14 Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee is the second largest city in the state and is home to great museums, restaurants and loads of history. I spent a week in the city and really enjoyed learning more about it and exploring some of the tops spots like Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and the Peabody Hotel. Here are some of the best things to do in Memphis. Let me know what I left off in the comments.
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[@mileskovarik]

Born and raised in Memphis - this is a damn decent job at capturing the tourism highlights. Great job!

[@linturner3651]

I live in Memphis and you have made me want to take a staycation in my own town. There is still a feel of funk in Memphis and if there is a street fair, go.

[@maikolmaikol64]

I live in miami but have decided to make memphis my second home the people are so full of friendship and harmony love it iam also a vols fan

[@TBoss3313]

I never really thought much or anything about visiting Memphis. I’m not even finished watching the video and I am already planning a Mother/daughter Memphis trip in my head and can’t wait to go. High up on the trip list!😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@mellowrebel4618]

VOTED CLEANEST AND BEST TASTING WATER IN THE WORLD FOR OVER 25 YEARS. IN FACT THEY CAN'T EVEN ENTER THE CONTEST DUE TO THAT ANYMORE!!! EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET A TROPHY NOW RULES.

[@qt14.]

The water is so good, I drink tap regularly, and depending on when you go there are several events, Memphis tiger football/basketball games, grizzlies games, Redbirds and 901fc games, Memphis in may, Shelby farms Christmas light thing(I forget what it’s called but it’s sick), and etc.

[@navyseal1689]

@@mellowrebel4618 was that a sarcasm

[@mellowrebel4618]

@@navyseal1689 NOPE, I KNOW THE LADY WHO HANDLED IT AND WE CAN NOT EVEN BE NOMINATED. SEEMS EVERYONE MUST GET A TROPHY!!! WE STILL HAVE THRE BEST WATER IN THE WORLD BUT CAN NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED FOR IT!!!

[@ramencurry6672]

Even though Memphis is famous, many Americans have never visited because it’s geographically so far from the East and West coast. To get their you would normally have to travel by airplane. …..Another reason why many Americans have never visited is because there’s not much in the surrounding areas. It’s mostly rural areas

[@ccwnoob4393]

this is the BEST video I've ever seen or could imagine for Memphis. I lived there during its PEAK (1991 - 1993) and absolutely loved it. When I went back and visited last year, my heart was broken to see the ghetto dump it is now. Thank you for this wonderful video. It is everything that is great and could've helped make the city into the capital of the south. It brought back such nice memories.

[@casselnoel]

Great spotlight on Memphis. I love Elmwood Cemetery with its historic tours especially about Yellow Fever and the Metal Museum. Excited for the food video and would love to see Molly Fontaine’s featured.

[@samanthamisamis]

“My name is Memphis Tennessee and you will put respect to my name!”

[@Jesusandmentalhealth]

Thanks for this!!

[@deontewatkins1990]

Well done sir, great video!

[@emk4395]

Great video! Midtown Memphis area is nice as well.. Cooper Young district.. cool little restaurants that definitely add to the culture..

[@judithnina8204]

Memphis Botanical Gardens and Dixon Gallery and Gardens are awesome, too. Also, catch a show at the Orpheum Theater!! Love this video. Lived here 10 years. So much wonderful opportunities!!

[@lth7775]

Can’t wait more and more videos from Father&Son love videos, thank you 🥰

[@skytombs253]

I'm dreading moving to Memphis from FL for work. This video made me feel a little bit better about it.

[@rhondaz356]

This was a FANtastic video, highlighting GO TO places in Memphis. I had no idea that we missed so much. There's always NEXT TIME. Thank you, so much... 👏🤠☀️👏

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@qt14.]

@Michael A Memphis is not a crap hole, if you choose to be like this you can find something bad about every city, Memphis isn’t perfect sure, with the crime, some events that happened, and the amount of homeless people/ beggars. But we have great food, events, and your experience can vary based on where you go, most of the touristy stuff is in downtown, but a bunch of the things locals do aren’t in downtown

[@dariushodges5328]

Maybe the best video I seen about my city so far

[@gregponder8332]

And I highly recommend Stax... It's a great museum full of wonderful music.

[@craigm3994]

Fantastic video my wife and I are visiting the USA next month we can’t wait, love all your vids

[@hollywoodteee]

I live here and you said some places I didn’t even know about 😳 thanks for the great review, I have some places to visit.

