Things To Do
in Memphis

Open seasonally with local produce, prepared foods, and vendors—great for breakfasts, pastries, and artisanal goods (often held in the South Main or Cooper-Young area depending on season).

Rotating markets and food trucks where you can try local sandwiches, barbecue, and sweets while browsing crafts and live music.

People are generally friendly and polite—greeting with a smile, using please/thank you, and engaging casually (including regional terms like “y’all”) is appreciated.

Be respectful at cultural and memorial sites such as the National Civil Rights Museum and St. Jude—observe signage and photography rules.

Service staff rely on tips; leaving the customary gratuity is the norm. Ask questions rather than assume when ordering or requesting substitutions.

Stick to well-known tourist areas after dark and ask locals or hotel staff about neighborhoods to avoid—neighborhood boundaries are important to residents.

Tip servers 15–20% in restaurants (20% for exceptional service). For bartenders, $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab is common. Tip taxi or rideshare drivers ~10–15% and bellhop/housekeeping $1–5 per bag/night respectively.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, tips, or markets that are cash-only. ATMs are widely available but watch fees.

Hot and very humid with daytime highs often in the 90s°F (32–36°C); plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings, stay hydrated, and expect afternoon thunderstorms occasionally.

Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make fall one of the best times to visit—great for festivals, outdoor concerts, and scenic foliage in parks.

Mild to warm weather with blooming trees and azaleas; popular festival season but also a time of potential severe weather or storms in late spring.

Generally mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and rare snow; evenings can be chilly—pack layers for comfort.

North of the city along the Mississippi River, it offers multi-use trails through forests and wetlands with good birdwatching and river views.

Extensive paved and natural trails, lakes, and boardwalks—excellent for hikes, runs, biking, and wildlife spotting within the city limits.

Historic state park with wooded trails, picnic areas, and a quieter natural experience closer to the city.

Long pedestrian bridge and adjacent riverfront paths—easy walking with great skyline and river vistas rather than rugged hiking.

Memphis has a large and historically significant African American population (a majority of city residents), contributing powerfully to music, culture, cuisine, and politics.

Longstanding communities across suburban and urban neighborhoods, participating in business, education, and cultural life.

Growing Hispanic and immigrant populations add cultural diversity and influence local dining, businesses, and festivals.

University of Memphis students and a growing cohort of young professionals support the city’s arts, food scene, and revitalized neighborhoods.