Memphis 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Memphis Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Graceland

  • Accommodation: Downtown Memphis - Close to major attractions and nightlife. Hotel Preston is a great option, offering modern rooms with local art decorations.
  • Breakfast: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken - Try their famous hot fried chicken and biscuits for a southern start to your day.
  • Activities: Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and explore the many exhibits including his mansion, cars, and memorabilia.
  • Lunch: Arcade Restaurant - A classic Memphis diner with a rich history dating back to 1919. Don’t miss their famous hickory pit-smoked ribs!
  • Transportation: Rent a car at the airport or use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The city has an efficient MACTRAN bus system if you prefer public transportation.
  • Things to Know: Memphis is in the Central Time Zone (CST). Be aware of the local customs, such as saying “y’all” and tipping generously at restaurants.

Day 2: National Civil Rights Museum & Beale Street

  • Breakfast: Café Eclectic - A local favorite for brunch with an ever-changing menu.
  • Activities: Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Spend the afternoon exploring exhibits that trace the history of civil rights in America.
  • Lunch: Central BBQ - Some of the best barbecue in Memphis. Try their famous dry ribs or pulled pork sandwiches.
  • Activities: Explore Beale Street, known as the “Home of the Blues.” Enjoy live music, shops, and bars along this historic street.
  • Dinner & Nightlife: Stay on Beale Street for dinner at Kansas City Fish Company or B.B. King’s Blues Club, which often features live performances by well-known artists.

Day 3: Stax Museum of American Soul Music & Sun Studio

  • Breakfast: Earnestine & Hazel’s - A fun and eclectic bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live music performances.
  • Activities: Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to learn about the history and impact of Stax Records on popular music.
  • Lunch: Central BBQ - Broad Avenue - Another location of Central BBQ, this one offering a more extensive menu and craft beers.
  • Activities: Tour the legendary Sun Studio, where music legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded their hits.
  • Dinner: Hog & Hominy - Modern southern cuisine with creative dishes inspired by Memphis traditions.

Day 4: Memphis Zoo & Overton Park

  • Breakfast: The Teahouse at Overton Park - A cozy spot for breakfast pastries and tea or coffee.
  • Activities: Spend the day at the Memphis Zoo, one of America’s best zoos with a variety of exhibits featuring wildlife from around the world.
  • Lunch: Tamp & Tap - Craft beer, cocktails, and a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.
  • Activities: Enjoy a stroll or bike ride through Overton Park, which features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and the Dixon Gallery & Gardens.
  • Dinner: Murphy’s - A popular choice for seafood lovers, with a stunning view of the Mississippi River.

Day 5: The Peabody Hotel & Downtown Exploration

  • Breakfast: The I Love Memphis Breakfast Club - Try their famous flapjacks and grits for a southern breakfast experience.
  • Activities: Visit the iconic Peabody Hotel, home to the world-famous Peabody Ducks. Watch them march through the hotel lobby at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily.
  • Lunch: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken - Visit their Downtown location for a second helping of their delicious fried chicken.
  • Activities: Explore the Memphis Riverfront with its parks, museums, and riverboats. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge!
  • Dinner: The Gray Canary - A charming French restaurant featuring a seasonal menu and creative cocktails.

Day 6: Memphis Botanic Garden & Mud Island River Park

  • Breakfast: Eldon’s House of Donuts - Fresh, delicious donuts made daily in various flavors.
  • Activities: Spend the day at the beautiful [Memphis Botanic Garden](https://memphisbotanic garden.com/), with 96 acres of gardens, nature trails, and a children’s playground.
  • Lunch: Tops Bar-B-Q Midtown - A Memphis institution since 1987, known for its mouthwatering barbecue and friendly service.
  • Activities: Visit Mud Island River Park, where you can walk along a scale model of the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to Cairo, Illinois.
  • Dinner & Nightlife: Huey’s on Beale - A Memphis staple since 1970, offering burgers, sandwiches, and local brews in a lively atmosphere.

Day 7: Departure & Last Memories of Memphis

  • Breakfast: Muddy’s Bake Shop - Freshly baked pastries, cookies, and sandwiches to take with you on your journey home.
  • Activities: Spend your final hours exploring any areas or attractions you may have missed during your stay in Memphis.
  • Farewell Dinner: The Second Line - A memorable way to say goodbye to Memphis with their Creole-inspired menu and live music performances.

Enjoy your 7-day adventure in the Bluff City!