Location: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
What to do and see in Downtown, Tennessee (TN): The Best Sights & Landmarks
Memphis is a pilgrimage for those wanting to visit the birthplace of the blues, of soul and of rock 'n' roll. On Beale Street, W.C. Handy put down on paper the first written blues music. Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all recorded at the historic Sun Records, which is now a museum. Graceland, the second most-visited home in America, welcomes visitors from around the world who yearn for a peek into the life of "the King." Beyond the music, Tennessee's largest city also offers much more. It has more sunny days each year than Miami, and combines southern tradition and hospitality with modern amenities. You'll enjoy great dining (be sure to sample the barbecued ribs), art galleries and exciting nightlife.
Restaurants in Memphis
1. National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,750 reviews
At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'S death in 1968 in Memphis, TN, the National Civil Rights Museum is a renowned educational and cultural institution. The Museum chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement with compelling presentations of iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers, and visceral, in-the-moment experiences. Visitors will learn through emotionally charged, multi-user, multi-touch interactives, and a visually engaging, contemporary exhibit design that guides you through five centuries of history. Bring the whole family.
Reviewed By annmarieduffy - New York City, United States
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorrainne Motel. Chilling seeing this famous site as we turned the corner to enter. Site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in our memories. Amazing exhibitions, chronologically bringing you through-the Slave trade, many hero’s including educators & pastors, the Civil War, 13, 14 & 15 Constitutional Ammendments , Jim Crow, Rosa Parks, with both her bus & the burnt out bus of the Freedom riders & of course MLK & his speech’s, the hotel room to Obama’s election. It finished with all the Civil Rights hero’s throughout the world & then award winning Civil Rights workers including many different fields such as Gore for the environment, Marlo Thomas for St Judes children’s hospital, Jimmy Carter, Anwar Sadat, Gorbachev & of course Mandela. One of my biggest shock was that 5 million Africans were captured & enslaved in Brazil & another 5 million brought to the Caribbean. 388,000 were brought to North America & 9,000 to Europe. Now looking at the Slave Trade Database 10.7 million survived of the 12.5 million people transported. Horrific history.
2. St. Peter Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
3. The Orpheum Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Beautiful theater holds musical and stage performances.
Reviewed By 454leem
We were in Memphis to see the Beach Boys. We had not been to the Orpheum in many years. It is a beautiful building and has been updated and well kept. Long ago the rows were so close together that it was difficult to even get down them, but that problem has been fixed. Great sound system, good drinks, friendly people, and close to several hotels. Many folks simply walked to the show and back to their hotel We would go to another show there!!
4. Fire Museum of Memphis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Memphis' Hottest Attraction!!! America’s premier interactive fire museum is in the legendary Fire Engine House No. 1 in downtown Memphis. Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century firehouse. Fight the flames of a burning skyscraper from a snorkel basket simulator. Take a look at the horse-drawn era of firefighting from the horse’s perspective! Test your ability to find an escape route to survive a fire. Feel the heat of the FEDEX Fire Room. Learn about the most devastating fires in the history of Memphis. Discover the proud history of Memphis’ first African-American firefighters. And many more hot attractions!
Reviewed By ronp227 - Boca Raton, United States
For all ages especially for children, Fire safety learning at its best The hands on fire simulation is very impressive and a must stop for all fire house enthusiasts.
5. Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 689 reviews
Visitors can tour the tunnels used by runaway slaves who stopped at this plantation, one of the stations of the Underground Railroad.
Reviewed By 24Long
Fascinating and heartrending story of a German immigrant businessman who offered his home and possibly his livelihood to provide a haven for runaway slaves during the run-up to the Civil War. Both guides, Greg and Asia, shared stories covering the slave trade, Memphis’ slave markets, how the Underground Railroad worked, to the system Mr.Burkle used to get runaways safely to Cairo, IL and beyond. Fascinating look at mid-18th century life in Memphis. Please create a pamphlet about the history this house represents. This story needs to be heard.
6. St. Mary's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By BettyS1785
Open the doors of St.Mary's and one encounters the presence of God. As a child growing up my daily/weekly attendance was at Holy Names, but, Christmas we would walk to attend St.Mary's midnight Mass. Wow! I love this church and the memories of LOVE that I have encountered there. Our wedding was held there and our walk down to my beloved Grotto to say our first Marriage prayer together bound us for 61 1/2 years. Although we moved from Memphis in 1971 every trip back home would not be complete until we attended Mass at St. Mary's. I truly wish all could experience the beauty of this small church....walk around inside and devour it's beauty, you will not be disappointed.
7. Riverbluff Walkway
8. FedExForum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 580 reviews
Reviewed By wasmith59 - Collierville, United States
We have been to lots of events at the FedEx Forum: Grizzlies basketball games, University of Memphis basketball games, Michael Buble' concert, Foo Fighters concert, The Eagles concert, Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert... You should pay a bit more to get close to the floor. The upper seats are REALLY high.
9. St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
10. Magevney House
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