Location: Memphis
Top Things to do in Memphis
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What to do and see in Memphis, Tennessee (TN): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. 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.
3. Memphis Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,544 reviews
YaYa, a female Giant Panda that calls the Memphis Zoo home, enjoys a sunny day.
Reviewed By oldkmom - Jonesboro, United States
I visit the zoo in just about every city I visit and the Memphis zoo is in the top! From the giant pandas to the hippos, the animals are beautiful and well-cared for.
4. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,299 reviews
Chronicling the artists and the music that shaped the legacy of "Memphis Sound," this museum features the Smithsonian's "Rock 'n' Roll: Social Crossroads" exhibition.
Reviewed By 851bobw
Being able to go through museum at your own pace and choose what audio points you wish to listen to and the additional opportunity to listen on your own audio music from the past was great
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Sun Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,405 reviews
Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It’s well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless others started their recording careers. Today, Sun Studio still serves as a recording studio in the evenings while hosting public tours during the daytime hours.
Reviewed By Sharonmarierose - Gardiner, United States
Made a visit to Sun Studios w my 10 year old Elvis obsessed son .. We Lucked out & got Lhana as our tour guide .... such an amazing spirit & she’s super passionate about the music & history of Sun. A great experience & memory , well worth everything :)
8. Memphis Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Peaceful gardens offering beautiful scenery all year round.
Reviewed By Anthro2010 - Memphis, United States
Located inside Audubon Park, the Botanic Gardens offer a vast range of natural and designed garden spaces. Kids will love running around the children's garden, filled with hobbit-sized tree houses, fairy houses, music houses, and other delightful creations. A massive Japanese bridge over a large pond filled with koi is another favorite, as are the large rose garden, nature trail, and various fountains and water features. The indoor facility is well designed; I've attended weddings and meetings, and enjoyed the spaces. Free parking; small restaurant.
9. Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Art museum specializing in impressionist and post-impressionist painting, featuring work by Matisse, Renoir, Gaugin, Cassat and Turner.
Reviewed By charlu2013 - Southaven, United States
The gallery is delightful. The gardens are exquisite. They are undergoing a bit of construction now but when it is completed, the grounds will be pristine again. There are some delightful treasures of artwork tucked away in the gallery. I love the Impressionist paintings and have spent many moments enjoying their beauty.
10. Metal Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
The Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee is the only museum of its kind in the United Sates. It is located on 3.2 acres of land directly overlooking the Mississippi River, just south of Downtown Memphis. On the grounds you will find a Sculpture Garden, a fully functioning Blacksmith Shop and Foundry, the Library which holds a Learning Space and works from the permanent collection, and the main Museum which houses rotating exhibitions. The Metal Museum is devoted exclusively to preserving, promoting, and advancing the art and craft of fine metal work. This is achieved through exhibitions, collections, studio practice, and community education and engagement. The value of the Metal Museum extends well beyond its exhibitions and facilities by recognizing and promoting the careers of living artists.
Reviewed By nskaye - Wilmington, United States
A great venue with a working forge and a blacksmith shop to visit. The special exhibit of work by Sarah Perkins is outstanding and worth the price of admission just to see this artists's work
