Tripadvisor has named Memphis, Tennessee, as one of the ‘best places to visit’ in August. And with Elvis Week in full swing, it’s no surprise why.

The vibrant US city is renowned for its iconic music scene, rich history, and world-famous barbeque cuisine. Plus, iconic attractions such as Elvis Presley’s mansion Graceland and historic landmarks like the National Civil Rights Museum.

“The King may be long gone, but his memory lives on – especially in Memphis, which hosts its annual Elvis Week at Graceland in August,” Tripadvisor says.

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With tribute concerts, tours, and more, the annual event attracts some 35,000 people each year. And even without being there this year, Virtual Elvis Week 2024 – Live from Graceland, means Australians can enjoy the celebrations from the comfort of their own homes.  

At any time of year, Memphis has something for every traveller. Plus it’s about to become even easier to visit with changes to US visa requirements for Australians being announced, that will come into effect next year.

Here are some of the key things to check out.

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Things to do in Memphis

To make sure you have enough time to explore, it is suggested to allocate one to two hours per activity. While you may not fit them all into one day, you can pick your favourite ones to experience.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is the perfect destination to start your overarching introduction to Memphis music. It offers a comprehensive experience that shares the complete Memphis music story and its global influence.

Sun Studios

Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll.” It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50s, from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n’roll.

Graceland

Graceland, the home of The King, Elvis Presley, spans 200,000 square feet and features interactive exhibits. It is also an entertainment complex featuring new museums, restaurants, gift shops, and more. 

Stax Museum Memphis

Located on the original site of Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, the Stax Museum pays tribute to its artists and other American soul legends. It features interactive exhibits, films, stage costumes, musical instruments, vintage recording equipment, records, photographs, and permanent and changing galleries, showcasing over 2,000 items of memorabilia and artifacts.

National Civil Rights Museum

Noted as one of America’s premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum is steadfast in its mission to share the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally.

Where to eat

Begin your day at one of Memphis’s renowned breakfast spots, where you can enjoy a hearty meal to kick-start your morning.

Try Arcade Restaurant, a third-generation family-owned restaurant in the South Main Arts District. Known for its generous portions of southern-style breakfast, this iconic restaurant has earned its popular status partly due to its famous sweet potato pancakes and partly because the beloved Elvis Presley was a regular. 

Bryant’s Breakfast was named by Esquire Magazine as one of The Best Breakfast Places in America. Bryant’s serves up thick, filling Southern breakfasts with deadly efficiency and ninja-like speed.

For a quick refuel at midday, one of the top lunch spots in Memphis is Central BBQ.

Since 2002, Central BBQ has been ranked the number-one spot for barbecue in Memphis. This downtown restaurant offers a full range of barbecue options (pulled pork, brisket, ribs), large, meaty wings, smoked sausage, and its famous barbecue nachos.

At Cozy Corner, guests will also eat some of the best BBQs that Memphis offers, but you will also get the best taste of Memphis culture. For decades, they have welcomed thousands of people worldwide to enjoy their food and authentic Memphis experience.

For dinner you can head to The Lobbyist, one of Memphis’ newest modern restaurants, which is all about using natural and local ingredients to bring extraordinary flavours to Downtown Memphis.

Catherine & Mary’s, located on the corner of S. Main Street and MLK Dr., is another great option and combines Tuscan and Sicilian Grandmother cooking with a modern twist, offering an expansive wine list and crafted cocktails.

Drinks and dancing

As the home to blues, soul and rock’n’roll, the city knows how to throw a party and the nightlife is something you simply cannot miss. You can wander the streets and listen to buskers or pop into whatever live venue you find, but here are some must-visit bars along the way. 

B.B King’s Blues Club is a dual restaurant and club that offers classic soul, blues, rock and roll, top-notch barbeque, and signature drinks. Rum Boogie Cafe has been a Beale Street staple for 30 years, serving Championship Gumbo and Memphis-style BBQ with live blues music seven nights a week.

If you’re a piano fan then visit Silky O’Sullivan’s, home to duelling pianos six nights a week, the largest patio on Beale, and the only bar on Beale with live goats.

How to get to Memphis from Australia

Australians can travel to Memphis via:

• United Airlines: Sydney – Houston – Memphis (or from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne via LAX or SFO)
• American Airlines (and Qantas codeshare): Sydney – LAX – Dallas Fort Worth – Memphis; Melbourne/Sydney – Dallas Fort Worth – Memphis
• Delta Airlines: Sydney – LAX – Minneapolis – Memphis
• Air New Zealand via AKL – Houston – Memphis