24 Best Things To Do In Memphis, Tennessee

Blues, barbecue, and so much more. Here's where to eat, drink, stay, and play in Memphis.

Memphis, Tennessee, is a city known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and home of the blues. It’s known worldwide for its barbecue, but there is so much more to explore in the Bluff City. Memphis has a vibrant food scene that, yes, includes some of the best barbecue you’ll find, but there is also so much more to devour beyond the pit.

Steeped in history, Memphis is home to several world-renowned museums and landmarks that make it the perfect place for an enlightening and educational trip. It’s also a city that is robust in culture. Whether it's a night on Beale Street or just about any other venue, bar, or restaurant around town, you can’t walk three feet without hearing incredible live music. You can hear the blues, rock, country, and just about anything in between in Memphis. Beyond music, Memphis also has a booming theater scene. National tours are regularly performing at the Orpheum, but the locals can also put on quite a show so we urge you to check those out as well.

Memphians have a deep love for basketball and whether you attend a Tigers or a Grizzlies game while you’re in town, you’re bound to have an exciting night. But the city also boasts professional baseball, soccer, and football teams.

"“Memphis is truly exploding with arts and culture, even in its pride for its sports teams. Memphians are passionate and unapologetic and we thrive in creation. We as Memphians ‘don’t bluff’ - and as they say, we always have one toe dipped in the mud of the Mississippi while the other hand is swinging our pearls.” — Courtney Oliver, Director of Special Events and Auditions at Playhouse on the Square."

There is truly something for everyone in Memphis. Here are the best things to do on your next trip to the Bluff City.

Related: 21 Memphis Restaurants For A True Taste Of The Bluff City

Where To Stay

Downtown Digs

Want to stay downtown in the middle of all the action? There are plenty of options for that. First, The Peabody Hotel is a classic for a reason. The gorgeous, historic hotel first opened in 1869 and is referred to as “the South’s Grand Hotel.” Nestled right in the heart of downtown, you can easily walk to Beale St., Orpheum Theatre, Fed-Ex Forum, and more. It’s also the home of the world-famous Peabody Ducks who march twice daily through the lobby.

For other options downtown, the Hyatt Centric Beale Memphis is the only hotel located on the world-famous Beale Street. The property is home to rooftop whiskey bar and lounge, Beck & Call, which offers incredible views of the Mighty Mississippi River from nearly every angle. Before Central Station was a hotel, the train station opened in 1914, serving as the main hub for all arrivals and departures from the city. Now, it has 123 guest rooms and 9 suites, a cocktail bar called Eight & Sand, and the Amtrak train still takes visitors to/from Memphis to New Orleans and Chicago.

peabodymemphis.com, 149 Union Avenue, Memphis TN 38103

hyatt.com, 33 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

hilton.com/the-central-station-memphis, 545 South Main, Memphis, TN 38103

Immerse Yourself In Art In Overton Square

Located in Midtown Memphis, The Memphian Hotel is nestled in the vibrant, art-forward Overton Square neighborhood. Here you'll be immersed in where the locals hang out. You are within walking distance of live theater, independent film, funky retail, the home of Ballet Memphis, and a plethora of restaurants and bars. The hotel itself is home to Midtown’s only rooftop bar, Tiger and Peacock.

thememphian.com, 21 S Cooper Street Memphis, TN 38104

Where The Location Is A Destination

Looking for your hotel to be a destination in itself? If you have come to town because you are the world’s biggest Elvis fan, then why not stay right next door to Graceland? The Guest House at Graceland is the ideal spot for the ultimate music lover’s trip to visit the house of the King of Rock & Roll. With Priscilla’s guidance, the hotel’s design is a mix of Southern hospitality and luxurious amenities of which Elvis himself would approve. If you’re seeking something a little more rustic and adventurous, check out Big Cypress Lodge at Bass Pro Shop located inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid. Yes, that is correct, it’s a hotel inside a Bass Pro Shop, inside the Memphis Pyramid. It is a sight to see. Some rooms are designed like treehouses, some are like a hunting lodge. It will be a unique experience, as is the Bass Pro Shop itself.

guesthousegraceland.com, 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116

bigcypress.com, 1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN 38105

Memphis BBQ

Of course, you cannot come to Memphis without getting barbecue. But if you ask five locals where to go for the best in town, you will get five different answers. For a jumping-off point, check out the three Memphis restaurants on The South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints of 2023: Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous, Cozy Corner, and A&R Bar-B-Que. These are all classics but we would also add Corky’s and a relative newcomer to the Memphis barbecue world, Elwood’s Shack–try the brisket pizza.

hogsfly.com, 52 S 2nd Street, Memphis, TN 38103

cozycornerbbq.com, 735 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105

aandrbbq.com, 3721 Hickory Hill Road, Memphis, TN 38115

corkysbbq.com, 5259 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119

Beyond The Barbecue Pit

Memphis has an abundance of riches when it comes to excellent restaurants. There are options to please every palate and for every kind of diner–from the fine dining experience to the casual hang out and everything in between.

