Discover Memphis: Where Blues Was Born and Soul Never Dies

Day 1: Civil Rights & Beale Street Rhythms

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your Memphis journey at the profound National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (450 Mulberry St). This powerful museum is essential for understanding a pivotal part of American history. Plan for 3-4 hours to fully absorb the exhibits.
  • Cost: $18 per person ($36 for two).
  • Practical Tip: It’s a deeply moving experience; allow yourself time for reflection.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) For lunch, walk about 10-15 minutes north to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (152 S. Front St) for some of the city’s best hot and spicy fried chicken.
  • Budget: Approximately $15-20 per person. After lunch, take a short ride-share ($5-8, approx. 1 mile) or a 20-minute walk to Sun Studio (706 Union Ave), “The Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” Take the engaging 45-minute guided tour where legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King got their start.
  • Cost: $15 per person ($30 for two).
  • Practical Tip: Tours fill up; consider booking in advance online.
• Evening Head to Beale Street, the iconic home of the blues. Stroll the vibrant street, listen to buskers, and soak in the electric atmosphere. For dinner, experience Memphis’s famous dry-rub ribs at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (52 S. Second St), located down an alley just off Union Avenue, a short walk from Beale.
  • Budget: Approximately $30-40 per person for dinner and a drink. After dinner, catch live blues music at B.B. King’s Blues Club or Rum Boogie Cafe on Beale Street. Cover charges may apply ($5-15 per person, or sometimes free with a drink purchase).

Day 2: Graceland Greatness & Soulful Sounds

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Devote your morning to Graceland (3764 Elvis Presley Blvd), the legendary home of Elvis Presley. Take a ride-share from downtown (approx. 15-20 minutes, $20-25 each way). Opt for the “Elvis Experience Tour,” which includes the mansion, exhibits, and his airplanes. Allow 2.5-3 hours.
  • Cost: Approximately $48 per person ($96 for two).
  • Practical Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time and save on potential walk-up prices.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Grab lunch conveniently across from Graceland at Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant (4381 Elvis Presley Blvd), serving classic BBQ fare.
  • Budget: Approximately $20-25 per person. Afterward, take a ride-share (approx. 10-15 minutes, $10-15) to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (926 E McLemore Ave). Immerse yourself in the history of soul music with exhibits on Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and more. Plan 1.5-2 hours.
  • Cost: $13 per person ($26 for two).
• Evening Enjoy dinner at a beloved Memphis BBQ institution, Central BBQ (147 E Butler Ave, Downtown location, or 4375 Summer Ave for the original). Savor their pulled pork, ribs, and mac & cheese.
  • Budget: Approximately $25-35 per person. Afterward, take a relaxing evening stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront for picturesque views of the sunset over the river. Free.

Day 3: River Views, Local Charm & Farewell Feast

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your day exploring the Mississippi Riverfront. Walk along the bluffs, enjoy the views of the Hernando de Soto Bridge, and take in the tranquility of the river. Then, head to Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid (1 Bass Pro Dr), a fascinating conversion of the former Memphis Pyramid arena into a massive outdoor recreation store. It’s free to wander the store, marvel at the indoor swamp, and observe the live alligators. For panoramic city views, take the glass elevator to the observation deck.
  • Cost: $10 per person for the observation deck ($20 for two).
  • Practical Tip: The Pyramid is walkable from downtown (approx. 15-20 minutes) or a very short ride-share/trolley.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) For an authentic local BBQ experience, take a ride-share (approx. 5-7 minutes, $8-10) to Cozy Corner BBQ (735 N. Pkwy). They’re famous for their BBQ Cornish hens and slow-smoked ribs.
  • Budget: Approximately $15-20 per person. Next, explore the charming Cooper-Young Historic District (approx. 10 minutes ride-share from Cozy Corner, $10-12). This eclectic neighborhood is known for its art galleries, unique boutiques, and historic architecture. Enjoy browsing and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere. Free to explore.
• Evening For your final Memphis feast, dine at The Bar-B-Q Shop (1782 Madison Ave, Midtown, near Cooper-Young). Indulge in their famous BBQ spaghetti, ribs, or pulled pork.
  • Budget: Approximately $25-35 per person. Raise a toast to your “Memphis Blues & BBQ Blast” adventure at a local establishment in Cooper-Young, like Young Avenue Deli, before heading home.

