When you think of Tennessee, it’s probably Nashville and its plethora of dive bars, perfect replica of the Parthenon, and lively Broadway district that come to mind.
It may well be the capital and main entertainment hub, alright, but it’s far from being the only show in town—or should we say, the only show in the Volunteer State.
Straddling the west bank of the Mississippi River, Memphis is Tennessee’s most populous city, and with an equally vibrant music scene, scenic urban parks, and an underrated food scene, it’s no wonder it’s breaking tourism records right now:
Memphis Sees Record-Breaking Tourism
As reported by the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, out of the 31.7 billion spent by tourists in the state in 2024, 4.3 billion are claimed by the Memphis metro area.
This makes Memphis the second most profitable Tennessee destination after, you guessed it, Davidson County, of which Nashville is the seat, and one of the fastest-growing destinations in the States: in the last six years, visitor spending increased by over 36%.
Numbers are exciting, but we’re not here for boring tourism records. We’re sure you’re keen to know what the appeal is for visitors from all over the 50 states (and the wider globe).
Let’s just say that, whether you’re here for Rock n’ Roll, the understated cultural value, lush nature, or some of that good old down-home Tennessee cooking, you’re in for a treat:
Fall Colors & Vibrant Social Scene Like No Other
For starters, the ‘Bluff City‘ is built on the bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River, and its Riverwalk, along the shores of the iconic waterway, is a must-see for tourists in town:
Stretching through Tom Lee Park, along Beale Street Landing, and all the way to Mud Island River Park, it’s the perfect way to unwind and soak in the region’s nature. Right now, the waterline is particularly pretty, with all the amber-tinged fall leaves.
Walking in Memphis is sure to get you inspired, like the song, but if you’re looking for a good time on a Friday night, no-frills Midtown is the place to be.
Unlike the overly-popular Beale Street, which might feel a tad too touristy for your liking as a Travel Off Path reader, Midtown spots like Hi Tone Cafe and Growlers still retain that Memphian charm: we’re talking delicious draft beer, welcoming, chatty locals, and great rock bands.
Of course, Earnestine and Hazel’s in the Downtown area, beyond Beale, are regional classics, but they can get crowded, especially during event nights, so we’d advise you to arrive early to secure a good seat.
Barbecue That’s Nothing Short Of Legendary
Memphis’ dry-rubbed ribs and smoked pork sandwiches are legendary, and trust us when we say people fly from all over the world for a bite.
You haven’t really been to Tennessee’s biggest metropolis until you’ve tried Jim Neely’s chopped pork sandwiches on S. Third Street. Likewise, if you’re a fan of smoked meats, you can’t miss Central BBQ’s pulled pork, a short walk from Beale Street.
Now, if you happen to be craving real-spit barbecue and coleslaw made from scratch, The Bar-B-Q Shop is your port of call: their ribs were even voted America’s number one by the Food Network.
To be fair, a simple stroll around Downtown will open up a world of dining options, from King’s Palace Cafe, a Cajun and Creole hotspot, to Docks Off 5th, best known for its tasty seafood menu, to Aldo’s Pizza Pies, a casual Italian eatery.
Rock n Roll Your Way Around Memphis
Memphis is also a world-class cultural destination, despite rarely being acknowledged as such. For instance, did you know you can visit Graceland, the house where Elvis Presley spent his teenage years, right in the heart of Whitehaven, a short 20-minute drive from Downtown?
For the music buffs out there, you’ll also be thrilled to learn that Sun Studio is where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded several of their most celebrated records. It’s no wonder it’s dubbed ‘birthplace of Rock n’ Roll’, and it’s now open as a museum, with tickets costing only $20 per adult.
As for an actual museum, however, you might want to check out the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which chronicles the rise of blues and soul as genres, and how they shaped the local cultural landscape.
Aside from the musical heritage, the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel, is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Tracing Memphis’ role in the cotton trade during the slavery years, the Cotton Museum is yet another must-see, and if you love art galleries, make sure you stop by the Brooks Museum of Art: it’s simply the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee.
Heading to Tennessee this fall? Make sure to check out this other fast-rising, alternative city break to Nashville for fiery fall colors and luxuriant nature.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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