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Travel guide: Three days in Memphis, Tennessee
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame considers Sam Phillips as one of the most important influencers in the history of rock. He discovered Elvis Presley, founded Sun Records (which is still a recording studio) and pioneered rockabilly music.
Day 1 itinerary: Top things to do in Memphis, TN
Here are the best places to visit and top things to do on Day 1 of your perfect itinerary in Memphis, Tenn.
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, TN is known as the greatest civil rights story ever told. Pictured: Rosa Parks, the mother of the civil rights movement, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in which 17,000 Black Americans participated.
Make the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN your first stop on your perfect three-day itinerary. And set aside at least a half day. While some travel guides recommend at least 90 minutes, I toured the National Civil Rights Museum for three hours. And I still feel like I need to return and learn more.
Many of your assumptions about the National Civil Rights Museum will dissipate as you become enlightened about the entire civil rights movement over the past 400 years ā slavery, separate but equal, boycotts, assassinations, Black power, and more. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel lives up to its claim as the greatest civil rights story ever told.
The National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel ā where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Your tour will take you through 400 years of the Civil Rights Movement including a somber walk inside and outside Dr. Kingās motel room and the balcony where he was shot.
Where is the National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel located?
The National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel is located at 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103.
Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, TN
Make sure you take a tour of the Blues Hall of Fame Museum ā a top thing to do in Memphis, Tenn.
You will love the Blues Hall of Fame Museum ā one of Memphisā hidden gems whether you are a blues enthusiast or a more modest fan.
In the lower level, youāll be treated to 10 different galleries with interactive touchscreen displays where you can listen to music samples, watch videos and read stories about the 400 inductees.
Additionally, youāll find listening rooms along with a giant touchscreen connected to three master databases of blues music. I timed my visit perfectly in that I was the only guest at the time so received a personal guided tour from one of the Blues Hall of Fameās volunteers.
Where is the Blues Hall of Fame Museum located?
Youāll find the Blues Foundationās Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, Tenn. just one block from the main National Civil Rights Museum building at 421 S. Main.
Best hotel in Memphis: The historic Central Station Hotel
Loved my stay at the historic Central Station Hotel in Memphis, Tenn. Special thank you for Memphis Travel for their assistance in creating a memorable getaway. While they provided tickets to several museums and coordinated accommodations at Central Station Hotel, opinions are always my own.
Grateful Memphis Travel coordinated accommodations for me at the historic Central Station Hotel on the equally historic South Main Street. Again, opinions are always my own, and Central Station Hotel is the best place to stay in Memphis.
I absolutely loved Central Station Hotel for its friendly and helpful staff, comfy suite and its location (walkable distances to many of the top attractions in Memphis). And not only is Central Station Hotel one of the best hotels to stay at in Memphis, itās also one of the best places to visit. Youāll love its history, unique lobby bar (Eight & Sand) with a DJ that spins vinyl records, and the hotelās own sounding music room.
Audiophiles and history buffs alike will love Central Station Hotel ā stay for the night or stay for a couple of hours listening to records spin on the turntable.
My husband and son are audiophiles and own a vast collection of vinyl records. They would love Central Station Hotel. Iāll definitely stay here again.
Where is Central Station Hotel in Memphis, Tenn. located?
Memphis Central Station (aka Grand Central Station), located at 545 South Main Street, was built on a former rail station called Calhoun Street Station.
Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum
I didnāt get an opportunity to visit the Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum as itās currently only open Friday through Sunday. However, this museum sounds like a great Memphis attraction for families with children.
A few of the Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum exhibits include a train simulator you can drive, a model train layout and even a Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends room.
Where is Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum located?
The Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum is connected to the Central Station Hotel at 545 Main Street, Suite 121.
Memphis Main Street Trolley
While all the best things to do on Day 1 of your Memphis itinerary are walkable, you can also grab a ride on the Memphis Main Street Trolley. Youāll find several convenient stops. The Main Street Rail Line only costs $1 each way. Check their website for locations, operating hours and routes (including their Madison Avenue Line and Riverfront Line).
Street art on Historic Main Street
Recognize these lyrics? You can find a series of Poetry Panels across from the Central Station Hotel in Memphis, Tenn.
Historic South Main Street in Memphis, Tenn. is also known for its arts community so take a stroll to appreciate the street art.
