Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Memphis
Memphis offers a perfect mix of entertainment, history, and Southern hospitality. Visitors can explore the vibrant arts scene, tour famous music landmarks, or indulge in some of the best barbecue in the country. The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer unique experiences, whether you prefer the excitement of downtown or a quieter retreat. No matter your preference, Memphis provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every type of traveler.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Memphis
Downtown Memphis
Downtown Memphis is the heart of the city, offering easy access to top attractions like Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Mississippi Riverfront. Staying here means you can walk to live music venues, rooftop bars, and historic landmarks. Airbnb options range from sleek high-rise apartments to charming lofts in converted warehouses. This area is ideal for travelers who want to be in the center of all the action.
Midtown
Midtown Memphis is known for its artsy vibe, historic homes, and eclectic dining options. Visitors can explore Overton Park, home to the Memphis Zoo and the Brooks Museum of Art, or stroll through Cooper-Young, a lively district filled with local shops and restaurants. Vacation rentals in Midtown include charming bungalows, colorful townhouses, and stylish apartments. This neighborhood is perfect for those looking for a mix of culture, history, and local flavor.
East Memphis
For a more suburban and upscale experience, East Memphis offers a quieter retreat with plenty of green spaces and upscale dining. The neighborhood is home to the Memphis Botanic Garden and Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Airbnb options include spacious family homes, modern condos, and elegant townhouses. East Memphis is great for visitors who prefer a peaceful atmosphere while still having access to great restaurants and shopping.
South Main Arts District
South Main Arts District is a trendy and artistic neighborhood featuring colorful murals, independent boutiques, and a lively cultural scene. Visitors can stay in stylish lofts, historic apartments, and boutique-style Airbnbs with unique architectural details. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, monthly art crawls, and easy access to the historic Orpheum Theatre. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate creativity and a lively social scene.
Germantown
Located just outside of Memphis, Germantown offers a quiet and family-friendly atmosphere with upscale amenities. The neighborhood is known for its excellent parks, top-rated restaurants, and charming boutiques. Vacation rentals in Germantown include luxury homes, cozy suburban retreats, and spacious townhouses. This area is perfect for families or travelers looking for a relaxed stay while still being close to Memphis attractions.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Memphis
Graceland
No trip to Memphis is complete without visiting Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. This iconic estate features guided tours, exhibits of Elvis’s famous jumpsuits, and an in-depth look at the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life. Visitors can explore the mansion, the Meditation Garden, and the Presley Motors Automobile Museum. Graceland is a must-visit for music lovers and history buffs alike.
Beale Street
Beale Street is the heartbeat of Memphis, offering a lively mix of blues clubs, barbecue joints, and historic landmarks. Visitors can listen to live music, enjoy delicious Southern cuisine, and take in the neon lights of this iconic street. Popular spots include B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie Café, and the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery. A night on Beale Street is a true Memphis experience.
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, offers a powerful and moving experience. The museum features interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and educational displays about the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can learn about key moments in American history and reflect on the struggle for equality. It’s one of the most significant museums in the country.
Sun Studio
Sun Studio is known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and has hosted legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Visitors can take guided tours to see where some of the most influential music recordings were made. The studio still operates as a working recording space and preserves its 1950s charm. It’s a must-see attraction for music history enthusiasts.
Memphis Riverfront
The Memphis Riverfront offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and is perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride. Visitors can explore Tom Lee Park, take a riverboat cruise, or relax in one of the many green spaces along the water. The riverfront also hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal events throughout the year. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
Where to find a vacation rental near Memphis
Nashville, Tennessee
About three hours east of Memphis, Nashville is famous for its live music, honky-tonks, and Southern hospitality. Visitors can tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, explore Broadway Street, or catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Booking a vacation rental in Nashville puts travelers in the heart of Tennessee’s entertainment capital. It’s ideal for music lovers and culture seekers.
Oxford, Mississippi
Roughly 90 minutes southeast, Oxford is a charming college town known for its literary history and Southern elegance. Home to the University of Mississippi and Faulkner’s Rowan Oak, it offers rich cultural experiences and local charm. Staying in a vacation rental in Oxford provides a peaceful and intellectually vibrant atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers looking for tradition, beauty, and a taste of the literary South.
Tupelo, Mississippi
About two hours from Memphis, Tupelo is famously known as Elvis Presley’s birthplace. Visitors can tour his childhood home, enjoy local parks, and explore the Natchez Trace Parkway. Booking a vacation rental in Tupelo offers a mix of small-town warmth and historic charm. It’s a great side trip for fans of music history and Americana.
Jackson, Tennessee
Located just an hour and a half from Memphis, Jackson offers a relaxed pace and family-friendly attractions. Explore the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, or stroll through its lively downtown area. Staying in a vacation rental in Jackson offers convenience and affordability close to West Tennessee’s cultural offerings. It’s a solid option for a quick and comfortable getaway.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Around two and a half hours west, Little Rock is Arkansas’s capital city with a growing arts and food scene. Visitors can tour the Clinton Presidential Library, walk the River Market District, or relax in city parks. Choosing a vacation rental in Little Rock gives travelers a metropolitan experience with Southern charm. It’s a great blend of history, politics, and modern living.
Embark on a journey through urban adventures and cultural heritage across the United States
Venture beyond Memphis for thrilling urban adventures that capture the vibrant energy of the United States. Discover the cinematic allure of southern California by finding holiday accommodations in Burbank, where movie magic happens. Experience the charm of an airbnb in The Woodlands, set amid serene parks in Texas. Explore the engaging urban landscape by choosing vacation rentals in West New York, where you can enjoy views of the Hudson against a backdrop of city lights. Or, dive into the historical tapestry of the south by staying at accommodations in Conway, close to the captivating sights of Coastal Carolina University and Conway’s historic downtown.
Cultural enthusiasts can uncover vibrant stories by delving into destinations brimming with history and art. Enrich your knowledge as you wander through the adobe streets by securing Santa Fe rentals, a city famous for its Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant art scene. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant history of the South with an airbnb in Columbia, where you can explore the exhibits at South Carolina State Museum. Picture an escape to where art and history merge by staying in vacation rentals in Providence, a city known for its creative spirit and the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design Museum.