Things to Do in Memphis
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Memphis, USA — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Graceland (Elvis Presley's home)
Elvis Presley's mansion + his grave. Closest major US tourist attraction to its airport (Graceland is 6 min from MEM). USD 47-105. 3-4 hours. Iconic.
Sun Studio + Beale Street
Where Elvis + Johnny Cash + Jerry Lee Lewis recorded. USD 15. Adjacent Beale Street has live blues + BBQ joints. Free walking.
National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel)
Where MLK was assassinated in 1968 — now the comprehensive Civil Rights Museum. USD 20. 2-3 hours. Essential American history.
Memphis BBQ + Stax Records Museum
Dry-rub ribs at Rendezvous (since 1948). Pulled pork at Central BBQ. Stax (Otis Redding + Isaac Hayes) Museum is on Stax St.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Memphis across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Memphis
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Memphis and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse MemphisJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Memphis.Eat here first
Memphis-style ribs (dry rub) at Rendezvous or Cozy Corner. Pulled pork sandwich at Payne's. Fried chicken at Gus's World Famous (the Mason original).
Local tip
MEM is 13km from downtown — but Graceland is just 6 km from MEM (most-conveniently-located major US tourist attraction). For 4+ hour layovers: Uber to Graceland + back without going downtown. For 8+ hour layovers: BBQ + Civil Rights Museum downtown.
Where to stay
Hotels across Memphis — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.