TOP 20 best things to do in Memphis
Memphis, known as the Home of Blues and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, is a great travel destination, whether you are a music buff or not. There are plenty of tourist attractions and activities it has to offer to surprise first-timers and entertain those who have already explored this city. Check out this list of the best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, to plan your perfect trip.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best Memphis museums.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best Memphis museums.
Memphis Zoo
What is it?
One of the top zoos in the USA and home to 4,500+ animals representing over 500 species from all over the world.
Why should you go?
The Memphis Zoo, situated in a beautiful park setting, has been one of the city's most popular attractions for over 100 years. It hosts one-of-a-kind exhibits that mimic the animal's natural habitats, and wandering through the zoo is like traveling across the world. Go there to meet polar bears and African elephants, get a close-up view of bats in flight, and enjoy multi-level viewing of the big cats.
Specialization
Zoos & Aquariums
Perfect for
Families, children, and animal lovers
One of the top zoos in the USA and home to 4,500+ animals representing over 500 species from all over the world.
Why should you go?
The Memphis Zoo, situated in a beautiful park setting, has been one of the city's most popular attractions for over 100 years. It hosts one-of-a-kind exhibits that mimic the animal's natural habitats, and wandering through the zoo is like traveling across the world. Go there to meet polar bears and African elephants, get a close-up view of bats in flight, and enjoy multi-level viewing of the big cats.
Specialization
Zoos & Aquariums
Perfect for
Families, children, and animal lovers
Graceland
What is it?
The former home of the legendary singer Elvis Presley turned into a world-famous house museum.
Why should you go?
Elvis Presley's former mansion is perhaps the most famous home in America after The White House — and undoubtedly one of the most visited attractions in Memphis. It invites you to step into the life of the King of Rock' n' Roll and immerse yourself in his legacy. Besides the mansion itself, this place features several other exhibits, such as a car museum, where you can walk among some of Elvis' favorite automobiles, including his iconic Pink Cadillac.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
music lovers, history buffs, fans of Elvis Presley
The former home of the legendary singer Elvis Presley turned into a world-famous house museum.
Why should you go?
Elvis Presley's former mansion is perhaps the most famous home in America after The White House — and undoubtedly one of the most visited attractions in Memphis. It invites you to step into the life of the King of Rock' n' Roll and immerse yourself in his legacy. Besides the mansion itself, this place features several other exhibits, such as a car museum, where you can walk among some of Elvis' favorite automobiles, including his iconic Pink Cadillac.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
music lovers, history buffs, fans of Elvis Presley
Shelby Farms Park
What is it?
One of the largest urban parks in the USA, offering plenty of outdoor activities and cool things to do.
Why should you go?
Shelby Farms Park, consisting of 4,500 acres of scenic fields, woodlands, and meadows, is an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers over 20 bodies of water for boating and fishing and over 40 miles of trails for strolling and cycling. The park is also home to a herd of buffalo and features a range of attractions for all ages, from innovative playgrounds to the Go Ape treetop adventure, which is one of the most fun things to do in Memphis.
Specialization
Recreation
Perfect for
Active families, children, hikers
One of the largest urban parks in the USA, offering plenty of outdoor activities and cool things to do.
Why should you go?
Shelby Farms Park, consisting of 4,500 acres of scenic fields, woodlands, and meadows, is an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers over 20 bodies of water for boating and fishing and over 40 miles of trails for strolling and cycling. The park is also home to a herd of buffalo and features a range of attractions for all ages, from innovative playgrounds to the Go Ape treetop adventure, which is one of the most fun things to do in Memphis.
Specialization
Recreation
Perfect for
Active families, children, hikers
Related tours:
Sun Studio
What is it?
The legendary recording studio known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and famous for its role in Elvis' career.
Why should you go?
Sun Studio, established in 1950, has witnessed huge events in music history, such as the rise of B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Today, it allows you to stand in the very same spot where Elvis first recorded and feel the energy of the music created there. Despite its tiny size, the studio is one of the coolest places to visit in Memphis — and its famous facade is among the most photographed sites in the city.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music lovers, history buffs
The legendary recording studio known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and famous for its role in Elvis' career.
Why should you go?
Sun Studio, established in 1950, has witnessed huge events in music history, such as the rise of B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Today, it allows you to stand in the very same spot where Elvis first recorded and feel the energy of the music created there. Despite its tiny size, the studio is one of the coolest places to visit in Memphis — and its famous facade is among the most photographed sites in the city.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music lovers, history buffs
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
What is it?
