Memphis, Tennessee, is the largest city in the state and a major cultural hub known for its blues music, rock 'n' roll heritage, and barbecue. The city stretches along the Mississippi River, with key attractions concentrated in the downtown area and along the riverfront. For frequent hotel travelers, staying in the central districts offers easy access to iconic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and business centers. The city's layout makes it walkable in core areas, though a car is useful for exploring wider neighborhoods. Visitors can immerse themselves in history at Graceland or enjoy live music on Beale Street, making it a compelling destination for both leisure and corporate trips.
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MEM airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
Stay in Downtown or near the Riverfront for proximity to major attractions like Beale Street and the Peabody Hotel. This central location minimizes transit time and places you within walking distance of dining, entertainment, and business hubs.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is approximately 8 km southwest of downtown, with a 20-30 minute drive via taxi or rideshare. While the city center is walkable, renting a car or using rideshares is recommended for visiting dispersed sites like Graceland.
Hotel guests can easily experience live music on Beale Street, visit Elvis Presley's Graceland estate, and sample local barbecue. These core attractions are centrally located or a short drive away, allowing for efficient itinerary planning.
multi-purpose arena in Memphis, Tennessee, United States
award by Blues Foundation, since 2015 also a music museum in Memphis, Tennessee
mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, United States; former residence of Elvis Presley
hotel that was site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., now a museum
non-profit organization in the US
US steamboat that exploded on April 27, 1865
Steel-arch bridge in the United States
historic district in Memphis, Tennessee, United States
stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Catholic cathedral in Memphis, Tennessee, United States
highway bridge in Memphis, Tennessee, United States
suspension railway
With more than a decade of history behind it, this stylish looker in Brookhaven Circle is a feast for the senses. Light rushes in through countless windows with generous seating and attractive booths stretching from the lively bar to the bustling dining room. A wood-burning oven chars puffy pies dressed with the likes of pepperoni and honey or pork belly with eggs. The kitchen’s knack for creative, bold combinations extends beyond pizza. Think oysters roasted with Calabrian chili oil or poutine buried in pork neck bone gravy.
WebsiteScarlet-red banquettes, a long marble bar and checkered tile cut a striking, seductive figure in downtown Memphis. This is a restaurant whose identity is never in question thanks to veteran Chef Felicia Suzanne, now situated in a swanky new dining room where she sources quality ingredients and honors Southern traditions with class and elegance. Plucky Gulf shrimp set with tasso ham sauce and jalapeño cornbread is a superb signature and a reflection of this kitchen at its very best. Other hits on this finely curated menu include buttermilk fried quail with greens and spiced honey as well as fri
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WebsiteSunlight streams in through tall windows that look out on quaint South Main. Globe lights, handsome wood tables, and gold accents lend a mid-century vibe to this vintage space. Such a look doesn’t at all tell the story of what this kitchen is putting together. Indian, Mexican, Thai, Italian—there are seemingly no culinary borders that cannot be crossed, mixed, and matched on this menu. Corn mash with acorn squash set in a rich bacon jus speaks to this restaurant’s big, bold, and satisfying style. Roast potatoes tossed in a finely spiced masala gravy is another successful mash-up. Portion sizes
WebsiteOpened in 2008, the flagship restaurant from Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman remains one the city’s most enticing efforts. Divided into several small rooms, the cozy house in Brookhaven Circle celebrates Italian cooking with Southern influences. Appetizers and pastas are the strongest features, starting with the signature house breakfast of pork belly, pork rinds, polenta, and a runny egg. For a lighter beginning, swing for the tuna tartare with sundried tomatoes or tender squid stuffed with Barese sausage and set in a sharp puttanesca sauce. Mafaldi coated in a rich bianco veal ragu is as
WebsiteOpened in 2013, this Chinese restaurant has taken the city by storm—and rightly so. Although there are a number of offshoots around town, the original location in an unsuspecting Cordova strip center is the place to be. For those who love heat and savor spice, this is ground zero for fiery, tongue-numbing, chili-laden Sichuan cuisine. Focus on classics like the umami-packed mapo tofu, stir-fried cumin lamb, crispy chicken tossed in a mound of dried chilis and properly charred green beans. Portions are generous so bring friends and order with abandon.
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