Memphis, United States - Travel Guide

Memphis is a city rich in musical history, particularly blues, soul, and rock and roll. It's home to iconic attractions like Graceland, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum, offering a deep dive into American culture and history.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

EgyptTennesseeMississippi RiverGracelandBluesRock and Roll

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jun
Aug
Extreme cold season: Dec
Feb
Flood
prone months: Feb
Apr

Getting There

- Fly into Memphis International Airport (MEM)

Getting Around

Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available
Local bus service (MATA) is available but may not cover all tourist areas effectively
Taxis are also an option

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines are required for travel to Memphis for most visitors
Routine vaccinations like MMR, DTaP, chickenpox, polio, and a yearly flu shot are generally recommended
Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available from major US carriers like AT\&T, T
Mobile, and Verizon
Providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly also offer eSIM options for the USA

Local Cuisine

Memphis-Style BBQ Ribs regional_speciality

Slow-cooked pork ribs, typically served 'dry' (rubbed with a spice blend before cooking) or 'wet' (mopped with sauce). This style of barbecue emphasiz

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich must_try

Slow-smoked pork shoulder, chopped or pulled, topped with a vinegar-based slaw and served on a bun. It is a staple of Memphis barbecue and a flavorful

Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich snack

A rich sandwich associated with Elvis Presley, who lived at Graceland in Memphis. It consists of peanut butter and mashed banana, pan-fried in butter

BBQ Spaghetti fusion

A unique Memphis side dish where spaghetti noodles are tossed in a tomato-based sauce mixed with barbecue sauce, often including shredded pork. It's a

Sweet Tea non_alcoholic_beverage

An essential Southern beverage, made from iced black tea heavily sweetened with sugar. It is served year-round and is a ubiquitous accompaniment to an

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Graceland Mansion Tour (Standard or VIP Access) Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Graceland is the most popular attraction in Memphis and tours, especially specific time slots or VIP packages, can sell out, particularly during peak travel times and Elvis Week.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Sun Studio Tour Attraction

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

Sun Studio tours operate on a limited schedule and capacity, making advance booking essential to guarantee a spot, especially if you have a tight itinerary.

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel Entry Ticket Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 1.5 months in advance

The museum often uses timed entry tickets, and high demand, especially around national holidays or historical anniversaries, can lead to tickets selling out quickly.

Accommodation in Downtown/Midtown Memphis (High Season) Accommodation

Book 2–4 months in advance

Hotel availability in central Memphis tightens and prices surge during popular events like the Memphis in May International Festival, major concerts, and conventions.

Fun Facts

1. "Memphis” is mentioned in more than 1,000 song lyrics and titles, according to Billboard Magazine, which is more than any other city in the world.
2. The 9th tallest pyramid in the world is found in Memphis; the Memphis Pyramid is 32 stories tall and was converted into a Bass Pro Shops megastore, a hotel, and an observation deck.
3. Volney, the lion who roared at the beginning of all the old MGM movies, lived at the Memphis Zoo until his death in 1944.
4. Memphis has one of the largest artesian well systems in the world, an aquifer containing over 100 trillion gallons of water that fell to the earth as long as 2,000 years ago.

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