Memphis, Tennessee, USA 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Memphis

  • Graceland: Start your day with a visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. This iconic mansion offers a glimpse into the life of the “King of Rock and Roll”. (Admission: $43 for adults) Graceland

  • National Civil Rights Museum: Located next to Graceland, this museum tells the story of the American civil rights movement from a Memphis perspective, with exhibits dedicated to figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. (Admission: $16 for adults) NCRM

  • Beale Street: Spend your afternoon strolling down Beale Street, a historic street filled with live music venues, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss B.B. King’s Blues Club for some great blues music! Beale Street

  • Dinner: For dinner, visit the legendary Central BBQ for some Memphis-style barbecue. (Location: Multiple locations) Central BBQ

  • Accommodation: Stay at The Peabody Memphis, a historic hotel known for its famous ducks that march daily in the lobby. The Peabody Memphis

Day 2: Discovering Memphis’ Culture and History

  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Visit this museum dedicated to the history of soul music, which was recorded at the original Stax Records studio. (Admission: $13 for adults) Stax Museum

  • Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum: Learn about the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and soul music at this Smithsonian Affiliate museum. (Admission: $12 for adults) Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul

  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, known for its crispy and spicy fried chicken. (Location: Multiple locations) Gus’s Fried Chicken

  • Memphis Zoo: Spend the afternoon exploring the Memphis Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals and ranked as one of the top zoos in the U.S. (Admission: $19.95 for adults) Memphis Zoo

  • Dinner: Visit Corky’s Ribs & BBQ for more delicious Memphis barbecue. (Location: Multiple locations) Corky’s BBQ

Day 3: Outdoors and Nature in Memphis

  • Overton Park: Start your day with a visit to Overton Park, where you can explore the Memphis Zoo (already visited), walk through the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, or rent a bike and ride on the park’s trails. Overton Park

  • Mud Island River Park: Walk across the “mud island” to learn about the history of the Mississippi River at the Mighty Lights Park and Riverwalk. (Admission: $8 for adults) Mud Island

  • Lunch: Stop by Hog & Hominy, a local favorite serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas and Southern cuisine. (Location: 707 S Cooper St #130) Hog & Hominy

  • Sun Studio: End your day with a visit to Sun Studio, where artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded their first hits. (Admission: $15 for adults) Sun Studio

Things to Know:

  • Memphis is in the Central Time Zone (CST).
  • The best time to visit is between March and May or September to November for milder weather.
  • Tap water in Memphis tastes like chlorine, so you may want to bring a water filter or buy bottled water.

Transportation:

  • The city of Memphis offers MATA buses that can get you around the city. You can also rent bikes or scooters through services like JUMP and Lime.

Tips:

  • Be sure to tip your servers, as it’s customary in Memphis restaurants (15-20% is standard).
  • Always ask for sweet tea if you order iced tea, as it’s the most common type served in Memphis.
  • Enjoy your trip to Memphis and don’t forget to take home some BBQ sauce or a blues CD!