As the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll”, Memphis, Tennessee is a city known for its music. It’s also got a fantastic BBQ scene, with plenty of saucy joints to wet your appetite. Memphis is also a little quirky – there’s even a giant glass pyramid complete with a rooftop patio. While it’s impossible to do, see, and eat everything the city has to offer in 72 hours, I’ve compiled a variety of places and activities for you to explore during a weekend in Memphis.
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Getting to Memphis
By Air
First impressions don’t often stick with me, but the Memphis International Airport makes one classy introduction to the city. The renovated 44-gate Concourse B opened in February 2022 and it is absolutely superb. As soon as you exit the plane, it feels like you’ve walked into an art gallery. Over 62 different pieces from various artists with ties to Memphis are displayed at the gates and throughout the airport.
Post-flight, travellers’ next stop is usually the bathroom. The stylish airport gate decor continues in the restrooms. The best feature is the sinks, which combine a soap dispenser, water spout, and air dryer all in one device. Brilliant!
Throughout Concourse B there are further touches to make your passing through an easy, relaxing, and, dare I say, enjoyable time. Each gate has chairs with individual cup holders and charging stations for devices. There’s a children’s play area, a stage for live music, and a special lounge for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital patients and accompanying family members. Whether you’re coming from or going to Memphis, this is one airport where you’ll want to spend more time.
The airport is located 17km from downtown. The international airport has 1 terminal with 3 concourses. All international travellers pass through Concourse B, while domestic and military traffic use Concourses A and C. Usually I prefer to take public transit into a city from the airport, however when I visited in 2022, several employees suggested using Uber instead of the bus as a more secure option. They also noted that taxis charge more than Ubers.
By Land (from Nashville)
Nashville and Memphis are two powerhouse musical cities and so it would make sense to try to visit both in one trip. If you’re driving from Nashville, it’s about a 3.25 hour drive on the I-40W.
Where to Stay
There are many options for places to stay in Memphis. While there, I stayed at the Downtown Memphis Sheraton for a conference, however there are several more options, such as:
- The modern and sleek Arrive Memphis
- The historic and swanky Central Station Hotel
- The iconic Peabody Memphis (open since 1869!)
- The hip and trendy Moxy Memphis
- The spacious yet cozy Midtown Cottage Near Beale Street
Getting Around in Memphis
If you’re staying in downtown, it’s fairly easy to walk everywhere or to hop on 1 of 3 trolleys. The Main Street Rail Line takes you through a tree-lined street with restaurants, a pharmacy, and many other destinations within a short walking distance of your stop. The Riverfront Line provides waterfront views of the Mississippi River, and the Madison Line takes you through midtown. They’re free on the weekends, only USD $1 per trip at other times, or USD $2 for a day pass. Riding the vintage trolley cars is an experience, complete with friendly drivers who holler and let you know when to get off.
Note: As of 2025 there were some changes to the trolley system for repairs. Visit here for the most up-to-date information.
Another mode of transportation to use while in Memphis is Uber. Perhaps one of the most exciting ways to zip around town is the Bird electric scooters which have been an eco-friendly transportation option in the city since 2018. They’re easy to access and pay for on the Bird app. When I visited Memphis in 2022 there was a curfew on scooters in the downtown area from 10pm to 5am on Friday to Sunday nights.
Where to Eat
You can’t visit Tennessee without trying some good ol’ Southern BBQ, and in Memphis there are plenty of places to satisfy your hunger.
Central BBQ
Any visit to Memphis, or Tennessee, or the southern States requires you to try the BBQ. In fact, there’s so much to learn and so variety from region to region that I think it would be wise if we all set aside a few weeks of our lives to tour each state and thoroughly analyze what makes each one unique. I’m ready to go when you are!
Central BBQ is a staple in the Memphis restaurant scene. In fact, since it opened in 2002 it’s continually been voted the best BBQ in Memphis and it has appeared on several tv shows and featured in different articles. They use hickory and pecan woods, a house special dry rub, and time to help cook the perfect fall-off-the-bone meat. It makes sense then that their motto is “the smoke is our sauce”. Today there are 5 Central BBQ locations, including one in Nashville.
