You’ve heard the stories. Elvis, the blues, and enough dry-rub ribs to clog every artery from here to Nashville. But honestly, if you only stick to the neon glow of Beale Street, you’re missing the real soul of this place. Memphis is gritty. It’s loud. It’s a city that’s constantly reconciling its heavy history with a weirdly vibrant, creative future.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, knowing the right Memphis things to do makes the difference between a generic tourist trap and a trip that actually sticks with you.
Beyond the Gates: Rethinking the Memphis Music Pilgrimage
Most people head straight to Graceland. I get it. The King's mansion is a fever dream of 1970s carpet and jungle-themed furniture. It’s essential, sure, but it’s also isolated from the actual rhythm of the city.
To feel the vibration of the music that changed the world, you have to go to Soulsville. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is built on the original site of the legendary studio. Walking through those doors, you aren’t just looking at Otis Redding’s artifacts; you’re standing in the birthplace of "Dock of the Bay." The energy there is palpable. It’s less of a museum and more of a sanctuary.
Contrast that with Sun Studio over on Union Avenue. It’s tiny. Cramped. It smells like old floorboards and history. But when you stand on the "X" on the floor where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded, the hair on your arms stands up.
The Beale Street Reality Check
Look, Beale Street is iconic. It’s the "Home of the Blues," and yes, you should walk down it with a drink in your hand at least once. But here’s the thing: locals don't really "hang out" on the main strip on a Saturday night unless they have to.
If you want the real Memphis vibe, slip into A. Schwab. It’s the oldest store on the street, dating back to 1876. Grab a milkshake at their old-fashioned soda fountain and browse the weird collection of voodoo powders and regional dry goods. For actual live music without the frat-party atmosphere, head upstairs to Itta Bena. It’s tucked away above B.B. King’s Blues Club and feels like a secret speakeasy.
Where History Gets Real
You can't talk about Memphis things to do without acknowledging the National Civil Rights Museum. It’s located at the Lorraine Motel, the exact spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
It’s heavy. It’s supposed to be.
The museum doesn't just chronicle the movement; it forces you to sit with the discomfort of the past. The exhibits lead you right to the preserved room where Dr. King stayed. Standing there, looking out at the balcony, is a transformative experience. Most visitors expect a quick walkthrough, but honestly, give yourself at least three or four hours. You’ll need the time to process.
The Hidden Underground
If you want a deeper layer of history, find your way to the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. It’s an unassuming white house—the Burkle Estate—that once served as a stop for people escaping to freedom. Descending into the dark, cramped cellar where people actually hid is a haunting reminder of the city's role in the struggle for liberty.
The Outdoors and Unexpected Gems
Sometimes the humidity in Memphis hits you like a wet wool blanket. When that happens, you need green space.
Shelby Farms Park is massive. Seriously. At 4,500 acres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the country—way bigger than Central Park in NYC. You can rent a kayak on Hyde Lake, see the resident buffalo herd, or just hit the trails.
For something a little weirder and more "local," check out the Crystal Shrine Grotto. It’s hidden inside a cemetery—Memorial Park Cemetery, to be exact. It’s a man-made cave filled with quartz crystals and religious dioramas. It sounds bizarre, and it is, but it’s also one of the most peaceful, glittering spots in the city.
The Peabody Duck March
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it happens every day at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. But watching a group of mallards march down a red carpet to a fountain in the middle of a five-star hotel lobby is peak Memphis. The Peabody Hotel is a gorgeous piece of architecture regardless, so grab a cocktail and secure a spot early. It’s one of those things you do once just so you can say you saw it.
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Eat Your Way Through the Neighborhoods
The BBQ debate in Memphis is a blood sport.
Everyone has their favorite. Central BBQ is the high-visibility choice, and their nachos are legitimately life-changing. But if you want to eat where the history is, go to The Four Way in South Memphis. They’ve been serving soul food since 1946. We’re talking fried catfish, turnip greens, and cornbread that will make you want to move here.
Modern Flavors in Midtown
If you’re tired of smoked meats, head to Cooper-Young. This neighborhood is the creative heart of the city.
- The Beauty Shop: This restaurant is inside the actual former salon where Priscilla Presley used to get her hair done. The booths still have the old-school hair dryers.
- Crosstown Concourse: This is a massive "vertical urban village" in a renovated Sears warehouse. It’s got art galleries, a radio station, and incredible food like the Mediterranean tapas at Tonica.
Actionable Tips for Your Memphis Trip
To get the most out of your visit, keep these practical points in mind:
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- Timing is Everything: If you’re coming in May, prepare for the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The city is packed, but the energy is electric.
- Transportation: Downtown is walkable, but Memphis is sprawling. You’ll want a car or to rely on rideshares to get to places like East Memphis or even Midtown. The vintage trolleys on Main Street are charming and cost only $1 per ride, which is a steal for getting around the riverfront.
- The Sun Studio Secret: Tours sell out fast. Book your tickets online in advance or show up right when they open to snag a spot.
- Safety First: Like any major city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night outside the main tourist corridors. Stick to well-lit areas in Downtown and Midtown.
Next Steps for Your Visit
Start by booking your tickets for the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland at least two weeks before you arrive. These are the two anchors of any trip and often have specific time slots that fill up.
Once those are set, pick one "local" neighborhood to explore—like Crosstown or South Main—to see the art and smaller boutiques that give the city its current pulse. Memphis isn't a city that reveals itself all at once; it’s a place that requires a little digging, a lot of eating, and an open ear to the music playing in the background of every street corner.