Location: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
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10 Things to do in Downtown That You Shouldn't Miss
Memphis is a pilgrimage for those wanting to visit the birthplace of the blues, of soul and of rock 'n' roll. On Beale Street, W.C. Handy put down on paper the first written blues music. Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all recorded at the historic Sun Records, which is now a museum. Graceland, the second most-visited home in America, welcomes visitors from around the world who yearn for a peek into the life of "the King." Beyond the music, Tennessee's largest city also offers much more. It has more sunny days each year than Miami, and combines southern tradition and hospitality with modern amenities. You'll enjoy great dining (be sure to sample the barbecued ribs), art galleries and exciting nightlife.
Restaurants in Memphis
1. National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,750 reviews
At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'S death in 1968 in Memphis, TN, the National Civil Rights Museum is a renowned educational and cultural institution. The Museum chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement with compelling presentations of iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers, and visceral, in-the-moment experiences. Visitors will learn through emotionally charged, multi-user, multi-touch interactives, and a visually engaging, contemporary exhibit design that guides you through five centuries of history. Bring the whole family.
Reviewed By annmarieduffy - New York City, United States
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorrainne Motel. Chilling seeing this famous site as we turned the corner to enter. Site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in our memories. Amazing exhibitions, chronologically bringing you through-the Slave trade, many hero’s including educators & pastors, the Civil War, 13, 14 & 15 Constitutional Ammendments , Jim Crow, Rosa Parks, with both her bus & the burnt out bus of the Freedom riders & of course MLK & his speech’s, the hotel room to Obama’s election. It finished with all the Civil Rights hero’s throughout the world & then award winning Civil Rights workers including many different fields such as Gore for the environment, Marlo Thomas for St Judes children’s hospital, Jimmy Carter, Anwar Sadat, Gorbachev & of course Mandela. One of my biggest shock was that 5 million Africans were captured & enslaved in Brazil & another 5 million brought to the Caribbean. 388,000 were brought to North America & 9,000 to Europe. Now looking at the Slave Trade Database 10.7 million survived of the 12.5 million people transported. Horrific history.
2. Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavillion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By katielady35 - Sheridan, United States
This is located right across from the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and tell the story of Danny Thomas, the founder, and the mission of the hospital.
3. St. Peter Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
4. The Peanut Shoppe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
The only nut shop of its kind. The Peanut Shoppe strives to ensure that all its nuts are prepared fresh, everyday, throughout the day, guaranteeing you receive the freshest orders and tantalizing your taste buds with the aroma of freshly roasted nuts of all varieties. On location since 1949.
Reviewed By Eli_metroDC - Washington DC, United States
My colleagues and I happened upon the Peanut Shoppe yesterday during a business trip to Memphis. One doesn't ordinarily expect to have a fabulous time in a shop, but we sure did! Rida, the charming and voluble longtime owner, not only prepares delicious treats (and they're not just peanut-related, by the way), he is an energetic and enthusiatic "guide" to the world of nuts and sweets. He is a gifted raconteur and a *lot* of fun to be around. And where else can you see a still-in-use 1929 iron, gas-fired Planters peanut roaster? Adults and children alike will enjoy a magical experience!
5. Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Admission prices: $6 adult, $5 senior, $4 student. Free if 5 years old or under.
Reviewed By a-travelin-foodie
Absolutely amazing pieces of carved ivory - from full tusks (even ancient mammoths) to small pieces. The jades too are phenomenal. I have been in museums all over the world (biut not China!) and have never seen such a large collection of beautiful work! There are a number of other excellent pieces, too. For $6, well worth it for anyone to come take a look on a rainy day, even if it's not normally your thing. The Judaica was pretty impressive, too, including a huge collection of contemorary silver and some art. Loved that they included the "Living On" exhibition - a collection of photos and stories of Holocaust survivors relevant to Memphis. An easy walk from any location downtown, it's on the trolley line. In the basement, accessible by either elevator or stairs.
6. Memphis Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 323 reviews
Memphis Escape Rooms offers a thrilling live adventure game where players step into a world of mystery and excitement, and put their wits to the test in an unforgettable, heart-pounding hour of fun. Do you have what it takes to solve the puzzles and escape the room before time runs out? Book online or stop by today!
7. The Orpheum Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Beautiful theater holds musical and stage performances.
Reviewed By 454leem
We were in Memphis to see the Beach Boys. We had not been to the Orpheum in many years. It is a beautiful building and has been updated and well kept. Long ago the rows were so close together that it was difficult to even get down them, but that problem has been fixed. Great sound system, good drinks, friendly people, and close to several hotels. Many folks simply walked to the show and back to their hotel We would go to another show there!!
8. Fire Museum of Memphis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Memphis' Hottest Attraction!!! America’s premier interactive fire museum is in the legendary Fire Engine House No. 1 in downtown Memphis. Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century firehouse. Fight the flames of a burning skyscraper from a snorkel basket simulator. Take a look at the horse-drawn era of firefighting from the horse’s perspective! Test your ability to find an escape route to survive a fire. Feel the heat of the FEDEX Fire Room. Learn about the most devastating fires in the history of Memphis. Discover the proud history of Memphis’ first African-American firefighters. And many more hot attractions!
Reviewed By ronp227 - Boca Raton, United States
For all ages especially for children, Fire safety learning at its best The hands on fire simulation is very impressive and a must stop for all fire house enthusiasts.
9. Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 689 reviews
Visitors can tour the tunnels used by runaway slaves who stopped at this plantation, one of the stations of the Underground Railroad.
Reviewed By 24Long
Fascinating and heartrending story of a German immigrant businessman who offered his home and possibly his livelihood to provide a haven for runaway slaves during the run-up to the Civil War. Both guides, Greg and Asia, shared stories covering the slave trade, Memphis’ slave markets, how the Underground Railroad worked, to the system Mr.Burkle used to get runaways safely to Cairo, IL and beyond. Fascinating look at mid-18th century life in Memphis. Please create a pamphlet about the history this house represents. This story needs to be heard.
10. Tom Lee Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By CB0369
Tom Lee Park has a great view of the Mississippi River as it is centrally located between the two bridges spanning across the river into downtown. A great green space, fun for the whole family. Not to mention, this is also the site for Memphis' iconic annual music festival, Beale Street Music Fest, and other Memphis in May activities including BBQ Fest.
