Memphis

Introduction

You will find Memphis situated along the banks of the Mississippi River in Shelby County, Tennessee. As the county seat, it serves as a central hub for the surrounding region which extends into parts of Arkansas and Mississippi.

As the largest city proper located on the Mississippi River, Memphis anchors a metropolitan area that spans across state lines.

Before you go

Prepare for a climate that becomes extremely hot during the summer months, where high humidity can make the air feel even heavier. If you have difficulty tolerating intense heat, you may prefer to avoid visiting during July and August.

While downtown Memphis has undergone significant renewal and is becoming an exciting place to relax, you should remain aware of your surroundings. While safety in the downtown area has improved and there is a consistent police presence near Beale Street, it is wise to exercise common sense and keep valuables out of sight. You should avoid areas in North and South Memphis, as well as neighborhoods like Riverside, Orange Mound, Binghampton, Frayser, and Raleigh, which struggle with crime.

Getting there

You can reach Memphis by air via Memphis International Airport, which serves various domestic destinations across the country. If you prefer to travel by train, Amtrak's City of New Orleans runs along the Mississippi River and stops at Memphis Central Station on South Main Street.

For those traveling by road, several bus lines provide service from locations such as Nashville, Birmingham, and Tulsa. You can also arrive by car via I-40 or I-240, while the Harahan Bridge provides a route for those arriving on foot or by bicycle from West Memphis. Once you reach the city, taking the Riverside Drive exit will bring you near Beale Street.

Getting around

Navigating this sprawling city depends largely on your itinerary. While walking and public transit are viable for exploring the downtown area, a car is the most practical way to reach neighborhoods beyond the core, such as Midtown, East Memphis, or the surrounding suburbs. The city is laid out in an east-west fashion with roads running north and south, while an expressway cuts through the center. If you prefer to use public transit, the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides bus service across the city, though some routes are poorly served in the evenings and may change paths on weekends. For intercity travel, Amtrak offers a train connection at Central Station on South Main Street, while the Airways Transit Center near the airport serves as a hub for several intercity bus operators.

If you choose to drive, major highways like I-40 and I-55 intersect in the city, with the I-240 beltway providing a way to bypass downtown traffic. Parking is generally free outside of the downtown area, where you can find parking in garages on Union Avenue or Front Street. While there are hundreds of miles of bike lanes, they form a fragmented network and cycling is more common for recreation than transportation. If you prefer to walk, stick to the riverfront and Beale Street areas, but exercise caution as sidewalk infrastructure is underdeveloped.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations throughout the city depending on your preferred atmosphere and proximity to local landmarks. For those seeking a central experience, several options are located near the historic Beale Street District. Staying directly on Beale Street puts you in the heart of the action, while nearby properties offer a slightly quieter retreat just a few blocks away. If you prefer a modern boutique feel with contemporary vibes and clean lines, look for accommodations in the downtown area near the river.

For those seeking specific amenities or locations outside the immediate city center, several options are available:

• A selection of hotels provides access to fitness centers, pools, and on-site dining.
• Boutique atmospheres overlooking the Mississippi River offer a unique experience.
• Properties near the medical complex provide convenient access for those visiting that area.
• Options located near major highways provide easy access for travelers arriving from the airport or neighboring regions.

Food & drink

Memphis is renowned for its vibrant food scene, particularly its local barbecue. You can choose between "wet" ribs, served with a spicy and tangy sauce, or "dry" ribs, which are rubbed with spices before cooking. Rib tips are a staple of the local cuisine. Beyond the smoke, you can find everything from Southern home cooking to international fare. While famous establishments offer reliable experiences, adventurous eaters can find exceptional flavors in modest hole-in-the-wall joints.

Explore various culinary styles across different neighborhoods:

• In the Downtown area, enjoy a classic diner experience with traditional food, pizza, and hummus sandwiches, or visit a legendary basement establishment for dry-rub ribs and BBQ nachos. You can also find a retro diner known for its deep-fried burgers and chili cheese fries, or head to a nearby cafe in the Art District for a signature cappuccino.
• The Midtown area offers diverse options including Vietnamese soup, Mexican cuisine with well-regarded margaritas, and Cajun dishes like gumbo and spicy chicken sandwiches. You can also find local breweries serving pizza and a selection of beers alongside bar food.
• In East Memphis, you can find a neighborhood bakery known for its creative cupcakes or a seafood spot featuring Gulf oysters and King Crab with a Cajun tilt. Other nearby options include a cozy steakhouse and a hole-in-the-wall bar serving shish kebobs.

What to see and do

Explore the vibrant culture of Downtown by taking a trolley tour for an overview of the area or visiting Beale Street, known as the "Home of the Blues." This lively stretch features numerous bars and clubs with live music; at night, you can enjoy drinks on the street. Nearby, you can explore the history of the civil rights movement at the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel, or visit the Cotton Museum and the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art. For those interested in music history, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum offers an immersive experience with headsets to hear various songs as you walk through the exhibits, while Sun Studio provides a look at where legendary rock 'n' roll and country recordings were made.

Nature and art lovers can find diverse experiences across different neighborhoods:

• In Midtown, visit the Memphis Zoo or explore the eclectic Pink Palace Museum, which features everything from animatronic dinosaurs to an IMAX theater.
• The Metal Museum offers a collection of jewelry and sculpture with views of the Mississippi River, while Mud Island Park provides a vantage point of the city and river along with a model community.
• Head to East Memphis for the expansive Shelby Farms Park, where you can see a herd of American Bison or explore the Lichterman Nature Center's meadows and forests.
• The Memphis Botanic Garden features a Japanese Garden of Tranquility and a dedicated children's garden.

When to go

You should plan your visit based on your tolerance for heat and humidity. The summer months bring extremely hot and humid conditions that can feel oppressive, making it a challenging time of year if you are sensitive to high temperatures.

Other seasons offer milder weather throughout the year. If you prefer more comfortable conditions, these periods provide a more temperate experience than the intense heat found during the summer months.

Three days in Memphis

Day one, you begin your journey in the heart of the city. You can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Beale Street or wander through the diverse neighborhoods of Midtown and East Memphis to get your bearings.

Day two, you head toward the water to experience the sights along the Mississippi River. You can navigate the local area to see the scenery near Riverside and South Main Street.

Day three, you explore the outskirts of the city. You can travel through areas like Orange Mound or Frayser as you conclude your time in the Tennessee region.