There’s a cashier to order from and then you move on to stock up on drinks and sauces before choosing a seat on one of the colourful patios. I ordered pulled pork with mild bbq sauce, mac n’ cheese, and coleslaw. The meat and sauce were heavenly and I really appreciated being able to use little containers of the other sauces to try too. Put this place on your To Eat list.
Alcenia’s
Cute, colourful, and a bit chaotic (though perhaps that was just on the busy day I was there), Alcenia’s is a fiesty restaurant with a whole lot of soul. To begin, everything is made from scratch so you know you’re in good hands. Alcenia’s southern-style soul food will warm your belly with classics like catfish, chicken, pork chops, corn on the cob, fried tomatoes, grits, and warm biscuits. Oh, and do yourself a favour and check out the bedazzled washrooms.
Westy’s
Be prepared for a visual and gastronomical feast at Westy’s. The walls are full of memorabilia and the details don’t stop there. This neighbourhood and Memphis destination for locals and tourists has a huge menu that includes options like fried green tomatoes or okra for appetizers, and ribs, tamales, burgers, pasta, and creole favourites to order for the main course. Keep an eye out for the Westy’s specials, such as the jambalaya, smothered tots, and the Philly Bacon Burger. If you order anything here, there’s one dish they’re famous for: the Ultimate Hot Fudge Pie. This chocoholic’s take? Its reputation rings true.
Aldo’s Pizza
Aldo’s Pizza is situated on Main Street and has great indoor-outdoor dining options. It’s a great spot for takeout lunches and gourmet pizzas which you can choose from or build your own. I chose the Gina Bellina which had tomato sauce, Aldo’s Four Cheese Blend, goat cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives. Let’s just say I was a happy camper. It passed the cold pizza test the next morning for breakfast too. In addition to pizzas and appies, Aldo’s offers salads, sandwiches, and dessert.
Huey’s
Blues, Brews, and Burgers is the motto at Huey’s. Their burgers are excellent, the atmosphere is lively, they give back to the community, and you could spend hours staring at all of the art on the walls and crutches and toothpicks in the ceiling. The toothpicks are an old tradition that covid put a kaybosh to, but many are still hanging on up there.
Kooky Canuck
Formerly The Big Foot Lodge, the Kooky Canuck is famous for its 4-, 6-, and 12-lb Kookamonga Challenges. The 12-lb group eating challenge requires 24-hours notice to prep! Watch this episode of Man vs. Food where the host tackles the 7.5lb version. Don’t worry if you only have a normal-sized appetite. The Kooky Canuck has plenty of options of Canadian favourites like poutine, caesars, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, s’mores, Montreal-style hot dogs, Halifax donair, tourtière, crispy bacon, and of course, maple syrup.
Food Trucks in Court Square
Memphis has many different food truck options to choose from: Memphis bbq, lomen noodles and rice bowls, southern comfort food, Caribbean, funnel cakes and corn dogs, Mexican, and chicken wings. There’s even a whopping food truck bus that serves authentic Memphis BBQ!
Bass Pro Shop
To be honest with you, I have no idea what the food is like or what’s even on the menu at the Bass Pro Shop. However, if you want to dine with a few at the top of a pyramid in the middle of Memphis, then this one-of-a-kind venue needs to go on your list. Encased by glass walls with views for days outside, with a giant fish tank in the centre of the bar, this place is unique with a capital U. If you go, let me know what the food’s like!
What to See and Do
National Civil Rights Museum
Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum while in Memphis should be on every traveller’s list. Housed at the infamous Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, the curators have done a phenomenal job of bringing the story of the US Civil Rights Movement to life. The interactive displays powerfully convey a message that the world still needs to be reminded of today. Give yourself time to walk through, read as much as possible, and digest the importance of this place.
Backbeat Tours
Backbeat Tours guides are like no other. They walk the walk and sing the talk – that is, they’re musicians playing instruments while leading Memphis music tours. The owner, Bill Patton, is a guidebook author who wanted to provide unique city tours. Mission accomplished! Along with 3 musicians, Backbeat Tours was created.
