Memphis

Tennessee

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
MEMPHIS, USA - NOVEMBER 25: Neon signs of famous blues clubs on historical Beale street on November 25, 2008. Beale street is a major tourist attraction and a place for blues festivals and concerts; Shutterstock ID 128086493; Your name (First / Last): redownload; GL account no.: redownload; Netsuite department name: redownload; Full Product or Project name including edition: redownload

MEMPHIS, USA - NOVEMBER 25: Neon signs of famous blues clubs on historical Beale street on November 25, 2008. Beale street is a major tourist attraction and a place for blues festivals and concerts; Shutterstock ID 128086493; Your name (First / Last): redownload; GL account no.: redownload; Netsuite department name: redownload; Full Product or Project name including edition: redownload

Why visit Memphis

Memphis doesn't just attract tourists; it draws pilgrims. Music-lovers lose themselves to the throb of blues guitar on Beale St. Barbecue connoisseurs descend to stuff themselves silly on smoky pulled pork and dry-rubbed ribs. Elvis fanatics fly in to pay their respects at Graceland. You could spend days hopping from one museum or historic site to another, stopping only for barbecue, and leave happy.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Memphis? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
from $4,940

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

    FROM $3,795

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Memphis

Discover the best attractions in Memphis from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Memphis travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Memphis is the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, and this history radiates all throughout the city. Here are the best ways for you to enjoy your stay.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Memphis is a city that knows how to enjoy life. Pick the perfect time for your visit with our guide to what's happening in Bluff City in 2024.

Read full article

Things to Know

With packing tips and info on health and safety, here's everything you need to know before visiting Memphis.

Read full article

Transportation

The sprawling scale of Memphis can be overwhelming to new visitors but we've got everything you need to know about getting around Bluff City.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

Save some dollars in Memphis with the city's top free experiences.

Read full article

Best Neighborhoods

Get to know Memphis one neighborhood at a time with this guide.

Read full article

Day Trips

Memphis may be famous for its music, but the city owes a lot to the small towns on its doorstep. Here are the region's best day trips.

Read full article

Best Road Trips

Memphis may be famous for its music, but the city owes a lot to the small towns on its doorstep. Here are the region's best day trips.

Read full article

Traveling with Kids

Memphis is known for its rowdy nightlife but it's also a great spot for a family break. Here's what you need to know about visiting with tots in tow.

Read full article

Accessibility

The sprawling scale of Memphis can be overwhelming to new visitors but we've got everything you need to know about getting around Bluff City.

Read full article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Memphis