried chicken.
Midtown
Eat Young Ave. Deli
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.
Eat Pho Saigon
Super yummy Vietnamese soup less than $10 for a bowl as big as your head.
Eat Molly's La Casita
Very good Mexican food priced around $10 per entree, with the best margaritas as voted by Memphis residents.
Eat Brother Junipers
Open for breakfast and lunch. Great omelettes. Fair-trade coffee. Strange hours. Associated with the Juniper Bakery, all proceeds going to drug rehab.
Eat Bosco's
The only locally brewed beer in Memphis (also a national award winner). Great pizza, entrees, etc. Excellent jazz brunch on Sundays.
Eat Huey's
A Memphis landmark, the original Huey's offers one of the best burgers in town.
Eat Dino's
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.
- Corky's - One of the most well known barbecue places in Memphis. 3 or 4 locations within the city; $6-20 per person. You can purchase their barbeque sauce too and have ribs shipped.
Eat The BBQ Shop
Another of the best barbecue places in Memphis. Popular barbecue with good service. A sandwich with two sides will run you about $7.
Eat Bayou Bar and Grill
Great Cajun food at moderate prices. Tuesday is $3 pint night. The Gumbo and spicy chicken sandwich is great.
Eat Central BBQ
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.
East Memphis
Eat Folk's Folly
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.
Eat Belmont Grill
Hole-in-the-wall bar and restaurant that serves great food. Try the shish kebobs.
Eat Germantown Commissary
Some of the best ribs Memphis has to offer.
Eat The Half Shell
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.
Eat Muddy's Bake Shop
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.
Elsewhere
Eat Jerry's Sno Cones
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.
Eat Coletta's
One of the oldest restaurants in Memphis, with excellent American-Italian food. Don't miss the barbecue spaghetti or pizza.
Eat Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue
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.
Pizza
Eat Aldo's Pizza
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.
Eat Broadway Pizza
local pizza and beer joint in a classic location.
- Exline's - A Memphis chain serving up some big ol' round pizzas cut into square pieces. The toppings are huge (as in large bits). The cheese on the cheese fries is nacho and it comes from a can; super fantastic. ~$10.
Eat Camy's
Want to just hang out in your hotel? Call Camy's for the best pizza delivery in town. Only delivery.
Eat Memphis Pizza Cafe
Tasty Pizza (BBQ chicken is good). Cold beer. All you really need.
Eat Garibaldi's
Great 1970s atmosphere, great 70s style pizza.
Eat Fox Ridge Pizza
Round pizza, square cut, unique sauce and cheese. Also excellent hamburgers.
Eat Mellow Mushroom
Brilliant! A real pizza place in Memphis (Germantown). This place also has and extensive craft brew beer menu.
Variations of Quick
Memphis has a tradition of hiding its best food at the back of convenience stores. For instance:
Eat Kwik Check
Best deli sandwiches in Memphis. Try the "Cheesy Muff" (vegetarian muffeletta) or "My Bleeding Heart" (spicy spicy hummus pita).
Drink
- Wine is sold in grocery stores, and liquor stores.
- Beer can be found in grocery stores, liquor stores, and gas stations.
Drink Buster's Wine
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.
Drink Joe's Liquor
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.
Drink Great Wine And Spirits
Probably has one of more extensive wine stocks in Memphis liquor stores.
Drink Boscos
Brew pub and food. Featured on many "Best Of" lists.
Drink Newby's
Playboy magazine rated Newby's the "best place to party like a Rock Star!"
Drink Bluff City Coffee
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.
Drink Otherlands
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.
Drink RP Tracks
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.
Drink The Oasis Lounge
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.
Drink Mollie Fontaine Lounge
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.
Sleep
There is limited choice but the city offers some affordable and decent lodging.
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Hampton Inn, Beale Street
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.
Splurge
Not categorized by price
Stay safe
Violent crime has been a growing problem in Memphis. In 2021, the city had the highest homicide rate in the entire US. It is wise to stay away from areas in North and South Memphis, as these areas have very high rates of crime. Neighborhoods like Riverside, Orange Mound or Binghampton struggle with poverty, urban decay and crime. Even completely suburban areas like Frayser and Raleigh have crime-related problems. Nonetheless, safety in downtown Memphis has greatly improved in the last few years. Throughout the day, especially at night, there is usually a large police presence downtown, especially in the area around Beale Street. Use common sense when traveling in Memphis, just as you would anywhere else. Leave no valuables in plain sight in your car, and be mindful of where you are, especially at night.
Stay healthy
Memphis has some of the best hospitals in the region. Methodist, Baptist, and Saint Francis are the main hospitals in the city. The Regional Medical Center at Memphis (The Med), a city owned hospital, has one of the best trauma and burn centers in the Mid-South. There are many clinics in the area as well, many of which are operated by the hospital systems. Some of the hospitals in the city, though, can have long lines in emergency rooms. If you are not seriously injured, it would be best to go to one of the minor medical clinics or to drive to one of the hospitals in the suburbs of Memphis such as Methodist Germantown, Baptist East, or Saint Francis Bartlett. The Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital is world-renowned for its treatment of children's cancers.
Go next
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Oxford, Mississippi
- Tunica, Mississippi
- West Memphis, Arkansas
Listen
Soul, R&B, and rock 'n' roll have deep roots in Memphis, and destinations abound for good music today.
- Beale Street in downtown Memphis makes sense as a first destination. A dozen clubs pipe their music onto the street.
Do Wild Bill's Lounge
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.
Nearby
West Memphis
City / town · 8 listings · 7 mi away
Marion
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
Bartlett
City / town · 10 listings · 11 mi away
Southaven
City / town · 11 listings · 13 mi away
Olive Branch
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Tunica
City / town · 16 listings · 37 mi away
Holly Springs
City / town · 43 mi away
Helena
City / town · 3 listings · 53 mi away
My experience
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