Memphis.
Memphis sits along the Mississippi River, three hours west of Nashville via Interstate 40, with its own international airport fifteen minutes south of downtown. The city is defined by low-and-slow pit barbecue, deep gospel and blues heritage, and a profound civil rights history. You come here to learn, listen, and eat serious pork. Memphis is worth visiting if you want to trace twentieth-century American music to its origins and eat dry-rub ribs straight off the pit. Look elsewhere if you want a compact, walkable city with reliable public transit, a polished urban core, or access to scenic outdoor landscapes.
Last updated 9 Sept 2026
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What to do in Memphis Tennessee United States
Memphis spreads east from the bluffs of the Mississippi River, centred on a walkable downtown grid and leafy midtown enclaves like Cooper-Young. Daily rhythms revolve around mid-morning studio tours, afternoon museum visits, and early suppers of smoked ribs followed by live sets on Beale Street. It rewards self-directed travellers who appreciate vernacular architecture, profound modern history, and unpretentious Southern cooking.
24 hours in Memphis Tennessee United States
Start with morning biscuits on South Main, then spend two thoughtful hours at the National Civil Rights Museum. Grab a dry-rub rib rack at Rendezvous downtown for lunch, walk the river bluffs at Tom Lee Park in the late afternoon light, and finish with brass-heavy blues sets on Beale Street. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Memphis Tennessee United States
Day two belongs to Midtown. Tour the Stax Museum on McLemore Avenue before lunching on chopped pork sandwiches at Payne's. Spend the afternoon browsing vintage shops and indie bookstores around Cooper-Young, then catch an intimate soul or blues set at Hernando's Hide-A-Way. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Memphis Tennessee United States
A third day lets you head south down Highway 61 into the Mississippi Delta for tamales and juke joints in Clarksdale, or stay local to paddle the Wolf River and explore the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in East Memphis before a late supper of fried catfish.
Memphis Tennessee United States itineraries by interest
Barbecue Traditions in Memphis Tennessee United States
Order dry-rub ribs at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous and slow-smoked pork shoulder sandwiches topped with mustard slaw at Payne's Bar-B-Q on Lamar Avenue.
Music Heritage in Memphis Tennessee United States
Tour Sun Studio on Union Avenue where electric blues was cut to tape, then visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music on McLemore Avenue.
Civil Rights History in Memphis Tennessee United States
Spend three unhurried hours at the National Civil Rights Museum built around the Lorraine Motel on Mulberry Street, chronicling the freedom movement.
Riverfront Walks in Memphis Tennessee United States
Walk the Big River Crossing across the Mississippi at sunset or rent a bike to loop the paved riverside trails of Tom Lee Park.
Neighbourhood Strolls in Memphis Tennessee United States
Explore the South Main Arts District for independent bookshops, trolley tracks, and converted brick warehouses turned into neighbourhood cafes.
Historic Architecture in Memphis Tennessee United States
Walk Adams Avenue in Victorian Village to see 19th-century Italianate mansions like the Woodruff-Fontaine House, open Wednesday through Sunday.
Southern Baking in Memphis Tennessee United States
Try lemon icebox pie, buttermilk biscuits, and coconut cake at historic lunch counters and bakeries along South Main and Cooper-Young.
City Parks in Memphis Tennessee United States
Explore Overton Park in Midtown to find the 126-acre Old Forest State Natural Area with shaded walking trails through old-growth hardwood.
Late Night Music in Memphis Tennessee United States
Hear live blues on Beale Street at B.B. King's or head to Wild Bill's on Vollintine Avenue for late sets and cold beer in an unvarnished juke joint.
Local Distilling in Memphis Tennessee United States
Sample sour mash Tennessee whiskey at Old Dominick Distillery on Front Street, offering 45-minute production tours and tastings.
Visual Art in Memphis Tennessee United States
Browse French impressionists, regional folk art, and ancient armour collections at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art inside Overton Park.
Day Trips in Memphis Tennessee United States
Drive 45 miles south along Highway 61 into the Mississippi Delta to explore Crossroads history and blues museums in Clarksdale.