Four Fun Days of Memphis Music and BBQ

Explore the soulful charm of Memphis without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A trip to Memphis on a limited budget can be both fun and wallet-friendly. Start by visiting the iconic Beale Street for live music and delicious Southern cuisine. Catch a glimpse of Elvis Presley’s legendary estate, Graceland, by visiting during off-peak hours and opting for a self-guided tour. Lastly, explore the city’s art and history scene at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the National Civil Rights Museum.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Blues & Brews

  • Check into Best Western Plus Executive Residency 4.2
    10 photos

    Best Western Plus Executive Residency Marion

    4.2 (327)

    100 Hannah Ln, Marion, AR 72364, USA

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Relaxed quarters, some with kitchenettes, in a low-key hotel offering an indoor pool & a gym.

    bestwestern.com

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    with free breakfast & shuttle to Beale Street
  • Start the day with a cup of java from City & State 4.5
    10 photos

    City & State

    4.5 (383) • $$

    2625 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112, USA

    Cafe,Food

    Informal home decor & accessories shop featuring a down-to-earth café & outdoor seating.

    cityandstate.us

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    , try their honey vanilla latte
  • Take a tour of Sun Studio
    10 photos

    Sun Studio

    Sun Studio, 706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Premise

    This legendary rock 'n' roll recording studio hosted Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash & others notables.

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    , where legends like Elvis Presley got their start
  • Visit Blues City Cafe 4.4
    10 photos

    Blues City Cafe

    4.4 (5596) • $$

    138 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    This old-school juke joint/eatery specializes in the blues music & soul food of the Delta region.

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    for some Memphis-style BBQ ribs & live blues music
  • End the night at Ghost River Brewing Tap Room 4.7
    10 photos

    Ghost River Brewery & Taproom

    4.7 (226)

    827 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38106, USA

    Food,Point of interest

    ghostriverbrewing.com

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    for a cold beer and live music
Day 2

Historic South Main

  • Enjoy breakfast at Arcade Restaurant 4.1
    10 photos

    The Arcade Restaurant

    4.1 (3388) • $

    540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Cafe,Restaurant

    Nostalgic diner serving hearty breakfast & lunch fare amid 1950s-style neon signs.

    arcaderestaurant.com

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    , a diner that's been around since 1919
  • Walk along South Main Street, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants
  • Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel 4.8
    10 photos

    National Civil Rights Museum

    4.8 (11645)

    450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Historic site of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination & exhibits on the racial equality movement.

    civilrightsmuseum.org

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    , where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
  • Have lunch at Central BBQ 4.4
    10 photos

    Central BBQ - Downtown

    4.4 (5076) • $$

    147 E Butler Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Informal eatery with inventive meat dishes, from BBQ nachos to pork sandwiches & brisket platters.

    eatcbq.com

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    , a popular spot for barbecue lovers
  • Take a stroll through Tom Lee Park 4.6
    10 photos

    Tom Lee Park

    4.6 (2875)

    Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Tourist attraction,Park

    30-acre city park offering a riverside walking path, benches & a memorial monument.

    memphisriverparks.org

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    , a scenic spot along the Mississippi River
Day 3

Grit & Grind

  • Start the day with breakfast at Brother Juniper's 4.7
    10 photos

    Brother Juniper's

    4.7 (2598) • $$

    3519 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38111, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Casual diner known for fresh bread, creative omelets & other breakfast specialties.

    brotherjunipers.com

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    , a cozy diner with a cult following
  • Visit Graceland 4.5
    10 photos

    Graceland

    4.5 (19412)

    Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, USA

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Elvis Presley's famed estate featuring mansion tours, exhibits, a car museum & 2 jets.

    graceland.com

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    , Elvis Presley's former home, now a museum
  • Have lunch at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken 4.6
    10 photos

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

    4.6 (5690) • $

    310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Long-running chain serving spicy fried chicken & comfort sides in a low-key setting.

    gusfriedchicken.com

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    , a Memphis institution
  • Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 4.8
    10 photos

    Stax Museum of American Soul Music

    4.8 (2553)

    926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38126, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    A replica recording studio & rotating exhibits tell the story of Stax Records & soul music.

