Memphis on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun & Flavor

Discover Memphis on a dime: Music, history, and good eats await on a budget.

21 June 2023

Travel to Memphis on a limited budget and enjoy a taste of the city's vibrant culture and exciting attractions. Visit historical sites such as Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and the legendary Beale Street. Stay in affordable accommodations and dine at local restaurants for an authentic Memphis experience without breaking the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival & BBQ Bliss

Check into Hotel Napoleon, a historic boutique hotel in downtown
Head to Rendezvous, a landmark BBQ joint for mouth-watering ribs and brisket
Explore the famous Beale Street filled with live music and vibrant nightlife
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about Memphis' history and culture
End the day with a drink at The Peabody hotel and watch the famous duck march

Day 2

Sweet Treats & Rockin' Roots

Start with breakfast at Arcade Restaurant, a 100-year-old diner serving delicious pancakes
Walk through the Memphis Botanic Garden and take in the beautiful scenery
Tour Sun Studio, where legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded music
Visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music and learn about the roots of soul music
End the day with a visit to Gibson's Donuts for their famous maple bacon donut

Day 3

River Views & Fresh Eats

Enjoy brunch at The Beauty Shop, a retro diner in a former hair salon
Take a Memphis Riverboat Cruise for stunning views of the Mississippi River
Visit the Memphis Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods
Explore the Memphis Pyramid, an iconic building transformed into a shopping and entertainment center
Dine at Central BBQ for their delicious smoked pulled pork and sides

Day 4

Art & Culture

Start with breakfast at Brother Juniper's, a neighborhood gem serving hearty breakfast sandwiches
Visit the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art for a unique cultural experience
Check out the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art for a collection of art spanning centuries
Catch a show at The Orpheum Theatre, a gorgeous venue with a lineup of popular performances
End the day with drinks and dinner at Flight, a restaurant with a menu of small plate options

Day 5

Outdoor Adventures

Start with breakfast at the Blue Plate Cafe, a cozy diner serving fluffy biscuits
Visit Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, for hiking and biking trails
Take a tour of Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home and museum
Stop by the Memphis Zoo for a chance to see animals from all over the world
End the trip with dinner at Gus's Fried Chicken, a local favorite known for their spicy fried chicken.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Memphis by plane is to fly into Memphis International Airport. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights to Memphis from major cities within the United States.

Car

If you are driving to Memphis, the main highway routes to follow are I-40, I-55, and I-240. Memphis is easily accessible by car and there are multiple public parking options available within the city.

Train

Although there is no direct train to Memphis, you can take Amtrak train to New Orleans and then take a connecting Greyhound bus to Memphis.

Boat

The Mississippi River connects Memphis to various cities along its route, however, traveling to Memphis by boat is not a common mode of transportation. The river is mainly used for cargo transportation.

Bus

Greyhound offers daily bus services to Memphis from various cities within the United States. The main bus station in Memphis is located on Airways Blvd.