How to Spend 24 Hours in Memphis

Last Updated: 2/16/26

Let’s be clear that 24 hours absolutely is not enough time to fully explore the city that’s the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll and also the Home of the Blues. But if you only have one day to spend in Memphis, you’ll want to make the most of it. 

As a Tennessee resident, here are my suggestions. 

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Note that this itinerary doesn’t include Graceland because some of the tour options there range so much in time. If you want to go to Graceland, I’d suggest planning that out first and fitting a few things in around your tour. Or book this private Memphis tour that includes transportation to Graceland.

24 Hours in Memphis

Morning

Staying in Downtown Memphis will make it easier to see a lot in a short period. Start off the day with breakfast at Sunrise Memphis. The biscuits here are delicious, and it’s pretty popular to get a Bloody Mary or another drink along with your order. 

Next up, make your way to Sun Studio. The iconic studio where legends like Elvis Presley and B.B. King recorded is much smaller than you’d expect, but absolutely worth visiting.

I enjoyed learning about how the studio and the city of Memphis as a whole affected music culture all over the US. 

For lunch, I suggest the Arcade for two reasons. First, you can see the booth where the restaurant’s most famous regular, Elvis Presley, sat. Second, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to the 1950s while at the city’s oldest cafe. 

Afternoon

You really shouldn’t skip visiting the National Civil Rights Museum while in Memphis. It’s a more somber destination than the others I’ve recommended, but the history is important. This museum is particularly moving because it is located in the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. 

If you have time after the museum, head to the Peabody Hotel by 5 pm to see the famous duck march. If you can, show up 30 minutes early to snag a good view. 

Evening

You can’t go wrong when it comes to food in Memphis, but since you only have one dinner slot in the city, I have to recommend going to Rendezvous to try the barbecue. The restaurant has such a fun atmosphere, and the ribs are world-famous. 

After dinner, I’d suggest one of two options. 

First, consider going somewhere for drinks. The B.B. King Blues Club has live music plus great food and drinks. Another option I really like is Beck and Call, a rooftop bar that looks out over the Mississippi River. 

Or instead of drinks, see if the Memphis Grizzlies have a home game. The tickets are generally reasonably priced, and even if you aren’t a huge basketball fan, the atmosphere here makes it a lot of fun. 

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Thanks for reading my guide to what to do in Memphis in just one day!

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