Memphis, Tennessee, USA 2 Day Itinerary

Memphis, Tennessee 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - National Civil Rights Museum: Start your day with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
  • 10:30 AM - Beale Street: Walk off breakfast on Beale Street, known for its blues music and lively atmosphere. Grab a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch at Central BBQ: Head to Central BBQ for some delicious Memphis-style barbecue.
  • 1:30 PM - Sun Studio: Visit Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other legendary musicians recorded their first hits.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM - Dinner at Gus’s Fried Chicken: Enjoy dinner at Gus’s Fried Chicken, a Memphis institution serving up crispy fried chicken.
  • 8:00 PM - Live Music on Beale Street: End the night with live music at one of the many bars or clubs on Beale Street.

Day 2:

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - Memphis Zoo: Spend the morning exploring the Memphis Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals from around the world.
  • 11:30 AM - Overton Park: Take a stroll through Overton Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails and picnic areas.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - Lunch at Corky’s BBQ: Grab lunch at Corky’s BBQ, another Memphis barbecue staple.
  • 2:30 PM - Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to learn about the history of soul music and its legendary artists.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM - Dinner at The Arcade Restaurant: Enjoy dinner at The Arcade Restaurant, a Memphis institution serving up Southern comfort food.
  • 8:00 PM - Explore the Riverwalk: End the night with a stroll along the Mississippi River on the Riverwalk, offering beautiful views of the city.

Where to Stay:

  • The Peabody Hotel: This iconic hotel is a must-stay for its luxurious accommodations and famous duck march.
  • Hotel Indigo Memphis: A stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Memphis.

Transportation:

  • Memphis International Airport (MEM): Fly into MEM and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel.
  • Public Transportation: Use the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) bus system to get around the city.
  • Walking: Memphis is a walkable city, so be sure to explore on foot.

Tips and Other Things to Know:

  • Beale Street Closures: Beale Street is closed to vehicle traffic on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Plan accordingly.
  • Sunscreen and Water: Memphis can get hot in the summer, so be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
  • Respect Local History: Memphis has a rich history, so be respectful of its landmarks and historical sites.
  • Try Some Memphis Soul: Don’t leave without trying some Memphis soul food, like fried catfish or chicken and waffles.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Memphis!