Memphis Classics

Memphis has many legacy restaurants. These are the places that locals frequent for weekly meals or special occasions. They are a part of the story of the people of Memphis and there are far too many to name; but, we have picked out just a few. Folk’s Folly is one of those special occasion favorites. On any given night you will see a group gathered over delicious steaks to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary. Coletta’s is one of the city’s oldest restaurants having just celebrated 100 years in 2023. The family-owned and run Italian eatery was also one of Elvis’s favorite spots. He loved their signature dish, BBQ pizza, which, per the Commercial Appeal, the Coletta family invented. The Four Way has been serving up soul food since 1946 and once served as an unofficial meeting place for local leaders of the Civil Rights movement. And yes, even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dined at The Four Way. 

Of course, you’ll need dessert and while all of these places will have delicious options on their menus, there is one spot in Memphis worth a separate trip. Gibson’s Donuts has been serving delicious doughnuts since 1967 and it has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. In fact not only did Alton Brown once say, “I’ve got to say, Memphis, Tennessee: probably my number one food town in the U.S.,” he also declared that Gibson’s “makes not just the best doughnut in the United States but, as far as I’m concerned, if all the other doughnuts went away and I still had Gibson’s, I’d be okay.”

folksfolly.com, 551 S. Mendenhall, Memphis, TN 38117 

colettas.net, 1063 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38106

fourway901.com, 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126

facebook.com/gibsonsdonuts, 760 Mount Moriah Road, Memphis, TN, 38117

Modern Memphis Meals

In addition to the many historic restaurants around town, the Memphis food scene continues to grow and is abundant in newer options in a variety of cuisines. While these spots may not have decades-long customers–yet, they have quickly become can’t miss meals. South of Beale, or S.O.B. is situated right in the middle of the action downton on South Main Street. You can make a night of it having dinner at S.O.B. and then head out on Beale or to a show at the Orpheum. The menu offers something for everyone including those in your party who may be gluten free or vegetarian. The Duck Fried Rice and General Tso’s Cauliflower are fan favorites but we think they have the best burger in town.

Global Cafe is an international food hall where immigrant and refugee food entrepreneurs serve up meals from their respective home countries’ cuisine. You can take a culinary journey around the world all under the same roof. It’s located in Crosstown Concourse which is a revitalized mixed-use building that was originally a Sears retail store in 1927. The Lobbyist is a new modern restaurant downtown in the historic Chisca building. Chef Jimmy Gentry is behind the concept that focuses on natural and local ingredients to bring out extraordinary flavors. Menus change to reflect seasonality of produce and availability local meats.

southofbeale.com, 345 S Main Memphis, TN 38103

globalcafememphis.com, 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 157, Memphis, TN 38104

lobbyistatchisca.com, 272 S. Main Street, Suite 101, Memphis, TN 38103

Grab A Drink

Memphis has plenty of locations for libations, if that tickles your fancy. For beer lovers, check out Memphis-made Wiseacre Brewing Co. owned by brothers Davin and Kellan Bartosch. As stated on their website, the brothers founded Wiseacre to “deliver the crunkest brewery possible in their groovy hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.” The original taproom is located amongst several other great spots along Broad Ave.

If craft cocktails are more your speed, head to the trendy Cooper Young neighborhood and check out Alchemy. The cool atmosphere, great cocktails, and equally delicious small plates make this spot perfect for date nights or girls' nights.

