Memphis Travel Guide

Memphis is an excellent vacation destination for any music lover and anyone looking to check out one of the South's coolest cities. With a population of over 600,000, Memphis is one of Tennessee’s largest cities. The city sits along the Mississippi River and was often considered the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and many variations of blues and soul music.

Getting There

Fly

Memphis International Airport is a large airport that receives flights from all over the world.

Train and Bus

You can get to Memphis using Amtrak and Greyhound.

Weather & Climate

The best time to visit the city is in the spring or fall to avoid the sweltering heat of the summer or the cold of the winter. The hottest month is June, when temperatures peak at 97 ˚F, and the coldest month is January, when temperatures drop to 7 ˚F.

Things to Do & Attractions

Elvis Presley and Rock’n’Roll

Head to Graceland to see how the king himself lived. Elvis Presley’s former home is one of the most popular destinations in the state. Music lovers will also love a trip to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

Museums

If you’re a history lover or just a fan of civil rights, check out the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. The museum, formerly the hotel at which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was killed, is now home to over 260 artifacts detailing the Civil Rights movement. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum takes you even deeper into the city’s history as you get a glimpse at the journey of slaves seeking freedom in the antebellum south.

Explore Nature

To get out and about in the outdoors, the Mississippi River offers a range of things to do among the picturesque scenery. For example, Mud Island has lovely walks, a museum, amphitheater, and monorail ride along the river.

Where to Stay

Location

Beale Street Entertainment District, in downtown Memphis, is the go-to spot for the city’s best music and bars. Crosstown and South Main are both artsy districts with young residents. Midtown is the hipster center of the city with trendy bars and cafes. Locals in Memphis will surely show you the famous southern hospitality.

Events

Memphis is home to everything from sporting events through to music festivals and beer-tasting festivals. Some of its most popular events include Memphis Fashion Week, Vintage 901, which is a popular jazz festival, and the Midtown Opera Festival.

Nightlife

Memphis is a city buzzing with nighttime activity. It’s best known for its Blues bars -- head to Beale Street where you can find a variety of blues bars, alongside night clubs that draw top DJs.

Food & Drink

Memphis is packed with excellent bars and restaurants. There’s a big barbeque scene, with great Memphis style BBQ spots such as Corky’s Ribs and Leonard’s Pit. The city is home to international restaurants, from great Korean spots, through to upscale Italian and Meditteranean restaurants.

Art & Culture

Memphis is home to tons of museums and art galleries. For an art fix, head to The Brooks Museum, which is home to a permanent collection of Renaissance and modern art. Head to Ballet Memphis to see excellent dance performances that range from classical dance through to modern dance.

The city is packed with museums. Explore the National Civil Rights Museum, or visit the National Ornamental Metal Museum, which is home to over 3,000 pieces of contemporary and historic metal work. The Memphis Cotton Museum is also worth visiting. You can learn the history of the cotton crop, and how it shaped American and world history.

Family Activities

Visit the Children’s Museum of Memphis, go on a Mississippi River cruise, or take the kids to Graceland -- they’ll love exploring Elvis Presley’s former house.

Cabins in Memphis

With an impressive range of attractions in all corners of Memphis Tennessee, the city has something for everyone. Plus, the huge selection of rentals in Memphis will ensure you have a great stay.

Get back to the roots of the music in the area at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, or delve into the history of the town at the Museum of Memphis and the National Civil Rights Museum. Downtown Memphis is the heart of all the action, with the pubs and bars on Beale Street blaring out live music and the beats of rock and roll and Elvis Presley soundtracks. Taking a tour of Sun Studio is also a great way to learn about the rich musical past. For a family-friendly activity, the Memphis Zoo is a must-see and makes a fun-packed day trip from your vacation rental.

To get out and about in the outdoors, the Mississippi River offers a range of things to do among the picturesque scenery. For example, Mud Island has lovely walks, a museum, amphitheater, and monorail ride along the river.

There are number of Memphis cabin rentals to rent around Memphis, with rentals including apartments in the center of town, cabins on the outskirts, luxury home rentals, and much more.