Memphis on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun & Flavor

Discover Memphis on a dime: Music, history, and good eats await on a budget.

21 June 2023

Travel to Memphis on a limited budget and enjoy a taste of the city's vibrant culture and exciting attractions. Visit historical sites such as Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and the legendary Beale Street. Stay in affordable accommodations and dine at local restaurants for an authentic Memphis experience without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival & BBQ Bliss

  • Check into Hotel Napoleon, a historic boutique hotel in downtown
  • Head to Rendezvous, a landmark BBQ joint for mouth-watering ribs and brisket
  • Explore the famous Beale Street filled with live music and vibrant nightlife
  • Visit the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about Memphis' history and culture
  • End the day with a drink at The Peabody hotel and watch the famous duck march
Day 2

Sweet Treats & Rockin' Roots

  • Start with breakfast at Arcade Restaurant, a 100-year-old diner serving delicious pancakes
  • Walk through the Memphis Botanic Garden and take in the beautiful scenery
  • Tour Sun Studio, where legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded music
  • Visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music and learn about the roots of soul music
  • End the day with a visit to Gibson's Donuts for their famous maple bacon donut
Day 3

River Views & Fresh Eats

  • Enjoy brunch at The Beauty Shop, a retro diner in a former hair salon
  • Take a Memphis Riverboat Cruise for stunning views of the Mississippi River
  • Visit the Memphis Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods
  • Explore the Memphis Pyramid, an iconic building transformed into a shopping and entertainment center
  • Dine at Central BBQ for their delicious smoked pulled pork and sides
Day 4

Art & Culture

  • Start with breakfast at Brother Juniper's, a neighborhood gem serving hearty breakfast sandwiches
  • Visit the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art for a unique cultural experience
  • Check out the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art for a collection of art spanning centuries
  • Catch a show at The Orpheum Theatre, a gorgeous venue with a lineup of popular performances
  • End the day with drinks and dinner at Flight, a restaurant with a menu of small plate options
Day 5

Outdoor Adventures

  • Start with breakfast at the Blue Plate Cafe, a cozy diner serving fluffy biscuits
  • Visit Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, for hiking and biking trails
  • Take a tour of Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home and museum
  • Stop by the Memphis Zoo for a chance to see animals from all over the world
  • End the trip with dinner at Gus's Fried Chicken, a local favorite known for their spicy fried chicken.

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.

More travel plans

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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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