21 Great Things to Do in Memphis (For Beginners) (2023)

You are looking forThe best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee?This guide has you covered!

Known as the birthplace of blues, soul and rock 'n' roll, Memphis, Tennessee should be high on your list of cities to visit.

Here you will truly have the experience of a lifetime as you walk the streets where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. Kings became stars.

Immerse yourself in the city's exciting culture as you explore the famous museums, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Memphis for first-time visitors.

Did we miss something amazing?Which attractions in Memphis should you visit?Let us know in the comments. Thanks!

The best things to do in Memphis

the pyramid of memphis

IsPyramid of Memphis, formerly known as the Great American Pyramid, is the modern counterpart of the ancient Egyptian pyramids located on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Since 1991, this 321-foot-tall building has served as the basketball arena, home of the NBA Grizzlies, but in 2015 it became Bass Pro Shops Superstore, which today attracts tourists from around the world.

It features a cypress swamp with an alligator pool, 600,000 gallons of water with 36 species of fish, shops, a bowling alley, four restaurants, the highest free-standing elevator in the country, an archery range, a free open-air observation deck, and the Big Cypress Lodge, a 103 rustic two bedroom lodge and treehouse cabins.

Sip beverages on the Mississippi Terrace, enjoy American specialties at Uncle Buck's FishBowl & Grill or dine at The Lookout At The Pyramid with sweeping panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

ADDRESS:Menfis, TN 38105

Belz Museum of Asian and Jewish Art

Enjoy stunning Asian and Jewish art and exceptional pieces curated by the Belz familyBelz Museum of Asian and Jewish Art.

It has the largest and most comprehensive collection of Chinese art in the southern United States and makes a great addition to any otherMemphis timetablefor art lovers!

Here you can see more than 1,400 objects in 5 permanent exhibition galleries: 3 Asian, 1 Jewish and the Holocaust Memorial Gallery.

The magnificent Asian collection includes carved ivory, carvings, jade, paintings, pottery, textiles, funerary art and many other treasures dating back to 202 BC. C. to early 20th century.

The Jewish Gallery features the largest collection of Mr. Kafri's work outside of Israel, as well as works by Marc Chagall, Samuel Bak, and Mane Katz.

Prepare to see portraits of survivors and hear their gruesome stories at the Holocaust Memorial Gallery.

ADDRESS:119 S Main Street, Menfis, TN 38103

Granja Shelby

Granja ShelbyIt's a 4,500-acre playground for the whole family. The more adventurous can try ax throwing, rope climbing and ziplining at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure.

You can also hike and bike the Wolf River Trail, Tour de Wolf Trails, Shelby Farms Greenline and Chickasaw Trail, or enjoy private horseback rides and paddle boats on Pine Lake.

You can let the kids play at the Woodland Discovery Playground or the Water Play Sprayground, rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards at the Boathouse on Hyde Lake, and explore the water park at your own pace.

Have fun in the sun with kite flying, a game of tag, or challenge your friends to a game of golf, paintball, or laser tag. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the buffalo who have called the park home since 1989.

ADDRESS:6903 Great View Dr. N., Memphis, TN 38134

Memphis Mojo-Bustour

Ever wanted to explore the city's rich musical heritage with local musicians aboard a music bus? this is the perfect oneDay trip to MemphisIn this case!

The Memphis Mojo Bus Tour, led by a professional Beale Street musician, offers you the chance to take a fun tour of the birthplace of the blues.

Here you can see the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and the legendary Stax Studio, now the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

You'll also pass historic Beale Street, the Peabody Memphis Hotel, historic Front Street/Cotton Row, 342-acre Overton Park, the Central Gardens District, St. King's Music. , Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Upgrade your tour to include access to Sun Studio, the most famous recording studio in the world.

>> Click here for pricing and availability

study the sun

Located in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is a must for music lovers. It has been said, “If music were a religion, Memphis would be Jerusalem and Sun Studio would be its holiest place.

