If the cities have any kind of soundtracks, then Memphis is the city that will be played on the vinyl record continuously. It is not only about keeping history alive by showcasing it in the museum but also about experiencing the history through walking, listening to it, and tasting it. You will find some of the best-smoked barbeque restaurants hidden in side lanes, music venues that have made a difference in the American history of music and a city to experience all that is unique.
Memphis sees millions of tourists coming here every year and rightly so. The city saw around 13.1 million tourists come in 2024, resulting in the creation of economic impact worth almost $4 billion and employment opportunities for 44,000 people in hospitality industry. Music is one of the main draws of visitors coming to Memphis because Beale Street continues to be among the top attractions in Tennessee.
The question always asked is why Memphis stands out among all the other southern destinations? And the answer is its personality. If Nashville is shiny and vibrant and New Orleans is the city of celebration, then Memphis is a city of a story teller who sits in a porch and tells the stories of the past decades in the form of blues music and smoked air.
Memphis by the Numbers in 2026
| Statistic | Latest Figures |
|---|---|
| Annual Visitors | 13.1 Million |
| Tourism Economic Impact | $4 Billion |
| Hospitality Jobs | 44,100+ |
| Visitors to Graceland | 500,000+ annually |
| Memphis Zoo Visitors | 1.2 Million annually |
Experience the Soul of Beale Street
There are countless activities that can be enjoyed in Memphis, but the visit to Beale Street cannot go unnoticed. Walking on this historic avenue is comparable to visiting a music documentary since one can listen to the performances of many street musicians playing their blues songs in bright neon lights.
Beale Street has significantly impacted the image of blues music. It is where some famous artists, like B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, and W.C. Handy, performed before. One might not think he or she likes blues, but being on the street at night can change this opinion. The sound of live music can come from everywhere because everyone on the street seems to be part of a big live performance.
The convenience of visiting Beale Street is another benefit worth noting. No expensive concert tickets and reservations are necessary since walking on Beale Street gives a person an unforgettable musical experience. Impromptu shows from local musicians can happen anytime during the visit, and people can move to different places according to their preferences.
Best Live Music Venues on Beale Street
There are many places to visit such as:
B.B. King’s Blues Club
Rum Boogie Cafe
Blues Hall Juke Joint
Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe
Most of the shows start around noon time and keep on going till the early morning hours, which makes Beale Street a “must-do” activity in Memphis.
Where to Eat While Exploring Beale Street
After enjoying all the music, get hungry and enjoy some traditional Memphis foods. Barbecue ribs are the specialty, but you can try other foods like fried catfish, smoked wings, and Southern-style desserts.
Some popular restaurants for visitors are:
Blues City Cafe
Alfred’s on Beale
Dyer’s Burgers
Tour Graceland and Step Into Elvis History
Even those tourists who do not consider themselves fans of Elvis will be positively impressed with their visit to Graceland. This place seems to be a kind of snap shot that was taken at a particular moment of time. Tourists can visit the mansion of Elvis Presley, have a look at his collection of cars and see some exhibitions devoted to his music career.
The opening of Graceland to the public took place back in 1982. During these years of its work, this attraction was visited by more than 20 million people. Today, more than 500,000 tourists come here annually. The income from visits to Graceland totals about $150 million a year and helps to stimulate the economy of Memphis.
One of the most popular rooms of the house is a Jungle Room. It is decorated with shag carpet of green color and Polynesian furniture. Another emotionally impressive sight is the visit to the Meditation Garden in which Elvis and some of his relatives were buried.
The tour to Graceland is on top of the list of the things that one must do in Memphis.
Tips for Visiting Graceland
Arrive at the start of the day to beat the crowds.
Purchase your tickets online several weeks in advance if you are visiting in the summertime.
Allow yourself four hours to enjoy it fully.
The Legacy of American Music
Memphis is considered hallowed ground by lovers of music because it has produced such a legacy of American music.
Tour at Sun Studio
Sun Studio is known as the place where rock and roll was born. It feels surreal walking in the room where the iconic records of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis were made.
Guided tours provide information about Sam Phillips, the producer that turned this studio into the most influential recording studio ever. Visitors will have an opportunity to feel the mic Elvis used.
Sun Studio provides a more personal and intimate experience than large museums, which have thousands of exhibitions in glass boxes. The visitors learn stories told by people who love the Memphis music.
Visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music
If you are into soul music, then your priority in Memphis must be Stax Museum. The museum is located right where the historic recording studio used to be, paying tribute to artists who shaped American music forever.
Stax Museum includes various exhibits including memorabilia of Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Visitors can interact and enjoy the museum by dancing and listening to music.
Both Sun Studio and Stax Museum are must-see places among top ten things to do in Memphis.
Experience History in National Civil Rights Museum
Tourism is not necessarily meant for entertainment purposes only. On occasion, it can serve as a way to challenge oneself to learn and think.
The National Civil Rights Museum stands in the place of the old Lorraine Motel, telling centuries-old story of fight against racial discrimination in America. This is also the place of assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who died there in 1968.
Exhibitions in the museum cover many topics such as slavery, segregation, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Freedom Rides. Audio-visual presentations allow one to feel the history in all its glory and depth.
Visiting this museum can be truly a life-changing experience for many travelers. Unlike other museums that may overwhelm one with statistics, this particular museum emphasizes the importance of human stories and courageous individuals.
It cannot be excluded from the list of the best things to do in Memphis, if asked.