South Main Mosaic Artwalk in Memphis, Tennessee. I Am A Man by Marcellous Lovelace is one of eight temporary public art installations that features the works of local artists.
Day 2: Best things to do in Memphis, TN
Here are the best places to visit on Day 2 of your perfect itinerary in Memphis, Tenn.
Graceland: The Home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, TN
Visit Graceland ā The Home of Elvis Presley. Itās the #1 top attraction in Memphis.
I was a huge fan of Elvis Presley growing up ā loved his music and even his movies. A very special thank you to Graceland for providing me tickets to tour Graceland ā The Home of Elvis Presley. As always, opinions are my own.
And I can honestly say that Graceland lives up to its reputation as the number one attraction in Memphis, Tenn. Definitely a 70s vibes as you walk through the mansion.
Youāll enjoy an audio tour (at your own pace) of the 14-acre Graceland estate as well as the self-guided tours of all the special Elvis Presley exhibits. I recommend allowing at least a half-day to visit the Graceland mansion as well as the 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex. See my related post: Guide to Graceland: Home of Elvis Presley
Billiards room at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee
Elvis Presleyās Memphis takes you on a self-guided tour of his life. The exhibits showcase his career, gold records, movies, wardrobe, cars, planes, motorcycles and more. I especially loved the exhibit that features his influence on other great musical artists. A visit to Graceland is the best pilgrimage and thing to do in Memphis for all music lovers.
So my first stop after walking through the Elvis Presley ticket gates was lunch at Gladysā Diner ā grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich (cooked-to-order in butter or bacon grease). I was skeptical, but pleasantly surprised how much I loved Elvisā favorite sandwich! Delicious!
How to get to Graceland ā The Home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tenn.
The address for Graceland ā The Home of Elvis Presley is 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38116. Note that parking and the ticket office are located across from the actual mansion at the entertainment complex. And that is where youāll also find the shuttle to Graceland.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, TN
Floor-to-ceiling of records and albums line this hall at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tenn.
I must admit that before my visit to Memphis, I had never heard of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. But I walked away with so much knowledge of some of our most beloved soulful legends.
Youāll start your tour in a former country church, which is the birthplace of soul music. From there, youāll travel through time with all the mesmerizing exhibits, elaborate performance wardrobes, a recording studio from back in the day, a hall featuring floor-to-ceiling cases of all records and albums released by Stax, and much more.
What a cool museum that encourages you to get your groove on! Stax Museumās Express Yourself dance floor.
Anyone else dance in their living room while watching Soul Train growing up? Well, you can relive those moments on their Express Yourself dance floor. So fun!
Fun fact: Otis Redding showed up at Stax Museum of American Soul Music as a chauffeur for another recording artist. When that session didnāt go so well, they allowed Redding to sing. He went on to become the labelās biggest star.
While Memphis Travel and Stax Museum provided me a complimentary ticket, opinions are my own. And I can say wholeheartedly that one of the best music history museums in Memphis or even the world is Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Where is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music located?
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located at 926 E. McLemore Ave., Memphis, TN 38106.
Bass Pro Shop at Memphis Pyramid
Stunning views of Memphis and the Mississippi River from The Big Cypress Sky High Rideās observation deck. You can find this attraction inside the Memphis Pyramid (aka Bass Pro Shop).
Youāll find one of the best views of Memphis at the top of the Memphis Pyramid (aka Bass Pro Shop). The Big Cypress Sky High Ride features the tallest free-standing elevator in the U.S. Youāll travel 28 stories / 300 feet up to the observation deck where you can take in stunning views of Memphis, the Mississippi River and the surrounding area.
Where is the Big Cypress Sky High Ride at Memphis Pyramid located? Whatās the address of the Bass Pro Shop at Memphis Pyramid?
The address for the Bass Pro Shop at Memphis Pyramid is 1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN 38105. Youāll find the entrance to the Big Cypress Sky High Ride in the middle of the Pyramid (you canāt miss it).
Free things to do in Memphis: Beale Street Landing and Memphis Riverside Parks Neighborhood
Youāll find several riverside parks overlooking the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tenn.
And if youāre looking for free things to do in Memphis, check out Beale Street Landing and Big River parks in Memphis to round out Day 2 of your perfect itinerary. You can also find the Mississippi riverboat tours here.