Opened in 1950, it's often referred to as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, where legendary musicians like Elvis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison started brilliant careers.

Take a guided tour to hear true stories, explore studio memorabilia, touch Elvis' first microphone, and hear previously unreleased music.

Today it's a busy recording studio for many big name artists including U2, Def Leppard, John Mellencamp, Margo Price and many more.

Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to take home a piece of Sun Studio.

Location:706 Union Avenue, Menfis, Tennessee

Try it at Memphis BBQ

Aside from being the "Home of the Blues," charming Memphis has another special feature. It is known as "Roast Pork Capital of the World' while you prepare a delicious American barbecue.

Steeped in tradition and a unique style of grilling, this capital of suggestion features more than 100 steakhouses dotted across the city to enjoy delicious minced, shredded, wet or dry pork.

Grab your big, seasoned prime rib, dip it in a signature sweet and sour sauce, and savor the taste in your mouth.

Grill junkies won't want to miss the World Barbecue Cooking Championship, where the city's top pitmasters and gurus show off their skills by creating delectable meat and llama art.

the arcade restaurant

Take a break from exploring the city and get ready for adventures in theArcade restaurant, the oldest coffee shop in Memphis, operating since 1919.

This family-run restaurant serves hearty Southern-style breakfasts, home-cooked lunches and dinners using fresh, signature ingredients.

The vintage neon signs and retro interior with old photos and posters on the walls transport you back to the 1950s.

The varied menu ranges from pancakes and fried steak to salads and sandwiches.

You must try the artisanal pizza; It's out of this world. Sit in Elvis' cabin and order bacon and eggs like the king did every morning.

This is one of Elvis' hotspots, having featured in numerous films, TV shows and documentaries.

ADDRESS:540 S Main Street, Menfis, TN 38103

Memphis City Guided Tour (mit Flusskreuzfahrt)

If you want to explore the incredible sights of Memphis from every corner and get excited about a Mississippi River cruise, consider this guided Memphis city tour with Mississippi River cruise.

This is the perfect guided combination to see and learn about the highlights of Memphis. First, stroll down Beale Street, admire statues of legendary musicians and witness 19th-century mansions in the Victorian village.

You'll also pass the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the Peabody Hotel, and many other points of interest.

End your tour aboard a historic Island Queen, a three-decker steamer that cruises past Tom Lee Park.

Enjoy the breathtaking views while your friendly captain shares interesting stories about the Mississippi River and its influence on the surrounding areas.

>> Click here for pricing and availability

mud island

mud islandis a beautiful peninsula located a few miles north of Memphis. It offers many activities for the whole family.

Take a relaxing stroll along the Riverwalk, one of Mud Island's highlights, to immerse yourself in the peaceful landscape.

Then head to the 18-gallery Mississippi River Museum to uncover history and learn about the myths of the Mississippi River.

Hit the water after an educational tour with Kayak Memphis, who rent kayaks and paddleboards, or take a SUP YOGA class with SUP901.

While the kids play at Mud Island Park, head to the Mud Island Amphitheater below the Memphis skyline for amazing live performances in a 5,000-seat outdoor venue.

Hall da Fama makes blues

Hall da Fama makes blues, managed by The Blues Foundation, is a blues enthusiast's paradise.

Open to the public since 2015, this gem pushes the boundaries for those admitted and displays costumes, instruments, artwork and artifacts.

Here you can enjoy blues music, explore blues culture and meet all the talented people who have contributed to the art form.

This impressive museum keeps the blues alive with over 400 members in five categories: performers, solo, album recordings, solo recordings and literature.

Admire memorabilia from legendary blues artists like W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Muddy Waters and many more.

Choose your favorite artists and dive into their photos, music and biographies via an interactive database.

ADDRESS:421 S Main Street, Menfis, TN 38103

land of grace

When in Memphis, visitland of grace, the former oasis of Elvis Presley, should be at the top of your must-see list.

In this colonial-style mansion, you can wander through history through the glamorous living rooms, bedrooms and basement in search of rock 'n' roll memorabilia.

