Things to do in Memphis for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Stax helped names like Otis Redding and Booker T. & the M.G.'s rise to prominence. Although the studio's time was short-lived, it had a big influence on Southern soul. At the museum, see memorabilia like Isaac Hayes' custom Cadillac Eldorado, and the original studio where songs like _Try a Little Tenderness_ were recorded. Listen to hits at the listening station and admire a wall of records, before you head over to the Soul Train dance floor and get down like the funk is within you.
The home of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, you can't go walking in Memphis without digging Bluff City's musical heritage. A brainchild of the Smithsonian Institute, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum pays tribute to Tennesee's early pioneers of blues, rock, and soul, whose love of music overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create new sounds the world had never dreamed of before.
Immerse in the vibrant culture and history of Memphis with this in-app audio tour designed for enthusiasts of music, innovation, architecture, and the river's mystique. Starting from the iconic Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, the route weaves through pivotal locations that have shaped the city's legacy. As you journey from one historic site to the next, the streets of Memphis tell their stories, leading you to the Mississippi Riverwalk, where the tour concludes with breathtaking views. Wander through the Edge Motor Museum for a glimpse into American sports cars' evolution, experience the buzz of AutoZone Park, and delve into the bygone era at The Cotton Museum. Revel in a riverboat cruise, pause at the scenic Mississippi River Park, all while absorbing the city-center's atmosphere at Court Square Apartments. Ancient echoes resonate at Calvary Episcopal Church, the oldest public building still in use, as well as the serene St. Peter Catholic Church, and the educational Fire Museum of Memphis. This self-guided travel audio tour promises an unforgettable experience as you explore the fusion of historical charm and contemporary spirit that defines Memphis. From soul-stirring music heritage to the majestic Mississippi, each step offers a piece of the city's heart, culminating in a picturesque finale at Mud Island Park.
Dive into the heart of Memphis with this self-guided audio tour, perfect for culture enthusiasts and anyone with a love for blues, brews, and BBQ. It is tailored for someone exploring this southern gem for the first time and offers a sensory journey through iconic sites and hidden gems alike, all narrated by your personal guide, Phil. Starting at the historic Central Station Hotel and ending at the stunning Memphis Pyramid, the route guides you through the Lorraine Motel, soulful blues clubs, tangy BBQ havens, and diners that have stood the test of time. Notable landmarks on the way include the National Civil Rights Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and vibrant street murals that tell Memphis' compelling story. Unearth how this city has risen from its turbulent past to reclaim its position as the cultural pulsing heart of the Delta blues. This tour isn't just a walk; it's an experience filled with the aroma of smoky BBQ, the sounds of blues legends, and the sights of architectural marvels. From witnessing the beer-drinking goats at Silky O'Sullivan’s to visiting the historic Peabody Memphis, travelers are promised unforgettable moments that capture the essence of Memphis.
Download this self-guided audio tour and explore Memphis, a lively city along the Mississippi River known as the home of the Blues and famous for its contribution to the culture and history of the U.S. This tour will take you through the city's downtown, showing its must-see places. First, you will learn about the Blues Foundation, a nonprofit corporation with the mission to preserve blues heritage. Then you will see the Halloran Centre, a modern and cosy space hosting concerts and other events. You will also look at the jewel of Memphis, the famous Orpheum Theatre, one of the few remaining "movie palaces" from the 1920s. Passing by the National Civil Rights Museum and Cotton Museum, you can go inside if you are interested in the topic. Next, if you are a nature lover, there is a wonderful Mississippi River Park with breathtaking views of steep valleys and Court Square, a quiet green oasis with its own stories to tell. After that, you will return to the urban areas, pass by a few historic landmarks and end up at the Beale Street Baptist Church, which gave rise to African‐American Baptist churches in the area. The tour will also guide you to a few more good-to-explore attractions and invite you to walk along iconic Beale Street, an entertainment district with strong ties to Blues Music, which flows from every corner. Finally, you will see FedEx Forum, the city's sports and entertainment facility that locals are proud of.
