13 Memphis Landmarks Every Elvis Fan Needs To Visit
What happens when a 13-year-old boy from Tupelo, Mississippi, moves to Memphis, Tennessee? Well, for Elvis Presley, being in this cross-cultural epicenter of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll ultimately launched him into international stardom as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Yet despite his global fame, Memphis is where Elvis chose to stay throughout his life. Over the years, he left an indelible mark on the Mississippi River town—a too-often overlooked Tennessee destination that sings enduring melodies of civil rights movements, rich musical influences, and, of course, dry rub Memphis barbecue.
Whether you’re a diehard Elvis fan or live under a rock and have never heard of the man, following his footsteps throughout the city is a great way to get a taste of Memphis. From well-known mainstays like Graceland to hidden gems like the back booth in a greasy-spoon diner, we’ve rounded up all the best Elvis stops for your next bucket-list adventure to the Home of the Blues.
Sun Studio
A small, quirky building on a corner lot is the recording studio that started it all. Stop by for a Sun Studio tour to see where Elvis recorded “That’s All Right (Mama)” in 1954, which quickly launched him into fame. The esteemed venue also recorded big names like Rufus Thomas, Howlin’ Wolf, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and continues to offer recording sessions for artists today. On the tour, you’ll hear outtakes from original recording sessions, stand in the same spot where Elvis first recorded his songs, and even get a chance to pose with the old stand-up microphone that Elvis himself used. Before you leave, make sure to touch the doorknob outside that Elvis and so many other greats did to enter the building—the rumor is it’ll bring you good luck!
sunstudio.com, 706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Beale Street Elvis Statue
No trip to Memphis is complete without a trip to Beale Street, a three-block entertainment district that’s listed as a National Historical Landmark. As a rising star, Elvis frequented the many clubs along Beale Street, soaking up inspiration from the diverse music scene there, such as Big Mama Thornton, Little Richard, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and B.B. King. Just west of B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street, you’ll find a lifesize bronze statue of Elvis playing his guitar that was placed in 1997. The original bronze statue—the first in the world—was erected in 1980 at the same location but was moved indoors in 1996 to the downtown Memphis Tennessee State Welcome Center to protect it from the elements and over-adoring fans.
115 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
This Smithsonian Institution-curated museum is located just south of Beale Street at FedExForum. It aims to provide a comprehensive story on Memphis music, beginning with the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, through the city’s musical heyday in the 1970s, and ultimately how it gained global prominence. In showing this full musical history of Memphis, the museum connects regional folk music traditions to music legends like Elvis. Visitors can see some of Elvis’s original costumes, lyrics, and other memorabilia in the museum while they listen to a “rock ‘n’ soul” playlist along the way.
memphisrocknsoul.org, 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Located on Beale Street, Memphis Music Hall of Fame is one of five halls of fame that Elvis graces. With more than 150 gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums and singles, it’s not a surprise to see the American icon here. Elvis’s exhibit in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame captures his journey through different genres over time and the aspects that made him so legendary. Stop by for a tour to see The King, as well as the stories of other talented Memphis artists throughout the years.
memphismusichalloffame.com, 126 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103
The Historic Peabody Hotel
Perhaps best known for its duck march that occurs daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., The Peabody Memphis is an ornate and historic downtown hotel that holds intriguing relics of the past. A history room on the mezzanine level hosts Elvis’s original RCA recording contract. You’ll also find Elvis’s name on the Peabody Duck Walk of Fame, which honors Memphis residents for their contributions to the city. Also inside the hotel is Lansky Brothers, known as the “Clothier to the King.” The family-owned shop helped Elvis develop his signature style. Today, you can find and purchase an Elvis-inspired collection there and plenty of rock ‘n’ roll lore.
peabodymemphis.com, 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
The Arcade Restaurant
If you want to eat like The King, head over to your new favorite greasy-spoon diner, the Arcade Restaurant. Founded in 1919 after Speros Zepatos immigrated from Greece, the diner is the oldest in Memphis and a long-time locals’ favorite—including for Elvis. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll used to frequent the diner for its fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. He had a booth toward the back of the shop next to an exit in case he needed to flee the crowds. Today, the booth is decorated in his honor and boasts the same blue and tan vinyl benches The King sat on. Enjoy breakfast served all day, Southern-style lunches, and dinner specials on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—and don’t forget to grab a dessert to go!
arcaderestaurant.com, 540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Catherine and Mary’s in the Historic Hotel Chisca Building
Over the years, Memphis has diligently revitalized historic spaces throughout the city. One such space is the historic Hotel Chisca building. Constructed in 1913, the hotel helped introduce the American public to rock ‘n’ roll music. Disc jockey Dewey Phillips broadcast his Red, Hot, & Blue radio show for WHBQ from the building’s mezzanine floor. On July 5, 1954, Elvis recorded “That’s All Right (Mama)” at Sam Phillips’s nearby Sun Studio. Sam played the single for Dewey the next day, who quickly shared it over the airwaves. Soon enough, the radio show was flooded with requests to play it again. Elvis came in for an on-air interview, and the rest is history.
Today, you can visit this slice of Elvis history over one of the best meals in Memphis. Catherine & Mary’s operates on the building’s first floor from Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, both nominated for the James Beard Best Chef Southeast award. Expect the flavors of a Tuscan and Sicilian grandmother’s cooking with elevated classics like carbonara and rigatoni, as well as creative plates like tuna panzanella—raw tuna, focaccia, pear, cherry tomato, chili lime vinaigrette, and tonnato.
catherineandmarys.com, 272 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103