Question 1

What is there to do in Memphis?

Accepted Answer

The pilgrimage sites: Graceland (Elvis's home, kept exactly as he left it), Sun Studio where rock and roll was born, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Then the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel — one of the most powerful museums in America — Beale Street's blues clubs at night, the Peabody ducks' 11am march, and ribs. Lots of ribs.

Question 2

Is Graceland worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

For anyone with a shred of Elvis curiosity, yes — the mansion tour (iPad-guided, narrated by John Stamos with Priscilla's commentary) walks you through the Jungle Room and Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried, and the exhibit complex across the street holds the jets, jumpsuits and cars. Book the mansion tour online ahead; it sells out around Elvis Week in mid-August. Allow half a day.

Question 3

Is Memphis safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

The honest answer: Memphis has one of the higher crime rates among big US cities, but it's concentrated far from where visitors go. Beale Street (police-patrolled, with weekend security screenings), downtown, South Main, the Graceland complex and Overton Square are fine with standard city smarts. Use rideshares rather than walking empty blocks late, keep valuables out of cars, and stay aware. Emergency number: 911.

Question 4

What is the National Civil Rights Museum?

Accepted Answer

Built into the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 — his room and the balcony are preserved as they were that day. The museum traces the movement from slavery through the Montgomery bus boycott (you board a replica bus) to the present. It's the single most important stop in Memphis; give it 2–3 hours.

Question 5

What is Memphis barbecue — wet or dry?

Accepted Answer

Memphis is the home of dry-rub ribs — coated in a paprika-heavy spice blend and charcoal-cooked, no sauce needed — with Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, in its downtown alley basement, the temple of the style. Wet (sauced) ribs and chopped pork sandwiches topped with slaw are equally legit; try Central BBQ, Payne's for the sandwich, and settle the wet-vs-dry debate yourself.

Question 6

How good is public transit in Memphis, and is the trolley running?

Accepted Answer

MATA buses currently ride free — the agency's zero-fare pilot has been extended into 2026 — but routes are geared to locals and can be infrequent. The vintage Main Street Trolley, sadly, has been suspended since 2024 with no confirmed return; check MATA for current status. Most visitors walk downtown and use rideshares for Graceland and Stax.

Question 7

How do I get from Memphis airport (MEM) to downtown?

Accepted Answer

MEM is about 11 miles southeast of downtown — an Uber/Lyft or taxi takes 15–20 minutes and typically runs $25–35. There's no train link; MATA buses reach the airport area but aren't practical with luggage for most visitors. Handy layout note: Graceland is only about 10 minutes from the airport, so some travelers hit it first or last.

Question 8

When is the best time to visit Memphis?

Accepted Answer

May is peak Memphis — Memphis in May brings the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Beale Street Music Festival — while April–May and September–October offer the best weather overall (70s–80s°F). Mid-August is Elvis Week, when tens of thousands hold a candlelight vigil at Graceland. Summers are steamy; winters mild and quiet.

Question 9

What are the Peabody ducks?

Accepted Answer

Since 1933, a team of mallards has lived in the Peabody Hotel's rooftop penthouse and commuted daily to the lobby fountain — marching down the elevator and along a red carpet at 11am sharp, then back at 5pm, led by a tuxedoed Duckmaster. It's free to watch, gloriously silly, and one of the great American hotel traditions. Arrive 30 minutes early for a rail spot.

Question 10

When was Memphis established?

Accepted Answer

Memphis was founded around 1819.

Question 11

What languages do people speak here?

Accepted Answer

English; Spanish is spoken by 40+ million people — dominant in parts of Miami, LA, Texas and the Southwest.

Question 12

What is Memphis known for?

Accepted Answer

Memphis is known as: Home of the blues and birthplace of rock and roll — Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio, the National Civil Rights Museum and world-famous dry-rub ribs.

Question 13

What is the nearest major airport?

Accepted Answer

Memphis International Airport (MEM) — about 13 km away.

Question 14

What timezone is it in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis is in the UTC-5 to UTC-10 timezone.

Memphis

Airports near Memphis

Memphis International Airport

Jonesboro Municipal Airport

Memphis at a Glance

Nearby places to explore

Famous Places Near Memphis

Info about Memphis