The historic home of one of soul music's top record labels turned into a museum unraveling the genre's evolution.
Why should you go?
This 17,000-square-foot museum is the right place for all those who want to dive into soul-music history from the beginning to the present day. It features numerous photos, records, videos, stage costumes from the 60s and 70s, vintage musical instruments, and other unique artifacts. Highlights include, among others, the Soul Train dance floor and Isaac Hayes' 1972 gold-trimmed, peacock-blue Superfly Cadillac.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music lovers, history buffs
The historic home of one of soul music's top record labels turned into a museum unraveling the genre's evolution.
Why should you go?
This 17,000-square-foot museum is the right place for all those who want to dive into soul-music history from the beginning to the present day. It features numerous photos, records, videos, stage costumes from the 60s and 70s, vintage musical instruments, and other unique artifacts. Highlights include, among others, the Soul Train dance floor and Isaac Hayes' 1972 gold-trimmed, peacock-blue Superfly Cadillac.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music lovers, history buffs
@blsfilm_voiceofmemphismusic
Beale Street
What is it?
One of the most iconic streets in America, featuring numerous live music venues, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops.
Why should you go?
Beale Street, with its cold beer, hot music, rich history, and lively atmosphere, is one of the city's most fun and cool places to visit. It played a major role in shaping the genres of blues and jazz, and today you can catch a variety of musical shows at one of the many bars and clubs and listen to numerous street performers. Beale Street also hosts several major events throughout the year, including the famous Memphis in May International Festival.
Specialization
Music & Entertainment
Perfect for
Сouples, music buffs
One of the most iconic streets in America, featuring numerous live music venues, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops.
Why should you go?
Beale Street, with its cold beer, hot music, rich history, and lively atmosphere, is one of the city's most fun and cool places to visit. It played a major role in shaping the genres of blues and jazz, and today you can catch a variety of musical shows at one of the many bars and clubs and listen to numerous street performers. Beale Street also hosts several major events throughout the year, including the famous Memphis in May International Festival.
Specialization
Music & Entertainment
Perfect for
Сouples, music buffs
National Civil Rights Museum
What is it?
The museum at the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement.
Why should you go?
This museum complex is a significant cultural institution offering a unique, powerful, and thought-provoking experience and encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of social justice. It features numerous historical artifacts, videos, oral histories, photographs, and interactive exhibits which will guide you through the centuries of history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the era of slavery to the present day.
Specialization
History
Perfect for
History buffs, activists, and anyone interested in social justice
The museum at the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement.
Why should you go?
This museum complex is a significant cultural institution offering a unique, powerful, and thought-provoking experience and encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of social justice. It features numerous historical artifacts, videos, oral histories, photographs, and interactive exhibits which will guide you through the centuries of history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the era of slavery to the present day.
Specialization
History
Perfect for
History buffs, activists, and anyone interested in social justice
Memphis Pyramid
What is it?
A 32-story steel pyramid considered one of the most iconic buildings in Tennessee.
Why should you go?
The Memphis Pyramid is a truly unusual landmark on the city's skyline. Its base is the size of 5.5 football fields, and the building is 321 feet tall, making it one of the tallest pyramids in the world. It was built as a sports arena and then turned into a megastore — but it is more than just a place for shopping. It features a breathtaking observation deck, a campground-themed hotel, an archery range, an aquarium, and other fun stuff and unique things to do.
Specialization
Shopping & Entertainment
Perfect for
Tourists
A 32-story steel pyramid considered one of the most iconic buildings in Tennessee.
Why should you go?
The Memphis Pyramid is a truly unusual landmark on the city's skyline. Its base is the size of 5.5 football fields, and the building is 321 feet tall, making it one of the tallest pyramids in the world. It was built as a sports arena and then turned into a megastore — but it is more than just a place for shopping. It features a breathtaking observation deck, a campground-themed hotel, an archery range, an aquarium, and other fun stuff and unique things to do.
Specialization
Shopping & Entertainment
Perfect for
Tourists
@knudsenjm
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
What is it?
A museum dedicated to the history and impact of Memphis music and its contributions to the genres of rock and soul.
Why should you go?
