Memphis, Tennessee, sits on the Mississippi River in the southwest of the state, and it is widely known as a centre of American music. For a visitor, the city works as a set of connected experiences: places where famous recordings were made, streets where live music spills out of doorways, and a food scene built around slow-cooked barbecue.
Music at the source
Many visitors start at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, which draws fans from around the world. Nearby, Sun Studio is the room where a great deal of early rock and roll was recorded, and it still offers guided tours. The Stax Museum tells the story of the label and studio that shaped soul music. Together, these three make a natural trail for anyone interested in how the sound of modern American music took shape.
Evenings on Beale Street
Beale Street is the city's best-known lively stretch, lined with blues clubs and bars where music often runs late into the night. It suits visitors who want atmosphere as much as a particular act, and it is easy to move between venues on foot.
Food and history
Memphis is known for its dry-rub barbecue, a style that many visitors seek out as a central part of their trip. Across the city, restaurants serve it in casual settings that suit a relaxed meal. For a more sober side of the visit, the National Civil Rights Museum gives a serious account of the civil rights movement, and many visitors find it a thoughtful counterpoint to the city's music-focused attractions.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for the music landmarks, which are spread across the city.
- Plan an evening on Beale Street, and expect it to be busy.
- Set aside a few hours for the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Take time by the Mississippi River, which runs along the edge of the city.