[@jennyepling4604]

The Memphis Botanic Gardens is pretty and in summer has music. There’s free shows at the Levitt Shell sometimes. The Brooks Art Museum and the metal museum are interesting as well as the Pink Palace and children’s museum (last 2 especially if you have kids)… Then there’s the Cooper Young area with a cool vibe and restaurants that sometimes have music and Overton Square which has restaurants and the railgarten. There of course is the Orpheum for broadway shows and performances. People in Memphis tend to like food and live music. :) Also for an unique experience Elmwood Cemetery is pretty cool if you like history.

[@RoamingBears]

Having lived in Memphis for a significant part of my life, just want to say you covered it well and in a positive light. Might have been a bit too kind to Mud Island as it tends to be a huge let down to most and usually poorly maintained. But everything else you hit right on. The only other place I would have included is the Pink Palace Museum which is the former mansion of the guy who started Piggly Wiggly. Great job - especially on the zoo!

[@charlesdegraffenreaid8311]

Mud Island is has been in discussion by the city, and monies are being allotted for a Mud Island reboot of sorts.

[@mellowrebel4618]

@@charlesdegraffenreaid8311 THEY SPENT 1 MILLION ON THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND FOUNTAIN. SPRINKLERS DID NOT WORK FOR YEARS. WE WENT IN AND FIXED IT AROUND 1987.

[@charlesdegraffenreaid8311]

This is 2022.

[@mellowrebel4618]

@@charlesdegraffenreaid8311 SHOCKED FACE 2022 YOU SAY

[@Barryfordmemphis]

@@charlesdegraffenreaid8311 A couple of things: 1. A rename is desperately needed. 2. The city needs to do a better job of maintenance. 3. There used to be several restaurants that brought the locals over...they're long gone. 4. There needs to be attractions like Chicago's Navy Pier on the island to regularly attract tourists and residents alike. I think a big ferris wheel near the tip would be great!!!

[@cesarjimenez9390]

Awesome 👏, I’ve always wanted to visit Memphis but never had the chance, this gives me a good idea of places to visit whenever I get the chance to go. Thanks Josh!

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, I really enjoyed exploring the city!

[@caseymanuel7199]

I will correct one thing… I had to spend my whole day on the civil rights museum. That place is so well done and will affect you so very much. I was useless the rest of the day… I don’t see how half a day is even enough it’s a big museum and it’s so well done!!! I’m a huge Elvis fan and always go to memphis for Graceland and Elvis events but I’m so glad I went to the civil rights museum. It’s amazingly well done. Also sun studios is a very fun tour. All the tour guides are great! ❤ be careful in memphis at night. Know your surroundings.

[@elisabti8370]

Amazing city to See very unique and Beautiful. And special photography thank you for Sharing.

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

[@lucianadiacipriani5220]

Thank you very much. It is very interesting. An excellent video. Best from Austria

[@maikolmaikol64]

I loved bass proshop that at least 3or4 hours of great fun and prices it was emotional to visit st jude hosp in person and sun studios and graceland I need at least 5 days in memphis when I go

[@egeparlak8004]

"Welcome to Tilted Towers"

[@Outcasterr]

Hey there, born and raised in Memphis, your last destination, the crystal shrine grotto has SO MANY MORE secrets and features that I bet not nearly anyone knows about, my father has worked at memorial park for many years and he grew up in Memphis. For starters, the fountain outside the grotto has faces built into the base that you can spot looking from the ancient log crypt. Next to that crypt to the top left of the concrete, is a depiction of jesus laying down (like him in the tomb I assume) that’s built straight into the rock! Sort of hidden unless you stand on top of the tomb. Also the tree that was man made from the same special material created for the entire grotto. The grottos granite and quarts was made from materials sourced from Arkansas and the composite used to make the entire thing is still a trade secret to this day. Also if you noticed as you exited the grotto to the left there seemed to have been a pedestal for something, and being that Memphis is Memphis, someone stole the giants quartz I believe. Note: I will re-edit this comment after conferring with my father who is probably the only man that works at memorial park who knows anything about all of this.

[@lanardfletcher1422]

I think you just moved Memphis up like 10 spots on my list of places to visit. Great job

[@ramencurry6672]

The city that never sleeps. Bright lights big city 24/7

[@michaelclld]

Lol what

[@lanardfletcher1422]

@@michaelclld deez nuts

[@kimberlee8567]

Memphis is not only my favorite city .. it's my favorite place on earth !

