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Elvis may very well have left the building, but if there’s one place his spirit is alive and kicking in full musical force it’s Memphis Tennessee. His face, his name, his music – everywhere you turn the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll still lives. And a visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring one or two of these famed Elvis Presley Memphis spots.
It takes a special kind of star to continue to draw people to a place, nearly 40 years after their death. Memphis honors Elvis in every second beat of this incredibly musical city, and rightly so.
The man, although with faults like the best of us, was a proud ambassador of the city he called home. It seems the least Memphians feel they can do is return the favor.
Elvis in Memphis
Elvis was actually born a couple hours south of Memphis is the small town of Tupelo, Mississippi. His parents were not well off and you can still see the home where he was born there today – keep reading for more on that.
But it was at the age of 13 that a young Elvis moved to Memphis with his family. Drawn towards all types and styles of music emanating from every corner of the city, he brought parts of each into his music…and it was a hit. The rest, is history.
Today Memphis is a great place to visit, not only for Elvis fans, but for anyone who loves good music and good food. It’s also a solid choice of a city for those who like to travel on a budget.
Top Elvis Presley Memphis locations
Elvis is everywhere – the omnipresent son of Memphis, TN has history all over the city. The sound of his hits pours out of bars, restaurants and stores like subliminal messaging aimed to make you fall in love with the King even if you weren’t already.
You thought Vegas had the monopoly on Elvis, well think again. Welcome to Memphis, Tennessee. And here are some of the best places in the city to find him.
Elvis’ Childhood Home
When Elvis and his family moved to Memphis, they set up home in this apartment, which is still standing today. Moderate housing it might have been, but it was a palace compared to Elvis’ family home in Tupelo.
Here, Elvis had his own room and more space than his family had had before. There are a number of tours like this one from Backbeat Tours which will take you past the house, or you can walk there yourself from downtown. If you’re staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel like I did, it’s right across the street.
TOP TIP: For a truly unique experience why not spend the night in Elvis’ apartment #328, and sleep in his childhood bedroom.
Lansky’s Tailor at the Peabody Hotel
Lansky Bros. is a Memphis staple. Since 1946 they have created luxurious threads for the cream of Memphis society. They have now moved a couple blocks from the original location to the Peabody Hotel, where you can visit – and shop. Get a retro shirt fit for the King, or a souvenir to take home.
As a kid, first visiting Memphis, then later living here, Elvis would stand and stare through the window at the flashy, bright colored clothing he couldn’t afford. One day, meeting the owner, he told him that he would be famous and buy him out.
Mr. Lansky replied “why not just visit and buy from me”. Lansky became the clothier of the King, and was responsible for some of Elvis’ most inspirational and recognizable outfits.
Sun Studio
This is where Elvis’ first ever recording was released back in 1954. While not the easiest place to get to compared to some of the Elvis Presley Memphis sights, it’s worth it to get an up close look at where Elvis worked so hard to achieve his fame.
Take a tour of the studios – starting every hour from 10:30am they are first come first served. See where Elvis recorded that first hit, and explore lots of Rock’n’roll memorabilia on display here.
TOP TIP: If you’re renting a car for a day around Memphis (highly recommended for those fun day trips), Sun Studio is only a couple minutes away from Enterprise along Union Avenue.
Overton Park
If you can believe there was once a time when the name Elvis was not known at all. That all changed one hot July day in 1954 when a young Elvis took to the stage of a Hillbilly Hoedown at the Overton Park amphitheater. Although, they credited him as Ellis Presley, this was the first paid concert Elvis ever performed.
A nervous Elvis started shaking as he performed and the crowd (mostly the girls) went wild. Thinking he did something wrong he asked the manager what he’d done? The manager replied, “Whatever it is, get back out there and do it again”.
Concerts are still performed here, or you can go stand in a spot in front of the stage and imagine what it was like to watch the first live performance of Elvis Presley all those years ago.
The Arcade Restaurant
Even non-Elvis fans must make this a foodie stop on your tour of Memphis. The Arcade, the oldest café in Memphis, is an institution. Started in 1919, this diner style restaurant – complete with colorful leather booths, swivel stools at the bar, and a menu to drool over – brings the Fifties to present day.
Get there early or visit during the week as it does get busy. Get there shortly after it opens at 7am and fuel up for a day of exploring, starting with the National Civil Rights Museum which is just a couple minute walk away.
PRO TIP: Head over for a late lunch and grab the Elvis special, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. Make sure to hunt out the Elvis booth to sit in if you’re going to order that – last booth along the left side of the restaurant.
Elvis Statue
Most people flock to Beale street for the blues music that oozes between the neon lights of the party capital of Memphis. But just before you get to the busiest part of the street, there’s a certain someone looking over the area in a signature pose.
The Elvis statue can be found on Beale between South Main and South 2nd Street. You can almost hear him belting out one of his popular hits when you look at it.
Beale Street Walk of Fame
Along Beale street it’s easy to get distracted by all the neon lights that tempt you to keep looking up. But make sure to look down too, as you’ll find the Beale Street Walk of Fame musical notes along the street.
Hidden amongst the names of legendary blues singers and other performers is the name of Elvis Presley. A reminder that the King performed on world famous Beale Street back in the day.
