Memphis-5-day-itinerary

Memphis, Tennessee: 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Memphis

Morning

  • Start your day with breakfast at Pumpkin’s Coffee, a local favorite for coffee and pastries.
  • Visit the National Civil Rights Museum (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM), located in the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. ($16 adult admission)

Afternoon

  • Head to the Beale Street Historic District, known for its blues music and lively atmosphere.
  • Visit the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM), showcasing the history of Memphis music. ($12 adult admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Central BBQ, a Memphis staple for barbecue and Southern comfort food.
  • Catch a live music performance on Beale Street, where you can find everything from blues to rock.

Day 2: Music and History

Morning

  • Visit the Sun Studio (10:00 AM - 5:30 PM), where Elvis Presley recorded his first single. ($13 adult admission)
  • Explore the Graceland, Elvis’s former home, but not included in this itinerary as it requires a separate visit and tour.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Pink Palace Museum (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM), featuring exhibits on natural history, science, and Memphis’ past. ($10 adult admission)

Evening

  • Have dinner at The Four Way, a historic restaurant that’s been serving Southern cuisine since 1946.
  • End your day with a stroll along the Mississippi River waterfront.

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM), featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world. (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Head to the Overton Park area, home to several galleries and studios showcasing local artists’ work.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Arcade Restaurant, a Memphis institution serving Southern comfort food since 1919.
  • Explore the trendy Broad Avenue arts district.

Day 4: Outdoors and Adventure

Morning

  • Visit the Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, featuring hiking trails, a golf course, and more. (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Take a Memphis Riverboats cruise on the Mississippi River ($20-$40 per person).

Evening

  • Have dinner at The Pig & The Pickle, offering Southern cuisine with a twist.
  • Catch a live music performance or comedy show at one of Memphis’ many venues.

Day 5: Market and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit the Midtown Farmers Market (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM), offering local produce, artisanal goods, and street food.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Cooper-Young neighborhood, known for its boutique shops, galleries, and eateries.

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Gus’s Fried Chicken, famous for its Southern-style fried chicken.

Where to Stay:

For this itinerary, consider staying in downtown Memphis or Midtown, with easy access to the city’s main attractions. Some top-rated options include:

  • The Peabody Hotel: a luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown Memphis.
  • The Westin Memphis Beale Street: located on the famous Beale Street.

Things to Know:

  • Memphis is a relatively safe city, but be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • The weather can be hot and humid during summer months; bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
  • Tipping for services (like food servers or tour guides) is customary in Memphis.

Transportation:

Memphis has a public transportation system called MATA, which includes buses and a downtown trolley. You can also use ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft, or rent a car if needed.

Tips and Other Interests:

  • Try some of the city’s famous barbecue at Central BBQ or Cozy Corner.
  • Visit the Tom Lee Park, which hosts festivals and events throughout the year.
  • Explore the Malco Ridgeway Cinema Grill, an independent theater showing art-house films.

This 5-day itinerary provides a comprehensive taste of Memphis’ music, history, culture, food, and outdoor activities. Have a fantastic trip!