Don't be surprised to see Elvis' vintage cars and the majestic airplane named after his daughter at the back of the property.

Visit the Jungle Room, King's final recording studio, where he spent much of his time working on his last two albums.

Finish your tour with a stroll through the beautiful meditation garden to see Elvis' tomb, where visitors from all over the world pay their respects.

Be sure to visit the 200,000-square-foot Memphis entertainment complex to find costumes and personal artifacts that truly inspired Elvis.

Come to McEwen's

Enjoy fine Southern cuisine in the legendary 25 year old restaurantby McEwen. The casual atmosphere, friendly staff and world-class cuisine ensure the perfect dining experience.

It has recently been refurbished and modernised, but the restaurant's historic charm is still evident.

Enjoy your meal in one of the dining rooms or in the cellar and spice up the mood in the spacious bar.

Start with the delicious snacks that will whet your appetite for the restaurant's most popular dishes, prepared by Chef Keith Bambrick, such as: B. the grilled New York Strip, grilled Chilean sea bass, warm goat cheese salad with macadamia crust and many other delicious options. Be sure to leave some space to end with a heavenly dessert.

ADDRESS:120 Monroe Ave, Menfis, TN 38103

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Would you like to immerse yourself in the world of soul music? Look no further than thatStax Museum of American Soul Music, the only museum in the world preserving the legacy of Stax Records and American soul music.

Travel back to the 1950s and admire musical instruments, stage costumes, vinyl records, films, vintage recording equipment used at Stax, photographs and a rare collection of over 2,000 amazing artifacts.

Here you can visit the Hallowed Ground to see vintage recording gear, Cropper's guitar and Jones' organ, legendary studio recordings from a 1967 European revue, a Hall of Records filled with over 1,000 recordings, Isaac Hayes' gold-studded Cadillac Eldorado and more marvel Enjoy many legendary hits.

Before heading out, head to the Express Yourself dance floor, which encourages everyone to dance like the dancers from old Soul Train episodes.

ADDRESS:Avenida 926 E McLemore, Memphis, TN 38126

Try the food tour of downtown Memphis

Foodies shouldn't miss the history-packed Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour.

This tour offers a glimpse of history off the beaten path and helps you get a true sense of The Bluff City as you visit six Memphis restaurants.

Dine like a Memphis native at these family-run, award-winning restaurants, which offer a total of seven tastings of specially prepared dishes to tantalize your taste buds with local cuisine.

A variety of dishes, from hot tamales to homemade desserts, are prepared with locally sourced ingredients so you can experience the rich flavors of the region.

Don't worry about the calories; You will surely burn them as you go from one hotspot to another.

>> Click here for pricing and availability

Rua Beale

Your trip to Memphis is not complete without a ride.Rua Beale.

This iconic street is steeped in history of blues, rock 'n' roll, the civil rights movement, ribs and is home to an abundance of shops, museums, cafes, nightclubs and many other must-see tourist attractions.

In a nutshell, it's Memphis' premier entertainment hub. Whether you're a music lover, history buff or party fanatic, Beale has something for everyone.

Travel back in time as you visit historic homes, old theaters and retro jazz venues frequented by legendary musicians.

Get a real feel for the original soul of Memphis by sampling delicious treats at Rum Boogie Cafe, finding your groove at BB King's Blues Club, seeing a great show at Orpheum Theater and visiting A.Schwab, Memphis' oldest and oldest shop , explore.

Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum

Memphis Museum of Rock and Soul, created by the Smithsonian Institution, is another must-see where you can fully immerse yourself in Memphis' musical heritage and learn more about how this magical city shaped soul music and rock 'n' roll.

Take a self-guided digital audio tour to explore seven galleries including 3 audiovisual programs, over 30 instruments, 40 costumes, and 100 songs.

Immerse yourself in country music of the 1930s, marvel at musical treasures from Sun, Stax and Hi Records, discover the mysteries behind Memphis' musical heyday in the 1970s and appreciate its role in American music history.

