Memphis, the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, is bestowed with myriads of beguiling wonders and incredible landmarks. You cannot claim to visit the whole city with merely 24 hours in hand. However, there are a few top picks of this bluff city whose exclusivity makes them the most preferred choices amongst travelers from near and far. This sorted itinerary will help you beat the clock in Memphis.
Image by Gary J. Wood via Wikimedia Commons
8:00 am: Start off with breakfast at Rock ‘n’ Roll Cafe
Start your morning in Memphis with a banana sandwich or a barbequed sandwich at Rock ‘n’ Roll Cafe located at 3717 Elvis Presley Boulevard. You can also drop in here to try out its other healthy breakfast picks. After filling your belly space, you can embark on your journey by paying a visit to Graceland. This breathtaking white-mansion is hometown of Memphis’ music legend, Elvis Presley. All of his belongings have been preserved and showcased here. People are allowed to offer flowers to his grave there. Graceland has contributed a lot to the tourism trade of Memphis.
Address: 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Phone: 901.332.3322, 800.238.2000
10:30 am: Visit to iconic site, National Civil Rights Museum
After Elvis’ home, its time to move on to I-55 North. Drive to Mulberry Street and swing by National Civil Rights Museum which was built at the site of Lorraine Hotel. It is the iconic place where Civil Rights Movement crusader, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot dead. Accredited by American Alliance of Museums, this museum exhibits a vast collection of painful history. Get lucky by visiting the room no. 306 where the great soul Dr. Martin stayed during the movement.
Address: 450 Mulberry St., Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: 901.521.9699
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday (9 am-5 pm, except Tuesdays); Sunday (1 pm-5 pm)
Distance and time from Graceland: 9.4 miles or 14 mins. Drive
11:30 am: A sneak peak into Memphis’ history of music
Start walking NE on Mulberry Street towards Huling Avenue, stop by Beale Street, and step into Memphis Rock n Soul Museum. This is the best place to have deep insights of Memphis’ history of music and to know its music wizards and pioneers. Its exhibition is all about how seeds of music were sown in the city of blues, and how music here flourished with the passage of time.
Address: 191 Beale Street & Highway 61 at FedExForum, Suite 100, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: 901.205.2533
Hours of Operation: Daily (10 am-7 pm)
Distance and time from National Civil Rights Museum: 0.6 miles or 11 mins. Drive
1:00 pm: Stroll around Blues City with Backbeat Tours
Backbeat Tours is the best way to traipse around the most spectacular sights in Memphis. Be it Memphis Mojo Tour, Memphis Discovery Tour, Graceland Tour, Memphis Ghost Tour, Historic Memphis Walking Tour, or Hound Dog Tour, you can join anyone whichever interests you the most. These tours will let you enjoy every bit of and every second in Memphis. During Memphis Discovery Tour, you can get off near Central BBQ for some authentic Memphis barbequed delicacies.
Address: Central BBQ, 2249 Central Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee
Phone: 901.272.9377
During Backbeat Tours, you can stop by a few high-quality restaurants in Memphis as you must be famished by now. Satiate your craving for French-Creole Cuisines at award-winning Restaurant Iris which is located at 2146 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. Tempting barbequed ribs with dry rub seasoning served at Charles Virgo’s Rendezvous (52 South Second St, Memphis) are well worth your visit. You can also drop by the Four Way Restaurant, located in Soulsville, for its finger-licking meat and fries.
Address: Backbeat Tours, 143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901.527.9415
Distance and time from Memphis Rock n Soul Museum: 453 ft or 2 mins. Drive
4:30 pm: Catch a glance of Dixon Gallery and Gardens
After a spectacular sight-seeing and luscious food in Memphis, its time to witness the beauty of American Association Museums accredited, Dixon Gallery and Gardens which showcases American and French impressionist paintings, and English and German porcelain. An unparalleled symbol of art and horticulture it is!
Address: 4339 Park Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38117
Phone: 901.761.5250
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday (10 am-5pm); Sunday (1 pm-5 pm); Third Thursdays (till 8 pm); remains closed on Mondays
Distance and time from Backbeat Tours: 8.6 miles or 21 mins. Drive
5:30 pm: It's time to sight-seeing with Blues City Sight-Seeing Tours
After Dixon’s art exhibition, you can stroll through the untouched part of Memphis via Blues City Sight-Seeing Tours. But, it is advisable to book yourself beforehand either by call or online, and online booking may also fetch some great discount offers on your tickets. To keep yourself energetic enough, you can also gorge on some Memphis’ authentic and delectable snacks while on tour.
Address: 325 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: 901.522.9229
Distance and time from Dixon Gallery and Gardens: 8.2 miles or 18 mins. Drive
8:30 pm: Don't famish when Felicia Suzanne’s and Cozy Corner Restaurant are there
Make a trip to Felicia Suzanne’s, located at 80 Monroe Avenue L 1, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, to taste some mouth-watering American delicacies with Southern flair. It is 6 min away from Blues City Tours. You can also stop by Cozy Corner Restaurant which is one of the finest joints for barbequed food in Memphis. It is 3 min away from Blues City Tours.
10:00 pm: Time to shake your leg like never before
To get most out of the Memphis tour, be a part of the nightlife junkies. Memphis boasts the most dazzling and startling nightlife experience that one can have while in US. And, one such corner is Memphis Sounds located at 22 North 3rd Street. You can tap your feet to live blues and jazz performed by notable bands. To witness the glamour at its best, drop by The Black Orchid Gentleman’s Club. At Black Orchid, party mode always remains on, and people dance the night away. Keep bopping and boozing at The Black Orchid Gentleman’s Club.
11:30 pm: It's boozing time at Bardog Tavern
If you are an ardent creature of night, then Bardog Tavern is the best spot to end your trip in Memphis. Don’t call it a day before sipping the drinks served at Bardog. Its menu is also flecked with varied mouth-drooling late-night eats. Puff the smoke, open the bottle, and gorge on great appetizers at Bardog.
Address: 73 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: 901.275.8752
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday (8 am-3 am); Saturday and Sunday (11 am-3 am)
Distance and time from Memphis Sounds: 0.3 mile or 7 min drive
A Complete Map Guide on One-Day Trip to Memphis
