30 Things to Do in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee – a city rich with history and soul. It’s one of those unique destinations that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for good southern cooking, a glimpse into Civil Rights history, or simply a fun night out on Beale Street, Memphis has it all. There are so many things to do in Memphis and you won’t be able to do it all in one go. But that’s okay! More reason to visit a second (or third) time! 

I love Memphis. I’ve visited twice now and I’ll never get tired of it. The BBQ is to die for, and the music keeps you on your feet through the night! 

This post shares 30 of the best things to do in Memphis, most of which are suited for visitors of all ages. Memphis is perfect for travel groups of all shapes and sizes: families, couples, solo travelers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more can all find something to enjoy in the city dubbed as the “Home of the Blues”. Keep reading to learn about some of the best attractions, sites, and tours in Memphis, TN!

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1. National Civil Rights Museum

   • Perhaps the most important and iconic museum on this list is the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the South Main District of downtown Memphis. The National Civil Rights Museum is a fully immersive, educational experience about the history of slavery and the civil rights movement. The power of this museum is unmatched, and you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the civil rights movement and the role it played in America’s history.
   • 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103

2. Enjoy slow smoked Memphis Style BBQ at Central BBQ

   • Central BBQ is a famous barbecue spot in Memphis, and everyone seems to absolutely love it. Need I say more? Definitely check it out after visiting the National Civil Rights Museum (Central BBQ is only 200 feet away from the museum!).
   • 147 E Butler Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

3. Elvis Presley’s Graceland

   

   

   

   • Experience the life and career of American legend Elvis Presley at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Tour Elvis’ mansion, view authentic Elvis memorabilia, and enjoy interactive exhibits at the Graceland compound. This makes for a full day of fun for visitors of all ages!
   • 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116

4. Stax Museum of American Soul Music

   

   

   

   • The Stax Museum is the world’s only museum that is dedicated to interpreting the unique story of Stax Records. This is an awesome museum where patrons can learn all about the history of American Soul music (one of my favorite genres of music!). 
   • 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106

5. Memphis Zoo

   • The Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species! This zoo has been around since 1906–that makes it over 100 years old! 
   • 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112

6. Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

   • The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum shares the story of the musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic obstacles to create the music that changed the cultural complexion of the world. There are great exhibits about the birth of two of my favorite music genres: rock and soul music! I highly recommend a visit if you’re a fan of either of those genres, or if you want more information about music history in Memphis.
   • 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

7. Check out the cars at Edge Motor Museum

   • The Edge Motor Museum is a unique spot, and car lovers will thoroughly enjoy visiting this museum! Technically, yes–this is a car museum. But the museum does an incredible job at explaining what was happening in society when the cars were made and produced. During your visit, you’ll learn about important historical and cultural events while also viewing incredibly preserved cars!
   • 645 Marshall Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

8. Eat authentic Memphis BBQ at Charles Vergos Rendezvous

   

   

   • Charles Vergos Rendezvous has been serving up tasty barbecue since 1948, and it’s a Memphis BBQ staple. It’s sort of difficult to locate, so don’t be surprised when your GPS takes you down a seemingly empty alleyway (that’s when you’ll know you’re in the right spot!). This is arguably one of the best spots to find authentic Memphis BBQ!
   • 52 S. Second Street, Memphis, TN 38103

9. Sun Studio

   • Sun Studio is the recording studio where Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and countless other musicians launched their careers. You can see the famous studio and geek out over famous music history memorabilia at Sun Studio! 
   • Check out this tour on GetYourGuide if you want to do a guided tour of Sun Studio and get a fun crash-course in Memphis music history!
   • 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

10. Watch the Duck March at the Peabody Hotel

    • Twice a day at 11am and 5pm, visitors can experience the famous Duck March in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel. The history behind this tradition is fascinating, and the march itself is fun for the whole family to enjoy! Plus, if you want an elevated experience, you can book the Ducky Day Family Package. This package includes one night’s accommodation plus a fantastic array of duck amenities and experiences (like becoming an Honorary Duckmaster for a day!). Check out the details here.
    • 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

11. Afternoon Tea at the Peabody

    

    

    • Before or after enjoying the Duck March, head across the lobby to Chez Philippe for traditional English Afternoon Tea. Peabody Afternoon Tea includes a three-course menu of savory tea sandwiches, assorted sweets, and warm scones. It’s such a delicious and fun experience! I personally recommend the Chocolate Chai Tea (you won’t be disappointed!). View the full menu with pricing here.
    • 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

12. Tour Elmwood Cemetery

    • Elmwood Cemetery is the oldest active cemetery in Memphis, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. There are self-guided tours, docent-led tours, and private tours available.
    • 824 S Dudley St, Memphis, TN 38104

13. Memphis Music Hall of Fame

    • The Memphis Music Hall of Fame honors Memphis musicians for their lifetime achievements in music. This is a great piece of Memphis music history, and you might recognize some familiar faces!
    • 126 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103

14. Memphis Botanic Garden

    • Memphis Botanic Garden is a 96-acre botanical garden with 30 specialty gardens onsite. There is also a sculpture garden. This is a great way to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors with the whole family! 
    • 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117

15. Listen to live music on Beale Street

    • Beale Street is known as one of America’s “Most Iconic Streets”, and for good reason! The live music on Beale Street is unmatched and you’re sure to have an awesome time hopping from bar to bar, enjoying the live music.
    • If you want to do a walking tour during the day and get a bit more background on what makes Beale Street so iconic, check out this 1-hour walking tour on GetYourGuide!
    • 65 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103