If you’re looking for a great dive bar, well Memphis has maybe the best. Earnistine & Hazel’s is the stuff of legends, and oh, did we mention it’s said to be haunted? You can enjoy your adult beverage while tunes play from the jukebox and if you get hungry, you can grab one of their famous Soul Burgers. This spot is a true Memphis institution.

wiseacrebrew.com, 2783 Broad Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112

facebook.com/AlchemyMemphis, 940 S Cooper Street, Memphis, TN, 38104

earnestineandhazel.com, 531 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103

An Interactive History Lesson

The National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. The museum opened in 1991, and it utilizes the location, interactive exhibits, and collections of historic artifacts to allow visitors to walk through the history of the Civil Rights movement. It’s an informative, impactful, and inspiring experience and should not be missed when you visit Memphis.

civilrightsmuseum.org, 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Graceland

Of course, if you’re headed to Memphis, you are going to want to check out Graceland, the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Step inside Elvis Presley’s mansion and tour the living room, kitchen, the trophy room, and yes you will get to step foot in the Jungle Room. You can also pay your respects in the Meditation Garden where Elvis, his parents, Lisa Marie, and her son Benjamin Keough are all buried. Beyond the house itself, you can tour some of Elvis’ planes and there is a recently renovated museum that houses many of Presley’s cars, artifacts, and memorabilia from all over the world.

graceland.com, 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116

Sun Studio

Tour Sun Studio and see for yourself where so many music legends like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash all got their start under the guidance of Sam Phillips. This is the very spot that earned Memphis the title of “birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.” It’s not just a tourist attraction, Sun Studio is still an active studio that is open for recording business in the evenings after the tours conclude for the day.

sunstudio.com, 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Stax Museum Of American Soul Music

Much like Sun Studio tells the origin story of rock’n’roll, Stax Museum honors the roots of soul music that are also planted firmly in Memphis. The museum itself is in the original location of Stax Records where greats like Otis Redding, Rufus and Carla Thomas, and Isaac Hayes all recorded their music.

staxmuseum.com, E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106

Rock & Soul Museum

Located right on Beale Street where live music floods the streets daily is the Rock & Soul Museum. This Smithsonian affiliate institution tells the complete and comprehensive story of Memphis music. Learn more about the music pioneers who came from Memphis and the surrounding areas who changed music forever.

memphisrocknsoul.org, 191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Celebrate The Arts

Live Music

Memphis is a music city. On any given day or night you could stumble upon incredible talent that has yet to be discovered. You would be hard-pressed to find a bar, lounge, restaurant, or club that didn’t have a live band or musician playing on a weekend night. And on Beale Street, that is true seven days a week, day or night. It is the home of the blues, after all. A few spots we suggest are B.B. King’s and Rum Boogie Cafe. The music plays on well beyond Beale St. in Memphis. Some other notable spots around town where the locals go to hear some good tunes are LaFayette’s Music Room and Railgarten.

bbkings.com, 143 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

rumboogie.com, 182 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

lafayettes.com, 2119 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

railgarten.com, 2166 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

Catch a Show

Along with a love for live music, Memphis has a vibrant theater community. Downtown is home to the historic Orpheum Theatre, at the corner of Main and Beale. Originally built in 1890 as a Vaudeville playhouse, it was destroyed by fire in 1923 but was rebuilt and reopened five years later. Motion pictures replaced the Vaudeville shows but in the 1980’s, the Orpheum became the home for national touring companies of Broadway shows.

In Midtown, Playhouse on the Square is the city’s professional regional theater that both brings in talent from all over the country as well as utilizes the homegrown talent in the casts of each of their shows. “Memphis is home to dozens of theatre, dance, and musical organizations and we at Playhouse are proud to have a 55-year stake in the heart of this artistic community.  Playhouse on the Square prides itself on producing something for everyone—from children’s theatre to Pulitzer Prize-winning new works, we love to reflect and honor the soul of our community,” says Courtney Oliver,  Director of Special Events and Auditions.

In East Memphis, Theatre Memphis has been showcasing the best of local talent for over 100 years. If you plan a trip in December, you won’t want to miss their annual production of A Christmas Carol, a decades-long Memphis holiday tradition for the whole family.

orpheum-memphis.com, 203 S. Main, Memphis, TN 38103

playhouseonthesquare.org, 66 South Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104

theatrememphis.org, 630 Perkins Extd. Memphis, TN 38117

Check Out An Art Exhibit

If you wish to take in some fine art on your trip, head to The Brooks Museum of Art. The Brooks boasts 29 galleries, two art classrooms, a print study room, a research library, an auditorium, and a cafe. It’s one of the largest art museums in the South and its collection spans from antiquity to present day.

