Top 10 things to do in Memphis as recommended by locals

Founded on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1819, Memphis quickly grew into a vital hub for river trade, music, and cultural exchange. Its strategic location made it a gateway between the Deep South and the Midwest, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers who shaped the city’s identity. Over time, Memphis evolved into a center for logistics, healthcare, and global commerce, while preserving deep ties to its musical and historical roots.

But beyond its industry and productivity, Memphis is rich with soul. Those who experience the city—locals and visitors alike—often describe it as warm, expressive, and unapologetically authentic. From legendary blues and soul music to world-famous barbecue and a thriving arts scene, Memphis offers meaningful experiences for all ages. With its strong sense of community, storied past, and creative energy, the city provides countless memorable things to see, hear, and do. We reached out to some of those residents for their take on the best things to see and do in Blues City. Keep reading to see what they had to say!

1. Start in the South Main Arts District

“There’s a lot to do in Memphis, but I’d start downtown in the South Main Arts District,” Jalyn Souchek of MemphisTravel.com told us. “It’s walkable and gives you a real feel for what Memphis is about: history, music, and food in one place!” Also, on the last Friday of each month, the district hosts Trolley Night (also known as the Art Trolley Tour). During this popular street party, galleries and shops stay open late, live music fills the street, and a free trolley runs up and down Main Street!

2. Can’t miss Beale Street

Souchek also recommended that visitors check out one of Memphis’s most well-known attractions. “From the South Main Arts District, head to Beale Street and spend some time actually walking it. You’ll hear live blues coming from nearly every doorway, see bands rotating in and out, and get a sense of why this street still matters to Memphis music culture.”

People who work closely with newcomers to Memphis often have a good sense of how the city is best experienced, and the team at Spyder Moving is no exception. They also recommend starting with the essentials: “Memphis has a pulse you can’t ignore, and the best way to feel it is to dive into its music, food, and history all at once. Start with Graceland if only to step inside Elvis Presley’s world and see how his larger-than-life personality shaped a city’s identity. Then wander down Beale Street in the evening, where the neon lights mix with live blues spilling out of every club, and you can’t help but tap your feet to the rhythm.”

3. Get star-struck at Sun Studio

“Nearby Beale, Sun Studio is one of the most important recording studios in the world and an essential stop for music fans,” said Souchek. Sun Studio is widely known as one of the key birthplaces of modern popular music, and it didn’t just launch stars; it helped break racial barriers in music by recording Black blues musicians, bringing their sound into mainstream American culture at a time when segregation dominated in the South. Sun Studio is still an active recording studio, but it’s also a museum where you can take a guided tour of the original recording room, check out vintage equipment (some still in use!), and learn the stories behind early rock history. You can even stand in the very spot where Elvis recorded his first track!

4. Marvel at the Bass Pro Pyramid

Souchek turned us on to a more recent attraction that has become very popular with visitors and residents alike. “Another downtown staple is the Bass Pro Pyramid, where you can take the elevator up for a view of the Mississippi River and the city.” The pyramid opened in 1991 as a large arena and event space, but was transformed in 2015 into a massive outdoor adventure space and retail destination after the city partnered with Bass Pro Shops.

Inside, you’ll find a Bass Pro Shop, of course, but there’s also a giant cypress swamp complete with trees, ponds, an alligator habitat, and aquariums filled with fish native to the region. As if that wasn’t fun enough, there are also archery and shooting ranges, a themed bowling alley, an observation deck, and a restaurant. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Big Cypress Lodge inside the pyramid is a good option!

Good to know: Hours vary depending on which attractions and venues you’re looking to see. To get the most accurate and up-to-date hours, check the official Bass Pro Shops website for the main store and the Big Cypress Lodge site for hotel hours and dining information.

5. Party with the locals in Cooper-Young

“If you want something more laid-back, explore Cooper-Young, known for its bars, restaurants, and independent shops,” says Souchek. It’s centered around the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue, and it is one of Memphis’s most walkable, charming destinations. Often described as artsy, progressive, and community-oriented, the neighborhood is also historic, with bungalows and cottages built in the early 1900s. If you happen to be here in September, there’s a huge street festival with art vendors, live music, food, and tons of visitors. It’s one of the city’s signature cultural and artistic events.

6. Meet the voices of the Movement at the Civil Rights Museum

“Visiting Memphis means stepping into a city where African American history, culture, and creativity shape its identity,” says Carolyn Michael-Banks, cultural curator and owner of A Tour of Possibilities, a tour company focused on showcasing the attractions and locations that “shape the story of African American history in Memphis beyond the guidebooks, to explore Black history, the neighborhoods, and the lived stories often left out of mainstream narratives.”

“A powerful place to begin is the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel. The museum offers an unflinching, deeply moving exploration of the Civil Rights Movement and its lasting impact on the nation.” Its galleries cover topics such as slavery and segregation, the Freedom Rides, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and more. Unlike many museums, this one puts you right in the place where history happened, including Room 306, the very room where Dr. King stayed just before his assassination.

Good to know: Hours are Wednesday through Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM. They’re typically closed on Tuesdays. Reserve your tickets in advance and be sure to bring your tissues. It’s a powerful, moving experience.

7. Spend the afternoon at Stax Museum of American Soul Music

“Music lovers should continue to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where the stories of soul legends and the city’s global influence on music come alive,” says Michael-Banks. The museum features more than 3,000 memorabilia and artifacts, a recreation of the original studio, Isaac Hayes’ 1972 Cadillac Eldorado, and the Soul Train dance floor! And of course, there’s a hall of records and listening stations with hundreds of 45s and LPs you can listen to while learning about their cultural impact.

Good to know: Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They’re closed on Mondays and major holidays.

8. Support local businesses

If you really want to get to know the locals, Michael-Banks suggested checking out Black-owned businesses in the city. “No visit is complete without supporting Black-owned businesses that anchor the community today. Stop by Coffee Black—an inspiring space offering more than coffee—it’s a hub for conversation, activism, and culture. Pair that with a meal at The Four Way, and you’ll experience Memphis through the voices, flavors, and stories that give the city its soul!”

9. Eat and drink like a local!

There’s no shortage of amazing food and beverages that make Memphis a one-of-a-kind destination for foodies. For example, you can take a tasting tour of iconic barbecue spots to try dry-rub ribs, pulled pork, and the city’s signature Memphis-style BBQ. There are plenty of historic diners to check out, including The Arcade Restaurant, known to have been frequented by Elvis. If you’re a beer fan, there are also a number of breweries and distilleries where you can sample local craft beers and spirits.

10. Go for a stroll along the Mississippi River

There are plenty of green spaces in Memphis, including Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, where you can go biking, kayaking, and picnicking. But if you’re looking for skyline views and a more downtown-adjacent place to commune with the outdoors, check out one of the many parks along the Mississippi River. There’s the popular Tom Lee Park with stunning views of the sunset over the river, Mud Island connected to downtown by a pedestrian bridge, and Martyrs Park, named in honor of the volunteers who stayed in Memphis during the devastating yellow fever epidemics of the late 1800s.

Go walkin’ in Memphis

Memphis may have faced its share of challenges related to inequality, infrastructure, and development, but with its unmatched perseverance and personality, the city is prospering once again. (It’s also one of the most interesting places to visit in the South.) If you’re looking for things to see and do, we hope these ideas have given you a head start. The people of Memphis love to share the city’s authenticity, music, and culture with visitors and new residents alike. If you’re planning a more permanent move to the city, check out these Memphis apartments.