5 Must See Places to Visit in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is the largest city in the state of Tennessee and has around 650 000 inhabitants (numbers from 2000). The city is known for being the place where Elvis Presley lived in his precious Graceland. Memphis is also known for having a great BBQ scene and unfortunately also for the murder of Martin Luther King on April 4 1968.

We only had two days in Memphis and we spent almost a full day in Graceland. It’s quite expensive to visit so we really wanted to take our time there. And really, it deserves time because there’s so much to see and learn about The King.

Just before we arrived in Memphis, a police officer had been shot and died on Beale Street which probably affected us even if we didn’t think of it then. But we didn’t really feel safe walking on Beale Street but honestly, there was a lot of police out on the streets to we probably didn’t have to worry. But it’s just a reminder that things are very different between the US and Sweden – especially when it comes to gun laws.

We did still spent a lot of time on Beale Street. Kenny and Jimmy loved going to all the different bars and clubs. And we all loved the BBQ we had at Blues City Café. We really wanted to eat at Rendevouz but unfortunately it was closed during both our days in the music city.

If I could do something different about our visit in Memphis, I probably would just add another day so that we would’ve had more time to explore the city outside of Graceland and Beale Street. I would’ve loved to see the Peabody Ducks and visit Bass Pro Shops.

Accomodation in Memphis

We booked an apartment through Booking.com and it was within walking distance to Beale Street. The actual aparment that we booked doesn’t seem to be available anymore but there’s plenty of different accomodation options in Memphis for all price ranges. My best tip is to stay near Beale Street especially if you are planning to check out the music scene.

Five Must See Places to Visit in Memphis

Beale Street

This is a must for all new visitors to Memphis. Beale Street is basically a walking street in downtown Memphis where you’ll find lots of bars and clubs with live music. Our favorite was Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe & Honky Tonk. I highly recommend visiting Beale Street both during daytime and nighttime because it’s two different experiences.

Blues City Café

Our favorite place to eat! Their own slogan is “The Best Meal on Beale” and I agree. They had the most amazing ribs! So incredibly tender, juicy and just plain amazing. Definitely recommend.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Graceland actually was the main reason for our visit to Memphis. Kenny has loved listening to Elvis ever since he was just a little kid. His mother wanted to name him Elvis as well as they actually share their birthday.

Graceland is so famous that people from all over the world to his beloved home. It was very interesting and fun to be able to steal a peak inside the house and view all his awards. His family grav is also on site and you’ll be able to see it.

Peapody Hotel and the Peabody Ducks

Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit the Peabody Hotel to see the famous duck walk and the Peabody Ducks. But if I ever visit Memphis again, this is a must for me. You can stay at the Peabody as well but it’s a little on the expensive side. But even if you don’t stay here, you can visit to see the ducks. They actually live up on the roof and make their way to the lobby daily.

Sun Studios

Our original plan included a guided tour at the Sun Studios but we didn’t think we needed to book ahead. So when we arrived there and realized that it was a two hour wait to do the tour, we decided to skip it. A decision that I kind of regret today. It’s such an iconic music studio and it would’ve been so much fun to see the inside!