Ashburn-Coppock Park
Butler Park
Big River Crossing: You can actually, walk, run or bike across the one-mile Mississippi River Bridge that connects Memphis, Tenn. with West Memphis, Ark. The Big River Crossing is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chickasaw Heritage Park
E.H. Crump Park
Martyrs Park
Tom Lee Park
Vance Park
Other popular Memphis parks include:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park
Greenbelt Park
Mud Island Park (also the location for the Memphis sign)
Here are the best places to visit on Day 3 of your perfect itinerary in Memphis, Tenn.
Sun Studio: The birthplace of Rock āNā Roll in Memphis, TN
Known as the birthplace of rock ānā roll, Sun Studio is one of the best things to do in Memphis, TN
One of my favorite things to do in Memphis was taking the Sun Studio tour ā the birthplace of rock ānā roll. And thatās not just a gimmicky marketing line. This is where it all began. And Sun Studio is still making its marks in music history. I was surprised to learn that Sun Studio is not just a museum. It still serves as a recording studio for artists at night. How cool is that?
Music trivia: Dewey Phillips, a popular DJ with Memphis radio station WHBQ, was the first to broadcast Elvis Presleyās debut record, āThatās All Right.ā
While small, the intimate Sun Studio museum packs in a lot of great music history. A tour guide provides behind-the-scenes stories and transports you back to the 1950s where music legends like Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Ray Orbison, and more made history. In fact, you can stand in the very same spot where Elvis Presley recorded.
Please note that tickets are only sold in person the day of the tour, which are once an hour at the bottom of the hour (e.g., 10:30 a.m.). And because of its size, tours are limited to 25 guests. So I highly recommend arriving at Sun Studio early to get your tickets. And while my ticket was complimentary courtesy of Memphis Travel and Sun Studio, my opinion is always my own. And my opinion is that you must visit Sun Studio.
Where is Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee located?
Sun Studio is located at 706 Union Avenue at the corner of Union and Marshall in Memphis, Tenn.
Peabody Hotel Duck March
The Peabody Hotel Duck March tradition goes back to the 1930s. Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. five North American mallards march through the lobby in front of the fountain.
Note that the Peabody Hotel Duck March is currently only offered to hotel guests at this time.
Where is Peabody Hotel Duck March in Memphis, Tennessee located?
The Peabody Hotel Duck March takes place in the hotel lobby. The Peabody Memphis is located at 149 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum
A Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program developed by the National Museum of American History, the Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum is one of the best music history museums. I loved the self-paced audio tour to learn all about the origins and evolution of American rock and roll and soul music.
You can access more than 300 minutes of music history as well as a library of more than 100 songs. Youāll begin your rock and soul journey watching a documentary film before making your way around the seven galleries of rock and soul exhibits and stories.
Again, while the Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum and Memphis Travel provided me tickets, opinions are always my own. See my related post: Guide to Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum
Where is the Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum located?
Youāll find the Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum on the historic Beale Street tucked away next to the FedExForum where the Memphis Grizzlies play. The address for Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum is 191 Beale Street, Memphis, Tenn.
Beale Street Entertainment District
Of course, you may find yourself on Beale Street well before Day 3. And maybe every day and every night. This itinerary of the top things to do in Memphis, Tenn. is agile and scalable. This means you have the flexibility to change, add or delete any of these recommended things to do to best fit your interests, schedule and energy. Pace yourself!
Hereās a photo tour of my stroll through the Beale Street Entertainment District showcasing some of the best things to do in Memphis, Tenn.
Stroll down the historic and legendary Beale Street ā one of the top things to do in Memphis, Tenn.Youāll find an Elvis statue as you enter Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn. Youāll come across many musical icon tributes on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn.Lots of beautiful artwork throughout Beale Street. A series of these are located outside the Rock ānā Soul Museum and FedExForum.Loved these historical markers along Beale Street to learn more about this famed neighborhoodās history. The Tennessee Historical Commission places these markers to help preserve the stateās history.The Beale Street Baptist Church in Memphis was the first church built for Blacks (1869) and is also home to the first newspaper for Blacks (1892).Beale Street is pretty laid-back during the day. Youāll find lots of eateries, bars, music, museums and shops here.One of the popular Instagrammable photo-op stops in Memphis is located on Beale Street. Youāll find the historic Orpheum Theater and the walk of fame on the corner of Beale and South Main streets in Memphis, Tenn.
Best places to eat in Memphis, Tenn.