The centerpiece of this museum is the renowned Memphis Music Hall of Fame, which honors many of the world's famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Isaac Hayes and many others.

ADDRESS:191 Beale Street, Menfis, TN 38103

Memphis-Bierbustour

Memphis' thriving craft beer scene deserves special attention. Whether you're a beer lover or not, the Memphis Brew Bus Tour, featuring three local breweries and tastings, promises an experience like no other.

You'll visit three of the best local breweries in a comfortable private bus, taste the best beer in town, and take a brewery tour to discover secret brewing techniques.

You will be accompanied by an entertaining and knowledgeable guide who will shed light on the origins of Memphis beer and share interesting stories.

With this tour, you'll sample some of the city's unique beers and find out for yourself who the beer king of Memphis is.

>> Click here for pricing and availability

Memphis Botanical Garden

If you ask the locals what must-see attractions in Memphis are, chances are,Memphis Botanical Gardenwill make your top 5 list.

This 96-acre oasis of peace and tranquility is home to over 180 species of trees and 30 specialty gardens including Formal Gardens, Lowlands, Japanese Garden, The Woodland and many others.

Most impressive is the Butterfly Garden, a slice of heaven teeming with hundreds of vibrant butterflies.

Kids and teens will love the sixteen different themed areas in My Big Backyard, perfect for running, jumping, diving, learning, exploring, pollinating, nature art and more.

Keep your eyes peeled for exceptional sculptures and works of art throughout the area for an experience like no other.

ADDRESS:750 Cherry Road, Menfis, TN 38117

Memphis Haunted Walking Ghost Tour

If you like horror movies and mysteries, you'll probably love the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour.

Treat yourself to a spooky ghost tour exploring the dark side of Memphis.

You'll tour the former brothel of Earnestine and Hazel's, one of the most haunted buildings in Memphis while a professional and friendly guide shares lesser-known, chilling tales about the city's haunted heritage.

Tour highlights include the Orpheum Theatre, known as the home of a ghost named Mary; the Casa Gayoso apartment building; the John Alexander Austin House, a Victorian mansion believed to be haunted by the ghosts of two lovers; and the Memphis Haunted Piano website.

>> Click here for pricing and availability

Orpheus-Theater

The last place on this list is the historic oneOrpheus-Theater, one of the few surviving movie palaces from the 1920s in thethe entire state of Tennessee.

Here you can see the latest Broadway shows and enjoy everything from breathtaking ballet performances and local cultural and community events to international jazz festivals.

Don't miss the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in May or the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award.

The Orpheum Theater has its darker side, with many believing that the friendly spirit of little Mary still enjoys being on stage.

She's been watching the performers since their last haunted performance in 1921. Whether your preference is theater, music, or dramaparanormal activities, the Orpheum Theater guarantees a scary experience.

ADDRESS:203 S Main Street, Menfis, TN 38103

Memphis City Tour (+ River Cruise and Solar Study)

This next tour is a great choice for anyone wanting to see all of Memphis' top attractions in one comprehensive tour. A few stops include the Pyramid of Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Peabody Hotel.

The tour begins with a pickup from your Memphis hotel. Your tour begins on Beale Street, voted America's Most Famous Street.

Check out the street's bluesy shops and restaurants on your way to other top Memphis attractions.

You can also purchase admission to the Memphis Riverboats Cruise or Sun Studio as a bonus.

The tour starts at 9:30 am. M. and takes between 2 and 7 hours depending on the add-ons purchased.

>> Click here for pricing and availability

Where to stay in Memphis

if you searchwhere to stay in memphis- We protect you! Here are some of the best hotels and places to stay in Memphis:

• Downtown Memphis Shellcrest Apartments
• Downtown Kasa Memphis
• large cypress shelter
• Hyatt Place Menfis Wolfchase

Did we miss something amazing?Attractions in Memphis?let us knowThe best things to do in Memphis, TNin the comments Thank you!

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