How to enjoy Memphis without breaking the bank

05.03.2024 - 08:47 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

Looking for a fun-filled city break that won’t break the bank? Then Memphis has you covered. With a non-stop schedule of free festivals – 200 of which are located in the highly walkable downtown area – there’s never a dull moment in the Bluff City. 

Throw into the mix a plethora of low-cost but high-quality restaurants , easy transport links, a recently unveiled bike-share network, plus some outstanding live music, and you've got the ingredients for an exceptional city break on the cheap. 

The main stumbling block for budget-conscious travelers tends to be the cost of hotels during major festivals, but with a little careful planning, you can easily score some deals. Here are some fun, cheap ways to experience Memphis.

Memphis is Tennessee’s most popular train destination, so arriving by rail is a breeze. There are 19 separate train routes, including non-stop services from  Chicago and New Orleans . Fares to Memphis Central Station start at about $50; from there, it’s a stroll or trolley ride downtown.

Memphis’ central location means that 85% of the country is within an eight-hour drive of the city. Greyhound also has a sprawling network of routes that stop in Memphis from most major cities across the country.

For those flying internationally, cheap airfares are no secret; it's just about booking your ticket far in advance. Check if flying into Nashville and then jumping on a Greyhound bus (3.75 hours, from $47) could shave some money off your journey.

Memphis International Airport is located on the city’s outskirts, around 12 miles from downtown, so ride-sharing services and taxis are a quick fix. But if time is on your side, the bus journey costs just $2, taking line 28 to downtown. You can also ask if your hotel offers a free shuttle service.  

Music is the magnet that draws visitors to Memphis, but visiting its many storied museums adds up. A smart way to keep costs down is by purchasing combined tickets. Twin the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum with the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum for an $19 admission cost, saving $3 on the total ticket prices.

For $105, the Memphis Backstage Pass provides access to four of the city’s most popular attractions – Graceland Mansion , Sun Studio , Stax Museum and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. The pass is 20% off the total ticket prices.

On the last Friday of each month, Memphis’ South Main district springs to life with the city’s longest-running street festival. The area’s vibrant independent businesses keep their doors open until late, so grab a cold drink and duck into the stores and galleries for an evening of merriment.

You’ll be serenaded by musicians playing on street corners as you weave through the neighborhoods . South Main also has a free