16. Browse the A. Schwab General Store

    • A. Schwab was established in 1876, making it the oldest store on Beale Street! You can browse for souvenirs while walking through a piece of Memphis history. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to order a delicious milkshake at the soda fountain inside the store!
    • 163 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

17. BB King’s on Beale Street

    • One of the most iconic spots on Beale Street is B.B. King’s Blues Club. Live music and strong drinks never end at this Memphis staple, and it’s a blast. Whether for lunch, dinner, or just a darn good time, B.B. King’s is a spot you can’t miss out on if you’re visiting Memphis.
    • 143 Beale Street, Memphis, TN, 38103

18. Eat at Memphis’ Oldest Cafe, Arcade Restaurant

    • The Arcade Restaurant opened in 1919, and it’s a third-generation family-owned restaurant in the South Main Arts District of Memphis. This is a Memphis staple and has seen famous patrons across the ages–including Elvis Presley! You can even sit in Elvis’ booth and order a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich (Elvis’ go-to order). 
    • 540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

19. Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum

    • If you’re a basketball fan, you should absolutely look into attending a Grizzlies game at FedExForum in Memphis! 
    • 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

20. Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park

    • Prefer baseball over basketball? That’s okay–Memphis has a minor league baseball team called the Redbirds that plays at AutoZone Park! Tickets aren’t usually as expensive as Grizzlies tickets, so this is a great option for budget travelers or families with small children! 
    • 200 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

21. Slave Haven Museum

    • The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is a museum that tells the story of slavery and the Underground Railroad. This is an important part of the history of Memphis, and tours are given hourly Tuesday through Saturday during operating hours.
    • 826 North Second Street, Memphis, TN 38173

22. Children’s Museum of Memphis

    • A great option for children and families, the Children’s Museum of Memphis offers unique interactive exhibits for all kids to enjoy! This museum is obviously tailored toward children, and it’s a great option if you have little ones!
    • 2525 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

23. Cross 2 states off your bucket-list by walking from Memphis, TN, to Arkansas on the Big River Crossing

    • Walking or biking across the Big River Crossing is a great way to spend a beautiful day in Memphis. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, Big River Crossing is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River! And it’s free to use and enjoy! Big River Crossing connects downtown Memphis to Arkansas, so this is a fun way to cross two states off your bucket-list in one go.
    • Check out the website for directions to access Big River Crossing from both directions!

24. Orpheum Theater

    • The Orpheum Theater first opened in 1928, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are performances happening regularly, and it is an iconic spot to enjoy a show or musical engagement. 
    • 203 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103

25. Go on a Distillery Tour at Old Dominick Distillery

    

    

    

    • A tour of Old Dominick Distillery tour is a 45-minute sensory journey that begins with an up-close view of the distilling facility, and ends with a curated tasting of Old Dominick’s portfolio of spirits. It’s a great way to learn about the distilling process and the unique 150-year history of Old Dominick Distillery. This was my first distillery tour and I had a wonderful time!
    • 305 S. Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103

26. Chow down at Gus’ Fried Chicken

    • Walk across the street after your tour + tasting at Old Dominick Distillery to eat lunch at Gus’ Fried Chicken. The fried chicken here is some of the best in the south. It’s really THAT good. You won’t leave hungry or disappointed. 
    • 310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103

27. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

    • The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the oldest and largest art museum in the state of Tennessee! This is a great spot to enjoy with kids, or even as a solo traveler. Plus, every Wednesday the museum is free and open until 8pm!
    • 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

28. Mallory-Neely House

    • Located in the Victorian Village district of Memphis, the Mallory-Neely House is a 25-room mansion built in 1852. This is a living, breathing piece of history, and it’s quite the experience walking through rooms with original furnishings and decor from the 19th century.
    • 652 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105

29. Explore Bass Pro Shop at the Memphis Pyramid

    • One of the most unique buildings in Memphis is the Memphis Pyramid. Located inside the Pyramid is a Bass Pro Shop and Big Cypress Lodge. Even if you don’t shop at the chain, you should absolutely make a visit to the Pyramid. This Bass Pro Shop location is unlike any other because it features a 103-room hotel known as Big Cypress Lodge, as well as live alligator pools, and an observation deck with beautiful views of Memphis. 
    • 1 Bass Pro Dr Memphis, TN 38105

30. Dixon Gallery & Gardens

    • The Dixon Gallery & Gardens is an art museum within 17 acres of beautiful gardens. There is so much to explore on-property and there are permanent and rotating art exhibits and collections to enjoy.
    • 4339 Park Avenue, Memphis , TN 38117

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Looking for more fun things to do in Memphis? Check out more tours, excursions, and things to do on GetYourGuide! Memphis is such a fun city to explore that you’re sure to have a great time no matter what you choose to do.

You can also see several of the above-mentioned attractions with the help of a local guide (and some tours even feature organized transportation)! Below are a few of the tours offered on GetYourGuide:

• Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat
• Memphis: 2-Hour Guided Historic Walking Tour
• Memphis: 2-Hour Haunted Walking Tour

Have you ever been to Memphis, TN? What did you enjoy most? Let me know in the comments below or send me your thoughts via email at sydney@sydneybrowntravels.com.