Backbeat Tours offers all sorts of tours, from music and history, to ghost, food and drink, outdoors, day trip and nightlife tours. They cover Memphis music history from the 1950s onwards and are one of Memphis’ top attractions. Having been on one, I can vouch for why. The energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the guides is top notch.
Elmwood Cemetery Tour
The ghost tattoo on the arm of our Elmwood Cemetery Tour guide was the first sign that I was in for a treat. The second was that she also runs a podcast called Cemetery Row. This woman knew her stuff. The Elmwood Cemetery was founded in 1852 and is, as she put it, the “past, present, and future” of Memphis. With yellow fever victims, Civil Rights leaders, nuns, “ladies of the night”, Grammy-winning musicians, and your everyday Joe, it seems as though everyone in Memphis makes their way here at some point. There are a range of tours available, from the macabre to the musical. Private tours are roughly 90 minutes and $20 USD per person for groups of 15.
Sprock n Roll Bike Tour
If you’re looking for a 1.5 hour mobile party, Sprock n Roll Party Bike Tours is it. There are 3 event type options: Mix n’ Mingle, Downtown Private Tour, and the Multi-Bike Tour. There are also several different types of tours available, from your standard bachelor/ette and birthday parties to historic, hookah, or holiday lights. They’ve also got a tour called Grizzlies Pre-Game – a variation of a tailgate. The bike sits 16 people and is powered by dance music, pedalling, and a motor (phew!).
Go on a Street Art Treasure Hunt
Memphis is one big colourful canvas. There was art everywhere around the downtown, from alleys and giant murals to the underpass and sidewalk. I couldn’t stop smiling and taking pictures every time I was greeted by a splash of vibrance or an unassuming piece of art. You can walk around and see what beauty you stumble upon or head to the Memphis tourism site for their mural guide.
Meet the Peabody Ducks
Every day between 11am and 5pm, the Peabody Ducks make a splash in the lobby fountain of the iconic Peabody hotel. Real ducks. In a hotel fountain. Yup! Thanks to a “little” whiskey courage back in the 1930s, two friends placed their 3 live duck decoys into the hotel’s fountain. Oh the wild things you could get away with for a laugh before there were cameras everywhere! Nearly a century later, it’s become a world-famous tradition. There’s even a choreographed Duck March thanks to the former Peabody bellman and circus animal trainer, Edward Pembroke, who earned the title “Peabody Duckmaster”. As far as unique things to do and see goes, this one tops the list.
Other Things to Do in Memphis
- Graceland (Elvis!)
- Rock n’ Soul Museum
- Walk Across the Mississippi River
- Memphis Botanic Gardens
- Catch an NBA game at the FedExForum
- Overton Park
- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
- Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Nightlife
Beale Street
If there’s one area to check out for nightlife while you’re in Memphis, it’s Beale Street, the “Home of the Blues”. It’s so iconic in American music history that it even has its own app!
Blues City Cafe
The Blues City Cafe in Memphis offers guests “The Best Meal on Beale”. They’ve got everything from steak and burgers to shrimp and tamales on the menu. It’s also a bumping live music (and dancing) venue 7 days a week.
Carolina Watershed
Craft beers, fancy cocktails, and alllll the twinkle lights you could want. The outdoor setting beneath leafy green trees and rustic-looking buildings, plus the lookout perch above, is a great escape from the more claustrophobic Beale Street. Carolina Watershed is casual, buzzworthy, and they even serve food.
Eight and Sands
Resting comfortably in the space between modern and old-school, Eight and Sand bar and lounge is the spot you dress up to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail. The building itself caught my eye before anything on the menu. The historic 1914 Central Station is now a part of The Curio Collection by Hilton and home to a massive vinyl collection and an in-house DJ.
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
If you want affordable flights, you must get into the points and miles game. Check out my Travel Coaching services to help Canadians fly for less than a tank of gas!
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Tallinn when I was in Estonia for the Christmas markets, all because of a Get Your Guide experience. My favourite tour so far that I’ve been on with Get Your Guide is a fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist, but you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