Top Ten Things to Do in Memphis for First-Time Visitors
Here’s a quick overview of the top ten things to do in Memphis.
| Attraction | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Beale Street | Nightlife lovers |
| Graceland | Music fans |
| Sun Studio | History enthusiasts |
| Stax Museum | Soul music admirers |
| National Civil Rights Museum | Educational travelers |
| Memphis Zoo | Families |
| Shelby Farms Park | Outdoor adventurers |
| Memphis Botanic Garden | Couples |
| Peabody Duck March | Unique experiences |
| Mississippi Riverfront | Scenic walks |
They represent a balanced approach to introducing the city and helping its first-time visitors understand its multi-faceted character.
Activities in East Memphis
Tourists typically neglect East Memphis when concentrating only on the attractions located downtown. This is a grave error since the region is characterized by greens, fine shopping, and leisure outdoors.
Shelby Farms Park Experiences
The Shelby Farms Park can be considered one of the biggest urban parks in the United States. Occupying 4,500+ acres, the park offers kayaking, horseback riding, bike rides, and zip-lining.
Families enjoy playgrounds and places to have a picnic, whereas nature enthusiasts revel in bird watching. Many bird watchers spend entire days following trails that surround lakes and wooded areas.
Memphians often suggest Shelby Farms Park since it is an oasis away from the busy tourist areas. Visiting this place allows you to experience another Memphis that tourists don’t get to know about.
Memphis Botanic Garden
This garden displays more than 20 themed gardens featuring roses, Japanese maple trees, and flowering plants of different seasons.
Spring and fall are the periods when the garden is most gorgeous with blooming flowers creating beautiful corridors. Often used by couples for engagement pictures and romantic walks.
This attraction is among the top things to do in East Memphis, providing a good place for relaxation after the hectic downtown.
Taste Authentic Memphis Barbecue
In Memphis, food is not only nutrition. It is the soul of the city.
In the Memphis barbecue tradition, the meat is mainly pork and dry rub ribs flavored with paprika, garlic, and special spices. Unlike other barbecue types using sauces, the Memphis style tends to emphasize flavors rather than sauce.
Barbecue restaurants in Memphis:
Central BBQ
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
Payne’s Bar-B-Que
Cozy Corner Restaurant
Visiting several places for barbecues can turn out to be an exciting culinary challenge. The people are very passionate about their favorite places and newcomers immediately understand that each one has its special kind of perfection.
It would be equivalent to going to Paris and not eating croissants. Possible, but definitely not recommended.
Family-Friendly Activities in Memphis
Visitors with kids can expect lots of fun things to do here.
Memphis Zoo
There is a Memphis Zoo that has some 3,500 animals of more than 500 different species and gets about 1.2 million people annually.
The zoo features pandas, hippos, sea lions, and tropical birds. Educational programs teach kids about conservation, but at the same time, keep everything entertaining.
Comfortable walks and free transportation are provided thanks to shaded paths and tram services.
Children’s Museum of Memphis
Kids get an opportunity to try their hand at creating something, building structures, and doing other hands-on projects.
Activities include:
Indoor climbing zones
Little cities
Science experiments
Splash playgrounds
Those who want to know must do activities in Memphis should not overlook these options.
Hidden Gems Locals Love
Experienced travelers know that often the most memorable moments take place away from iconic attractions.
One of Memphis’ weirdest traditions is the Duck March at the Peabody Hotel where every day ducks march through the lobby escorted by music and spectators.
Overton Square is a district where you can find an interesting blend of arts and entertainment venues like independent cinemas, coffee shops, and boutiques.
South Main Arts District will suit those travelers who are interested in photography and colorful street art.
Crosstown Concourse is another spot which is popular among locals.
Visiting these places allows tourists to get a better idea about the reasons behind the affection of the locals towards their city.
Best Time to Visit Memphis
The seasons of spring and fall usually have the best weather.
The season of March to May offers beautiful flowers, festival celebrations, and moderate weather. The season of September to November gives cool nights for walking on Beale Street.
The summer has festivities but is very hot and humid. In winter, there is less noise, making it a good time for visitors who can take advantage of cheaper hotels.
Visitors interested in festivals will enjoy visiting during Memphis in May, which is one of the biggest festivals held in the city.
Conclusion
Memphis is not only a tourist destination. It is a city that is resilient and creative and that has left its mark on America’s culture. When visitors come looking for music and barbecue, they might end up carrying memories of deep discussions and historical connections.
While touring through Elvis Presley memorabilia at Graceland, enjoying solo guitarists performances at Beale Street, walking around Shelby Farms or pondering about the past at the National Civil Rights Museum, one learns more and more about Blues City.
If you are trying to find the best things to do in Memphis, this insiders’ guide will give you enough ideas to plan your perfect visit. The problem will not be which activity to choose first. The problem will be to choose them all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top attraction in Memphis?
Graceland is commonly regarded as the top attraction as it attracts over 500,000 tourists every year.
How long do I stay in Memphis?
Three days will be the perfect period to explore some attractions, listen to music, and enjoy Memphis foods.
What are the best free things to do in Memphis?
A walk on Beale Street, visits to Mississippi riverfront, Peabody Duck March, and Shelby Farms park are great for free fun.
Should I go to East Memphis?
Yes. East Memphis provides great parks, botanical gardens, shopping malls, and relaxed neighborhoods.
What is the best time to visit Memphis?
April and October are the best months due to pleasant weather and plenty of outdoor festivals.