Memphis, Tennessee, USA-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Memphis

Morning

  • 7:00 AM: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sun Studio Café, a historic café located in the same building as Sun Records, where Elvis Presley first recorded.
  • 8:30 AM: Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Afternoon

  • 11:00 AM: Head to Beale Street, a world-famous entertainment district known for its live music venues, bars, and restaurants.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Central BBQ, a Memphis institution serving up delicious barbecue since 1985.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, which showcases the history of rock and roll, soul, and R&B music.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Corky’s BBQ, a Memphis staple serving up classic barbecue.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a show or enjoy some live music on Beale Street.

Day 2: More of Memphis

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of soul music.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to Overton Park, a 342-acre park featuring walking trails, a lake, and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Four Way Restaurant, a Memphis institution serving up Southern cuisine since 1946.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Memphis Botanic Garden, featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a children’s garden.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Pig on Beale, a restaurant serving up Southern comfort food.
  • 9:00 PM: End your trip with a visit to the famous FedEx Forum, home of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team.

Where to Stay

  • The Peabody Memphis (4-star): A historic hotel located in downtown Memphis, offering luxurious accommodations and amenities.
  • Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown (3-star): A boutique hotel featuring modern rooms and a rooftop bar with great views of the city.

Getting Around

  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but can be expensive.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Memphis.
  • Public Transportation: The City of Memphis operates buses throughout the city. You can plan your trip using the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) website.

Tips

  • Weather: Memphis has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Tipping: Tipping is customary in Memphis, especially for servers at restaurants and bars. Aim to tip 15-20% of the total bill.
  • Safety: As with any city, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Other Attractions

  • The Pink Palace Museum: A museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and local history.
  • The Memphis Zoo: Home to over 3,500 animals from around the world.
  • The Levitt Shell: An outdoor amphitheater hosting concerts and events throughout the summer.