[@efithebest]

Really love your videos, lot love from England xx

[@WEMOVEDLOCATIONS]

thanks for makiing my town so good we try make our town nice

[@ricsmith2185]

Hey Josh great video...we visit Memphis regularly!

[@Pryde_]

Yo the timing of this in my feed is wild

[@mdboatbum]

Thank you!! I’ve never really thought much about Memphis but this video make it seem like a really appealing place to visit.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charismatic9467]

I went to visit a friend for the weekend. Memphis is a cool spot but I wouldn't go there again, or just for the city itself. The downtown area is very small and the surrounding area is pretty run down. Had the best ribs I've ever had in my life. Place is cool!

[@Barryfordmemphis]

You didn't get EVERYTHING but you did a great job highlighting what's good about my hometown of Memphis. Thanks

[@tomy5868]

mud island used to have restaurants and bars...WAS fun.

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Pretty cool museums

[@ThroughMyLens]

Agreed, I really liked exploring Memphis

[@sherita_is_built_different]

I can't believe you didn't mention the Pink Palace (they're calling it the "Memphis Museum of Science and History", but we all know it's The Pink Palace), the Botanical Garden, The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic art in the downtown area, (a small, affordable and filled to the brim with beautiful Asian artifacts); there's also The Broom Closet and Lucyja Hygge, if you're into the metaphysical (or just like beautiful crystals and a good vibes). There's an Asian store, too, called Viet Hoa Market, where you can get Asian exports, and a car museum called Edge Motor Museum (I've never been but it has good reviews).

[@hswing11]

Sounds like a catch all museum 🤔

[@qt14.]

I hate that they renamed it, I don’t know anyone who calls it the name it’s supposed to be unless one of the school’s needs a parental consent form for a field trip, everyone else just calls it the pink palace

[@markyuen2312]

Great video, as usual. I've always wanted to visit Graceland. Big Elvis Presley fan.

[@petermgruhn]

Oo, I like scale river. Have to check it out. I was like "That's an old Sears building."

[@Wonderouz]

This video makes memphis look like paradise🤣🤣🤣...I've lived here in east memphis for 30years & have seen this city go down down down....to the people wanting to visit....be careful & aware of your surroundings

[@williamleduke8944]

The only thing I would add is the Pink Palace museum.

[@roadgeek09]

The elevator to the observation deck at bass pro shop is free if you stay in the hotel

[@maikolmaikol64]

Everyrime I go I like keep near beale st.but like to try diffrent hotels it was emotional to visit the Lenard hotel

[@K4R3N19821]

Can you send me the link to your memphis food video? Love your content...keep up the good work x

[@ryansmith5019]

Hey we love your videos ..Best on the travel blogs...snappy informative and straight to the point.. we go to the States from Scotland in 4 weeks.. austin nashville memphis and miami..any info helpful.. not overly much on a budget but looking for good value for money

[@adventuresblissconnection4198]

Awesome… you e gained a new subscriber

[@gregponder8332]

Great list... and while visiting the grotto, make sure to visit Isaac Hayes' grave, which is nearby... country music legend Charlie Rich, Sam Phillips, Elvis' legendary producer, and Bobby "Blue" Bland are also buried here.

[@Outcasterr]

My father was the one who helped design his grave plack, unfortunately they’ve got a few spaces over some dude called jay “retard” who was a guitarist who tried to smoke heroin

[@ramencurry6672]

You can visit those graves but don’t bring a shovel

[@meshackhenry2967]

Hello ❤

[@wedgeex]

Good call on separating Memphis food. There's so much delicious here.

[@mercedeswilkins9085]

Beale street is the heart beat of Memphis.

[@j.r.jacobs1660]

If you go on Beale at night don't forget to wear your vest and it's legal carry in TN...

[@brockbracken318]

15. Go to the Tilted Towers

[@mountainhobo]

Not getting murdered should be a high point of the trip.

[@ShanntahnPininchula]

LOL I live in Memphis, and you hit it on the head. 😆

[@larryb982]

Correct 💯

[@EdgarGarcia-zp5tk]

Don’t step on someone shoes and you’ll be ok 😂

[@mountainhobo]

@@EdgarGarcia-zp5tk "step on someone shoes" -- Is that a Memphis reason #117 to get shot?

[@EdgarGarcia-zp5tk]

@@mountainhobo actually it’s #3

[@jamesbeal8934]

Don't kid yourself, Memphis is the worst place in Tn to visit..there are daily shooting in the Beale street area, carjackings, drive by shootings just to name a few..born and raised there..Finally at age 64 i had enough now live in Sippi..Take if from someone who knows, there is nothing in Mempho to see that's worth risking your life over......

