Memphis, on the bluffs above the Mississippi River in the far southwest corner of Tennessee, is where the blues found a home on Beale Street, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King made their first records, and where Stax Records gave the world its own brand of soul. It is also where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, now the powerful National Civil Rights Museum. A city of about 630,000 people, Memphis is relaxed, musical and proud of its food, above all slow-smoked pork ribs and barbecue. Graceland, Sun Studio and Stax are all within a short drive of downtown, so two or three days lets you see the music sights without rushing.
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Top tours in Memphis
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Memphis at a glance
- Best months: April–May and late September–October for warm, pleasant days; summer is hot and very humid; winter is mild and damp.
- Time needed: two days for Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio and Beale Street; three to add Stax, the riverfront and a barbecue crawl.
- Getting there: Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown and minutes from Graceland; Nashville is about 3 to 3.5 hours away by car.
- Costs (as of October 2026): MATA buses and downtown trolleys are free under a pilot program; the National Civil Rights Museum is $25 for adults; hotel bills add 18.75% in taxes plus $2 a night at most hotels.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, driving and general safety are on our United States travel guide.
Memphis neighborhoods and who each one suits
Downtown, Beale Street and the riverfront
Downtown holds Beale Street, the FedExForum arena, the Peabody hotel, the South Main arts district with the National Civil Rights Museum, and the riverfront parks along the Mississippi. Main Street is a pedestrian and trolley mall. It is the most convenient base for visitors without a car, with most music clubs within walking distance.
South Main
The southern end of downtown around the old Central Station is an arts district of galleries, murals, restaurants and loft apartments, busiest on the monthly Trolley Night art walk. The Lorraine Motel and the Civil Rights Museum are here, and Amtrak trains stop at Central Station.
Midtown, Overton Square and Cooper-Young
Midtown, a few miles east, is leafy and lively. Overton Square has theaters, bars and restaurants; Cooper-Young is a bohemian corner of cafes, record shops and craft breweries; and Overton Park holds the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Sun Studio sits on Union Avenue between downtown and Midtown.
Whitehaven and Soulsville
Graceland is in Whitehaven, in the south of the city near the airport, with its own hotels and restaurants. Soulsville, south of downtown, is where Stax Records stood; the rebuilt studio is now the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. You will want a car or ride-share for both.
Top things to see in Memphis
Graceland
Elvis Presley’s home, at 3717 Elvis Presley Boulevard, is one of the most visited homes in America and a moving, surprisingly intimate visit. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the last mansion tour starts at 4 p.m.; the airplanes open at 10 a.m.) and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The standard Elvis Experience ticket, with a self-guided mansion tour, the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex across the road and Elvis’s custom jets, costs $85 for adults and $49 for youth. A cheaper ticket without the mansion, for Elvis Presley’s Memphis and the planes, is $53 and $30. VIP tours cost $148 to $260. A facility fee of $1.50 per adult and $0.75 per youth is added online ($3 and $1.50 if you buy on site). Allow at least half a day, and book ahead for August’s Elvis Week and the holidays.
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
Built around the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, this Smithsonian Affiliate museum traces the struggle for civil rights from slavery through the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the sit-ins and the Freedom Rides to Room 306, preserved as it was. Across the street, the Legacy Building covers the investigation and the years after. It is at 450 Mulberry Street and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (longer in summer), closed on Tuesdays. Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors 65 and over and college students, and $22 for ages 5–17. Buy timed-entry tickets online, arrive 15 minutes early, and allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Tennessee residents get in free on Mondays from 3 p.m. with state ID. Parking on site is free.
Beale Street
Three blocks of neon, blues clubs, bars and barbecue between Second and Fourth streets, closed to cars in the evenings. W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues”, wrote here, and B.B. King’s name is on one of the busiest clubs. It is livelier on weekend nights, when bands spill music into the street; earlier in the evening is better for families. Look out for the W.C. Handy House and the brass notes of the Walk of Fame in the sidewalk.
Sun Studio
The small studio at 706 Union Avenue where Sam Phillips recorded Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and B.B. King, and which many call the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Guided tours of about an hour start every hour on the half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the building is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for ages 5–11, sold first come, first served with no reservations. You can stand where Elvis stood and hold a vintage microphone.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
On the site of the Stax Records studio at 926 East McLemore Avenue, the museum tells the story of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. and the M.G.’s and the Staple Singers, with Isaac Hayes’s gold-trimmed Cadillac and a dance floor. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.), closed on Mondays and some holidays. Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for ages 7–12, seniors 62 and over and veterans, and free for 6 and under.