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About Memphis
The best walking tours to do in Memphis are:
The best indoor tours in Memphis for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Memphis for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Memphis with kids are:
Insider tips for visiting Memphis
Anna S is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2024 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Memphis on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Memphis.
When I put together a travel guide Memphis visitors can actually use, I always say this: Memphis is easiest by car if you want to move between Downtown, Midtown, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown without wasting time. I usually walk South Main and Beale, then drive to Overton Square or the Broad Avenue arts district, where parking is often simpler than people expect. If you visit Memphis without a car, I’d lean on rideshares and the Main Street trolley for a short Downtown stretch. Locals know summer heat can make long walks miserable, so I plan neighborhoods in clusters. That approach leaves more energy for the real things to do in Memphis.
When I visit Memphis for a night out, I usually steer people toward Midtown, especially Overton Square and Cooper-Young. To me, that’s where Memphis feels most relaxed and local after dark: patio bars, late-night kitchens, live music that isn’t only built for visitors, and an easy walk between spots. If you visit Memphis and want the classic neon-and-blues energy, Beale has its place, but I find Midtown gives you a better sense of how locals actually spend an evening. In my travel guide Memphis notes, I pair Midtown nightlife with daytime things to do in Memphis like Overton Park or Broad Avenue nearby.
When I’m looking beyond the obvious attractions in Memphis, I head to places that still feel rooted in local life. I love the Metal Museum for its bluff views over the river and the quiet, working-artist atmosphere. In Memphis, I also recommend Elmwood Cemetery; it’s unexpectedly beautiful, with winding paths and a lot of city history under the trees. Another favorite is the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, especially in spring when the grounds are in bloom. If you’re deciding what to see in Memphis, these spots add depth beyond the usual tours in Memphis and show a more personal side of the city.
When I first bring someone to Memphis, I balance the essential music history with neighborhoods that show the city’s everyday character. I start downtown with the National Civil Rights Museum, then walk South Main for galleries and old warehouse architecture before heading to Sun Studio early, when it feels less rushed. For classic things to do in Memphis, I always leave time for an evening in Midtown around Overton Square or Cooper-Young, where Memphis feels more lived-in. If you’re sorting out attractions in Memphis and what to see in Memphis, I’d focus on a few districts rather than cramming in too many tours in Memphis.
In my travel guide Memphis notes, I usually suggest three days as the sweet spot. That gives me time to split Memphis into moods: one day for Downtown history and music, one for Midtown and Overton Park, and one for Crosstown, Broad Avenue, or a slower riverfront afternoon. If I only have two days in Memphis, I keep expectations tight and group neighborhoods carefully so I’m not zigzagging across town. When people visit Memphis for four days, that’s when I add smaller museums, local coffee stops, and evenings that aren’t rushed. It’s enough time to enjoy the best things to do in Memphis without treating the city like a checklist.
When I visit Memphis with food in mind, I usually split my time between Cooper-Young, Crosstown, and South Main. Cooper-Young gives me the neighborhood feel I love in Memphis: good brunch spots, casual patios, and places where the kitchen matters as much as the bar. Crosstown is great when I want variety in one compact area, especially inside Crosstown Concourse. South Main works well for dinner if I’m already downtown and want something more atmospheric than Beale. In my travel guide Memphis notes, I always mention that the best things to do in Memphis often include eating by neighborhood instead of chasing only famous names when you visit Memphis.
When families ask me for the most reliable things to do in Memphis, I usually point them to the Memphis Zoo and Overton Park as a pair. In Memphis, that area works especially well because you can pace the day without constant driving, and the zoo is genuinely manageable with kids of different ages. I like that it feels fun without being chaotic. If you want to round it out, I’d add the Children’s Museum of Memphis for a more hands-on afternoon. Among the family-friendly attractions in Memphis, these spots are easier than cramming in long tours in Memphis, and they answer what to see in Memphis without exhausting everyone.