Memphis is a small city, but it makes up for it with color and style. Famous for its blues artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, it also has a significant, and sometimes unhappy, history and cultural heritage.

Located on the Mississippi River in Tennessee, Memphis is a popular destination for tourists and it’s really not hard to understand why. With delicious and unique food, a friendly and laidback atmosphere, and lots of cultures to explore, this city appeals to tourists and travelers of all kinds.

Because of the size of the city, it can be a little difficult to find the best neighborhood in Memphis for your first visit or on a return trip. But that’s why we’re here to help. With our guide, you’ll find a neighborhood close to what you most want to see, do, and eat. So, all you need to do is decide what you want to include in your trip and find the area to match!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Memphis?

• Where to stay in Memphis first visit – Downtown
• Where to stay in Memphis on a budget – East Memphis
• Best neighborhood in Memphis for families – Midtown
• Best area to stay in Memphis for nightlife – Cooper-Young
• The coolest place to stay in Memphis – Graceland

Where to Stay in Memphis

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Memphis.

 

Memphis Neighborhood Guide

Every neighborhood in Memphis is a little different, and which one is best for you will depend on what you most want to see and do, as well as your unique travel style.

The Downtown area is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Memphis for your first visit. It has the greatest concentration of attractions in one small area and is famously busy and enthralling!

If you’re on a budget, then think about East Memphis. This is a quieter residential area with attractions that are geared more for the locals, so you should be able to save a little money in this area.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Memphis for families, then try Midtown. With its vast range of different accommodation, activity, and restaurant options, you’ll be able to keep every kind of traveler happy in this part of the city.

If you like to head out at night for a few drinks and make some new friends, then stay in Cooper-Young. This youth-oriented area is famous for its diversity and for its flourishing food scene!

And the final area is Graceland, where Elvis’s famous home still stands. No guesses for why this is the coolest area to stay in Memphis. After all, most people who visit this city are fans of some of his music.

Memphis’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Memphis isn’t a large city, but you should still find the best places to stay in Memphis for what you want to do and see. And here’s where to look.

Neighborhood#1 – Downtown

Where to stay in Memphis first visit

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Wander through the Beale Street Entertainment District for shops, restaurants, and a cool vibe that’s second to none
• BEST place to visit in Downtown – The National Civil Rights Museum for a deeper understanding of the city’s dark past

The Downtown area in Memphis has to be experienced to be understood. It’s a vibrant, colorful area full of life and creativity. It’s also the best neighborhood in Memphis for your first visit because it will give you the most intense experiences in the shortest time.

Most of the best attractions in the city can be found in the Downtown area, as well as accommodation options to suit every budget. The area is filled with some of the city’s best restaurants too, so make sure you challenge yourself to try some new and potentially delicious foods!

• Make sure you take a photo with the iconic Elvis Presley statue in the center of the street
• Buy your souvenirs, and at least one meal, at the Memphis City Farmers Market
• Get out of the city and go walking or bicycling in Mud Island Park
• Have a picnic or just take in the views at Beale Street Landing
• Try some good old Southern food at McEwen’s or the Blues City Café
• Relax with a drink at local spots like Eight and Sand or Silly Goose
• Marvel at the unique works of art at the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
• Tour Sun Studio to see where Johnny Cash and Elvis once recorded or to pick up some memorabilia

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown

La Quinta by Wyndham Memphis

Located in the best neighborhood in Memphis for your first time, this hotel is close to local attractions, like Beale Street and Sun Studio. It has a fitness center on-site as well as breakfast options available every morning. The rooms are large, modern, and have all the amenities and the hotel offers a free shuttle as well as parking.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Peabody Memphis

The Peabody Memphis is a stunning 4-star hotel equipped with the very best facilities at mid-range prices. At the property, you will find elegantly styled rooms, fine dining options, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

Big Cypress Lodge

Centrally located with views over the Mississippi River and the Downtown area, this hotel offers luxury accommodation with all of the extras. It’s in the best neighborhood in Memphis close to everything, such as the Orpheum Theater and other attractions. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, terrace, private parking, two on-site restaurants, and a bar. And the rooms are large, spacious, and contain all the extras.