Arcade Restaurant, a family diner, is the oldest restaurant in Memphis. Located on the historic South Main Street, this establishment opened in 1919.
Here is a list of some of the best places to eat in Memphis, Tenn.
Arcade Restaurant ā the oldest restaurant in Memphis was founded in 1919
Corkyās ā my friend recommends this place for their ribs
Earnestine and Hazelās ā best dive bar that also claims to be haunted
Rendezvous ā must try the ribs (according to my friend ā I didnāt get a chance to stop by)
Rizzoās ā award-winning chicken pot pie and featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Youāll find this award-winning bread pudding at Rizzoās in Memphis, Tennessee. This tasty dessert features white chocolate, blueberry, bourbon glaze and whipped cream.
List of the best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee
Rock n Soul Museum in Memphis, Tenn. takes you on a soulful journey.
Here is an alphabetic list of the top things to do Memphis, Tenn. so you can create your own perfect itinerary for one day, 48 hours, a long weekend or a week.
Have you been to Memphis? Any hidden gems for me to experience the next time I visit? Please let me know in the comments! And please sign up for my newsletter as Iāll start publishing even more detailed posts and reviews of all my favorite things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.
Pin it for later: Best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
78 comments
I’m ready to visit Memphis right now! I love all of the music museums they have here, and of artists that I love too. Graceland is a must see; I wasn’t a big Elvis fan but I’d like to visit his house.
That’s so awesome! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Memphis. I loved all the music and recording studio museums in Memphis. Graceland is such an iconic destination and incredible experience.
I love the city and love the blog. So many cool experiences for new and frequent travelers to Nashville. Food, music, and fun – the perfect destination. THXS for posting.
There is so much to do in Memphis. The National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s house should definitely be on anyone’s list. Thank you for this well-written guide!
Thank you and my pleasure! Love sharing all the fabulous things to do in Memphis. I agree that the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland should be on everyone’s travel list.
Thank you. Memphis definitely offers a lot of fun and educational things to do from Sun Studio to the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland. I loved sharing my three-day itinerary.
This is an amazing 3-day intinerary that I can imagine enjoying with my family. I didnāt realize that there was so much to do in Memphis! Every day that I read through created a list of must-doās. I canāt wait to visit!
wow! what a thorough posts on memphis! i have been wanting to visit for some time… and when i finally make it, i’m going stay at the Central Station Hotel for sure.
Thank you so much! I loved discovering all the best things to do in Memphis, Tenn. And adored the Central Station Hotel – the best place to stay in Memphis!
Great wrap – we had a very similar experience, but didn’t have time for some of the museums because we went partying on Beale for St. Patrick’s Day š It’s such a vibrant place and you’ve captured it really well.
I lived in Memphis for three years and love your suggestions. Glad you mentioned Corky’s and the Rendez-vous for BBQ, particularly ribs. Both are fantastic!! Graceland is a must, as is the Lorraine Hotel and Civil Rights Museum. Well done!
That makes me so happy to hear from a localās perspective! I loved this three-day itinerary to Memphis. Canāt wait to return – thereās so much to do!
There’s so much to do in Memphis and this three day itinerary sounds perfect. I also love Elvis as my uncle and dad were huge fans so we’d always watch his movies and listen to his music. Of course, visiting Graceland is on my bucketlist.
Memphis looks like such a cool place! I’d love to explore the music and civil rights history there! Plus take a ride on a trolley! Central Station Hotel looks like such a cool place to stay! Thanks for the great guide!
Memphis seems like a great place to explore for a few days. I honestly never knew there was this much to do — Graceland has been on my bucket list for some time, but I see there’s so much else I want to do!
I completed a Mississippi River cruise in Memphis. I didnāt have time to explore the city because I flew straight out to Mexico. With so much to see and do in Memphis, this was my loss.
I have never visited Memphis but it is a city I would love to explore for the music history. I would definitely spend time at the Blues Hall of Fame. The trolley looks like a great option when I have walked my feet off strolling along Beale Street.
You would love Memphis with all the cool things to do. I really enjoyed the Blues Hall of Fame as well as the other music-related museums. The trolley is definitely a great option after walking on Beale Street.
I’ve only been to Memphis once and it was just half of a day, so I obviously missed a lot! I did get to eat some amazing BBQ and drive-by Graceland. But I’d love to vist the MLK site and some of the other museums. This is a great itinerary!
