From the Author: I've lived in Nashville for 12 years, and my wife was born here. Alex worked downtown for five years. We love Broadway and know it well. If you have any questions, we respond quickly to comments!
Are you debating whether to visit Nashville or Memphis for your next trip? You've come to the right place!
Located in Tennessee, Nashville and Memphis are just a three-hour drive apart, each offering a distinctly different experience. Both cities have their own unique vibe, rich histories, delicious food, and lively music scenes. As someone from Nashville who has spent time in both cities, I believe each city deserves a trip of its own. Whether Nashville's country charm or Memphis's bluesy rhythm appeals more to you, you're in for an experience that celebrates the musical soul of Tennessee. Why not make the most of your journey and visit both?
Which is Better, Memphis or Nashville?
As a Nashville local who frequently visits Memphis, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Memphis to your travel list. This city is a treasure trove for history buffs, with key landmarks such as the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated. Right next to it, the profound National Civil Rights Museum offers invaluable insights into America's historical struggles.
Moreover, Memphis is celebrated as the launching pad for music icons like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley at Sun Studio. It's steeped in musical history, hosting the Rock n Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Memphis’s Beale Street echoes Nashville's Broadway with its lively music scene and historical significance.
While Nashville may offer a broader variety of activities and be more family-oriented, it's important to note that Memphis can have higher crime rates. Nonetheless, a visit to Memphis is essential. You might find a shorter stay ideal, giving you enough time to experience its rich history and vibrant music scene before exploring the dynamic environment of Nashville.
Nashville is most popular for its major attractions, such as Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, Ryman Auditorium, and Grand Ole Opry.
Also, it is one of the best party destinations for bachelors or bachelorettes due to the many brisk spots to drink, dance, and engage in uncommon activities—all this in a safe, walkable downtown area.
While in town with your family on vacation, make sure not to miss the Gulch, Centennial Park, and the Parthenon, to name but just a few of the city's hot spots.
Quick Summary: Memphis is best for traveling on a budget, for music and Civil War history buffs, and for blues music fans. Nashville is best for a more family-friendly vacation with more options for entertainment, history, and major attractions.
Nashville vs. Memphis: Nightlife & Entertainment
Nashville is famous for its diverse music scene, though country music remains the most popular. In contrast, Memphis is celebrated for its focus on blues and soul, offering a different musical vibe.
Nashville's Best Nightlife and Entertainment:
- Lower Broadway: Famous for its vibrant scene.
- Midtown: A bustling area with various entertainment options.
- Printer's Alley: Known for its rich history and lively bars.
Memphis's Iconic Music Scene:
- Beale Street: The heart of Memphis's live music, bustling with jazz and blues, especially at places like B.B. King's Blues Club. While quieter during the day, Beale Street comes alive at night.
Nashville's Honky-Tonk Highway:
- Overview: A strip of over 32 bars, many owned by country stars like Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan.
- Music Variety: Not limited to country; includes rock, jazz, gospel, and R&B.
- Best Times to Visit:
- Peak Times: Thursday to Sunday (busiest).
- Quieter Times: Monday to Wednesday during the day for live music without the crowds.
Things To Do in Nashville:
When you think of Nashville, you may think of country music and cowboy hats. But it's also got a vibrant history to explore. So, for a complete guide to the perfect day in Nashville, we wrote a detailed guide here.
- Opryland Hotel. This is a stunning hotel that allows you to walk around for hours. It includes fantastic shopping and restaurants. If you celebrate Christmas, we highly recommend checking out the Christmas lights during the Christmas season; they are stunning.
- Lower Broadway. It's time to enjoy what truly makes Nashville “Music City .”From the Johnny Cash Museum, it's just a one-minute walk to lower Broadway. Catch the country stars of tomorrow at Tootsies Orchid Lounge or the best live country music at Roberts Western World.
- The Ryman Auditorium. Step into the mother church of country music. For country music fans, an experience at the Ryman is as close to heaven as possible. The Ryman is where the Grand Ole Opry used to be broadcast, reaching living rooms as far away as Canada.
- Tennessee State Museum. Learn more about the city's role and how it rose from the ashes to become the Athens of the south.
- Belle Meade Plantation. Explore the remaining 30 acres of the estate that once stretched for miles. The rocking chairs and slave quarters look like they were only vacated yesterday. It's been beautifully kept up.
- Visit Museums. We have the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, the Frist Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Museum of African American Music.
Things To Do in Memphis
- Memphis Cotton Exchange. You can visit the trading floor, which was once the center of the world cotton trade.
- Rock n Soul Museum. Learn how the uplifting music of delta share croppers evolved into a cathartic musical expression: the blues. Learn how the blues made the jump to rock ‘n roll and jumped the racial divide.
- Stax Museum. Discover the costumes, music, and moves that made Memphis the epicenter of the soul music universe. It includes Isaac Haye's incredible Cadillac Eldorado.
- Sun Studios. Visit the place where, in 1954, a 19-year-old kid named Elvis Presley recorded “That's All Right” and changed popular music forever.
- Graceland. Three years after recording “That's All Right,” Elvis purchased Graceland, a 13-acre estate on the outskirts of town. This is where Elvis lived for 20 years.
- Elvis Presley's Memphis. This museum chronicles his life from beginnings to stardom, including his outfits and cars.
- National Civil Rights Museum. It's easy to take the trolley bus to the museum that is built around the historic Lorraine Motel. You follow the footsteps of over 400 years of history as they marched toward freedom. You can see the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand by staying seated. You can also see the freedom riders' greyhound coach brought to a fiery stop by clan members. You can also see the suite where Martin Luther King spent his final hours before he was shot.
- Beale Street is considered the official home of the blues. It consists of 3 blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis. It's a melting pot of jazz, blues, R&B, rock, and gospel. It has a long history of hosting the biggest names in music. Remember to check out the BB Kings Blues Club. You can enjoy live music and southern food in a dedicated listening room.
Nashville vs Memphis: Food
- Memphis Cuisine: Known for iconic southern BBQ and soul food.
- BBQ Highlight: Visit the Rendezvous via an alleyway on Monroe Avenue to experience famous charcoal-fired ribs started in the 1950s. Weekly, they serve five tonnes of dry rub ribs.
- Gus's Fried Chicken: Just around the corner, famous for its hot chicken that attracts global visitors.
- Nashville's Specialties:
- Smoked Meats: For smoked pork, head to Peg Leg Porker or Jack's Bar-B-Que.
- Hot Chicken: Don't miss Prince's Hot Chicken and Hattie B's, renowned for Nashville's signature hot chicken dish.