[@Phuno]

I used to live here as a kid I moved to Nashville at about 10 years old and as the days go on this city scares me to this day I have no idea how I managed to live there for 10 years

[@DUMPSTERDIVINGADELAIDE]

J. J. Cale loved playing there too & has 2 songs about it, I love your KZbin channel, Great stuff, Cheers from Australia 😊

[@amanaroberts1879]

When I went I couldn't get to mud island or big river crossing simply because I couldn't find access to them,like parking so if you have tips I need em

[@Wonderhorse9006]

1. Dont never sell no chocolate in memphis 😂💯💀

[@eastmemphisathleticclub1078]

If you're moving to Memphis or visit and want to workout, check us out. We would love to meet you! We have Olympic lifting, bootcamp, yoga, spinning and so much more!

[@ywiggan]

Definitely planning to visit from uk 🇬🇧

[@eastmemphisathleticclub1078]

@@ywiggan Come on by Yvonne! Look forward to meeting you!

[@jd3l3on]

1. Run 2. tote a strap 3. don’t come outside 4. mind ya business 5. lock all doors security system 6. trust no one 7. be on the lookout for “setups” 8. no out of state plates 9. stay out the hood 10. stay out of downtown. crime has migrated 11. live at least 100 miles from the city 12. hide 🙈 13. always be alert 14. did i say tote a strap? locked and loaded

[@kloun1980]

Thanks for the vlog. What part of town do you recommend staying in?

[@sleepypoppys7132]

Anywhere OUSIDE of Shelby county(Memphis) don’t let the day time video fool ya… Memphis is the wild Wild West at night…

[@jennyepling4604]

If you stay downtown, make sure it’s the expensive hotels by the FedEx forum, Beale St. etc like the Peabody. For reasonable most will stay in Cordova (by Wolfchase Mall) or further out. Stay away from around the airport and what would be consider south and north Memphis proper.

[@kenkenstar1835]

I went to the crosstown concourse for the first time to film my music video and I loved it

[@manonnurbelli8142]

Now, please: which place in Memphis we MUST NO go alone ? I would like to go to visit Graceland and different places where Elvis used to go BUT ALSO I WANT be able to go back in Paris, France my hometown on my feet and no in the coffin!))

[@manonnurbelli8142]

@@bwmwm This is exactly what I would have wanted to do: walk alone in Memphis to the different places frequented by Elvis and, on foot... Thank you very much for your feedback, for your advice :) I am rather independent and I didn't want to do an organized trip but I will think about it if it is more reasonable ☘️💙🕺💙🇫🇷

[@CARLOSDIAZ-qw1rt]

GRACIAS POR LOS VIDEOS...

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem!

[@brucepettengill6183]

# 1: Dodge stray bullets!

[@chdtn]

All cities have crime. Turn the news on when you vacation and it’s wherever you go. Nashvegas isn’t much better a few streets good and then you are in shady areas a lot of bigger cities are that way. The Botanic Gardens have a big display of Alice in Wonderland made all of flowers until October. These sculptures are huge! In all travels you should be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Thanks for the video!

[@estrufularagazzi]

My next destination to travel 🩶💛💚

[@mercedeswilkins9085]

Memphis is the biggest city in Tennessee and the most popular one

[@bacquetqge]

Hi Josh, thank you so much for this wonderful video of Memphis. My wife and I are going soon, and we wanted to ask you how easy it is to get around the city without a car. Is a car needed in your experience? Thank you.

[@Eazyemphs]

Theirs your usual lift drivers and Uber etc… buses also but that’ll be slow.

[@GuitarSal66]

Just visited, if you’re thinking about it, go to Beale Street for a day and that’s it, lots of homeless and prostitution. It was never as crowded like in video, not safe after 10 pm. Lots of useless police playing on there phone. The rest of Memphis was awesome. Nashville was a million times better. BTW when I go on vacation I never complain. Just wasn’t happy with downtown Memphis.

[@ywiggan]

Plan to visit 2023

[@patriciamiller-schwartz6767]

Just becareful when you go to Beale St. Shooting go on.

[@lisawhitten8400]

You left out getting robbed,shot,or car jacked. No joke

[@Wisteria889]

them pandas always looked so depressed though

[@BertoBoi]

The only Memphis Tennessee I know is the Fortnite gamer from that one livedub.