At Dixon Gallery and Gardens you can explore inspiring exhibitions and beautiful gardens while taking part in special programming for the whole family. The permanent collection includes over two thousand pieces of fine art with a focus on European and American art from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There is also an emphasis on French impressionism and Post-impressionism.

brooksmuseum.org, 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

dixon.org,  4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117

Outdoor Adventure

Mississippi River Expeditions

Mississippi River Expeditions offers unique, guided river tours, including 17-mile day trips from Shelby Forest State Park to Downtown Memphis and overnight and multi-day river adventures.

Shelby Farms Park

The largest urban park in the United States. Shelby Farms also manages the Greenline, a 7-mile paved pedestrian and biking trail connecting the heart of Midtown to Shelby Farms. There are so many options for activities in the park from cycling to horseback riding. You can take a walk around Hyde Lake or rent a boat and get on the water. For the more adventurous there are also opportunities for outdoor paintball and zip lining.

shelbyfarmspark.org, 6903 Great View Drive North, Memphis, TN 38134

Tom Lee Park

Tom Lee Park has undergone a massive renovation, with a new park design grounded and inspired by the dynamic ecological features of the Mississippi River. The renovation includes an open 20,000-square-foot Civic Canopy that offers a covered space for recreation and events as well as landscape improvements at Beale Street Landing. Tom Lee Park is the perfect place for runners, bikers, and walkers to go as it features a “quick travel” pathway along Riverside Drive.

tomleepark.org, Riverside Drive, Memphis, TN 38103

How About The Sports Fans?

Memphis Grizzlies

Since the NBA came to Memphis in 2001, Memphians have become loyal, loud, proud Grizzlies fans. Attending a game at FedEx Forum is not going to be like any regular basketball game. The arena is dubbed The Grindhouse because several years ago a former player said Memphis was all “grit and grind.” As the team hustles on the court, fans erupt in chants like “we don’t bluff” while waving yellow growl towels above their heads. Win or lose, we promise you’ll have a great time at a Grizzlies game.

fedexforum.com, 191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Memphis Tigers Basketball

Memphis was a basketball city long before the Grizzlies arrived. It doesn’t matter if you attended the University of Memphis or not, Memphians are die-hard Memphis Tigers fans and they’ve been donning blue and gray and packing arenas for decades. Those who grew up watching Penny Hardaway play are now back with their kids as he coaches the Tigers. The Tigers also play in FedEx Forum so grab a ticket and join the fun.

gotigersgo.com,191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Memphis901 FC

Basketball isn’t the only game in town. The popularity of soccer in America has skyrocketed, and in 2019, Memphis welcomed its own professional team. Memphis901 FC is in the USL Championship and the team has achieved three consecutive postseason appearances since 2021. This is a team on the rise. Grab a ticket and join Memphis901 FC Nation.

memphis901fc.com, 200 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Memphis Redbirds

For lovers of America’s national pastime, Memphis has that too. The Memphis Redbirds are a Triple-A affiliate team of the St. Louis Cardinals. They play in beautiful Autozone Park and games are a family-friendly affair. They even offer seats on the TrueGreen Bluff for as low as $5 with a perfect view of all of the action of the game.

milb.com, 200 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Family Fun

Children’s Museum of Memphis

The Children’s Museum of Memphis's “go ahead and touch everything” approach makes this a dream destination for all of the kid visitors to the River City. In the Going Places exhibit, children learn about the science of flight and distribution by getting to sit in a real airplane cockpit and load packages on a FedEx conveyor belt. (FedEx is based out of Memphis.) In the Engine House 18 exhibit, youngsters can climb onto a fire engine and ring (pretend) sirens. The museum also has a Grand Carousel that was originally built in 1909. It has been beautifully restored for families to enjoy today. On warm days, the museum is also home to an outdoor splash pad, H2OH! Splash Park.

cmom.com, 2525 Central Avenue. Memphis, TN 38104

Memphis Zoo

At the Memphis Zoo you and your family can explore animals from all over the globe in about a two-mile walk. The exhibits are all exquisitely designed to transport you to different locations. Visit polar bears and sea lions in the Northwest Passage and then head out on an African safari at the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, home to hippos, flamingos, and Nile crocodiles. Wander over to Cat Country where the four-acre, open-air exhibit is home to 38 species of wild cats. The Memphis Zoo is home to over 3500 species. Check out what you can learn about your favorite animals.

memphiszoo.org, 2000 Prentiss Place Memphis, TN 38112

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