Thank you so much! Happy to share this three-day itinerary to Memphis. I highly recommend visiting the National Civil Rights Museum – I learned so muchā¦a very moving experience. And also loved the recording studio tours.
Memphis was so much fun with so many cool things to do. I was skeptical about that grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich at Graceland, but Elvis knew what he was talking about. Soooo good!
Memphis looks so great. I’ve had Tennessee on my list for a while now but have yet to make it there. I would love to eat some great Memphis BBQ!!! Definitely saving you post for when I plan my visit!
Iāve been to Memphis a few times but never with much time. What a wonderful selection of museums to go to that I never visited! Thereās always next time!!
And I remember that old story of your old trip with strangers! Such a memorable story!
Thank youā¦so much to do in Memphis so am grateful I could experience so many of the museums. Still so much more I want to exploreā¦definitely a next time for me.
I really enjoyed your review of Memphis! I love learning “Lesser known facts” about a place and people. So interesting! I am definitely interested in visiting!
Memphis is quite the city. So much to do and such a musical past. Itās not all about Elvis. Shame you didnāt get to see the ducks do their March, Iām sure thatās great.
I loved Memphis – so many cool and educational museums to explore! Canāt wait to return as there is so many things to do in Memphis – and must see those Peabody ducks do their march next time.
I loved Memphis Tennessee and saw just a bit when visiting my friend who lives there. My favorite thing to do was visiting Graceland as I’m a big Elvis fan.
I was actually just in Memphis this summer but I cut my trip short as I wasnāt a fan of anything I was seeing and felt unsafe. But it looks like there are a lot of cool things to see there so I guess Iāll have to give it another shot! Iād enjoy going to Graceland as I have the same birthday as Elvis. š
I’ve heard and read that Memphis was unsafe. But I can honestly say that I walked pretty much everywhere and felt safe. I did not venture out after dark, however, since I was traveling solo. That’s so cool that you share the same birthday with Elvis. I hope you do give Memphis another chance as there are lots of great things to do and experience.
I have been to all the other large cities in Tennessee but never to Memphis. It looks like such a great place! Lots of interesting things to see and it’s so colorful! Your photos are great!
You certainly got to see a lot in Memphis. Sun Studios and Graceland are two that are high on my list of musts in Memphis. However, you’ve shown me a few more places I need to visit. Can’t wait to take my kids.
So grateful Memphis Travel and all the museums for hosting me. I know you would love Sun Studios and Graceland especially. Lots of great things to do for the entire family.
I would love to visit The Henry Ford Museum. I know you would love touring the National Civil Rights Museum and all the other great things to do in Memphis.
We did a day trip to Memphis during our trip to Nashville a few years back. It was awesome. I may not be a huge Elvis fan, but touring Graceland was incredible! Had I had the youger kids with me, we would have had to see the duck march!
What a great post! I’m hoping to visit Memphis this summer and then take a road trip into Arkansas. I would love to stay at the Central Station Hotel! And visiting Graceland sounds so fun!
I’m ready to visit Memphis right now! I love all of the music museums they have here, and of artists that I love too. Graceland is a must see; I wasn’t a big Elvis fan but I’d like to visit his house.
That’s so awesome! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Memphis. I loved all the music and recording studio museums in Memphis. Graceland is such an iconic destination and incredible experience.
I love the city and love the blog. So many cool experiences for new and frequent travelers to Nashville. Food, music, and fun – the perfect destination. THXS for posting.
Thank you so much! I love both Memphis and Nashville – so many fun and educational things to do and explore.
There is so much to do in Memphis. The National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s house should definitely be on anyone’s list. Thank you for this well-written guide!
Thank you and my pleasure! Love sharing all the fabulous things to do in Memphis. I agree that the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland should be on everyone’s travel list.
Looks like a music lovers paradise. I would enjoy visiting the civil rights museum along with Grace land.
Thank you. Memphis definitely offers a lot of fun and educational things to do from Sun Studio to the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland. I loved sharing my three-day itinerary.
This is an amazing 3-day intinerary that I can imagine enjoying with my family. I didnāt realize that there was so much to do in Memphis! Every day that I read through created a list of must-doās. I canāt wait to visit!
Thank you! Memphis is a great family vacation destination with so many cool things to do.
wow! what a thorough posts on memphis! i have been wanting to visit for some time… and when i finally make it, i’m going stay at the Central Station Hotel for sure.
