Where to Stay in Memphis
United States
|Pop. 633K
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Downtown Memphis is the best neighbourhood to stay in Memphis. Historic heart with a lively blues and soul music scene, a mix of old and new architecture. Ideal for first-timers, culture, nightlife. Budget travellers can get by on USD 75/day.
Areas to Avoid in Memphis
Safety rated "moderate". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Memphis | Historic heart with a lively blues and soul music scene, a mix of old and new architecture. | Mid-range | first-timers, culture | Generally safe with police presence, but... |
| Midtown Memphis | Eclectic and bohemian, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic homes, and diverse eateries. | Mid-range | foodies, culture | Generally safe, but exercise caution whe... |
| Cordova | Suburban and family-friendly, offering a quieter pace with access to shopping and parks. | Budget | families, budget | Generally safe with typical suburban cri... |
Downtown Memphis
Mid-rangeHistoric heart with a lively blues and soul music scene, a mix of old and new architecture.
Generally safe with police presence, but be aware of surroundings, especially la...
Midtown Memphis
Mid-rangeEclectic and bohemian, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic homes, and diverse eateries.
Generally safe, but exercise caution when walking alone at night, especially in ...
Cordova
BudgetSuburban and family-friendly, offering a quieter pace with access to shopping and parks.
Generally safe with typical suburban crime rates; be aware of your surroundings,...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Memphis
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Downtown Memphis
Historic heart with a lively blues and soul music scene, a mix of old and new architecture.
Our top picks in Downtown Memphis
Midtown Memphis
Eclectic and bohemian, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic homes, and diverse eateries.
Our top picks in Midtown Memphis
Cordova
Suburban and family-friendly, offering a quieter pace with access to shopping and parks.
Our top picks in Cordova
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in Memphis
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Memphis at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Memphis
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit the Sun Studio early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and get a more intimate tour experience.
Getting Around
Purchase a MATA trolley day pass if you plan to explore Downtown and parts of Midtown extensively via the trolley lines, as it's a cost-effective way to hop on and off.
Watch Out For
Overpriced souvenirs or 'exclusive' tours on Beale Street.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid walking alone in deserted areas.
Hidden Gems in Memphis
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
This museum celebrates the history of Stax Records and soul music, featuring exhibits on iconic artists and the Memphis sound. It's a must-visit for music lovers wanting to delve deeper than Beale Street.
The Beauty Shop Restaurant
Dine in a former beauty parlor where Priscilla Presley once got her hair done. The unique ambiance, creative dishes, and craft cocktails make for an unforgettable meal.
Big River Crossing
FREEWalk or bike across the Mississippi River on this pedestrian bridge, offering stunning panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and the river itself. It connects to trails in Arkansas for a longer adventure.
Crosstown Concourse
FREEA vibrant vertical urban village housed in a historic Sears building, featuring art galleries, shops, restaurants, and community spaces. It's a testament to urban renewal and a hub for local culture.
Memphis Farmers Market
FREEOpen on Saturdays, this market buzzes with local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering fresh produce and unique crafts. It's a great spot to experience local flavor and find handmade treasures.
Overton Square
FREEA lively entertainment district with theaters, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, known for its vibrant nightlife and community events. It's a fantastic place to catch a show or enjoy a night out like a local.
Things to Do in Memphis
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Memphis tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Memphis
Daily budget per person in USD
💡63% cheaper than New York
USD 75/day
USD 175/day
USD 400/day
Where to Stay in Memphis
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Beale Street5 min
- National Civil Rights Museum15 min
- Mississippi Riverfront10 min
Pros
- +Abundant music venues and restaurants
- +Close to major attractions
- +Good public transport access
Cons
- -Can be noisy at night
- -Some areas can feel deserted during the day
Top stays in Downtown Memphis
The Peabody Memphis
$$$Iconic hotel famous for its resident ducks and grand architecture.
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
$$$Modern hotel with direct access to the vibrant Beale Street scene.
Hotel Napoleon, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
$$Stylish boutique hotel in a historic building with a rooftop bar.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
$$Centrally located hotel with an on-site brewery and restaurant.
