What Is Memphis Known For? Music, BBQ & History [2025]

If you’re wondering, "What is Memphis known for?" locals will tell you all about its musical heritage, legendary barbecue, and historical significance. But this soulful city along the Mississippi River offers more for newcomers than its famous beats, eats, and local haunts. You’ll also find a blend of Southern charm, culture, and history with contagious energy and an affordable cost of living.

Whether you're strolling down Beale Street, visiting historic landmarks, or exploring growing neighborhoods, Memphis offers a unique mix of tradition and modern innovation. Here’s a closer look at what makes this city stand out.

What Is Memphis Best Known For?

1. Beale Street

Beale Street is a full-blown experience. The neon lights, the scent of smoky barbecue wafting through the air, and the deep, soul-stirring sound of blues guitars make it a place like no other. Walk down the historic strip, and you’ll feel the weight of music history beneath your feet, from W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues," to the rock ‘n’ roll legends who cut their teeth in these clubs. It’s not just about the past, either—Memphis' music scene is still thriving, with local artists keeping the blues alive while blending in funk, rock, and soul.

For the best of Beale, start with a legendary Dyer’s burger before heading into B.B. King’s to soak up the music. If you’re after top-tier catfish and ribs, Blues City Café is the place to go, while King’s Palace serves up gumbo that’s an absolute must-try. Swing by A. Schwab early in the day—it’s the oldest store on Beale and an experience in itself. For gifts and keepsakes, check out Memphis Music and Strange Cargo, where you can find everything from kitschy souvenirs to vinyl records. If craft beer is more your thing, head to Ghost River’s beer garden at the opposite end of the street.

2. Graceland Elvis Museum

Even if you’re not an Elvis fan, Graceland is a walk through an iconic time period in music history. The estate offers a deep dive into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame. The mansion itself feels like a time capsule, with rooms preserved just as Elvis left them, including the iconic Jungle Room with its green shag carpeting and Polynesian-inspired décor.

Beyond the house, the vast exhibition space showcases his extensive collection of cars, dazzling jumpsuits, gold records, and personal memorabilia, even down to his birth certificate. With so much to see, it’s easy to spend hours here, making it a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Memphis.

3. Memphis BBQ

Memphis-style barbecue isn’t just food—it’s a way of life, deeply ingrained in the city’s culture and history. Known for its slow-cooked, pit-smoked perfection, Memphis barbecue is all about technique, patience, and flavor. The city’s signature dry-rub ribs, coated in a blend of salt, paprika, and secret spices, are legendary, offering a smoky, savory bite that needs no sauce.

But if you’re a fan of sticky, saucy barbecue, Memphis delivers on that front too, with “wet” ribs slathered in tangy, tomato-based sauce before, during, and after cooking. Pork rules here, particularly ribs and pulled pork shoulder, though plenty of spots also serve beef and chicken to satisfy every craving.

For those looking to experience the best of Memphis barbecue, Central BBQ, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, and Corky’s Ribs & BBQ are among the top contenders, each offering their own spin on this Southern tradition.

Every May, the city’s love of Memphis bbq reaches its zenith at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, a massive event that draws pitmasters and food lovers from around the world. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest pork barbecue competition, the festival attracts over 100,000 visitors and is covered by networks like The Food Network and BBC.

4. Civil Rights History

Memphis played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, and its history is deeply woven into the city's culture. With eight historic sites now featured on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Memphis stands as a testament to the movement.

The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, chronicles the struggle for equality, from slavery to the present day.

Nearby, I AM A MAN Plaza and Clayborn Temple honor the 1968 Sanitation Workers' Strike, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched with workers demanding dignity and fair wages before delivering his famous "I’ve Been to the Mountaintop" speech at Mason Temple the night before his assassination.

Music was also a force for social change, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music celebrates the integrated studio that gave rise to legends like Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, and Isaac Hayes, producing songs that shaped the Civil Rights era.

5. The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River has shaped Memphis culture and lifestyle for centuries, offering both a stunning natural backdrop and a hub for outdoor adventure. Options for activities range from taking in the views from Tom Lee Park, hopping on a riverboat cruise, or exploring Mud Island River Park. The park regularly hosts live music, beer gardens, yoga sessions, and even roller-skating and dance parties, making it a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

For a more active experience, you can canoe or bike along the riverfront, or take in breathtaking views by walking across the Big River Crossing, the longest pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River. Each May, the area comes alive with the Memphis in May International Festival, celebrating the city's culture, music, and food.

7. Local Breweries and Whiskey Distilleries

Memphis’ craft beer and spirits scene is on the rise, offering unique small-batch brews and locally distilled spirits that showcase the city's creativity. Wiseacre Brewing Company, Ghost River Brewing Company, and Memphis Made Brewing Company have all put Memphis on the craft beer map, producing everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich, malty stouts. Thanks to the Memphis aquifer, these local breweries benefit from some of the purest drinking water in the country, creating crisp, clean-tasting beer that rivals any in the U.S.

Beyond beer, Old Dominick Distillery offers tours and tastings, showcasing Memphis’ knack for crafting high-quality whiskey, vodka, and gin.

8. The Pyramid Memphis

The Memphis Pyramid is one of the city’s most unique and iconic landmarks, originally built as a sports and entertainment arena but now transformed into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Standing as the eighth-largest pyramid in the world, this Bass Pro Shops megastore is far more than just a place to shop—you’ll also find an aquarium, a bowling alley, a shooting range, and even a swamp habitat complete with live alligators.

