🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in New South Memphis

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: USD 80/day🚇 Good Transit

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Quick Answer

Stay in Downtown Memphis

Has a hostel option and is walkable to many free or low-cost attractions, with affordable food available if you look beyond the main strips.

See full New South Memphis neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in New South Memphis

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

East Memphis

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

Our top picks in East Memphis

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Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis$$$

Modern hotel with great views and amenities, located conveniently near Beale Street.

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Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel$$

Reliable downtown option with good facilities and proximity to attractions.

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Memphis-Southaven, MS$$

Offers suite-style rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays or families.

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🛡️ Generally safe, being a predom...Budgetfamiliesbudget

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Downtown Memphis

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

Our top picks in Downtown Memphis

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The Peabody Memphis$$$

Iconic hotel famous for its resident ducks and historic grandeur.

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Big Sleep Hotel Memphis Medical Center$$

Modern and comfortable option with good amenities for a mid-range price.

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Arrive Memphis$$

Stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop bar offering great city views.

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🛡️ Generally safe in well-lit tou...Mid-rangefirst-timersnightlife

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Midtown Memphis

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

Our top picks in Midtown Memphis

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The Guesthouse at Graceland$$$

Luxury resort experience directly across from Graceland, offering upscale amenities.

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Hu. Hotel Memphis$$

Trendy boutique hotel with stylish decor and a popular rooftop bar.

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River Inn of Harbor Town$$$

Charming boutique hotel in a picturesque waterfront neighborhood.

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🛡️ Generally safe, especially in ...Mid-rangecouplesfoodies

View Hotels in Midtown Memphis

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1East Memphis	Budget	A sprawling suburban area offering a mix of shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions.	familiesbudget
Downtown Memphis	Mid-range	The historic heart of the city, buzzing with live music, Beale Street nightlife, and significant cultural landmarks.	first-timersnightlife
Midtown Memphis	Mid-range	Eclectic and vibrant, known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and a thriving arts and dining scene.	couplesfoodies

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Find budget-friendly hostels in New South Memphis

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in New South Memphis

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in New South Memphis. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in New South Memphis

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting New South Memphis

East Memphis

Budget

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

familiesbudgetdigital nomads

+More affordable accommodation options.
+Access to large parks and family activities.
+Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

-Requires a car for most activities and dining.
-Lacks the historic charm and nightlife of other areas.

🏨 Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis 🏨 Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel 🏨 Home2 Suites by Hilton Memphis-Southaven, MS

Downtown Memphis

Mid-range

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

first-timersnightlifeculturefoodies

+Abundant live music venues and restaurants.
+Central location with easy access to attractions.
+Strong tourist infrastructure.

-Can be very crowded and noisy, especially on weekends.
-Can feel less authentic outside of immediate tourist zones.

🏨 The Peabody Memphis 🏨 Big Sleep Hotel Memphis Medical Center 🏨 Arrive Memphis

Midtown Memphis

Mid-range

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

couplesfoodiesculturesolo travelers

+Excellent restaurant and bar scene.
+Charming, walkable streets with unique shops.
+More local feel than Downtown.

-Can be spread out, requiring some driving between specific points of interest.
-Some areas can be quiet and less populated at night.

🏨 The Guesthouse at Graceland 🏨 Hu. Hotel Memphis 🏨 River Inn of Harbor Town

Daily Budget (Budget)

USD 80/day

Hostel dorm bed at Arrive MemphisUSD 35

Pulled pork sandwich at Central BBQUSD 15

Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) day passUSD 4

Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine MotelUSD 18

Walk along Beale Street and enjoy street performersUSD 8

See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in New South Memphis

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Soul Fish Cafe

A beloved local spot serving up delicious Southern comfort food with a focus on fresh seafood. Their catfish is legendary, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect neighborhood eatery.

foodLaurelwood

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Crosstown Concourse

FREE

A stunningly revitalized historic Sears building, now a vibrant vertical urban village. It houses shops, restaurants, art galleries, and community spaces, offering a unique glimpse into Memphis's innovative spirit.

marketMidtown

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Beale Street Historic District

FREE

While not entirely unknown, many tourists miss the authentic, local vibe of Beale Street outside of the main tourist blocks. Explore the side streets for smaller, historic clubs where blues musicians still play.

streetDowntown

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in New South Memphis

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

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.

View Tour Details

View all tours in New South Memphis

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for New South Memphis

Backpackers in New South Memphis: FAQ

What is the best area in New South Memphis for backpackers?

East Memphis is our top pick for backpackers in New South Memphis. A sprawling suburban area offering a mix of shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions. It is a budget-friendly area known for families, budget, digital nomads.

Is New South Memphis safe for backpackers?

New South Memphis is rated "Exercise caution" overall. 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. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in New South Memphis for backpackers?

Expect to spend around USD 80 per day in New South Memphis as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit New South Memphis?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in New South Memphis?

The most affordable hostels in New South Memphis are typically found in East Memphis. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More New South Memphis Guides

Full New South Memphis guide Areas to avoid Best time to visit More cities in United States 👩 Solo Female Travellers 💑 Couples 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families 💻 Digital Nomads ✨ Luxury Travellers 🎉 Nightlife Seekers

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