Travelling abroad can sometimes be costly, prompting travellers to be more mindful of their expenses and look for activities that cost less or preferably are free of charge.
Those planning a trip to the birthplace of blues, soul & rock’n’roll and the BBQ capital of the world, Memphis, will be thrilled to find a range of activities in the Tennessee city without spending a buck or at a discounted rate. Memphis was not only voted one of the Best Places to Go in 2023 by Conde Nast Traveller but was also the Number 1 U.S. Destination on a Budget in 2023 by USAToday.
According to a study last year, Memphis hotel rates were 28% lower than the U.S. average. Seeing some of Memphis’ biggest attractions can mean spending a good chunk of the trip’s budget on tickets, but there’s a wide range of museums and attractions that offer free admissions so travellers can save money without missing out on the fun. There are also multiple walking tours and even a culinary trail to follow and save money during the trip.
Free Admissions to Museums and Attractions
- Graceland, home of Elvis Presley: Going down to the Graceland Gates, snapping a photo and imagining the King rolling down his driveway in a vintage pink Cadillac is always free. Graceland also offers free-admission walk-up visits to the Meditation Garden, the resting site of the King, from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. daily.
- Art Museum of the University of Memphis: The art museum at the University of Memphis features permanent collections of Egyptian and West African art, and changing exhibits of contemporary art. Visitors should make sure to call before going (the museum closes on university holidays and between exhibits); it is always free to visit.
- Memphis Listening Lab: A library-like collection but completely dedicated to music. The Memphis Listening Lab’s collection boasts a curated collection of music and music history of 35,000 45rpm singles, 15,000 LPs, 25,000 CDs, 2,000 books, and over 1,000 unique pieces of musical history. The collection is all free to the public.
- Tom Lee Park on the Mississippi River: Memphis’ history and heritage are tied to the Mississippi River. The free-to-visit park recently underwent a $61 million facelift. Kids will love the river-themed playground with climbable large-scale river creatures, and the Sunset Canopy, meditative walking paths, and habitat terraces make for a relaxing visit.
- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: The permanent collection at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art encompasses thousands of works across media (and a treasure of local and international artists, from a Civil Rights-era Memphis photographer to a modern-day African muralist). Admission is free on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Peabody Ducks March: Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., five North American mallards leave the Peabody Hotel fountain in a grand procession completed with a red carpet lined with kids, an official introduction by staff, and travellers from around the world to watch the cute spectacle. The Peabody Duck March is completely free and open to all. Those who want a bird’s eye view of the march can enjoy a glass of wine at the hotel on the mezzanine level.
Free and Affordable Music Experiences
- Beale Street Entertainment District: One of America’s most famous streets, Beale Street is where W.C. Handy penned the first blues song and where you’ll find three blocks of restaurants, nightclubs, live music, museums, and neon. Peruse the A. Schwab Dry Goods Store, follow the Music Walk of Fame (marked by brass music notes along the sidewalk), see hundreds of motorcycles for Bike Night (every Wednesday night in the summer), or catch the Beale Street Flippers hand-springing down the street. A beer or soft drink at any of the bars and clubs along the street is all you need to enjoy the live music.
- Overton Park Shell Concerts: Built in the 1930s and recognised as the site of Elvis’ first professional rock ‘n’ roll show, the Overton Park Shell is an outdoor performing arts pavilion located in beautiful Overton Park. Every summer and fall, the Shell hosts more than 50 free concerts – blues, gospel, country, and rock are represented, and the family-friendly vibe invites kids to dance, hula hoop, run, and groove as the bands play.
- South Main Trolley Nights: The last Friday of each month, Memphis’ South Main Arts District hosts an evening of art and music. Shops, restaurants, and art galleries in the area open their doors to Memphians and visitors (tip: get there early for adult beverages and a few snacks). Hop aboard the vintage trolley for only $1 a ride.
Free and Affordable Trails and Walking Tours
- Memphis BBQ Trail: Memphis, known as the barbecue capital of the world, has unveiled a thrilling new way to experience its legendary barbecue scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone looking for a delicious adventure, the Memphis Barbecue Trail promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Memphis’ culinary history. On the trail, individuals will get to experience everything from hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to renowned BBQ venues, including Central BBQ, Cozy Corner Restaurant, The Bar-B-Q Shop, and many more. By signing up for the BBQ trail you can also get discounts and extras on selected venues, which means that it’s a great way to save some money while travelling in Memphis.
- Roots of Memphis Music Walking Tour: When on the plaza outside of FedExForum, you’ll notice a bunch of colourful bollards. Each one tells of a different facet of the roots of Memphis music: genres from gospel to hip-hop; artists from W.C. Handy to Three 6 Mafia. Follow the QR code on each bollard to get the full sonic story as you enjoy the graphics designed by local muralists.
- Downtown Memphis Commission Sidewalk Stories Tour: Follow a series of bronze plaques laid in the concrete of Downtown Memphis. More than 50 plaques tell of the city’s colourful history, including Cotton Row, once the hub of the global cotton industry.
- Orpheum Theatre Sidewalk of Stars Tour: The Orpheum Theatre’s “Sidewalk of Stars” commemorates the appearances of legendary entertainers dating back to Harry Houdini, Mae West, John Philip Sousa, George Burns, and Gracie Allen.
Explore more of Memphis here.