Day 1: Downtown Rhythms & River Breezes

• Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your Memphis journey at the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum (191 Beale St). This Smithsonian affiliate offers an excellent overview of the city’s musical heritage, from the field hollers to rock and soul.
  • Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours.
  • Cost: ~$14 per person, so $28 for two.
  • Practical Tip: It’s centrally located and easily walkable from most downtown hotels. After the museum, grab a casual lunch.
  • Dining Recommendation: Huey’s Restaurant (77 S 2nd St), a local favorite for burgers and pub fare.
  • Cost: ~$30-40 for two.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Head to the iconic Peabody Memphis hotel (149 Union Ave) to witness the world-famous Peabody Duck March. The ducks march at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM; aim to arrive by 4:30 PM for a good viewing spot.
  • Time Needed: 30-45 minutes.
  • Cost: Free. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront. Enjoy the panoramic views, watch the barges float by, and walk onto the pedestrian bridge for unique perspectives of the river and Arkansas beyond.
  • Distance: The Riverwalk spans several miles; focus on the area around Beale Street Landing.
  • Cost: Free.
• Evening Immerse yourselves in the vibrant energy of Beale Street. Explore the shops and soak in the atmosphere before dinner.
  • Dining Recommendation: Blues City Cafe (138 Beale St) for authentic Southern comfort food, famous for its ribs and catfish, often with live music.
  • Cost: ~$70-90 for two, including drinks. After dinner, step into one of the legendary blues clubs like B.B. King’s Blues Club or Rum Boogie Cafe for live music and a true taste of Memphis nightlife.
  • Cost: Many clubs have a small cover charge (~$10-15 per person) or just expect you to buy drinks.

Day 2: Soulful Echoes & Blues Legends

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your day at Sun Studio (706 Union Ave), revered as “The Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” Take the guided tour to stand in the room where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits.
  • Time Needed: 45-minute guided tour. Arrive early as tours can sell out.
  • Cost: ~$15 per person, so $30 for two.
  • Practical Tip: It’s about a 1.5-mile walk from central downtown, or a short rideshare (~$8-12). For lunch, experience another Memphis institution.
  • Dining Recommendation: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (310 S Front St), a must-try for its spicy, crispy fried chicken.
  • Cost: ~$30-40 for two. (It’s a short rideshare or longer walk from Sun Studio, closer to downtown).
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Dive deep into the world of American soul music at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (926 E McLemore Ave). This museum celebrates the iconic Stax Records, home to Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Sam & Dave.
  • Time Needed: 2-2.5 hours.
  • Cost: ~$13 per person, so $26 for two.
  • Practical Tip: Stax is about 3 miles from downtown; a rideshare (~$12-18) is recommended.
• Evening Explore the charming and eclectic Cooper-Young Historic District, known for its independent shops, art galleries, and diverse culinary scene.
  • Dining Recommendation: Sweet Grass (937 S Cooper St) for upscale Southern cuisine, or Beauty Shop Restaurant (966 S Cooper St) for a unique dining experience in a converted beauty parlor.
  • Cost: ~$80-100 for two. Enjoy a post-dinner stroll to soak in the local atmosphere.
  • Practical Tip: Cooper-Young is about 4-5 miles from downtown. A rideshare (~$15-20 each way) is needed.

