Three days is a comfortable amount of time to get a real feel for Memphis. This itinerary is built around well-reviewed tours and experiences, so each day has a clear anchor activity and room to explore on your own.
Quick Answer: How to Spend 3 Days in Memphis
Use day one for the main sights with a guided tour, day two for a scenic or active outing, and day three for food, culture and relaxation. The most popular months for a trip are April to June and September to October.
Day 1: Get Your Bearings
Spend your first day on the main sights. A guided tour is a good way to learn the layout of Memphis and hear the background stories from someone local.
Memphis Mojo Bus Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 1,639 Viator reviews, from about $38 per person. A guided walk or sightseeing tour is a reliable way to get your bearings in Memphis, with a local guide covering the history and the places most visitors want to see. Read our full Memphis Mojo Bus Tour review.
Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour
Rated 4.5/5 from 844 Viator reviews, from about $30 per person. For a relaxed introduction to Memphis, a guided tour like this takes care of the logistics so you can focus on what you are seeing.
Day 2: Get Out and Explore
Day two is the time for something more active or scenic. These are among the best-reviewed outdoor and on-the-water experiences around Memphis.
Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On
Rated 4.6/5 from 1,857 Viator reviews, from about $45 per person. Seeing Memphis from the water is a popular change of pace, and boat, cruise and paddle trips tend to be among the most reviewed experiences here. Read our full Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options review.
Memphis Discovery Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 774 Viator reviews, from about $49 per person. Travelers rate this experience highly, and it is a solid pick for anyone building a trip around Memphis.
Day 3: Local Flavor and Relaxation
Wind down with a more relaxed day built around food, local culture or a lighter experience, leaving time for souvenirs and a final stroll.
Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour
Rated 4.9/5 from 962 Viator reviews, from about $85 per person. If eating well is a priority in Memphis, a guided food or drink experience is a relaxed way to sample the area.
Beale Street Guided Walking Tour in Memphis
Rated 4.8/5 from 195 Viator reviews, from about $22 per person. A guided walk or sightseeing tour is a reliable way to get your bearings in Memphis, with a local guide covering the history and the places most visitors want to see.
Tips for Your 3 Days in Memphis
- Book the tours you care about most first, then fit other plans around them.
- Leave a little breathing room each day, since tours can run longer than expected and weather can change plans.
- Summers are hot and humid, and winters can be cold.
- Reserve popular tours a few days ahead in busy periods such as May (festival season) and Elvis Week in August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Memphis?
Three days is enough to cover the main highlights at a comfortable pace, with a guided tour on each day and some free time. If you like to explore slowly, add a day.
How should I book tours for a 3-day trip?
Choose one main activity for each day and book those first. Check the booking page for free cancellation, start times and pickup points before you commit.
When is the best time to visit Memphis?
Most travelers find April to June and September to October the most comfortable time to visit. See our best time to visit guide for details.
How much will tours cost over 3 days?
Prices for the top-rated tours start from about $22 per person, with mid-range options around $49. Your total depends on which experiences you choose.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings, review counts and prices come from Viator listings checked in October 2026 and may have changed.
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