The Peabody ducks and the riverfront
Every morning and late afternoon a small troop of ducks marches along a red carpet to and from the fountain in the lobby of the historic Peabody hotel, a free and very Memphis tradition; arrive early for a view. Afterward, walk down to the riverfront parks for wide views of the Mississippi and the bridges, which are lit up at night.
Other things to do in Memphis
- Barbecue: Memphis is famous for dry-rub ribs and pulled pork; try a few places across town rather than one big meal.
- More music: the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum near Beale Street and the Blues Hall of Fame cover the wider story.
- Big River Crossing: walk or cycle across the Mississippi into Arkansas on a path beside a working rail bridge; see our cycling guide.
- Sports: the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) play at FedExForum, a block from Beale Street.
- Memphis in May: the month-long festival’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is set for May 12–15, 2027, and the River Run for Memorial Day weekend 2027. The Beale Street Music Festival usually opens the month, but its 2027 dates have not been announced.
Day trips from Memphis
The Mississippi Delta and the Blues Trail
Highway 61 runs south from Memphis into the flat cotton country of the Mississippi Delta, where the blues was born. Clarksdale, about 75 miles (121 km) south, has juke joints, the Delta Blues Museum and the legendary “crossroads”; markers of the Mississippi Blues Trail stand along the way. Make it a long day or stay a night.
Shiloh and Tupelo
Shiloh National Military Park, about 110 miles (177 km) east, preserves one of the bloodiest battlefields of the Civil War. Tupelo, Mississippi, about 110 miles (177 km) southeast, has the two-room house where Elvis was born, a natural pair with Graceland.
Nashville and New Orleans
Many visitors combine Memphis with Nashville, about 210 miles (338 km) east on Interstate 40, on a music road trip. Going south, Amtrak’s City of New Orleans train links Memphis with both Chicago and New Orleans once a day; see our New Orleans travel guide and Chicago travel guide.
Getting there and getting around
From Memphis International Airport
MEM has nonstop flights to many US cities. Taxis wait on the center commercial drive in front of Concourse B baggage claim, and Uber and Lyft also serve the airport; the drive downtown takes about 15–20 minutes without traffic. The nine rental car companies are in the Ground Transportation Center, one level below baggage claim. MATA Route 28 stops on the inner commercial drive on the baggage level, on weekdays from about 5:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on weekends from 8:45 a.m. to the late afternoon; check the route before relying on it with luggage.
MATA buses and the downtown trolleys
The Memphis Area Transit Authority runs buses and vintage-style trolleys along Main Street and the riverfront. Since November 16, 2025, all MATA buses, trolleys and MATAplus rides have been free under a Zero Fare pilot program, which MATA has extended while it decides on the program’s future; it says any change will be announced well in advance. When fares apply, the standard fare is:
| Ticket | Standard fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride, adult or student | $1 | Free during the Zero Fare pilot |
| Daily Fast Pass | $2 | Free during the Zero Fare pilot |
| Seniors 65+ and riders with disabilities | $0.50 (day pass $1) | With a $3 MATA ID card |
| Children under 5 | Free | With a paying adult |
The trolleys are handy for hopping along downtown between the Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street and the Pinch district. For Graceland, Stax and Midtown, a car or ride-share is far more practical. Downtown streets are flat and easy to walk.
Driving and trains
Interstates 40 and 55 cross the Mississippi at Memphis, and parking is easy outside downtown. Amtrak’s City of New Orleans stops at Central Station in South Main once a day in each direction.
When to go and how long to stay
Memphis has long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Spring is warm and green but the wettest season, with strong thunderstorms; fall is the driest, sunniest and most comfortable time to visit. Snow is rare and usually melts quickly, though ice storms occasionally close roads.
| Season | Average high | Average low | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | 44–62 °F (7–17 °C) | Warm and green; the wettest time; Memphis in May. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 89–92 °F (32–33 °C) | 70–74 °F (21–23 °C) | Hot and very humid; Elvis Week in August. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 86–63 °F (30–17 °C) | 66–43 °F (19–6 °C) | Driest and most pleasant; festivals and football. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 51–56 °F (11–13 °C) | 33–37 °F (1–3 °C) | Mild and damp; rare snow or ice; Graceland’s Christmas lights. |
Figures are NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Memphis International Airport. The airport gets about 55 inches (1,395 mm) of rain a year, most from December to May, and only about 3 inches (7 cm) of snow.
