Eylul 
Set by the Mississippi River in the southwest of Tennessee, Memphis is a city full of history and culture and is home to legendary musicians like B.B King, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. In fact, you will find many filming locations from the famous movie “Walk the Line” here in Memphis.
It is one of those unique cities that offers fun attractions, great food scenes, and historical landmarks and I don’t know a single person who won’t enjoy Memphis. I am sure that you will have an amazing time here!
You have a lot to discover in Memphis but to give you a teaser you will be exploring some of the most well-known music venues on Beale Street and Sun Studio which is home to the famous musicians I just mentioned. At the National Civil Rights Museum you will see where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and don’t miss the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the beautiful Overton Park, or the cool Cooper-Young historic area!
In this blog post on where to stay in Memphis, TN, I will talk about the 4 best areas to stay in the city and give you the best of the best hotels for all budgets. Before we start, I just want to remind you that in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. Many of the hotels have a free cancelation, so don’t worry if you change your mind!
Shall we start our journey in Memphis?
Contents
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best places to stay in Memphis with hotels from luxury to budget. They all have great reviews and great locations near Beale Street!
Here is a map of the 4 best areas of Memphis. I will be talking about each of them in this travel guide so here you can easily visualize their locations:
- Downtown Memphis: for first-timers
- Midtown: for sightseeing
- East Memphis: on a budget
- Graceland: for Elvis Presley Fans
1. Downtown Memphis – where to stay for the first time
Located by the beautiful Mississippi River, Memphis Downtown is just not an ordinary downtown. You will be exploring legendary music venues, many museums, art galleries, and an epic entertainment district with lively bars and restaurants. That’s why my pick for where to stay in Memphis for the first timers is for sure Downtown Memphis.
Start your day discovering the main landmarks of the city, The National Civil Rights Museum where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum, Sun Studio, and Blues Hall of Fame Museum. Pick one of many nice cafes to have a snack and rest up because at night you will be exploring one of the most famous music scenes of the USA along Memphis Beale Street!
FUN FACT: Beale Street is famous for its live music venues where Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley started making music!
Other than music venues and lively bars, in Beale Street, you will also find some of the best restaurants in the city. So whether you are a music fan, foodie, or nightlife lover you have to pay a visit to see the colorful atmosphere of Beale Street.
Before checking out the best places to stay in Memphis Downtown I would like to remind you to make your reservation in advance as downtown is the most popular area to stay in the city. For those who want to add a stop to their musical trip, I recommend you to check out the best Airbnbs in Nashville.
The Westin Memphis is located at the heart of downtown and offers comfortable guest rooms with unique city views. This hotel has a very good fitness center, a fabulous breakfast, private parking, and a complimentary breakfast. You can enjoy the chic rooftop bar and restaurant and easily access Beale street to check out live music venues. Memphis Airport is just 8 miles (10 km) away.
Other accommodation options in Downtown Memphis
Located in the city center, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a great breakfast, and onsite parking
This hotel has a perfect location in the city center, a nice swimming pool, fitness center, and free wifi
This Airbnb has an amazing interior design with quality amenities like flat screen tv, free parking, and free wifi
Things to do in Downtown Memphis
- Check out the music venues on the iconic Memphis Beale Street
- Go to Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
- Check out iconic music venue, Sun Studio at Beale Street
- Visit the National Civil Rights Museum where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
- Learn about the history of music at Memphis Music Hall of Fame
- Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre in Beale Street
- Go for a stroll in the Tom Lee Park and Mud Island Riverwalk
- Visit the Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum and Blues Hall of Fame Museum
2. Midtown – the best place to stay in Memphis for sightseeing
Midtown is located 3 miles (5 km) east of Memphis Downtown and thanks to its location in the center of all the different areas and attractions, it is a great area to stay for sightseers. It is also very close to the main city landmarks of Downtown and as finding a place might be expensive or difficult sometimes, Midtown is a great alternative to stay in Memphis.
Some things you should not miss in Midtown are the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Overton Park Conservancy, Memphis Zoo, and the Mallory-Neely House. After you’ve had your fill of museums, head to the beautiful Cooper-Young area to check out the cool cafes, second-hand shops, and nice restaurants. This area inside Midtown is also famous for the city’s biggest culture and music festival Cooper-Young Festival.
Midtown is a neighborhood where you will be able to find a bit of everything for all tastes as well as hotels for all budgets. I carefully picked the best of the best ones for you but in order not to miss them make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Speaking of cities that offer great sightseeing opportunities and an entertainment scene, you might want to check out the best places to stay in New Orleans for travel inspiration.
Located in the cool area of Cooper-Young, this hotel offers spacious rooms with beautiful decoration, a good breakfast, free wifi, and onsite parking. Guests can have delicious meals at the hotel’s restaurants and try cocktails at the bar. Memphis Airport is just 7 miles (10 km) away.
Other accommodation options in Midtown
Centrally located in Midtown, this hotel features a fitness center, a swimming pool, free parking, and a business center
This retro hotel offers a beautifully decorated room with a flat-screen tv, a kitchen, and free parking
Located at the heart of Midtown, this Airbnb has a nice courtyard, spacious rooms with charming decoration, and free wifi
Things to do in Midtown
- Visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
- Go to Memphis Zoo with your families
- See the historic building Mallory-Neely House
- Check out the Overton Park Conservancy in Overton Park
- Visit Edge Motor Museum
- Learn more about history at Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum
- Check out beautiful shops and restaurants at Cooper-Young neighborhood
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3. East Memphis – where to stay in Memphis on a budget
East Memphis is located 10 miles (15 km) east of Downtown Memphis and is a residential area where you will be able to find relatively cheaper hotels compared to Downtown. Don’t be fooled however, it is not a dull neighborhood at all! On the contrary, it offers great outdoor activities, beautiful botanical gardens, and many great museums. Doesn’t that sound so nice to stay in a cool area on a budget?
