Memphis runs along the Mississippi River, with Beale Street and the civil rights landmarks of South Main in its downtown core. Midtown has music rooms, restaurants and Overton Park; Graceland and the Stax Museum need separate trips south.
Downtown has the Beale Street music clubs, the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, FedExForum and the riverfront paths. From a hotel near Main Street you can walk to several of them. Nights around Beale can be loud, so check the block if quiet sleep matters.
South Main is just south of Beale, but quieter. The National Civil Rights Museum occupies the former Lorraine Motel, Memphis Central Station is the district's rail stop, and Tom Lee Park faces the river. The Main Street trolley covers some downtown trips. Check its current route and hours.
East of downtown, Sun Studio sits on Union Avenue between the center and Midtown. Overton Square has theaters and restaurants, while Overton Park contains the Memphis Zoo. Cooper-Young has its own dining streets. These neighborhoods are too spread out to walk between, so plan on a car, bus or rideshare.
The Stax Museum is in South Memphis, and Graceland is farther south in Whitehaven. Do not book a Beale Street hotel assuming either stop is next door. East Memphis is closer to Shelby Farms Park and suburban appointments, but farther from the riverfront and the South Main museums.
Summers are hot and humid. Long walks outside are easier in spring and autumn. Memphis International Airport is about nine miles from downtown. MATA Route 28 runs to the airport on a limited schedule, and taxis and rideshares go straight to hotels.