Best Areas to Stay in Memphis, Tennessee

Downtown Memphis is the city’s Central Business District, located along the Mississippi River.

This neighborhood has the tallest buildings in Memphis, such as 100 North Main, luxury hotels with stunning views of the Mississippi River, and the city’s best nightlife.

Downtown Memphis is home to Beale Street, a lively entertainment district ideal for those travelers looking for fun, drinks, live music and, above all, nightclubs.

Downtown offers a modern atmosphere to suit the tastes of any visitor, making it a recommended area to stay in Memphis for families, couples, or business travelers.

The most used mean of transport in this area is the tram, which moves through the more touristy corners of the district. However, Downtown is very pedestrian-friendly.

Part of Memphis’ historical heritage is located in the Downtown area, reflected in the Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel, where the renowned Martin Luther King Jr. died.

When it comes to nightlife, Beale Street is the place to go, as it is closed to traffic in the afternoon and is a place full of bars for all tastes.

Downtown Memphis is the best area to stay in Memphis as it is a district full of unmissable places, barbecues, museums, shops, and hotels of different categories.

Graceland is the name of the mansion that belonged to the legendary King of Rock N ‘Rock, Elvis Presley, a striking place that is, definitely, worth a visit when traveling to Memphis, Tennessee.

The mansion has exhibits on the artist, including his gold records, cars, and even the singer’s grave, located in the garden.

A curious fact is that the mansion is the second most-visited house in the United States, after the White House.

An advantage for those staying near Graceland is the proximity to Memphis International Airport, located just a few minutes east. Therefore, the surroundings of Graceland are a recommended area to stay in Memphis on a layover.

Opposite the mansion are several museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants, as well as the Aircraft Museum and the Presley Automobile Museum.

Since public transportation in Memphis is scarce, it is recommended to have your own car or a rental car when staying in this area since it also has parking spaces available.

Midtown Memphis includes the lively Overton Square, a nightlife hub that is home to popular theaters, live music venues, and bars.

Another district within Midtown Memphis is Verdant Overton Park, where the Brooks Museum of Modern Art is located.

Midtown Memphis is an area where fashion boutiques and theme restaurants inspired by Rock N ‘Roll mix.

In this area, there are several low-cost restaurants that serve delicious barbecues and the famous Memphis pizza.

Midtown is one of the best areas to stay in Memphis if you are looking for tranquility during your stay, but still being close to the main attractions of the city.

One place to visit here, especially if you are traveling as a family, is the Memphis Zoo.

Midtown is very pedestrian-friendly, but it is recommended to have your own or rental car to move to other areas of Memphis.

East Memphis is a commercial and residential neighborhood located east of Midtown. This area is known for its upscale shops and restaurants.

Attractions in East Memphis include the Memphis Botanical Gardens and Audubon Park.

For art lovers, East Memphis is home to Dixon Gallery & Gardens, where local artwork is displayed.

East Memphis is an excellent option to stay in Memphis because it is where Poplar Avenue is, which is one of the main commercial streets of the city.

The University of Memphis is also located in this neighborhood, giving the area a youthful vibe.

There are several shopping centers located in this neighborhood, including the Eastgate, Poplar Plaza, and Oak Court.

East Memphis is another recommended area to stay in Memphis for its food venues and hotel options ranging from budget to luxury.

West Memphis is a suburb located west of the city and, although it belongs to the state of Arkansas, it is considered part of the Memphis metropolitan area.

This neighborhood is connected to Memphis by a bridge, so it takes around 15 minutes by car to reach the Downtown area.

It is recommended to stay in West Memphis with your own or rental car, considering that transport here is not the most efficient.

However, it is one of the best areas to stay in Memphis if you travel with a tight budget because it has many cheap hotels.

West Memphis is the cheapest area to stay in Memphis and also a good option for families since it is a quiet place, especially compared to the bustle of Downtown Memphis.

Last but not least, Germantown is located to the southeast of the city and is, definitely, a recommended area to stay in Memphis.

Germantown houses areas such as Old Germantown, reminiscent of the beginnings of the city and its development.

It is where the Memphis that is known today started and, to celebrate it, there are events and competitions that preserve the traditions of the city every year in this area.

An advantage of staying in Germantown is safety, being one of the safest neighborhoods in Tennessee and with the highest purchasing power in the Memphis metropolitan area.

Accommodation in Germantown is varied, ranging from comfortable budget hotels to exclusive chain luxury hotels.

Germantown is a recommended area to stay in Memphis for the exclusivity and tranquility it offers.