Day 3: Freedom’s Footsteps & The King’s Domain

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Dedicate your morning to the profound National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (450 Mulberry St). This powerful museum chronicles the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, culminating at the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours; allow ample time for reflection.
  • Cost: ~$17 per person, so $34 for two.
  • Practical Tip: Easily walkable from many downtown hotels. After this moving experience, have a quiet lunch nearby.
  • Dining Recommendation: The Arcade Restaurant (540 S Main St), Memphis’s oldest restaurant, famous for its classic diner fare and being a favorite of Elvis Presley.
  • Cost: ~$25-35 for two.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Journey to Graceland (3734 Elvis Presley Blvd), the iconic home of Elvis Presley. Opt for the “Elvis Experience Tour,” which includes access to the mansion, Elvis’s custom jets, and his impressive car collection.
  • Time Needed: 2.5 - 3 hours.
  • Cost: ~$79 per person, so $158 for two. (This is a significant part of your budget, but an essential Memphis experience for many.)
  • Practical Tip: Graceland is about 9 miles south of downtown; a rideshare (~$20-25 each way) is necessary. Book tickets online in advance to save time.
• Evening Enjoy a quintessential Memphis BBQ dinner.
  • Dining Recommendation: Central BBQ (147 E Butler Ave is closest to downtown). Renowned for its pulled pork, ribs, and BBQ nachos.
  • Cost: ~$50-70 for two. After dinner, consider a relaxed evening activity, perhaps a drink at a downtown bar or a leisurely walk.

Day 4: River Views & Artistic Avenues

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Explore the Mississippi Riverfront with a visit to Mud Island River Park (125 N Front St). Walk the detailed scale model of the Lower Mississippi River, visit the Mississippi River Museum (small fee), and enjoy stunning city skyline views.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
  • Cost: Park access is free; museum admission is ~$8-10 per person, so $16-20 for two. The monorail to the island (if operational) has a small fee.
  • Practical Tip: Walkable from northern downtown, or a short rideshare. Consider walking or cycling across the Big River Crossing, the longest pedestrian/bike bridge over the Mississippi, offering spectacular views into Arkansas.
  • Cost: Free to walk/bike; bike rentals nearby cost ~$15-25 for 2 hours. Grab lunch near the riverfront.
  • Dining Recommendation: Westy’s (143 E G E Patterson Ave), a local favorite for wings and burgers.
  • Cost: ~$30-40 for two.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Immerse yourselves in the vibrant Broad Avenue Arts District (Broad Ave, roughly between N Hollywood St and N Merton St). This revitalized area boasts public art, unique boutiques, art galleries, and local breweries. It’s a fantastic spot for a leisurely browse and to discover local Memphis creativity.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
  • Cost: Free to browse; shopping/drinks are extra.
  • Practical Tip: About 4-5 miles east of downtown. A rideshare (~$15-20 each way) is recommended.
• Evening Enjoy a final memorable dinner.
  • Dining Recommendation: Hog & Hominy (706 W Brookhaven Cir) for delicious wood-fired pizzas and Southern-inspired dishes in a lively setting, or check out a local spot in Broad Avenue like The Cove (612 Jefferson Ave) for oysters and craft cocktails.
  • Cost: ~$70-90 for two. Reflect on your journey through Memphis’s soul and heritage.

Day 5: Artistic Farewell & Departure

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Savor a final Memphis brunch.
  • Dining Recommendation: The Majestic Grille (145 S Main St), a popular downtown spot in a historic theater, offering a diverse brunch menu.
  • Cost: ~$50-70 for two. After brunch, if time permits before your departure, visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (1934 Poplar Ave) located in Overton Park. It’s Tennessee’s oldest and largest art museum, featuring diverse collections.
  • Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours.
  • Cost: ~$15 per person, so $30 for two.
  • Practical Tip: About 3-4 miles from downtown; a rideshare (~$12-18) is convenient.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping on Beale Street or a final peaceful walk along the river. Head to Memphis International Airport (MEM) for your departure.
  • Distance to MEM Airport: Approximately 9 miles from downtown. A rideshare (~$20-25) is recommended.