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 4 days
- Two days: the National Civil Rights Museum and South Main, then Beale Street in the evening; next day Graceland in the morning and Sun Studio in the afternoon.
- Three days: add the Stax Museum, the Peabody ducks, the riverfront and Big River Crossing, and Midtown’s bars.
- Four days: add a day on the Mississippi Blues Trail to Clarksdale, or Tupelo and Shiloh.
Where to stay in Memphis and the hotel tax
- Downtown: the Peabody and other historic and chain hotels close to Beale Street, the trolleys and the riverfront; best for most visitors.
- South Main: boutique hotels and rentals near the Civil Rights Museum and the arts district.
- Graceland and the airport: the Guest House at Graceland and chain hotels; handy for Elvis fans and early flights, but a drive from downtown.
- Midtown and East Memphis: quieter, with good restaurants; you will need a car.
Hotel tax: room rates are quoted before tax, and Memphis’s taxes are among the highest in the country. A hotel bill in the city adds Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax, 2.75% local sales tax, the City of Memphis hotel-motel occupancy tax of 4% and the Shelby County room occupancy tax of 5%, a total of 18.75%. Hotels with more than 45 rooms or rates above $35 also charge a $2 per room per night Tourism Improvement District assessment, and a few properties add their own resort or amenity fees. Check the full price, including parking, before you book.
Practical tips for Memphis
- Time zone: Memphis is on Central Time with daylight saving time, the same as Nashville and New Orleans.
- Timed tickets: book the Civil Rights Museum and Graceland online, especially on weekends, in August and around the holidays; remember the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Stax on Mondays.
- Tipping and prices: sales tax is added at the till; tip about 18–22% in restaurants and bars, and put something in the bucket for street and club musicians.
- Safety: stick to busy, well-lit areas such as Beale Street, South Main and Midtown at night and use ride-shares between neighborhoods rather than walking long distances after dark; car break-ins are common, so never leave bags or valuables visible in a parked car.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Memphis
Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen for the long, humid summer, plus a light layer for air-conditioned museums and clubs. Spring calls for a rain jacket or umbrella; fall for a sweater on cooler evenings; winter for a warm, waterproof coat. Comfortable shoes help on museum days, and a bag of wet wipes is a fair idea before a rib dinner.
Memphis travel FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Graceland?
The Elvis Experience ticket with the mansion, the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex and the jets is $85 for adults and $49 for youth, plus a small facility fee. A ticket without the mansion is $53 and $30. Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When is the National Civil Rights Museum open?
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (later in summer), every day except Tuesday. Adult tickets are $25; buy timed-entry tickets online and allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Are buses and trolleys free in Memphis?
Yes, as of October 2026: MATA’s Zero Fare pilot, running since November 2025, has been extended with no end date announced. The normal fare is $1 a ride or $2 for a day pass.
Do I need a reservation for Sun Studio?
No. Tours leave every hour on the half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., first come, first served; tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for ages 5–11.
What is the hotel tax in Memphis?
18.75%: 9.75% state and local sales tax, the city’s 4% occupancy tax and Shelby County’s 5% room tax, plus a $2 per night Tourism Improvement District fee at most hotels.
When is Memphis in May 2027?
The festival runs through May. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is May 12–15, 2027, and the River Run is on Memorial Day weekend; Beale Street Music Festival dates were not yet announced in October 2026.
How far is Graceland from downtown Memphis?
About 10 miles (16 km) south, or 15–20 minutes by car or ride-share; it is only a few minutes from the airport.
When is the best time to visit Memphis?
April–May and late September–October, for warm but comfortable weather. May brings the Memphis in May festival, and August brings Elvis Week but also heat and humidity.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on October 4, 2026. Graceland prices and hours come from Graceland; National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio and Stax Museum hours and prices from the museums themselves; Memphis in May 2027 dates from the Memphis in May International Festival; fares and the Zero Fare pilot from the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA); airport transport from Memphis International Airport; the 5% county room tax from Shelby County; the city’s 4% occupancy tax and $2 Tourism Improvement District assessment from the City of Memphis Treasury; climate from NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Memphis International Airport; population from Wikidata. The 2.75% local sales tax rate, distances and drive times, the Peabody ducks, Amtrak service and neighborhood details are general references and flagged for checking. Prices and schedules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
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