A Day in Downtown Memphis: The Ultimate Itinerary
Experience the perfect day in Memphis with local eats, museums, shopping, music history, craft cocktails, and iconic attractions in the heart of downtown.
Experience the perfect day in Memphis with local eats, museums, shopping, music history, craft cocktails, and iconic attractions in the heart of downtown.
I recently had an itinerary made for me by a local for a day trip, and it ended up being one of the most fun weekends I’ve had in a long time.
There’s something special about having a day perfectly planned out, especially when it’s crafted by locals who truly love their city and know all its hidden gems. It’s my favorite way to explore a place.
So, I’m here to offer you the same gift: the ultimate itinerary for a day in downtown Memphis. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh inspiration or visiting for the first time, this list is full of the spots that make this city shine.
Breakfast: Start out your day at Hive, a local New York–style bagel shop and deli. Their bagels are boiled in water and mixed with their own locally harvested and seasonal honey, giving them the perfect crust and tons of great flavor. Their pastries, made fresh in-house, are also not to be slept on. Grab a coffee and a sweet or savory bite to kick off your morning at this neighborhood favorite.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8 AM–2 PM (Closed Monday)
Museum: After breakfast, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, one of the most powerful and important museums in the country. Located in the historic Lorraine Motel, it shares the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the American Civil Rights Movement while connecting them to the ongoing fight for equality and freedom today. While an emotional and deeply moving experience, it’s one you simply can’t miss while in Memphis.
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9 AM–5 PM (Closed Tuesday)
Shopping: Take a stroll down our Main Street and enjoy the charm of the brick buildings, local shops, and friendly energy that make Memphis so special. Stop by River City Records for music lovers, Stock & Belle for local art, accessories, clothing, and homeware, and Feelin’ Memphis for unique souvenirs made by locals that make for great gifts for your friends and family back home.
River City Records Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM; Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM (Closed Monday)
Stock & Belle Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM–7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; Sunday, 12–5 PM (Closed Monday)
Feelin’ Memphis Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM
Lunch: Grab a sandwich and a few lunch essentials from South Point Grocery, then head to Tom Lee Park for a gorgeous riverside picnic. I know I always appreciate a bit of green space when I’m visiting a city, and this spot is an absolute MUST.
South Point Grocery Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7 AM–9 PM
Tom Lee Park Hours: Monday–Sunday, 5 AM–10 PM
Attractions: Next up on your list, get ready for a cuteness overload at The Peabody Hotel to see the famous Peabody ducks march their little hearts out. Every day, a trained Duckmaster leads them from their rooftop "Royal Duck Palace" down to the hotel lobby fountain at 11 AM, and back up at 5 PM along a red carpet. While you’re there, you can also check out Lansky Bros., the iconic shop where Elvis himself once shopped and had his clothes made.
Morning March Begins: 11 AM
Evening March Begins: 5 PM
Lansky Bros Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–6 PM; Friday–Saturday, 9 AM–7 PM; Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM
Museum: Make your way to the Edge District to tour Sun Studios, the legendary birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a short tour, but one that’s packed with emotion, powerful, and full of such incredible stories behind the records that changed music forever. Every time I step into the recording room, I get chills!
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–5:15 PM
Art Gallery: While you’re on that side of downtown, stop by Ugly Art Co. to experience the local art scene in Memphis. There’s no better way to get to know a city than through the eyes of its artists, and this brilliant space captures that beautifully. It’s a vibrant, creative hub we’re lucky to have, and if there happens to be an event while you’re there, even better!
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 11 AM–6 PM; Sunday, 12–4 PM (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Bar: On the same lot as Ugly Art Co. sits one of my favorite spots in the city, Bar Limina. The space is stunning and instantly makes you want to linger a little longer. The staff are extremely warm and welcoming, and the craft cocktails are true standouts. They also offer an amazing non-alcoholic cocktail and wine list, so even if you don’t drink, you can still enjoy one of the most beautiful bars in Memphis.
Hours: Wednesday–Thursday, 4–10 PM; Friday–Saturday, 4 PM–12 AM; Sunday, 4–10 PM (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Dinner: Make your way back to South Main to enjoy a bite at Good Fortune. Ask a Memphian for their favorite downtown spot and this one will almost always make the list. They serve scratch-made ramen, hand-folded dumplings, and bold Pan-Asian flavors that never miss. Not to mention their wings are probably the best I’ve ever had in my life. With its lively atmosphere and perfect people-watching, it is the ideal place to wrap up your day in the city.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 4–10 PM (Closed Monday and Tuesday
Attractions: After dinner, catch a show at the stunning Orpheum Theatre, where Broadway meets Beale. The Orpheum is the only home of first run Broadway tours between Nashville, Little Rock, St. Louis, and Birmingham. Each year, audiences from across the region gather in Memphis to experience world class productions right here in the heart of the city. I am always amazed by the performances and feel so lucky to see such incredible plays and musicals in this glorious historic theater.
Last Stop: Before calling it a night, take a stroll down our legendary Beale Street to soak in the energy of the city. Even as a local, I still love spending time here. I always end up meeting great people, finding amazing food, and having an unforgettable night. The lights and atmosphere alone feel like a living museum, the perfect way to wrap up your day in downtown Memphis.
Alternate Ending: If you are in the mood for a nightcap, Earnestine & Hazel’s is the place to go. This historic bar is a true Memphis treasure, loved by locals for its soul, stories, and always lively atmosphere. You will find good music, good people, and that unmistakable Memphis magic that keeps you coming back.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 5 PM–12 AM; Wednesday, 11 AM–12 AM; Thursday, 11 AM–1 AM; Friday–Saturday, 11 AM–3 AM; Sunday, 11 AM–12 AM
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