Memphis Vs Knoxville: Where Should You Visit?

Are you planning a trip to Tennessee and trying to decide where to go?

This post will compare Memphis to Knoxville. I've been to both and will break down the pros and cons.

The cities are very different and provide different experiences, culture and history. This guide is intended to help you clearly decide where you should go and what to expect.

Memphis Vs. Knoxville

Quick Summary

Both cities provide different experiences you'll enjoy based on your tastes but here's a quick summary!

Advantages of Memphis

Known for its rich cultural history. It's the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland, The Rock ‘n' Soul Museum, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum. It's also where Martin Luther King Jnr. was assassinated. You can still visit it today.
Famous for its food, especially its barbecue. Although close to the Mississippi River, it's not well known for its outdoor nature experiences.
The city isn't as family-friendly. In fact, it's one of the most dangerous cities in the US.

Advantages of Knoxville

It is known for its Appalachian culture, gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and offers plenty of outdoor activities. This includes hiking and fishing – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Close to Pigeon Forge, providing access to Dollywood, a famous family vacation spot in Tennessee.
Family friendly.

if your interests lie in music, food, and contemporary historical points of interest, Memphis is the preferred choice. If you prefer a more outdoor, family-friendly and quiet experience, you may want to consider Knoxville.

Who am I? Hello!👋. I'm Alex Hawker. I've lived in Tennessee for 12 years. My wife is from Nashville, and my two kids were born and raised here. We're always looking for things to do as a family, and Tennessee is always a go-to option. Learn more about me here.

Memphis vs. Knoxville: Cost & Budget

A Memphis trip comes in at around $167 per day. The average hotel price in Memphis is $167. According to estimates, you can expect to pay up to $20 less per day on meals in Memphis.

A Knoxville visit averages out to around $140 per day. The typical hotel price in Knoxville comes to about $120. By estimates, you can anticipate saving roughly $15 per day on meals compared to the costs in Memphis.

Memphis vs Knoxville: Music Scene

There really isn't a comparison between Memphis and Knoxville. Memphis is known as the “home of the blues” and just has so much to offer. How can you beat Sun Studios, Stax Museum, Graceland, and Beale Street? The answer is that as far as music options go, the history, culture, and impact of Memphis make it the winner between the two cities.

Knoxville still has a live music scene. In fact, they've produced some bands that you might have heard of. They have large and small venues, and major stars stop by a play. It's just not known as the music mecca like Memphis is.

Winner: Memphis

Memphis vs Knoxville: Food

You can't enjoy music on an empty stomach. Memphis is home to some of America's best soul food and southern BBQ. From Monroe Avenue, head down an alleyway named after the restaurant that put Memphis on the BBQ map and check out the Rendezvous. Even if you usually would eat BBQ, you must check it out. Starting in the 1950s, today, this famous restaurant serves five tonnes of dry rub, charcoal-fired ribs weekly.

Just around the corner is Gus's Fried Chicken. This hot chicken restaurant is so good that visitors flock from around the world to experience it.

The Knoxville food scene is different, showcasing both the Appalachian heritage and modern influences.

Downtown, Market Square bustles with a mix of classic Southern eateries and modern, eclectic spots. From the acclaimed J.C. Holdway, where Chef Joseph Lenn offers an upscale Southern dining experience, to the casual allure of Sweet P’s Barbeque & Downtown Dive, the city has a venue for every palate.

The Old City boasts gems like OliBea, known for its unforgettable breakfasts, and Knox Mason, celebrating regional ingredients. Along Gay Street, coffee shops and bistros blend seamlessly with establishments that honor the state's whiskey heritage.

Local produce shines at weekly farmers' markets, with the city's commitment to local sourcing evident in menus across town.

As craft beer grows in popularity, breweries like Alliance Brewing Company and Elkmont Exchange underline Knoxville’s embrace of innovative flavors, all while maintaining a distinct Tennessee touch.

Memphis vs Knoxville: Family Friendliness

I've been to Memphis and walked downtown. I live in Nashville and have two young kids. I believe that Nashville is more family-friendly. Here's why:

Safer. By any metric, Nashville is safer. Memphis is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
More family-friendly attractions. There's the GRAMMY Gallery, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and more. I wrote a whole guide on family-friendly Nashville attractions here.
More open spaces, parks, events, and activities. Nashville is just bigger.