Visiting the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a must-do for anyone planning their music pilgrimage to Tennessee. This place, situated on the second floor of the new Gibson Guitar Factory, traces the roots of rock and soul music from the early 20th century through Memphis' musical heyday in the 70s to its global influence. Go there to explore various instruments, costumes, and sound consoles and get an in-depth look at the lives of musical pioneers.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music buffs
A museum dedicated to the history and impact of Memphis music and its contributions to the genres of rock and soul.
Why should you go?
Visiting the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a must-do for anyone planning their music pilgrimage to Tennessee. This place, situated on the second floor of the new Gibson Guitar Factory, traces the roots of rock and soul music from the early 20th century through Memphis' musical heyday in the 70s to its global influence. Go there to explore various instruments, costumes, and sound consoles and get an in-depth look at the lives of musical pioneers.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music buffs
@gauchanomexico
Peabody Ducks
What is it?
A traditional duck march that has been entertaining visitors of the famous Peabody Hotel for 90 years.
Why should you go?
The Peabody Duck March is an iconic Memphis must-do and one of the truly unique experiences you can have in Tennessee. The tradition of such a show started in 1932 and has become world-famous. Every day at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, you can enjoy watching the ducks walking the red carpet in the gorgeous Peabody Hotel lobby. Even if you do not like ducks, do not miss the chance to look into the only historic hotel in the city and admire its Renaissance Revival architecture.
Specialization
Entertainment
Perfect for
Families, children
A traditional duck march that has been entertaining visitors of the famous Peabody Hotel for 90 years.
Why should you go?
The Peabody Duck March is an iconic Memphis must-do and one of the truly unique experiences you can have in Tennessee. The tradition of such a show started in 1932 and has become world-famous. Every day at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, you can enjoy watching the ducks walking the red carpet in the gorgeous Peabody Hotel lobby. Even if you do not like ducks, do not miss the chance to look into the only historic hotel in the city and admire its Renaissance Revival architecture.
Specialization
Entertainment
Perfect for
Families, children
@davidhumekennerly
Related tours:
Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
What is it?
An art museum housing one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of Asian art in the country.
Why should you go?
The Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art is often described as a 'hidden gem' in Memphis. This place is literally semi-hidden on the basement level of the Pembroke Square building. Still, it is definitely worth a visit because it houses some of the most impressive artworks in the city. The collection features over 1,400 objects, including an incredible amount of exquisitely carved jade, as well as paintings, ceramics, textiles, and many more.
Specialization
Art & Design
Perfect for
Art lovers
An art museum housing one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of Asian art in the country.
Why should you go?
The Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art is often described as a 'hidden gem' in Memphis. This place is literally semi-hidden on the basement level of the Pembroke Square building. Still, it is definitely worth a visit because it houses some of the most impressive artworks in the city. The collection features over 1,400 objects, including an incredible amount of exquisitely carved jade, as well as paintings, ceramics, textiles, and many more.
Specialization
Art & Design
Perfect for
Art lovers
@belzmuseum
Mud Island
What is it?
A small peninsula with a 52-acre park, an amphitheater, and the Mississippi River Museum.
Why should you go?
Mud Island is a great spot for a day out during the warmer months. Mud Island River Park, located on the south end of the peninsula, offers a range of activities, from kayaking to walking along a 2,000-foot-long scale model of the Mississippi River that allows kids to splash around in. You can also visit an 18-gallery river museum, chronicling the history and culture of the lower Mississippi River Valley's settlers, or simply enjoy fantastic views of the Memphis skyline.
Specialization
Recreation & Entertainment
Perfect for
Active families, children
A small peninsula with a 52-acre park, an amphitheater, and the Mississippi River Museum.
Why should you go?
Mud Island is a great spot for a day out during the warmer months. Mud Island River Park, located on the south end of the peninsula, offers a range of activities, from kayaking to walking along a 2,000-foot-long scale model of the Mississippi River that allows kids to splash around in. You can also visit an 18-gallery river museum, chronicling the history and culture of the lower Mississippi River Valley's settlers, or simply enjoy fantastic views of the Memphis skyline.
Specialization
Recreation & Entertainment
Perfect for
Active families, children
Blues Hall of Fame
What is it?
A music museum that honors people who have performed, recorded, or documented blues.
Why should you go?
The Blues Hall of Fame is one of the coolest places to go in Memphis for serious blues fans. The mission of this museum is to preserve and celebrate blues heritage. It invites you to enjoy the music in listening booths, use interactive touchscreen displays to delve into biographies of great performers, look at iconic album covers, and explore one-of-a-kind memorabilia and other unique artifacts.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music buffs
A music museum that honors people who have performed, recorded, or documented blues.