Thank you so much! I loved discovering all the best things to do in Memphis, Tenn. And adored the Central Station Hotel – the best place to stay in Memphis!
I loved our time in Memphis – especially seeing the Lorraine Motel and civil rights sights. And Sun Studios – I accidentally stood on Elvis’s spot!
We preferred Overton Square to Beale Street for drinks and music š
Thanks for tip about Overton Squareā¦will need to check it out next time we visit Memphis. So much to do in three days!
Great wrap – we had a very similar experience, but didn’t have time for some of the museums because we went partying on Beale for St. Patrick’s Day š It’s such a vibrant place and you’ve captured it really well.
Thank you so much! You must have had a blast celebrating on Beale Street. One of the best things to do in Memphis!
I lived in Memphis for three years and love your suggestions. Glad you mentioned Corky’s and the Rendez-vous for BBQ, particularly ribs. Both are fantastic!! Graceland is a must, as is the Lorraine Hotel and Civil Rights Museum. Well done!
That makes me so happy to hear from a localās perspective! I loved this three-day itinerary to Memphis. Canāt wait to return – thereās so much to do!
There’s so much to do in Memphis and this three day itinerary sounds perfect. I also love Elvis as my uncle and dad were huge fans so we’d always watch his movies and listen to his music. Of course, visiting Graceland is on my bucketlist.
There is so much to do in Memphis! You would love visiting Graceland especiallyā¦I loved it!
I LOVE Memphis! We were there years ago and spent a quick 24 hours but did SO much. I’ve been itching to go back ever since!
Iām in love with Memphis! And will definitely return longer than three days next time! So much to do!
We loved our trip to Memphis. There are so many things to do in Memphis!
Awesome! I loved Memphis also with so much to do in three days.
OMG! What an itinerary! You saw so much within 3 days! Itās unbelievable! Thanks for sharing š„°
Thank you! It was a fun-filled three days in Memphis with so much to do!
Memphis looks like such a cool place! I’d love to explore the music and civil rights history there! Plus take a ride on a trolley! Central Station Hotel looks like such a cool place to stay! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you and my pleasure! Loved all the museums especially the National Civil Rights Museum – and loved my stay at the Central Station Hotel.
Memphis seems like a great place to explore for a few days. I honestly never knew there was this much to do — Graceland has been on my bucket list for some time, but I see there’s so much else I want to do!
Memphis is a great city to explore with lots of things to do. Graceland was pretty cool to tour.
I’ve always wanted to visit Memphis and you make it look like so much fun! Would definitely like to see Graceland.
Thank you! Memphis offers a lot of fun and historical things to do.
I completed a Mississippi River cruise in Memphis. I didnāt have time to explore the city because I flew straight out to Mexico. With so much to see and do in Memphis, this was my loss.
I would love to do a Mississippi River cruise! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Memphis – so many great things to do!
I have never visited Memphis but it is a city I would love to explore for the music history. I would definitely spend time at the Blues Hall of Fame. The trolley looks like a great option when I have walked my feet off strolling along Beale Street.
You would love Memphis with all the cool things to do. I really enjoyed the Blues Hall of Fame as well as the other music-related museums. The trolley is definitely a great option after walking on Beale Street.
My mom keeps telling me she wants to visit Tennessee, so I’ll definitely be showing her this guide!
So happy to hear! Thank you for sharing this 3 days in Memphis itinerary with your mother. So many educational and fun things to do.
I’ve only been to Memphis once and it was just half of a day, so I obviously missed a lot! I did get to eat some amazing BBQ and drive-by Graceland. But I’d love to vist the MLK site and some of the other museums. This is a great itinerary!
Thank you so much! Happy to share this three-day itinerary to Memphis. I highly recommend visiting the National Civil Rights Museum – I learned so muchā¦a very moving experience. And also loved the recording studio tours.
Memphis looks amazing! And so does Elvis’s favorite sandwich- LOL I love PB and bananas!!!
Memphis was so much fun with so many cool things to do. I was skeptical about that grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich at Graceland, but Elvis knew what he was talking about. Soooo good!
Memphis looks so great. I’ve had Tennessee on my list for a while now but have yet to make it there. I would love to eat some great Memphis BBQ!!! Definitely saving you post for when I plan my visit!