If you plan to take your kids to Memphis, here are some activities I recommend:

Peabody Hotel. It's a blast for kids to watch the procession of the ducks.
Memphis Zoo.
Big River Crossing. Lots of families enjoy the walk over the Mississippi.

Knoxville is considered very safe (safer than Memphis!). In the downtown area, unlike Memphis, you won't find many homeless people, drunks or beggars.

Winner for Family Friendliness: Knoxville

Getting to Knoxville

The first thing you need to know is that Knoxville and Memphis are on opposite ends of the state of Tennessee. It depends on where you are coming from unless you plan to fly directly to the location.

The driving distance between Knoxville and Memphis is 6 hours, with Nashville in between.

If you are driving from the East, Knoxville is the closest. If driving in from the West, Memphis will be the first stop.

Of course, there are flights to each location, so none of the above matters if you plan to fly.

Must-See Knoxville Attractions

Downtown Knoxville

The arts and culture are alive and well in downtown Knoxville. Strolling down the city center, you'll find museums, galleries, performance venues, and regular street festivals. The undisputed heart of downtown is Market Square, lined with bars and restaurants. Learn more here.

The Sunsphere

This iconic structure stands 26 stories tall and was constructed for the 1982 World Fair. It's one of only two structures that remain from that event. A 5 dollar charge will take you to the top of the observation deck, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the city. Learn more here.

The Great Smokey Mountains National Park

Travel through the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg tourist town and arrive in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. You'll find miles of hiking trails, mountain streams, and incredible waterfalls.

Historical Homes

You should tour some historic homes to understand how Knoxville went from a rough frontier settlement to a state capital.

James White was the founder of Knoxville, who settled in the 1780s. Today, White's first home still stands and offers a glimpse into the daily existence of the early settlers to the region.

The oldest home and museum belonged to William Blount. Blount was appointed by George Washington to govern the southwest territory. He was also a signer of the Constitution. The Blount mansion is a must-visit when coming to Knoxville.

Knoxville Museums

The Museum of East Tennessee History is open 7 days a week and tells the stories of the people who have called this area home over the centuries. There are interactive, permanent displays that deeply dive into what makes this region what it is today. Learn more here.

Knoxville Museum of Art at World Fair Park. This space showcases all art forms, majorly highlighting the East Tennessee region. Expect to see rotating exhibits and permanent collections such as Higher Ground and Currents. The Thorne Rooms and the Glass of the Avant-Garde won't disappoint for glass art lovers. There's no entrance fee, so budget isn't an issue.

McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture

Here, you'll find collections detailing local geology, the ancient history of native cultures, and Civil War relics, among others. You can also learn about international cultures and the universe beyond our world.

The Museum of Appalachia

This is one of the best museums dedicated to southern culture. Massive collection of artifacts, restored buildings, and exhibits. From cabins and schoolhouses to folk art and musical instruments, you'll better understand rural America. You can even enjoy a stroll through the farm where heritage animals roam.

Lake Knoxville

Incredibly, Knoxville has 9 significant lakes surrounding it. They are a short, easy drive from the downtown area.

Knoxville Accommodation

We recommend staying in downtown Knoxville as the base of your visit. The Tennessean and the Marriot have over 400 rooms available, and both overlook the downtown area.

The Oliver is located on Market Square and has been renovated. It is known for its southern charm and has all the expected amenities. It is housed in a restored 1876 building that was once the home of the Oliver Hardware Company. The hotel has 28 rooms and suites, all of which have been decorated in a modern, yet elegant style. The rooms feature handcrafted furniture, original local artwork, and luxurious amenities. Learn more here.
The Tennessean Hotel offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and the Governor's Suite. All of the rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a number of amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, a business center, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of downtown Knoxville. Learn more here.

Getting to Memphis

Memphis lies in the far western corner of the state, bordering Arkansas and Mississippi.

Suppose your starting point is somewhere in the eastern U.S., such as Atlanta or Charlotte. In that case, you'll find that Memphis is a longer drive than eastern Tennessee cities like Knoxville. You'll need to budget for approximately 6-7 hours of travel time from these locations.