Why should you go?
The Blues Hall of Fame is one of the coolest places to go in Memphis for serious blues fans. The mission of this museum is to preserve and celebrate blues heritage. It invites you to enjoy the music in listening booths, use interactive touchscreen displays to delve into biographies of great performers, look at iconic album covers, and explore one-of-a-kind memorabilia and other unique artifacts.
Specialization
Music & History
Perfect for
Music buffs
@memphistravel
Memphis Botanic Garden
What is it?
A 96-acre property that includes about 30 specialty gardens and offers beautiful scenery all year round.
Why should you go?
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a memorable experience of nature and art. It features a variety of flowers and trees, including 85 types of magnolias. You can explore different areas, from the colorful Iris Garden to the serene Japanese Garden, and admire sculptures and other pieces of art installed throughout the grounds. This place looks fantastic even in winter when it hosts the 'Holiday Wonders at the Garden' light display.
Specialization
Nature & Art
Perfect for
Families, children, couples, gardeners
A 96-acre property that includes about 30 specialty gardens and offers beautiful scenery all year round.
Why should you go?
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a memorable experience of nature and art. It features a variety of flowers and trees, including 85 types of magnolias. You can explore different areas, from the colorful Iris Garden to the serene Japanese Garden, and admire sculptures and other pieces of art installed throughout the grounds. This place looks fantastic even in winter when it hosts the 'Holiday Wonders at the Garden' light display.
Specialization
Nature & Art
Perfect for
Families, children, couples, gardeners
@marielelusouza
AutoZone Park
What is it?
One of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the United States.
Why should you go?
AutoZone Park, conveniently located in downtown Memphis, is the home stadium of the Memphis Redbirds and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you are a baseball fan or just a casual visitor, watching a game is one of the most fun things to do in Memphis. The stadium also features several unique amenities, such as a grassy berm area for picnics and a playground for children, which make it a perfect place for a family day out.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Sports lovers, families
One of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the United States.
Why should you go?
AutoZone Park, conveniently located in downtown Memphis, is the home stadium of the Memphis Redbirds and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you are a baseball fan or just a casual visitor, watching a game is one of the most fun things to do in Memphis. The stadium also features several unique amenities, such as a grassy berm area for picnics and a playground for children, which make it a perfect place for a family day out.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Sports lovers, families
@memphisredbirds
Orpheum Theatre
What is it?
A historic performing arts venue known as the Mid-South home of touring Broadway productions.
Why should you go?
The Orpheum Theatre, originally built in 1928 as a movie palace and vaudeville theater, has turned into one of the city's iconic landmarks. It is ready to impress you with its architectural beauty and gorgeous interiors with original 1928 fixtures, crystal chandeliers, and a Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Go there to enjoy one of the Broadway shows or performances by Ballet Memphis in a spectacular setting.
Specialization
Entertainment
Perfect for
theater enthusiasts
A historic performing arts venue known as the Mid-South home of touring Broadway productions.
Why should you go?
The Orpheum Theatre, originally built in 1928 as a movie palace and vaudeville theater, has turned into one of the city's iconic landmarks. It is ready to impress you with its architectural beauty and gorgeous interiors with original 1928 fixtures, crystal chandeliers, and a Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Go there to enjoy one of the Broadway shows or performances by Ballet Memphis in a spectacular setting.
Specialization
Entertainment
Perfect for
theater enthusiasts
@the_gr0g
Crystal Shrine Grotto
What is it?
A manufactured crystal cave located in the center of Memorial Park Cemetery.
Why should you go?
Exploring the Crystal Shrine Grotto is one of the best things to do in Memphis for those who are looking for a unique and unusual experience. This attraction, created in the 1930s by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodríguez, is a 60-foot-deep cave adorned with countless colorful, glittering crystals and featuring a variety of religious sculptures and dioramas. This piece of art is accompanied by a loop of harp music, which helps you to immerse yourself in this beautiful world.
Specialization
Art & Design
Perfect for
Curious tourists, art lovers
A manufactured crystal cave located in the center of Memorial Park Cemetery.
Why should you go?
