Explore Midtown Memphis: A Guide to Local Attractions
- See a Show at Playhouse on the Square
- Listen to Live Music at Lafayette’s Music Room
- Visit Pandas at the Memphis Zoo
- Smell Flowers at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens
- Sip Local Craft Beer
- Browse Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
- Explore Broad Avenue Arts District
- Try Dry-Rub Ribs at Central BBQ
- Listen to Music Under the Stars at the Levitt Shell
- Eat Southern Comfort Food at Soul Fish Café
- Record a Song at Elvis’ Sun Studio
- Walk Through History at Elmwood Cemetery
While most tourists in Memphis head straight downtown to Beale Street and the Civil Rights Museum, midtown Memphis has all the best parts of the city. There are nightclubs with live blues music, and restaurants serving the city’s best barbecue sandwiches. Add parks, museums, theaters, restaurants, and other unique attractions, and you have a destination not to miss.
See a Show at Playhouse on the Square
Address: 66 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Phone: +1 901-726-4656
For the best theater in the South, look no farther than the Playhouse on the Square. The regional theater company opened a new 340-seat theater in 2010, and it offers everything you need for a night of culture and fun: a rooftop terrace, a theater café, and more. Shows range from Broadway hits like Matilda and Cabaret to independent productions written and produced by locals.
Listen to Live Music at Lafayette’s Music Room
Address: 2119 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Phone: +1 901-207-5097
In the 1970s, Lafayette’s Music Room was one of the most bustling clubs in Memphis. After a brief closure, it reopened in 2014, bringing live music back to Memphis. The venue hosts performances seven nights a week, serving “Southern food with an attitude” along with a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Overton Square.
Visit Pandas at the Memphis Zoo
Address: 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
Phone: +1 901-333-6500
Home to two giant pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le, the Memphis Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States with these rare animals. Visitors can also enjoy various other attractions, such as polar bears, elephants, and a hands-on petting zoo for children.
Smell Flowers at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Address: 4339 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38117-4626, USA
Phone: +1 901-761-5250
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens offer over 2,000 objects, including impressive art pieces and beautifully manicured gardens. Visitors can explore hiking trails, formal gardens, and often participate in events designed for both children and adults.
Sip Local Craft Beer
Memphis boasts a thriving craft beer scene, particularly in Midtown. Notable breweries include Memphis Made Brewing, Crosstown Brewing Co, and High Cotton Brewing Co.
Browse Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Address: 4389 Getwell Rd, Memphis, TN 38118-6892, USA
Phone: +1 901-544-6222
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing a diverse array of artwork, from paintings to decorative arts. It is a social hub, hosting events such as film screenings, lectures, and concerts.
Explore Broad Avenue Arts District
Address: Broad Ave, Memphis, TN, USA
Broad Avenue has transformed into a vibrant arts district. Visitors will find an array of locally owned shops, restaurants, and bars. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore unique offerings like ceramics at Bingham & Broad or delicious food at Bounty on Broad.
Try Dry-Rub Ribs at Central BBQ
Address: 2231 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Phone: +1 901-272-9377
Central BBQ is a renowned destination for barbecue lovers in Memphis. The restaurant boasts a unique smoking technique using hickory and pecan woods, resulting in rich flavors that delight every palate.
Listen to Music Under the Stars at the Levitt Shell
Address: 1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Phone: +1 901-300-3011
Located in Overton Park, the Levitt Shell features more than 50 free concerts a year, showcasing varied genres. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Eat Southern Comfort Food at Soul Fish Café
Address: 862 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104-5446, USA
Phone: +1 901-725-0722
The Soul Fish Café offers a delightful selection of southern comfort food, ensuring a delicious dining experience that embodies the essence of Memphis cuisine.
Record a Song at Elvis’ Sun Studio
Address: Sun Studio, 706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103-3218, USA
In the city where rock ‘n’ roll was born, this studio has been the place where many legends recorded their albums. Visitors can take tours to hear stories about their journeys and witness the space where history was made.
Walk Through History at Elmwood Cemetery
Address: 824 S Dudley St, Memphis, TN 38104-6007, USA
Phone: +1 901-774-3212
Elmwood Cemetery is a historic site that honors some of the South’s greatest heroes. Stroll through the grounds and marvel at impressive monuments and the beautiful natural landscape.