Coming from a western U.S. direction, for example, from places like Dallas or Little Rock, Memphis is conveniently situated. The city will likely be your first major stop in Tennessee.

Flying directly to Memphis is also a viable option. The city is serviced by the Memphis International Airport, a medium-sized airport with flights from major airlines. This option eliminates the need for long driving hours, especially if you're traveling from far-flung areas.

Must-See Memphis Attractions

Beale Street

Beale Street is the nightlife center of Memphis and is home to bars, restaurants, history, and entertainment. During the day you can walk the street, get a drink and food.

At night, you can see a whole new atmosphere. There are street performers and live music. I find it more laid back than Lower Broadway in Nashville. I wrote a guide to Beale Street called 5 Incredible Reasons that Beale Street can't be missed.

Peabody Ducks

This is a quirky part of Memphis. It's been a long-standing tradition that ducks stay in the Lobby of the Peabody Hotel during the day. Every morning, they parade from the hotel roof where they live down and back to the Lobby in the morning and evening.

They are led down by a “Duck Master” from the elevator to the fountain in the Lobby on a red carpet. You can stay in the hotel (as I have). Learn more about it here.

Lorraine Motel Memphis — Lorraine Motel, Part of the National Civil Right Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis has done a fantastic job preserving the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King Jnr. was assassinated. They have added the Civil Rights Museum to the hotel.

It allows you to get up close and personal with the room and balcony where King was killed. It's a solemn and sacred place.

The museum is a must-visit if you are in Memphis.

Graceland

Graceland was Elvis Presley's home in Memphis. The sprawling property allows guests to visit and see how The King had it decorated when he lived there.

You can get an audio tour on an iPad that tells you about the rooms as you're looking at them. The museums on the property allow you to see his cars, stage outfits, and records.

They even display two of his planes, and you can walk into each one.

Sun Studios

This small studio was the first to record Elvis, where Johnny Cash recorded many hits.

The studio is open for guided tours and takes you through memorabilia and photos of its history.

You can view the recording equipment and take photos with the microphone used to record the famous songs.

Stax Museum

The Stax Museum sits in the exact location that the Stax Recording Studio once did. You'll learn all about the history of soul music and how Stax helped many famous artists in the genre to flourish.

The recording studio recorded greats like Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding, to name a couple.

Big River Crossing

The Big River Crossing is your chance to walk across the Mississippi River. It's almost a mile across, and you'll be walking between Tennessee and Arkansas as you walk across it. It has excellent views of the city. Many families enjoy this outdoor spot.

Bass Pro Shop

The Bass Pro Shop is an epic, multi-level retail center with fishing, shopping, a restaurant, candy, live alligators, and more. It's incredible.

There is also a hotel inside that faces the Bass Pro Shop from above.

You can pay to go to the top balcony, which has a restaurant and terrace that you can walk on.

Best Hotels in Memphis

All the following hotels are centrally located to all the major Memphis attractions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Best hotel for families	ARRIVE Memphis – Marco Island, an IHG Hotel
💏 Best hotel for couples	Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis Germantown
🏢 Best hotel for work trips	Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis
🥂Best luxurious, high-end hotel	The Guest House at Graceland
💵 Best budget Hotel	Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Wolfchase Galleria

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Knoxville Bigger?

Memphis is larger than Knoxville in terms of population and land area. As of the last census, Memphis, located in southwest Tennessee, has a significantly higher population count and encompasses a greater metropolitan expanse compared to Knoxville in the eastern part of the state.

Why is Knoxville Tennessee so Popular?

Knoxville, Tennessee is popular for its rich history, proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, vibrant cultural scene, the University of Tennessee, and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Its blend of urban and natural attractions appeals to both residents and visitors.

Why do people love Knoxville?

People love Knoxville for its friendly community, scenic beauty, diverse cultural events, affordable cost of living, and its balance of urban amenities with easy access to outdoor activities. The city's unique southern charm and eclectic vibe make it a desirable place to live and visit.

Should you move to Knoxville?

Moving to Knoxville can be a great choice for those seeking a balance of urban life and natural beauty, a lower cost of living, a strong sense of community, and diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. However, as with any relocation, individual preferences and circumstances should be considered.