10 Best Things to Do in Memphis

Looking for what to do in Memphis? Memphis is one of America’s most culturally influential destinations, defined by its extraordinary music legacy, landmark museums, soulful cuisine, historic neighbourhoods and scenic riverfront. This is the city that shaped blues, rock ’n’ roll and soul — and its creative spirit continues to pulse through streets lined with juke joints, recording studios and legendary venues. Beyond music, Memphis offers rich civil rights history, architectural icons, green parks and some of the best food in the South.

From world-famous music attractions and powerful historic sites to beautiful outdoor spaces, markets and lively districts, here are the 10 best things to do in Memphis to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit Graceland

Graceland — the beloved home of Elvis Presley — is one of the most iconic music landmarks in the world. Touring the mansion gives visitors a deep look into Elvis’s private life, showcasing his living spaces preserved exactly as he left them. Guests can explore rooms filled with personal memorabilia, glittering stage outfits, gold records, family photos and the iconic Jungle Room. The mansion provides an intimate perspective on the man behind the global superstar.

The experience extends far beyond the house itself. Graceland’s entertainment complex includes an extensive automobile museum featuring Elvis’s favourite cars, an exhibit dedicated to his private jet, and interactive galleries that chronicle his career from his early days in Memphis to international fame. Whether you’re a casual fan or lifelong admirer, Graceland is an emotional and immersive journey into Elvis’s life and cultural impact.

2. Explore Beale Street

Beale Street is the beating heart of Memphis nightlife — a world-famous avenue where live blues, neon lights and Southern energy blend into an unforgettable experience. Stretching just a few blocks, this historic street features clubs, juke joints, barbecue restaurants, street performers and live music pouring from nearly every doorway. It’s the kind of place where you can wander freely, discovering new sounds and atmospheres with each venue you enter.

At night, Beale Street comes alive with crowds, energetic performances and the unmistakable rhythms that shaped Memphis’s musical legacy. Historic landmarks such as B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rum Boogie Café offer classic Memphis vibes, while outdoor stages and patios create a lively festival-style atmosphere. Whether you visit for dinner, cocktails or an evening of bar-hopping, Beale Street is a quintessential Memphis experience.

3. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is one of the most profound and impactful museums in the United States. Built around the former Lorraine Motel — where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final hours — the museum traces the long struggle for racial equality from the era of slavery to the modern civil rights movement. Exhibits include multimedia installations, preserved artifacts, historic documents and immersive displays that bring pivotal moments to life.

The experience is both educational and deeply emotional. Visitors can see Room 306, preserved as it was on the day Dr. King was assassinated, and learn about the individuals whose courage and activism changed the nation. The museum challenges, inspires and provides an essential understanding of American history, making it a must-visit for anyone coming to Memphis.

4. Tour Sun Studio

Sun Studio is often called the “Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll,” and stepping inside feels like stepping into music history. This modest recording studio is where legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and B.B. King recorded groundbreaking early hits that shaped the direction of modern music. Guided tours tell the fascinating stories behind these sessions and reveal how a small Memphis studio ended up influencing global culture.

Visitors can stand on the original studio floor, pose with the microphone used by Elvis, and see historic equipment that captured some of the most important sounds of the 20th century. The authenticity and atmosphere make Sun Studio one of the most electrifying stops for music lovers — a true pilgrimage site for anyone passionate about blues, rock and soul.

5. Walk along the Mississippi Riverfront

The Memphis Riverfront offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and a peaceful escape from the bustling music districts. Walking and biking paths stretch along the shoreline, providing scenic routes beneath the iconic Hernando de Soto Bridge. The newly redesigned Tom Lee Park is a major highlight, featuring open lawns, shaded seating, modern play areas, public art and panoramic viewpoints over the water.

Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning, with golden reflections glowing across the river. Visitors can relax on benches overlooking the water, enjoy a riverside picnic or simply take in the calming atmosphere. The riverfront connects easily to downtown, making it a refreshing break between museum visits and city exploring.

6. Explore the Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo is one of the most respected zoos in the country, offering beautifully designed habitats, engaging exhibits and hundreds of animal species from all over the world. Popular areas include Northwest Passage, home to grizzly bears and sea lions; African Veldt, featuring zebras, giraffes and lions; and Teton Trek, which recreates Yellowstone’s landscapes with wolves and elk.

The zoo is highly walkable and family-friendly, with shaded paths, interactive learning stations and seasonal events. It’s large enough to spend half a day exploring but manageable enough that visitors can enjoy it without feeling rushed. With its wide variety of animals and immersive environments, the Memphis Zoo is a top attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

7. Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum pays tribute to one of the most important record labels in American music history. Located on the original site of Stax Records, the museum celebrates the artists who created the unmistakable Stax sound — including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Carla Thomas and Sam & Dave. Exhibits showcase rare artifacts, iconic stage outfits, vintage instruments and deep archival footage.

A highlight of the museum is the beautifully reconstructed 1906 church that demonstrates the gospel roots of soul music. Visitors also experience recreations of the original recording studio, immersive listening stations and Isaac Hayes’s legendary gold-plated Cadillac. The Stax Museum is a powerful, joyful and inspiring dive into Memphis’s cultural heartbeat.

8. Explore Overton Park

Overton Park is one of Memphis’s greatest urban green spaces, offering a mix of nature, culture and recreation right in the heart of the city. The park features forested hiking trails through the Old Forest Arboretum — one of the few remaining old-growth forests in the region — providing peaceful walks beneath towering trees. The spacious lawns, picnic areas and lakes create a relaxing environment for visitors of all ages.

Within the park, you’ll also find cultural attractions such as the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Overton Park Shell, a historic outdoor music venue that has hosted performances since the 1930s. Overton Park blends outdoor beauty with community energy, making it a favourite local hangout and a must-visit for travellers seeking quiet nature inside the city.

9. Visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, founded in 1916, is the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee. Its impressive collection spans Renaissance and Baroque paintings, American art, African works, contemporary pieces, sculptures and decorative arts. The museum’s galleries are beautifully arranged, offering visitors both historical context and visual storytelling through diverse artistic traditions.

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, lectures, film screenings and community events, ensuring there’s always something new to experience. The building itself is a landmark, set within the greenery of Overton Park, making a visit to the Brooks Museum a rewarding cultural outing for art lovers and curious travellers alike.

10. Enjoy Memphis barbecue & Southern cuisine

Memphis is legendary for its barbecue — a culinary tradition rooted in smoked meats, flavourful dry rubs and melt-in-your-mouth textures. Visitors can indulge in iconic favourites like dry-rub ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and slow-smoked brisket at beloved local institutions such as Central BBQ, Rendezvous, Gus’s and Corky’s. These authentic barbecue joints offer the soulful flavours that have earned Memphis worldwide recognition.

Beyond barbecue, the city’s dining scene includes soul food restaurants, catfish houses, hot chicken spots, modern Southern cafes and creative chef-driven eateries. Whether you’re exploring street food, brunch stops, food halls or classic diners, Memphis serves up bold flavours and warm hospitality that reflect its cultural heritage. Food lovers will find plenty to celebrate in this vibrant culinary city.