The home of Rock 'n' Roll, the birthplace of the blues
By Sally Walker Davies, Local Expert, Memphis
With all of the things to do and see in a city, deciding how to spend your time can be quite an agonizing decision. 10best has narrowed all of the available attractions in Memphis to a list of the most appealing and reputable, to aide in your decision making. You can rest easy knowing that any choice you make from our list is sure to please.
1Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Type: Art & Culture, Attractions, History Museums, Museums
Local Expert Tip: "One of our favorite things to do is at the display of Hayes' fancy Cadillac - lean over the rail a bit to hear the late, great soul man admonish 'Don't touch my ride!'"
2- Type: Historic Sites, Uniquely Here
- Neighborhood: Graceland Area
based on 1,186 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "The Meditation Garden is open free of charge every morning from 7:30 -- 8:30 am. "
3- Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Museums
- Neighborhood: Downtown
Local Expert Tip: "A good read before visiting the museum is Hellhound on His Trail by Memphian Hampton Sides. It tells the back story of James Earl Ray and offers a fantastic historical perspective of the assassination."
4- Type: Family Friendly, Zoos
- Neighborhood: Midtown
based on 310 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "The zoo offers free admission for Tennessee residents on Tuesday afternoons from 2 p.m. through close, from April through February. "
5National Ornamental Metal Museum
- Type: Art Museums, Museums
- Neighborhood: Downtown
based on 25 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "The museum's gift shop offers the best selection of unique handcrafted gifts of any museum in the city."
6Beale Street Historic District
- Type: Attractions, Free Attractions, Historic Sites, Sightseeing
- Neighborhood: Downtown
Local Expert Tip: "Families are welcome on Beale Street, and generally any of the restaurants with live music allow children as long as they are accompanied by adults. But once evening falls, most clubs and some restaurants limit their clientele to the 21-and-up crowd -- this isn't the place for kids after 9 p.m. "
7- Type: Art Museums, Gardens, Museums, Outdoor Activities - Summer
- Neighborhood: East Memphis
based on 27 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "Tuesdays are pay what you can days, with visitors setting their own admission prices for entrance between 10 am and 2 pm."
8- Type: Attractions, Family Friendly, Great Views, Museums, Outdoor Activities - Summer, Parks
- Neighborhood: Downtown
based on 50 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "Throughout its season, Mud Island offers families the chance to camp out under the stars; the $40 per person fee includes dinner, live entertainment and a campfire with marshmallows. Space is limited so reservations are a must. "
9- Type: Attractions, Historic Sites, Tours and Excursions
- Neighborhood: Downtown
based on 563 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "Tours begin every hour on the half hour from 10:30 am. Children under four are not allowed on the tour at Sun. "
10- Type: Gardens, Outdoor Activities - Summer, Outdoor Activities - Winter, Parks
- Neighborhood: East Memphis
based on 20 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "Plan a visit for the afternoon of the 'Live at the Garden' performances; you will be treated to the sound check for that evening's band - a treat. "