In East Memphis, there is a great selection of museums such as the Memphis Museum of Science & History, Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium and many more!
There are so many to pick from so discover the ones for your interest and afterward go for a walk in the stunning Memphis Botanic Garden to let your newfound knowledge sink in. If you feel like shopping, check out the shops in the residential area of East Memphis then pick a nice restaurant for dinner.
As by now you will be tired enough, let’s find you a comfortable place to stay in East Memphis!
This luxurious Airbnb offers a boutique stay near the city center. Guests can enjoy the large living room with great amenities, cook foods in the fully equipped kitchen, and chill in the private garden. This glamorous house also has easy access to the main attractions of the city.
Other accommodation options in East Memphis
This hotel offers spacious, family-friendly rooms, a fitness center, free parking, and a great breakfast
Centrally located in East Memphis, this hotel has a good fitness center, comfortable rooms, and a bar
This private house has a good location in East Memphis, 3 large bedrooms, and a nice garden
Things to do in East Memphis
- Visit Children’s Museum of Memphis
- Learn more about history at the Memphis Museum of Science & History
- Visit the Art Museum of the University of Memphis
- Go for a walk at the Memphis Botanic Garden
- Visit the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium
- See an exhibition at David Lusk Gallery
- Go hiking at the beautiful trail, Shelby Farms Greenline
4. Graceland – the best area to stay for Elvis Presley fans
Graceland is located 10 miles (15 km) south of Downtown Memphis and is the hometown of rock & roll music legend, Elvis Presley. If you are an Elvis Presley fan get ready to go crazy because here you will find many attractions dedicated especially to him!
It is no surprise Graceland’s main street name is Elvis Presley Boulevard as Elvis Presley’s mansion is located here. You will be able to learn more about music culture and history at Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Also, the famous musician’s grave is located in Graceland if you want to pay your respects to one of the music greats.
Thanks to fans of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a popular neighborhood that offers many shops, restaurants, and bars as well as a good selection of hotels. Here are the best of the best ones I picked for you.
The Guest House at Graceland is a great place to stay in Memphis thanks to its convenient location and upscale amenities such as a large swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, and an airport shuttle. Guests can enjoy their room with a pool view and order gourmet foods from the restaurant. This hotel also offers a free shuttle to Beale street for those who want to enjoy the lively nightlife.
Other accommodation options in Graceland
This hotel offers a swimming pool, a fitness center, a free airport shuttle, and popular attractions are nearby
Centrally located in Graceland, this Airbnb has comfortable rooms, a kitchen, and free wifi
This Airbnb features a very beautiful garden, private swimming pool, and spacious rooms
Things to do in Graceland
- Visit Elvis Presley Automobile Museum
- Learn about music history at Graceland Mansion
- Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Go for a stroll at Williams Park
- Visit the Grave of Elvis Presley
- Go shopping at Southland Mall
| 👑 Luxury price: | $230 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $160 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $110 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $130 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best Area: | Downtown |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Westin Memphis |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Comfort Inn Memphis |
Frequently asked questions about Memphis
🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Memphis TN?
Downtown Memphis is the best area to stay in Memphis, TN thanks to its proximity to the main city attractions. Some of the best hotels to stay here are The Westin Memphis and Hilton Garden Inn.
❌ What areas of Memphis should you avoid?
In the northern part of Memphis, Shelby Forest-Frayser is an area with a high crime rate and you should avoid visiting.
🤔 Is it safe to stay in downtown Memphis?
Downtown Memphis is safe in general for tourists, especially the famous Beale Street but you should avoid isolated streets at night and stick to the main roads.
👨👩👦👦 What are the best places to stay in Memphis for families?
With its spacious family-friendly rooms, Holiday Inn Express in Graceland and The Westin Memphis in the downtown area are some of the best places to stay in Memphis for families.
⏳ How many days do you need to visit Memphis?
I recommend staying 3 days in Memphis to discover museums like the National Civil Rights Museum, music venues in Beale Street, and Elvis Presley attractions in the Graceland neighborhood.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this city tour in Memphis and already decided on your hotel. In this blog post, I talked about the best places to stay in Memphis and gave information about the vibes of each neighborhood with the activities you can do there.
As I’ve said earlier I recommend you to stay in Memphis Downtown if you are visiting for the first time but each neighborhood has a unique vibe in Memphis so pick your favorite one according to your taste!
I would like to remind you again that in order not to miss your favorite place and get better deals on hotels in Memphis, TN, do not forget to make a reservation in advance!
I know I’ve already given so many options to stay in Memphis but to sum up, here are the 2 best hotels. Each has great locations and reviews and I can definitely recommend them for a pleasant stay in Memphis!
- The Westin Memphis – the best hotel to stay in Memphis downtown with a perfect location and good facilities
- Hilton Garden Inn – A great place to stay in Memphis downtown with a convenient location
If you have any other suggestions or questions about Memphis, Tennessee, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I’ll be glad to leave a reply to them!
Enjoy your time in Memphis,
Eylul
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