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City Editor Brianna here. I grew up in Memphis, TN, a city where local pride runs strong and delicious food, rich history, and lots of fun run rampant.
If you’re ready to board the plane, touch down in the land of the Delta Blues, and start walkin’ in Memphis, check out some of my pro tips for enjoying the city.
Why go?
- Memphis is known for its major Bs — barbecue, blues, and Beale Street. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for fantastic southern eats, interested in Memphis’ history and music scene, or hoping for exciting nightlife, this is the spot for you.
- Don’t miss Memphis’ major annual happening, Memphis in May, which hosts some of the city’s largest events of the year like Beale Street Music Festival + the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
- Convinced more by your stomach than your eyes to take a trip? Check out Eater’s list of the 16 Essential Restaurants in Memphis.
Act like a local:
- Food: Everyone says to go to The Rendezvous, but you’ll find the best Memphis barbecue at Central or the Commissary. Not a meat-eater? Try the vegan pancakes at Café Eclectic.
- Drink: Take care of beerness at Grind City Brewing with a perfect view of the river and bridge, along with plenty of outdoor seating (check social media to find out which food trucks may be there), or take a trip to Memphis’ well known Wiseacre Brewery.
- Nightlife: Don’t skip Beale — watch street performers, stop by restaurants and bars, and just enjoy the city’s most vibrant street. Download the Beale St. app for info on special events, food and drink destinations, a map, and more.
- Outdoors: There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset at Shelby Farms — one of the largest urban parks in the US at 4,500 acres. Bring kids to the playground, rent a bike to take on the trails or a kayak for the water, and say hi to the resident buffalo herd.
- Listen: There’s no shortage of spots to listen to music in the City of Blues. Check out upcoming shows at “The Shell” outdoor venue, reserve a table for a drink and a show at Lafayette’s, or stop by a Memphis classic — B.B. King’s Blues Club.
- Explore: Take in history at the National Civil Rights Museum located at the Lorraine Motel. While you’re in the South Main area, take a $1 ride on the Main Street Trolley. And of course, no trip to Memphis is complete without a commemorative photo from the top of the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid.
Where to stay:
- Airbnb: Stay in this historic hotel turned modern Airbnb, located right above one of my favorite downtown restaurants, SOB. (~$125/night)
- Splurge hotel: The height of luxury? Staying in the historic Peabody Hotel, where ducks walk the red carpet daily and the rooftop views can’t be beat. (~$250+/night)
- Save hotel: Stay a bit further from the craziness of downtown in this Embassy Suites Hilton hotel. (~$120+/night)