    staxmuseum.com

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    , a tribute to the soul music that originated in Memphis
  • Catch a Memphis Grizzlies game at the FedExForum 4.7
    10 photos

    FedExForum

    4.7 (6916)

    191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Stadium,Point of interest

    Sleek, large arena hosts college & pro basketball, concerts & other entertainment acts.

    fedexforum.com

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    , known for its passionate fans
Day 4

Artsy Cooper-Young

  • Have breakfast at Cooper Street Bakery 4.1
    10 photos

    Bluff City Coffee & Bakery Cooper Young

    4.1 (197) • $

    945 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38111, USA

    Cafe,Store

    bluffcitycoffee.com

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    , a cozy neighborhood spot with delicious pastries
  • Visit the Pink Palace Museum 4.5
    10 photos

    Memphis Museum of Science & History

    4.5 (601)

    3050 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38111, USA

    Museum,Movie theater

    Learning center with history & science attractions including an attached IMAX theater & planetarium.

    moshmemphis.com

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    , which showcases the history and culture of Memphis
  • Have lunch at Paynes Bar-B-Que 4.5
    10 photos

    Payne's Bar-B-Que

    4.5 (712) • $

    1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Simple cinderblock building serving acclaimed chopped & pulled pork sandwiches & smoked sausage.

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    , a hole-in-the-wall spot with some of the best BBQ in Memphis
  • Take a stroll through the Cooper-Young neighborhood
    10 photos

    Cooper-Young

    Cooper-Young, Memphis, TN, USA

    Neighborhood,Political

    cooperyoung.org

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    , known for its colorful murals and artsy vibe
  • End the day with a live performance at the historic Orpheum Theatre 4.7
    10 photos

    Orpheum Theatre

    4.7 (3526)

    203 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Opulent former opera hall hosts touring theater troupes, music acts, opera & ballet performances.

    orpheum-memphis.com

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    .
  • Memphis is a unique and vibrant city with so much to offer. With this itinerary, you'll be able to experience some of the best food, music, and culture it has to offer on a budget.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Memphis by plane is to fly into Memphis International Airport. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights to Memphis from major cities within the United States.

Car

If you are driving to Memphis, the main highway routes to follow are I-40, I-55, and I-240. Memphis is easily accessible by car and there are multiple public parking options available within the city.

Train

Although there is no direct train to Memphis, you can take Amtrak train to New Orleans and then take a connecting Greyhound bus to Memphis.

Boat

The Mississippi River connects Memphis to various cities along its route, however, traveling to Memphis by boat is not a common mode of transportation. The river is mainly used for cargo transportation.

Bus

Greyhound offers daily bus services to Memphis from various cities within the United States. The main bus station in Memphis is located on Airways Blvd.

Destination

Memphis

Welcome to the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, the home of the blues, and the land of some seriously delicious barbecue. Get ready to have a hunka hunka good time in this musical mecca.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Memphis: An Epic 2-Day Musical Journey

Memphis, located in the southern United States, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and famous music scene. A family-friendly trip to Memphis offers a perfect blend of entertainment and educational experiences, including visits to iconic attractions such as Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, the legendary Beale Street for live music, and the Memphis Zoo renowned for its diverse animal exhibits. With a variety of family-friendly activities and delicious Southern cuisine to enjoy, Memphis guarantees an unforgettable vacation for all ages.

Romantic Weekend in Memphis: Music, Food, and Fun

Memphis, with its bluesy charm and rich musical heritage, is an ideal destination for a romantic trip. From strolling along the scenic Mississippi River to exploring the historical Graceland mansion, there's plenty to do and see in this vibrant city. Culinary delights await with world-famous BBQ and classic soul food, while the lively nightlife offers great music and cocktails.

Discovering Memphis: A Soulful 2-Day Adventure

A trip to Memphis is a delightful experience for tourists looking to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can start by visiting Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion, followed by a visit to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and explore the city's culinary scene by sampling barbecue and soul food. The lively Beale Street, with its live music and nightlife, is the perfect place to end the day.

Memphis in Five: A Romantic Adventure

A romantic trip to Memphis, United States, would likely include exploring the city's vibrant music and food scenes, as well as visiting key historical sites like the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. Couples could also enjoy a sunset riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River or take a stroll through the scenic Shelby Farms Park.