Plan a autumn trip to Memphis. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Memphis — TL;DR
Memphis is known for dry-rub ribs and fried chicken, with famous sides including turnip greens, shell 'n' cheese or mash and gravy, and Brizia is bringing woodfired seafood dishes, creative sushi rolls and USDA Prime steaks to Crosstown Concourse.
Memphis at a glance
What are the best things to do in Memphis? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Memphis trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Memphis? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Memphis — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Memphis? March to May and September to November offer comfortable weather for exploring Beale Street and Crosstown Concourse.
Where should I stay in Memphis for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Memphis? Memphis rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.
Memphis overview
March to May and September to November offer comfortable weather for exploring Beale Street and Crosstown Concourse.
Memphis's downtown, Beale Street, and Crosstown Concourse are connected by short drives, with the Comfort Inn and Sheraton within walking distance of Beale Street.
US Dollar ($)
English. Spanish is widely spoken in many cities.
CST (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Memphis's dining scene continues to expand beyond its BBQ roots, with Ritual: bistro, coffee & sips offering artisanal coffee and tea, breakfast, lunch, cocktails and local brews, alongside Young Avenue Deli's fantastic food, plentiful portions, and cheap prices, reflecting the city's blend of new openings and beloved institutions.
Where to eat, drink & do in Memphis
Memphis neighborhoods
Crosstown Concourse Home to Brizia's woodfired seafood dishes, creative sushi rolls and USDA Prime steaks.
South Main St. Home to Kuya, bringing authentic Filipino recipes.
Downtown / Beale Street Home to the Peabody Memphis and its famous Peabody Ducks, within walking distance of hotels.
Practical info for Memphis
Getting around in Memphis? Memphis's downtown, Beale Street, and Crosstown Concourse are connected by short drives, with the Comfort Inn and Sheraton within walking distance of Beale Street.
When to go in Memphis? March to May and September to November offer comfortable weather for exploring Beale Street and Crosstown Concourse.
What's changing now in Memphis? Memphis's dining scene continues to expand beyond its BBQ roots, with Ritual: bistro, coffee & sips offering artisanal coffee and tea, breakfast, lunch, cocktails and local brews, alongside Young Avenue Deli's fantastic food, plentiful port
Seek out Chez Phillipe at the Peabody in Memphis? Gourmet French cuisine within the Peabody Memphis, a refined counterpoint to the city's BBQ reputation.
Base yourself in Crosstown Concourse in Memphis? Home to Brizia's woodfired seafood dishes, creative sushi rolls and USDA Prime steaks. Known for adaptive reuse dining hub.
Frequently asked questions about Memphis
What are the best things to do in Memphis? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Memphis trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Memphis tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Memphis? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Memphis — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Memphis? March to May and September to November offer comfortable weather for exploring Beale Street and Crosstown Concourse.
Where should I stay in Memphis for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Memphis? Memphis rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.