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Neighborhood#2 – East Memphis

Where to stay in Memphis on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in East Memphis – Go hiking, walking, biking, or horse riding in Shelby Farms Park
• BEST place to visit in East Memphis – Mosa Asian Bistro for delicious Asian meals

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Memphis on a budget, then try East Memphis. This residential area offers a relaxed atmosphere and quiet streets with more local accommodation and attractions, making it more budget-friendly. It’s also close enough to the Downtown area that you can easily get in there to explore using public transport.

With tree-lined streets and lots of family-friendly attractions, East Memphis is a popular spot for travelers. You’ll find a range of hotels and other accommodation in the area, as well as some great local restaurants.

• Take the kids to explore the Memphis Botanic Garden and don’t forget to see the Japanese tranquillity garden
• Play a round of golf at Overton park
• Hike part or all of the Wolf River Greenway Trail
• Go shopping at the Laurelwood Shopping Center
• Take the kids to the Children’s Museum of Memphis
• Spend an afternoon wandering through the exhibits at the University of Memphis Art Museum

Best Budget Hotel in East Memphis

Holiday Inn Memphis

One of the best things about this hotel is the fact that it provides a free shuttle service to all city sites within a 4.8km radius. It also has comfortable rooms with all the amenities plus a microwave and small fridge, as well as an on-site fitness center and gift shop. And if you’re traveling for work, then you can use the hotel’s business center before heading out to have a bit of fun and explore the city.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in East Memphis

Doubletree by Hilton

Located in the best neighborhood in Memphis if you are on a budget, this hotel offers a range of amenities to help make you comfortable during your stay. The guestrooms are large and have fridges and there’s a swimming pool and fitness center on site as well as a restaurant that’s open for every meal.

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Best Luxury Hotel in East Memphis

Four Points by Sheraton Memphis East

The Four Points by Sheraton has some fantastic on-site facilities including a heated outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary airport shuttle services. The hotel also has a pretty good location, just a short drive from the University of Memphis, Memphis International Airport, and Downtown Memphis.

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Neighborhood#3 – Midtown

Best neighborhood in Memphis for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Midtown – Have a musical night at Lafayette’s Music Room
• BEST place to visit in Midtown – Overton Park, for a range of attractions and events nearly year-round

Midtown is the oldest neighborhood in Memphis and is often considered to be one of the most authentic parts of the city. It’s also the best neighborhood in Memphis for families as it has a huge range of attractions, restaurants, and popular sites to suit even the pickiest traveler.

Midtown is also very close to the Downtown area. In fact, depending on where you stay, you can probably walk between these two neighborhoods. This makes exploring the more touristy areas much easier. But you’ll want to explore Midtown itself as well too, because it’s full of diverse cultural and artistic attractions and influences.

• Check out the famous residents at the Elmwood Cemetery
• Have a meal at Huey’s Midtown or the Side Street Grill
• Marvel at the amazing works of art at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
• Have a drink at Slider Inn or Boscos Squared
• Wander through the garden and see the artwork at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens

Best Budget Hotel in Midtown

Holiday Inn Express

This hotel offers a lot for a budget price. It has a fitness room and business center, a spacious pool with a deck where you can enjoy the warm weather, and a daily hot buffet breakfast. It’s well located in Midtown, close to the interstate and to public transport options, and has a business center, as well as modern rooms with work desks and ironing facilities.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Midtown

Young Avenue Sound Recording Studio

Young Avenue Sound Recording Studio is a modern apartment-style hotel situated in the heart of Memphis’ Midtown neighborhood. The hotel has a sleek design that has musical features throughout the property and is situated inside an old recording studio.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Midtown

The Memphian a Tribute Hotel

This brand new hotel is well located in the Midtown district, only a short distance from sites like Brown park and the Sun Studio. It offers large, bright, clean rooms and all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay.

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Neighborhood#4 – Cooper-Young

Best area to stay in Memphis for nightlife

• COOLEST thing to do in Cooper-Young – Spend an evening at Bar DKDC for live music and drinks
• BEST place to visit in Cooper-Young – Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for a game

You can’t forget about Cooper-Young when you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Memphis for nightlife. Hip and trendy, this area is filled with travelers, backpackers, and other young people. This makes it pleasingly diverse and filled with restaurants and bars that are some of the most vibrant in the city.