[@egeparlak8004]

Who smoked so much weed at once that he died and ascended to heaven, then came back as Smash Ultimate Galeem

[@hunterfrankum273]

You forgot the hood bom bom

[@jenmiller9744]

You totally made me want to go to Memphis! I have wanted to see the Civil Rights Museum, but I had no idea there were so many other neat things to do in Memphis.

[@ThroughMyLens]

That museum is worth it for sure. Lots of great stuff to do in Memphis and good food too!

[@ramencurry6672]

Memphis is a fascinating city with interesting spots with very interesting history but at the same time, you may be disappointed. The city has severely declined so it’s not for everyone.

[@ramencurry6672]

@@bwmwm Memphis is a ghost town. Take a drive on a weekday and walk the streets. There is no hustle and bustle. So many empty sidewalks all over the city. Beale street area is almost empty on a weeknight . ….Also according to Wikipedia the population is declining

[@krystalynnx]

1. Shootings 2. Carjackings 3. Ghettos 4. Abandoned Houses 5. Burned Down Houses 6. Potholes 7. Robberies 8. Poverty 9. Reckless Driving (donuts+etc) 10. Increased Liquor and Smoke shops 11. Marijuana Problem (It's Illegal) 12. Tax-Pocketing Politicians 13. Ran By Morons 14. Bass Pro Shop Pyramid

[@psulionz87]

#15 - don't die

[@bruhmomment375]

Great timing since some dude went in a rampage across the city

[@stormywyd]

Number 1. Is get out of there

[@Angelslife46]

Born and raised in Memphis and never been to Graceland. A lot of us hasn’t.

[@mattzenuka]

Sin subs en español?

[@christophersmith6453]

I'm a native of nashville don't stop for gas with out security

[@Siggyroka]

The biggest thing to do in Memphis is,don’t get killed

[@ShanntahnPininchula]

🤣😂I live here and you're so right.

[@craigm3994]

Is Memphis really that bad?

[@ericksoteloortiz8412]

@@craigm3994 it’s horrible. Downtown Memphis is 5 minutes away in any direction from the ghetto. Be careful with Beale street once it gets dark and if you carry your wallet mark sure you keep it in your from pocket. It’s not safe what so ever. It’s just highlighted because of how much money business owners have put into it.

[@woggydogschannel3737]

It is pretty bad

[@EdgarGarcia-zp5tk]

Yea collierville is the safest place near Memphis.

[@madstylesnz]

Birth place of rock n' roll.

[@skovahracing]

As of 2022, if you come here I hope it's just passing through. We aren't a safe city, we aren't a city worth being in, and the best thing to do here is get tf out

[@jesshughes776]

MY FAVORITE SPOT WAS THE PLACE WHERE MY WONDERFUL WIFE PASSED HER CITIZENSHIP TEST THAT MADE HER MY AMERICAN WIFE INSTEAD OF MY BRITISH-SOUTH AFRICAN WIFE.

[@antwanwimberly1729]

Elvis lived in Memphis? 😮

[@karinmabry7092]

And take a horse-and-carriage ride!! 🥰🐴🥰🐴🐴🥰🥰🐴🥰🐴🥰

[@mercedeswilkins9085]

Walking in Memphis with my feet 10 feet off of Beale

[@touchgrass7129]

My name is Mep-me-memphis tennessee

[@rashadharris4700]

👍gotcha ..North MS Native

[@bennieboi7114]

#1 get shot, #2 get kidnapped, #3 get car jacked, etc…

[@marciehamilton5112]

Memphis has some GREAT PLACES, but truth be told, please be aware of the CRIME !!

[@abriana3121]

Welp

[@seanstevens6610]

You didn't get shot

[@brbob4934]

I used to love Memphis but my "14 Things To Do" are all the same now....put it in my rearview mirror.

[@averagegenzguy2751]

I'm just here to meme, but the locations look nice but then suddenly 20 comments mentioning the violent crime in the area leave it to memphis tennessee to have a body count as its fictional and irl counterparts

[@musashi66973]

1. Leave

[@lienepowell8308]

The video is great and lots of thought went into making it. However, I lived in Memphis for 2 years and those were 2 years too many. The sights in the video are great to see to pass time if you have to be in Memphis for one reason or another. Yet I'd never suggest anyone make a trip out there specifically for a vacation. Just nope. There are much better places to see in the USA, at least until Memphis gets its stuff together. Which might never happen... P.S. The zoo is outstanding though! We were members for 2 years and loved it.

[@KA-eu9sy]

Protest but peacefully.