What areas should you avoid in New South Memphis?

Areas immediately south of Downtown and east of the Mississippi River (e.g., parts of South Memphis): These areas have higher crime rates and lack tourist infrastructure, making them less safe and less interesting for visitors.. Industrial areas and isolated stretches of highway at night: These are generally not tourist destinations and can be unsafe due to lack of lighting, foot traffic, and potential for crime.

What are the safest areas to stay in New South Memphis?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in New South Memphis include Downtown Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in New South Memphis?

Common scams in New South Memphis: Overpriced souvenirs or 'authentic' goods on Beale Street.. Distraction thefts in parking lots or busy tourist spots.. Fake charity collectors..

Areas to Avoid in New South Memphis

Q: Is New South Memphis safe for tourists?

New South Memphis is rated as "Exercise caution" for tourists. Downtown and Beale Street can be lively but also attract crowds; stick to well-lit, populated areas. Midtown's Cooper-Young is generally safe but can quiet down on side streets. Be aware of your surroundings in all areas.

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Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting New South Memphis. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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New South Memphis is generally Use Caution

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Downtown Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in New South Memphis are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Areas immediately south of Downtown and east of the Mississippi River (e.g., parts of South Memphis)

These areas have higher crime rates and lack tourist infrastructure, making them less safe and less interesting for visitors.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Downtown Memphis

The historic heart of the city, buzzing with live music, Beale Street nightlife, and significant cultural landmarks.

Industrial areas and isolated stretches of highway at night

These are generally not tourist destinations and can be unsafe due to lack of lighting, foot traffic, and potential for crime.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Midtown Memphis

Eclectic and vibrant, known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and a thriving arts and dining scene.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in New South Memphis

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

New South Memphis Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover New South Memphis on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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New South Memphis Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through New South Memphis with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of New South Memphis: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into New South Memphis's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from New South Memphis: Scenic Excursion

Escape New South Memphis for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

New South Memphis Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with New South Memphis's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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View all tours in New South Memphis

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in New South Memphis

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in New South Memphis on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore New South Memphis safely with a local guide

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Downtown Memphis

The historic heart of the city, buzzing with live music, Beale Street nightlife, and significant cultural landmarks.

Generally safe in well-lit tourist areas during the day and early evening, but exercise caution and stick to main streets at night, especially away from Beale Street.

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Midtown Memphis

Eclectic and vibrant, known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and a thriving arts and dining scene.

Generally safe, especially in the busier commercial areas like Cooper-Young during the day and evening; be aware of your surroundings when walking on quieter residential streets after dark.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for New South Memphis

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At Night

Downtown and Beale Street can be lively but also attract crowds; stick to well-lit, populated areas. Midtown's Cooper-Young is generally safe but can quiet down on side streets. Be aware of your surroundings in all areas.

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Solo Female Travel

Generally safe in well-trafficked tourist areas like Downtown and Midtown during the day and early evening. Be extra vigilant at night and stick to busy streets. Avoid walking alone in less populated or poorly lit areas.

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Emergency Number

911

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in New South Memphis

1Overpriced souvenirs or 'authentic' goods on Beale Street.
2Distraction thefts in parking lots or busy tourist spots.
3Fake charity collectors.

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Travel Insurance for New South Memphis

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

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Downtown Memphis

The historic heart of the city, buzzing with live music, Beale Street nightlife, and significant cultural landmarks.

Generally safe in well-lit tourist areas during the day and early evening, but exercise caution and stick to main streets at night, especially away from Beale Street.

first-timersnightlifeculture

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Midtown Memphis

Eclectic and vibrant, known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and a thriving arts and dining scene.

Generally safe, especially in the busier commercial areas like Cooper-Young during the day and evening; be aware of your surroundings when walking on quieter residential streets after dark.

couplesfoodiesculture

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East Memphis

A sprawling suburban area offering a mix of shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions.

Generally safe, being a predominantly residential and commercial suburban area; standard precautions apply when visiting shopping centers or parking lots.

familiesbudgetdigital nomads