Cooper-Young is also the epicenter of the city’s diverse and increasingly popular food scene. You’ll find a lot of hidden gems, as well as established restaurants in this area, so plan to eat a lot and maybe do some extra walking to make up for it. Cooper-young is a little further from the Downtown area than other neighborhoods, but all of these attractions make the public transport trips into the city center worth the effort.

• Check out the Memphis Fairgrounds for events and entertainment
• Play a round of golf at the Memphis Country Club
• Eat seafood at Tsunami or Celtic food at the Celtic Crossing Irish Pub
• Have cocktails and tapas at Alchemy Memphis
• Take a walk through the Old Forest State Natural Area

Best Budget Hotel in Cooper-Young

Hotel 6 Memphis

Close to Cooper-Young and all its attractions, this hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Memphis on a budget. The rooms are simple but comfortable and come in a range of sizes to suit every travel group. There’s free parking on-site and you can even bring your pet along with you to the hotel!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Cooper-Young

Memorable Nomad Haven Walk to Cooper Young’s Best

Memorable Nomad Have Walk to Copper Young’s Best is a cute holiday home set in the heart of the neighborhood and is the perfect place to stay for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Memphis. The home is brightly lit and provides modern yet homely furnishings throughout.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Cooper-Young

Brand New 3BR Home in Midtown, Memphis w/ Parking

Unfortunately, Copper-Young isn’t home to any luxury hotels, however, this 3-bedroom holiday home is the next best thing. Beautifully designed with spacious rooms and modern furnishings and fitting up to 6 guests, this house is the perfect place to stay for those groups of families heading to Memphis.

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Neighborhood#5 – Graceland

The coolest place to stay in Memphis

• COOLEST thing to do in Graceland – Get in the Elvis spirit and head over to BJ’s Buffalo Style Hot Wings for lunch
• BEST place to visit in Graceland – The Graceland mansion to get a closer look at the singer’s life

Elvis Presley’s famous home is a sprawling complex that is almost a neighborhood in itself. If you’re in Memphis because you want to learn more about the life of this great entertainer, then why not stay close to his home and see as much as you can?

Located in the Whitehaven community, the mansion has seen 20 million guests since it opened and includes Elvis’ private jets and other extravagances.

The Graceland area is a little further away from Downtown and all its charms. But with the easy-to-use public transport in Memphis, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting where you need to go when it’s time to explore the rest of the city.

• Make sure you head over to explore the Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park to pay homage to another great man
• Marvel at the extravagance at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum
• Visit the grave of the King at Elvis Presley’s Meditation Garden
• Spend some cash at the Graceland Plaza and Graceland Crossing Shopping Center
• Take a tour through the Graceland Chapel in the Woods
• Eat some more barbecue at Vernon’s Smokehouse

Best Budget Hotel in Graceland

Travelodge by Wyndham Memphis

Offering a touch of luxury on a budget, this hotel has a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool and is located close to Graceland. The rooms are comfortable and air-conditioned, and there are BBQ facilities on-site, as well as a shared lounge where you can socialize with your fellow travelers.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Graceland

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis Art

This modern 3-star hotel offers free shuttle service to both the airport and downtown Memphis, a 24-hour front desk along with free private parking creating extra convenience. It also has a range of deluxe rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a sleek fitness center.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Graceland

The Guesthouse at Graceland

This hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Memphis close to everything Elvis. It’s just five minutes walk from the mansion and offers all the extras you’ll need for a luxurious stay. The on-site amenities include a shuttle service, theater, two restaurants, and an outdoor pool and pool bar. And best of all, or perhaps just weirdly, there’s also an evening Peanut Butter and Jelly bar.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Memphis

Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Memphis for couples, on your own, with family, or with friends, you’ll have lots of choices in Memphis. And then you can head out and explore this amazing, vibrant city, and walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest entertainers the US has ever known. So, make sure you enjoy your time in this amazing city!

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