Best for
Walk to
- Cooper-Young Historic District5 min
- Overton Park10 min
- Memphis Zoo20 min
Pros
- +Great restaurants and bars
- +Beautiful tree-lined streets
- +Access to green spaces and cultural institutions
Cons
- -Can be spread out, requiring some driving or longer walks
- -Parking can be challenging on weekends
Top stays in Midtown Memphis
Best for
Walk to
- Shelby Farms Park30 min
- Wolfchase Galleria25 min
Pros
- +More affordable accommodation options
- +Quieter environment
- +Proximity to large park and shopping
Cons
- -Further from major downtown attractions
- -Less walkable, requires a car
- -Limited nightlife and unique dining
Top stays in Cordova
Areas to be cautious
- North Memphis: Certain areas can have higher crime rates and lack tourist amenities. It's advisable to stick to well-trafficked and recommended tourist zones.
- South Memphis (specific pockets): While not entirely unsafe, some pockets of South Memphis have higher crime statistics and fewer points of interest for tourists. Focus on areas closer to Downtown and Midtown.
Insider tip: Visit the Sun Studio early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and get a more intimate tour experience.
Where to Stay in Memphis
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Downtown Memphis
Historic heart with a lively blues and soul music scene, a mix of old and new architecture.
Stay in Midtown Memphis
Eclectic and bohemian, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic homes, and diverse eateries.
Stay in Cordova
Suburban and family-friendly, offering a quieter pace with access to shopping and parks.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Memphis
Be the first to list your property in Memphis. Reach thousands of travellers looking for accommodation, with no commissions.
List Your PropertySafety in Memphis
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid walking alone in deserted areas.
At Night
Downtown and Beale Street are generally active and have a police presence, but side streets can become quiet and less safe. Midtown's Cooper-Young district is popular but also requires awareness after dark.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced souvenirs or 'exclusive' tours on Beale Street.
- 2Distraction thefts in busy tourist areas.
- 3Fake parking attendants or ticket sellers near attractions.
Compare hotel deals in Memphis
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Insurance for Memphis
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in United States
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for United States and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Memphis
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi/Rideshare: approx. $30-40, 20-30 mins. Airport Shuttle services may be available but are less common for individual travelers.
🎫
Day Pass
$4 (MATA Bus Day Pass)
Single: $1.75 (MATA Bus)
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Lyft
📶
WiFi
Good50-100 Mbps
Public Transport
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) buses are the primary public transport. The trolley system (Riverfront Line, Main Street Line, Madison Line) serves Downtown and Midtown.
Ride-share
Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city. Expect to pay $15-30 for rides within the city center.
Transport Tip
Purchase a MATA trolley day pass if you plan to explore Downtown and parts of Midtown extensively via the trolley lines, as it's a cost-effective way to hop on and off.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes (especially chains like Starbucks), hotel lobbies, and some public parks offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
The Innovation Hub ($20/day), Crosstown Concourse (various options, inquire for daily rates).
Rent a Car in Memphis
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Apr, Oct, Nov
Plan Your Perfect Memphis Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.
Hotels & Accommodation in Memphis
Browse and compare hotels, apartments, and hostels on the interactive map below.
Powered by Stay22. We may earn a commission from bookings made through this map.
Ready to book in Memphis?
Compare prices across thousands of hotels on Expedia. Bundle with flights for extra savings.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Memphis?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
Compare hotel deals in Memphis
Search thousands of hotels on Expedia. Bundle with flights for extra savings.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Who Is Memphis Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Provides easy access to iconic music landmarks like Beale Street and major museums, offering a concentrated dose of Memphis culture.
Foodies
Boasts a diverse culinary scene ranging from classic Southern to international cuisine, with many highly-rated independent restaurants.
Families
Offers more spacious and affordable accommodation, proximity to the large Shelby Farms Park, and a generally quieter, suburban environment.
Solo Travelers
The eclectic vibe, numerous cafes, and walkable districts like Cooper-Young make it easy to explore and meet people.
Budget Backpackers
Offers a range of hostels and budget-friendly hotels, and is the central hub for many free or low-cost music experiences.
About Memphis
Memphis most commonly refers to: Memphis, Egypt, a former capital of ancient Egypt Memphis, Tennessee, a major American city Memphis may also refer to: .
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis
Is Memphis safe for tourists?
What is the average hotel price in Memphis?
What area should I stay in Memphis?
When is the best time to visit Memphis?
How do I get around Memphis?
Get the Full Memphis Guide
Neighbourhood picks, hidden gems, and deals for Memphis straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Memphis Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel
