Memphis

Soulful rhythms echo through historic streets

Memphis stands out as a city where music history and Southern culture intersect. Known for its role in blues, soul and rock 'n' roll, Memphis is home to famous venues like Beale Street and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The Mississippi River runs through the area, shaping both its landscape and its past. Visitors can explore historic sites tied to civil rights movements while enjoying local barbecue and regional cuisine. Memphis balances music heritage with everyday Southern life in a way that feels genuine and accessible.

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City in United States

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$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 4.9

General Safety:	4
Health & medical:	6
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	7

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4/5

In Memphis, most locals speak clear, friendly American English with a mild Southern drawl. Tourists will find easy conversations at restaurants, museums and street festivals – just ask for directions or local music tips.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Memphis Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
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World-class for music history and Southern culture. Visit legendary music museums, explore blues and rock heritage, enjoy live music and try famous barbecue restaurants.

Place score

7.5

Best at:

Walkable

Museums

Historic sites

Traditional culture

Music

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

👩 8

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United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Memphis, United States

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

☀️

May

🔥

Jun

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Jul

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Aug

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Sep

☀️

Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	April - May, Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, June, Aug. - Sep., Nov.
Crowdedness:	6 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Memphis in May festival runs all of May, with Beale Street Music Festival in early May

Elvis Week around 16 August, with a candlelight vigil at Graceland on the night of 15 August

Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk March to May

Don't miss

🎸 Explore Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic mansion
🎷 Stroll Beale Street, sip live jazz cocktails
🏛️ Tour National Civil Rights Museum's powerful exhibits
🍖 Sample Memphis-style barbecue at Central BBQ
🚤 Cruise Mississippi River, watch sunset reflections
🎙️ Explore Sun Studio, record legends' legacy

You've been here?

Why travel to Memphis?

Memphis offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty that appeals to travelers seeking both history and relaxation. The city’s music scene is rooted in the blues, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll traditions that shaped American popular culture. Visitors can explore iconic venues such as Beale Street, where live performances continue to echo the legacy of legends like B.B. King and Elvis Presley. A visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel provides a sobering yet essential perspective on the struggle for equality in the United States. Beyond music and history, Memphis boasts a variety of culinary delights that reflect its Southern roots. The city’s barbecue, fried chicken and soul food are celebrated in neighborhood eateries and larger restaurants alike. Food tours offer an opportunity to sample these dishes while learning about local ingredients and cooking techniques. The Mississippi River borders the city, offering scenic riverfront parks and opportunities for boat tours or leisurely walks along the levee. Nearby natural attractions include the Memphis Botanic Garden and the Shelby Farms Park, which provide green spaces for hiking, biking and picnicking. For those interested in architecture, the historic Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the modern Art Museum of Tennessee showcase a range of styles. Memphis’s combination of cultural depth, culinary richness and accessible outdoor spaces makes it an engaging destination for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences without the need for extravagant claims.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Memphis Zoo
2 Beale Street
3 National Civil Rights Museum
4 Sun Studio
5 Overton Park
6 Stax Museum
7 Graceland
8 Tom Lee Park
9 Memphis Pyramid

🎡Places for activities

1 Memphis Rock 'N Soul Museum
2 Memphis Botanic Garden

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Overton Park
2 Memphis Botanic Garden
3 Shelby Farms Park
4 Tom Lee Park
5 Wolf River Greenway
6 Big River Crossing

🛍️Shopping

1 Memphis Farmers Market

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Knowledge before you go

Arrive early to avoid peak traffic at Beale Street.
Wear comfortable shoes; most attractions are best explored on foot, especially the historic downtown area.
Check the Memphis Riverfront Park schedule for free concerts and events during your stay.
Explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music after sunset to experience live performances in a relaxed atmosphere.

How to travel to Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee is accessible via several transportation methods. The city is served by Memphis International Airport (MEM), which offers domestic and limited international flights. For road access, Memphis is connected to major highways including I-40, I-55 and I-240, facilitating travel from surrounding states. Amtrak provides train service through the city with stops at Union Station, linking Memphis to regional destinations. The Port of Memphis supports river-based transportation via the Mississippi River, accessible by barge or cruise ship. Public transit within Memphis includes buses operated by MATA, covering key neighborhoods and attractions. Driving is feasible from nearby cities like Nashville (~3 hours) or Little Rock (~2.5 hours). Visitors can also reach Memphis by bus through regional carriers offering routes across the U.S.

Access summary

From MEM: Taxi or rideshare to downtown (10–12 min).
From Nashville (BNA): Drive 3 hrs; from Chicago (ORD): Flight 1 hr.
By Amtrak from St. Louis (6‑7 hrs) to Memphis.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Memphis

Memphis offers a mix of budget-friendly hostels, boutique inns and upscale riverfront lodgings that cater to every traveler’s taste. In the downtown core, compact rooms with vintage décor provide an authentic Southern vibe while still offering modern amenities such as free Wi‑Fi and complimentary breakfast. The historic Beale Street area hosts several charming bed‑and‑breakfasts where guests can enjoy live music in nearby venues. For those seeking luxury, riverfront properties boast panoramic views of the Mississippi, private balconies and concierge services that arrange tours of Graceland or the National Civil Rights Museum. Outside the city center, suburban hotels offer spacious suites with kitchenettes, ideal for families or longer stays.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

The Guest House at Graceland

9.1

Peabody Memphis

9.2

Historic Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center

8.6

The Hu Hotel

8.6

Travelodge by Wyndham Memphis

6.6

Drury Inn & Suites Memphis Southaven

9.0

Rodeway Inn West Memphis

9.3

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown

9.3

Extended Stay America Suites - Memphis - Germantown West

8.5

Sonesta Simply Suites Memphis East Poplar Pike

8.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee offers several convenient transportation options for getting around. The most common method is by car, as rental vehicles are widely available at Memphis International Airport and major highways like I-40 and I-55 connect the city to surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate throughout Memphis, providing flexible travel for shorter trips or late-night journeys. Public transit, including buses managed by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), serves key neighborhoods and downtown districts, though coverage is limited compared to larger cities. For tourists, walking is feasible in downtown areas like Beale Street but less practical beyond central zones. Biking is also an option along scenic routes such as the Mississippi River Greenway. Always plan for traffic during peak hours on major highways.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-16 %

Daily expenses in Memphis are around 16% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£62	£135	£361
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£30	£68	£158
🍝 Food per day	£29	£63	£185
🚕 Transportation per day	£3	£4	£19

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£24
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£11
🍟 Fast food combo	£8.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£10
☕ Cappuccino	£3.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.30

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.75
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£11.50
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.55

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£100
🤧 Cold medication	£6
💇 Basic haircut	£10

Safety information overview

General safety

Memphis offers generally safe travel, with low violent crime in most neighborhoods and robust police presence. Visitors should stay alert in downtown’s nightlife areas, avoid isolated streets after dark, keep valuables secure and follow local advisories for street festivals or large events.

Health & Medical

Memphis offers solid medical care with several reputable hospitals, including St. Jude and Baptist Health. Public health services are reliable, though air quality can fluctuate due to industrial activity. Travelers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen and be aware of seasonal flu risks.

Accessibility

Memphis offers mixed accessibility: many downtown attractions, museums and public transit have ramps and elevators, but older neighborhoods and some historic sites lack curb cuts or accessible restrooms. Public parking is limited, so plan ahead for accessible spots and consider a mobility scooter.

Tap water

Memphis tap water is generally safe and meets EPA standards, with a clear taste and low chlorine levels. Public fountains are common in parks and downtown and many hotels provide filtered tap options, making hydration convenient for visitors.