How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Memphis, Tennessee, United States

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How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Memphis, Tennessee, United States

1. Beale Street

Famous blues district with overpriced clubs and souvenir shops. Enjoy the music outside and explore nearby attractions.
  • Live Music Outside: Enjoy the street music for free rather than paying high cover charges inside clubs.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Visit nearby attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum or Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
  • Avoid Souvenir Shops: Buy souvenirs elsewhere in Memphis to save money.

2. Graceland

Elvis Presley's estate attracts crowds and long lines. Purchase tickets online for a more efficient visit.
  • Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can save time in lines.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit early or late to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Opt for self-guided audio tours to move at your own pace and save money.

3. The Peabody Memphis Ducks Parade

A daily spectacle of ducks marching in the hotel lobby. Watch for free outside or skip it if you're short on time.
  • Watch Outside: Watch the parade from the street to avoid entry fees and crowded lobbies.
  • Time Management: If short on time, you can choose to skip it entirely.
  • Hotel Gift Shop: Avoid the overpriced gift shop if possible.

4. Sun Studio

Tourist trap due to high prices and long lines. Research off-peak hours for a more enjoyable visit.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Opt for a self-guided audio tour to move at your own pace and save money.
  • Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can save time in lines.

5. Memphis Zoo

Crowded and overpriced attractions within the zoo. Focus on less popular exhibits or visit during off-peak hours.
  • Less Popular Exhibits: Visit lesser-known exhibits for a more peaceful experience.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Bring Snacks and Water: Bring your own snacks and water to save money on food inside the zoo.

6. Memphis Pyramid (Museum of Dreams and Science)

Overpriced attraction with long lines. Consider skipping or research alternative attractions nearby.
  • Skip or Alternative Attractions: Research alternative attractions in the area for a more budget-friendly experience.
  • Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can save time in lines.
  • Group Discounts: Check for group discounts if traveling with a larger party.

7. Central Gardens Historic District

Touristy neighborhood with overpriced restaurants and shops. Find cheaper eats and bargains nearby.
  • Find Cheaper Eats: Explore surrounding areas for more affordable food options.
  • Avoid Overpriced Shops: Buy souvenirs elsewhere in Memphis to save money.
  • Free Walking Tours: Take a free walking tour of the district to learn its history without guided tours.

8. The Memphis Cotton Museum

Often overlooked but provides valuable insights into Memphis' cotton industry. Plan a visit during off-peak hours.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Opt for a self-guided audio tour to move at your own pace and save money.
  • Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can save time in lines.

9. Mud Island River Park

Overpriced and often crowded attraction with a model river. Enjoy the outdoor areas for free.
  • Outdoor Areas: Enjoy the park's outdoor spaces for free.
  • Avoid River Model: Skip the river model if you wish to save money.
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.

10. Mud Island River Park's Mississippi River Museum

Expensive and often overlooked museum in Mud Island River Park. Research alternative museums for a more budget-friendly experience.
  • Skip or Alternative Attractions: Research alternative attractions in the area for a more budget-friendly experience.
  • Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can save time in lines.
  • Group Discounts: Check for group discounts if traveling with a larger party.

11. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Worthwhile museum with high ticket prices. Check for discounts and visit during off-peak hours.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can save time in lines.
  • Discounts and Promos: Check for discounts, promotions, or package deals when purchasing tickets.

12. Memphis Grizzlies Game

Expensive tickets and food at FedExForum. Plan ahead for affordable options.
  • Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase tickets in advance to get a better deal.
  • Bring Snacks and Water: Bring your own snacks and water to save money on food inside the stadium.
  • Group Discounts: Check for group discounts if traveling with a larger party.

13. Memphis Trolley Tour

Expensive tour with limited value. Research alternative ways to explore the city.
  • Skip or Alternative Attractions: Research alternative attractions in the area for a more budget-friendly experience.
  • Free Walking Tours: Take a free walking tour of Memphis to learn its history without guided tours.
  • Public Transportation: Use the city's public transportation system for an affordable way to explore Memphis.

14. Memphis Riverboats Dinner Cruise

Overpriced dinner cruise with long lines. Consider alternative river experiences.
  • Alternative River Experiences: Research alternative river experiences, such as kayaking or paddleboating.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Bring Snacks and Water: Bring your own snacks and water to save money on food inside the boat.

15. Beale Street Music Festival

Expensive event with overpriced food and drinks. Plan ahead for affordable options.
  • Bring Snacks and Water: Bring your own snacks and water to save money on food inside the festival.
  • Off-Peak Hours Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Group Discounts: Check for group discounts if traveling with a larger party.