For those looking to extend their stay, the Big Cypress Lodge offers a rustic five-star retreat, with rooms overlooking the store’s indoor wilderness. But the true highlight of the Pyramid is The Lookout, a 360-degree glass observation deck at the very top. Visitors can ride the freestanding elevator to the peak and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Memphis skyline, the Mississippi River, and the bridge connecting Tennessee to Arkansas. The Lookout also features a bar and restaurant, making it the perfect spot to grab a drink while watching the sunset over the city.

9. Memphis Sports Teams

Memphis is a city that takes its sports seriously, with a passionate fan base rallying behind its teams year-round. The Memphis Grizzlies, the city's only team from one of the "big four" major leagues, have built a strong basketball following since moving from Vancouver in 2001.

College basketball is just as beloved in Memphis, with the University of Memphis Tigers men’s team sharing FedExForum with the Grizzlies, while the women’s team plays on campus at Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The Tigers' football team also brings the city together every fall at the historic Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, where thousands of fans tailgate at Tiger Lane before kickoff.

Other sports include the Memphis International Raceway, located just north of the city, draws motorsports enthusiasts for high-speed action. Golf lovers can take advantage of the city’s eight municipal courses, including the historic Galloway Golf Course, established in 1923, and the greater metro area features over 30 public and private courses. Runners also lace up for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, a December tradition that raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Renter Life in Memphis

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $915
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,037
• Median home value: $157,100
• Population: 618,639

Memphis is one of the most affordable cities in the country, making it an attractive option for renters and homeowners alike. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in Midtown or a spacious home in East Memphis, the city offers a variety of housing options to suit every lifestyle.

If you’re wondering about the cost of living, you can look at the U.S. Census Bureau data. The current median household income in Memphis is $51,211. You can compare that to the national median household income of $78,538.

Rent is much lower in Memphis than in similarly sized cities. If you follow the 30% rule, you should try not to spend more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent. The current rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $927 a month. According to the 30% rule, you should earn at least $37,080 a year or $3,090 a month after taxes. You may need to earn a bit more if you have student loan repayments, credit card debt, or are saving up for a home.

Economy and Jobs in Memphis

Memphis is an economic powerhouse, particularly in logistics and transportation, thanks to its central location and robust infrastructure. The city boasts the busiest cargo airport in North America, primarily due to FedEx’s global superhub. FedEx alone employs more than 11,000 workers and operates nearly 400 flights daily, handling over 180,000 packages and 245,000 documents per hour.

The city is also a home to major employers like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Autozone, and the University of Memphis, making it a key hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and education. In addition, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI plans to expand its Memphis, Tennessee supercomputer to house at least one million graphics processing units, which is expected to bring high-paying jobs and investment to the city.

Memphis Population

Memphis is a huge melting pot of cultures that reflects its rich history and global influence. The city has a young demographic, with 25% of Memphians under the age of 18 and 7.2% under five, while 14.1% are 65 or older.

Black Memphians make up 62.9% of the population, followed by White residents at 25% and Hispanic or Latino residents at 10.2%. Other racial groups include Asian (1.7%), American Indian and Alaska Native (0.5%), and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (0.1%), with 4.6% identifying as two or more races.

The city is also home to over 26,000 veterans and has a growing international presence, with 7.4% of Memphians being foreign-born.

Colleges in Memphis

Memphis is home to a wide range of colleges and universities, offering opportunities for students pursuing everything from liberal arts to healthcare and theology.

The University of Memphis, a major research institution, is known for its strong academic programs and extensive networking opportunities, making it a great choice for students looking to build careers in various industries. While it’s a commuter school, the community is known to be tight-knit.

Rhodes College, a prestigious liberal arts school, stands out for its excellence in music, sports, and even biblical studies. Its highly regarded physics department boasts an observatory, and aspiring musicians find Rhodes to be one of the best places to master the complexities of music.

Best Places to Live in Memphis

Memphis is a city rich in history, culture, and opportunity, offering a unique blend of Southern charm and urban energy. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of Downtown, the artsy vibe of Midtown, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Germantown, Memphis is an affordable and fun place to call home.

• Downtown – The city’s hub, known for its lively entertainment, historic landmarks, and mix of modern apartments and restored lofts.
• Midtown – An artsy, vibrant area with eclectic shops, cultural events, and a thriving nightlife scene.
• Harbor Town – A picturesque retreat on Mud Island featuring scenic river views, walking trails, and a close-knit community.
• Germantown – A suburban oasis with highly rated schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to the city.
• Cooper-Young – A trendy, creative neighborhood with charming bungalows, hip cafes, and a lively social scene.
• University District – A college-town hub with lively bars, unique eateries, and coffee shops popular among students and faculty.
• South Main – A trendy district with converted warehouses housing chef-driven restaurants, relaxed bars, brewpubs, and vintage boutiques.

Find Your Next Apartment in Memphis

Looking for the perfect place to call home in Memphis? Whether you’re drawn to the trendiness of South Main, the artistic vibe of Cooper-Young, or the family-friendly feel of Germantown, Memphis has a neighborhood that’s just right for you.

With so many options, finding the right apartment can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Take the Apartment List quiz to discover rentals tailored to your lifestyle. Start your Memphis adventure by finding the perfect place to call home. With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.