Solo Trip to Memphis: 30 Things to Do Alone in Memphis

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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 alone in Memphis as a solo traveler 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 alone in Memphis, most of which are suited for visitors both young and old. Memphis is the perfect for a solo trip because you can find something to enjoy around every corner. Keep reading to learn about some of the best attractions, sites, and tours in Memphis, TN to enjoy as a solo traveler!

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Visit the 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.

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103

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!).

Central BBQ is located at: 147 E Butler Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Tour 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 solo travelers looking for an incredibly immersive experience in Memphis!

Graceland is located at: 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116

Brush Up on Your Music History at 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 you can learn all about the history of American Soul music (one of my favorite genres of music!). 

The Stax Museum is located at: 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106

Spend a Day at the 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! Solo travelers to Memphis will love how big this zoo is and you can easily spend all day here!

The Memphis Zoo is located at: 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112

Visit the 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 to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum if you’re a fan of either of those genres, or if you want to learn more about music history in Memphis.

Memphis Rock N Soul Museum is located at: 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

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!

Edge Motor Museum is located at: 645 Marshall Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

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!

Charles Vergos Rendezvous is located at: 52 S. Second Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Learn About Memphis’ Music History at 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!

Sun Studio is located at: 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

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! Grab a cocktail and enjoy the parade as a solo traveler!

The Peabody Hotel is located at: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

Sit for 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 (I promise, you won’t be disappointed!). View the full menu with pricing here.

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.

Elmwood Cemetery is located at: 824 S Dudley St, Memphis, TN 38104

Explore the 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!

Memphis Music Hall of Fame is located at: 126 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103

Wander Around the 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 while traveling solo to Memphis! 

Memphis Botanic Garden is located at: 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117

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!

Beale Street is located at: 65 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103

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!

A. Schwab is located at: 163 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Dine at 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.

BB King’s on Beale Street is located at: 143 Beale Street, Memphis, TN, 38103

Check Out 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). This is one of my personal favorite things to do alone in Memphis because I am a huge foodie!

The Arcade Restaurant is located at: 540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

Catch a Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game at FedExForum

If you’re a basketball fan, you should absolutely look into attending a Grizzlies game at FedExForum in Memphis! Purchasing a single ticket is often way cheaper than purchasing a group of tickets, plus you can sit closer to courtside with the money you’re saving!

FedExForum is located at: 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

Check Out a Memphis Redbirds Game 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 solo travelers who enjoy sports! 

AutoZone Park is located at: 200 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

Learn About the Underground Railroad at the 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.

Slave Haven Museum is located at: 826 North Second Street, Memphis, TN 38173

Go On a Brewery Tour

I love going on brewery tours while solo traveling because you get beer, built-in drinking companions, and a professional guide who can tell you everything you might want to know about the city! I highly recommend going on a brewery tour while in Memphis if you’re a solo traveler.

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!

Watch a Performance at 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. 

Orpheum Theater is located at: 203 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103

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! Similar to brewery tours, distillery tours are one of the best things to do alone in Memphis for a great time!

Old Dominick Distillery is located at: 305 S. Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103

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. I ate here solo and I rate it very highly on my list of things to do alone in Memphis! You’ve just got to go!

Gus’ Fried Chicken is located at: 310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103

Wander Around the 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 as a solo traveler because you’ll have plenty of time to yourself to wander around the museum. Plus, every Wednesday the museum is free and open until 8pm!

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is located at: 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

Go Back in Time at the 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.

The Mallory-Neely House is located at: 652 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105

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. 

It’s a bit kitschy but also super fun to visit the Pyramid. If you have a free morning or afternoon, I would absolutely consider adding it to your list of things to do alone in Memphis during your solo trip!

Bass Pro Shop at The Memphis Pyramid is located at: 1 Bass Pro Dr Memphis, TN 38105

Explore the 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.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens is located at: 4339 Park Avenue, Memphis , TN 38117

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Looking for more fun things to do alone in Memphis? Check out more tours, excursions, and things to do on GetYourGuide! Memphis is such a fun city to explore solo 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.

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