Awesome! So happy to hear you find this three-day guide to Memphis valuable. So many fun and educational things to do.
Iāve been to Memphis a few times but never with much time. What a wonderful selection of museums to go to that I never visited! Thereās always next time!!
And I remember that old story of your old trip with strangers! Such a memorable story!
Thank youā¦so much to do in Memphis so am grateful I could experience so many of the museums. Still so much more I want to exploreā¦definitely a next time for me.
I really enjoyed your review of Memphis! I love learning “Lesser known facts” about a place and people. So interesting! I am definitely interested in visiting!
Thank you so much! So happy to hear you enjoyed my review and guide to the best things to do in Memphis.
Memphis is quite the city. So much to do and such a musical past. Itās not all about Elvis. Shame you didnāt get to see the ducks do their March, Iām sure thatās great.
I loved Memphis – so many cool and educational museums to explore! Canāt wait to return as there is so many things to do in Memphis – and must see those Peabody ducks do their march next time.
I’ve always wanted to visit Memphis and spend a few days! This itinerary is perfect.
Awesome! Memphis offers so many things to do and see – this is the perfect itinerary to explore as much as possible.
I loved Memphis Tennessee and saw just a bit when visiting my friend who lives there. My favorite thing to do was visiting Graceland as I’m a big Elvis fan.
Memphis is such a great place to visit with lots of things to do. I loved my tour of Graceland.
I was actually just in Memphis this summer but I cut my trip short as I wasnāt a fan of anything I was seeing and felt unsafe. But it looks like there are a lot of cool things to see there so I guess Iāll have to give it another shot! Iād enjoy going to Graceland as I have the same birthday as Elvis. š
I’ve heard and read that Memphis was unsafe. But I can honestly say that I walked pretty much everywhere and felt safe. I did not venture out after dark, however, since I was traveling solo. That’s so cool that you share the same birthday with Elvis. I hope you do give Memphis another chance as there are lots of great things to do and experience.
Iāve always wanted to go to Memphis. There is so much amazing history!
Memphis is a great destination! So much history and great things to do and see.
Wow I’ve never been to Tenesee but if I do I will definitely check out all these museums. They all look so interesting!
Awesome! Memphis offers so much to do with some very educational museums especially.
One of my best friends loves Elvis, I’d love to do this trip with her!
A girls trip to Memphis and Graceland would be perfect and so fun! So many cool, fun and educational things to do.
I have been to all the other large cities in Tennessee but never to Memphis. It looks like such a great place! Lots of interesting things to see and it’s so colorful! Your photos are great!
Thank you so much! Memphis is a great place to visit in Tennesseeā¦so much history and loved the music museums.
You certainly got to see a lot in Memphis. Sun Studios and Graceland are two that are high on my list of musts in Memphis. However, you’ve shown me a few more places I need to visit. Can’t wait to take my kids.
So grateful Memphis Travel and all the museums for hosting me. I know you would love Sun Studios and Graceland especially. Lots of great things to do for the entire family.
So many great things to do in Memphis. The Civil Rights Museum would be great to visit, as we’ve seen the Rosa Parks bus at The Henry Ford Museum.
I would love to visit The Henry Ford Museum. I know you would love touring the National Civil Rights Museum and all the other great things to do in Memphis.
Memphis looks like a really fun place to visit. Iād especially love to see Graceland and that Stax museum with the express yourself dance floor.
Memphis is a fun place to visit with so many things to do. Graceland and the Stax Museum are especially cool!
We did a day trip to Memphis during our trip to Nashville a few years back. It was awesome. I may not be a huge Elvis fan, but touring Graceland was incredible! Had I had the youger kids with me, we would have had to see the duck march!
Memphis is a great day-trip adventure from Nashville! So many cool things to like Graceland. Iām sure the kids would love that duck march.
Very comprehensive list of things to do in the city, thanks! Will save it for when I do my US road trip š
Awesome! Lots of great things to do in Memphis, Tenn. It would make a great stop on your U.S. road trip!
That Bass Pro Shop sounds like a fun experience. I’d certainly enjoy the views towards the mighty river.
The views from the top of the Bass Pro Shop in Memphis were stunning! So much to do in Memphis!
What a great post! I’m hoping to visit Memphis this summer and then take a road trip into Arkansas. I would love to stay at the Central Station Hotel! And visiting Graceland sounds so fun!