Graceland
You really think I’d forget about Graceland? Of all the Elvis Presley Memphis locations to feel his spirit alive and well, this is it. Like Disneyland for Rock ’n’ roll fans, a trip to Graceland is imperative – if nothing else than to explore the opulent lifestyle of the King himself.
Every room is decorated more creatively than the last. Really get to peek into the home life of Mr. Elvis Presley and his family, then walk through the museum, his car collection and even his private planes. If you ever wondered what it was like to be Elvis, Graceland may give you an inkling.
PRO TIP: You may balk at the prices, but don’t cheap out – go for the ticket that includes the mansion, you won’t regret it.
Further Afield – Tupelo, MS
It’s not just the Elvis Presley Memphis locations you need to check out. Make sure to look further afield to neighboring Mississippi. Mississippi is the home of the blues, and the Blues Trail is a US bucket list item worth exploring. It’s also where Elvis first got into music.
Elvis’ humble beginnings are no more understood than his childhood home here in Tupelo, MS. If you can believe this small house once held the Presley family of 5 in its two rooms.
The house is now very rightly a museum dedicated to its most famous resident. The Elvis Presley Birthplace museum also has the church where Elvis and his family worshipped during his childhood years here in Tupelo.
PRO TIP: Rent a car for the day – Tupelo is less than 2 hours from Memphis and a very easy drive. Or book a tour which will take you there and back without the hassle of driving.
Elvis is everywhere in Memphis, TN
As a hometown hero, you won’t be able to go far in Memphis without bumping into numerous reminders of the King himself. Die-hard fan or casual listener, there’s no denying the impact this man had on music – back in the Fifties and still today.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Memphis without checking out a local haunt of Mr. Presley, and following in the footsteps of a Rock’n’roll legend. Memphis is very much a musical city and a real special place to visit. Elvis certainly thought so.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Are you a big Elvis fan? Which of these Elvis Presley Memphis locations do you most want to check out?
I’ve been to Memphis a couple times, and always miss seeing the home of Elvis. This looks like such a fun way to spend the day. I’m impressed you even mentioned the Tupelo house here. I didn’t know about it until a few years ago when visiting family. Thanks for sharing a great article.
This is so cool, I’d love to take my dad to some of these for upcoming Father’s Day!
Wow, I had no idea there were so many famous locales for Elvis Presley in Memphis – definitely need to make a stop here on my next trip! Thanks for sharing some of the history of each place too.
Loved our visit to Graceland a few years ago. I was surprised to find how moving it was. Thanks for the guide as it will add more activities for us next time we’re there!
When I went to Memphis, I didn’t have much time to go to all the Elvis stops, but we did see his home from the street and eat at The Arcade! Would love to do more of the things on this list next time.
Memphis is one of the stops on our USA road trip so we will now definitely go to the Elvis’ statue, Walk of Fame and the Arcade Restaurant! Thank you for much for these recommendations.
I have never even visited Memphis, much less than eight Elvis Presley stops in the city. You did your research. The century-old restaurant sounds fun!
This is really something that my partner would love! fantastic guide and so many cool stories to read! I hope one day I can visit myself and have this music experience!
Memphis seems like such a cool city, and I’d love to visit to learn more about Elvis! I’d love to visit Graceland, especially at Christmastime, because I hear it’s beautifully decorated. Thanks for sharing this fun guide!
I have to admit – Overturn Park and the Walk of Fame Street are my favourites off this list. The colours, the vibe, your photos – all are just incredible! Hope to visit Memphis one day 🙂
I am an Elvis fan and this made great reading. I had heard about his impoverished early life and how he moved the Memphis but never realised he lived in an apartment block there.
Fried peanut butter and banana sandwich …. yum, yes please – two of my favourite foods together!
The post contains lots of good info on where the sites actually are and the pcs give a great impression of what they and the city looks like,
It’s fab that although the King has gone his music and legacy in Tennessee still remains. Great post
What a fun day! I grew up with a mother who LOVED Elvis Presley. So I know every song, was give a PB and banana sandwich everyday, heard his movies being played on weekend reruns, and so on. Even my sister’s name is Lisa Marie. So, this would be a bit of nostalgia for me.
This is so cool! Always wanted to visit Memphis one day and guess I am adding Elvis to the list.
I’m not a huge Elvis fan, but I don’t know much about him – this seems like a great way to get to know about him. What a great way to spend a day!
Agree with all of the previous comments. An excellent guide and I loved reading all the stories behind the places and their connection to Elvis. Isn’t there a new movie out in cinemas about his life? I have to confess I’m not his biggest fan of his music but I can appreciate his legacy and when a hometown embraces his spirit. Liverpool is a bit the same with The Beatles.
This is such a fun time! Although I’m not as big of a Elvis fan as one can be, I still think it’d be cool to visit some of these spots and see how they’ve been influenced by the King!
I have been to Memphis a few times and I have been to those locations but a new one that should be listed is the Tigerman Dojo and museum the karate studio where Elvis trained at it’s only a couple of miles down the road from Graceland so everybody going to Memphis put that one on your must see list.
Thanks for the extra suggestion, and that makes it easier that it’s close to Graceland too