Exploring the Crystal Shrine Grotto is one of the best things to do in Memphis for those who are looking for a unique and unusual experience. This attraction, created in the 1930s by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodríguez, is a 60-foot-deep cave adorned with countless colorful, glittering crystals and featuring a variety of religious sculptures and dioramas. This piece of art is accompanied by a loop of harp music, which helps you to immerse yourself in this beautiful world.
Specialization
Art & Design
Perfect for
Curious tourists, art lovers
@drkatiemary
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
What is it?
A 19th-century house served as a hiding place for escaped enslaved people and then turned into a museum.
Why should you go?
The small but comprehensive Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, also known as the Burkle Estate, is a historic site that draws you back to the pre-Civil War era. This property, filled with secret passages and trap doors, was once used as a shelter for enslaved people attempting to flee to freedom through the Underground Railroad system. Go there to get a glimpse of those turbulent times and learn more about the civil rights heritage of Memphis.
Specialization
History
Perfect for
History buffs
A 19th-century house served as a hiding place for escaped enslaved people and then turned into a museum.
Why should you go?
The small but comprehensive Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, also known as the Burkle Estate, is a historic site that draws you back to the pre-Civil War era. This property, filled with secret passages and trap doors, was once used as a shelter for enslaved people attempting to flee to freedom through the Underground Railroad system. Go there to get a glimpse of those turbulent times and learn more about the civil rights heritage of Memphis.
Specialization
History
Perfect for
History buffs
@christinevalentin_
Victorian Village
What is it?
A historic district at the edge of downtown Memphis composed of beautiful 19th-century mansions.
Why should you go?
Victorian Village gives you an opportunity to step back in time to the 19th century. This neighborhood boasts the oldest park in Memphis and a number of houses built from 1846 to the 1890s, ranging in style from Neo-classical to Late Gothic Revival. It is a perfect place to admire stunning buildings, delve into the city's rich history, and immerse yourself in the life of wealthy and influential citizens from the late 1800s.
Specialization
Architecture & Heritage
Perfect for
Architecture lovers, history buffs
A historic district at the edge of downtown Memphis composed of beautiful 19th-century mansions.
Why should you go?
Victorian Village gives you an opportunity to step back in time to the 19th century. This neighborhood boasts the oldest park in Memphis and a number of houses built from 1846 to the 1890s, ranging in style from Neo-classical to Late Gothic Revival. It is a perfect place to admire stunning buildings, delve into the city's rich history, and immerse yourself in the life of wealthy and influential citizens from the late 1800s.
Specialization
Architecture & Heritage
Perfect for
Architecture lovers, history buffs
@victorianvillagememphis
Riverboat Cruise
What is it?
A roundtrip journey offering spectacular views of downtown Memphis and the riverfront.
Why should you go?
One of the city's greatest landmarks is the mighty Mississippi River, so it is crucial to include a riverboat cruise in your list of where to go and what to do in Memphis. Choose one of the sightseeing, dinner, or themed cruises and see a range of iconic buildings and neighborhoods, including Beale Street and Victorian Village, from a unique perspective while listening to live music or enjoying food and drinks.
Specialization
Sightseeing
Perfect for
Tourists, families, couples
A roundtrip journey offering spectacular views of downtown Memphis and the riverfront.
Why should you go?
One of the city's greatest landmarks is the mighty Mississippi River, so it is crucial to include a riverboat cruise in your list of where to go and what to do in Memphis. Choose one of the sightseeing, dinner, or themed cruises and see a range of iconic buildings and neighborhoods, including Beale Street and Victorian Village, from a unique perspective while listening to live music or enjoying food and drinks.
Specialization
Sightseeing
Perfect for
Tourists, families, couples
@stevenewmantravel
FAQ
- 1What are the must-see attractions to visit in Memphis?
- Graceland
- Sun Studio
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- National Civil Rights Museum
- 2What are the best things to do in Memphis with kids?
- Memphis Zoo
- Peabody Ducks
- Mud Island River Park
- Children's Museum of Memphis
- 3What are the best outdoor activities in Memphis?
- Shelby Farms Park
- Memphis Botanic Garden
- Mud Island River Park
- Victorian Village
- 4What are the best indoor activities in Memphis?
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Orpheum Theatre
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
- 5What should you not miss in Memphis?
- Beale Street
- Memphis in May International Festival
- Peabody Duck March
- Memphis BBQ
- 6What can you do in Memphis for free?
- Shelby Farms Park
- Mud Island River Park
- Peabody Ducks
- Mighty Lights show
Related tours:
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