Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Memphis (Shelby County, Tennessee; pop. 633,104) sits at 78 m (256 ft) elevation near Mud Island Park, with regional transit access via Union Planters Airport (1.4 km). Visitors pair Memphis landmarks with signature Tennessee specialties including Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles and Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork.
Within Tennessee, Memphis (Memphis, TN) serves as a major hub city in tennessee. Travelers exploring Tennessee often combine a stop in Memphis with state highlights such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville Broadway Honky-Tonks, Ryman Auditorium & Grand Ole Opry, Memphis Graceland & Beale Street, and Chattanooga.
| Fact | Details for Memphis (Memphis, TN) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Memphis, TN |
| County & Role | Major hub city in Tennessee |
| State & Major Hubs | Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga & Gatlinburg) |
| Population | 633,104 residents |
| Elevation | 78 m (256 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Union Planters Airport (1.4 km) |
| Coordinates | 35.1495°N, 90.0490°W |
Getting to Memphis & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Union Planters Airport (1.4 km)): Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis Airport (MEM), Knoxville (TYS) for the Smokies, and I-40/I-65/I-24.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into BNA Nashville & MEM Memphis Airports + Amtrak City of New Orleans? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Memphis includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Memphis (Tennessee)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Memphis (Shelby County, Tennessee), local tables feature: Signature Tennessee dishes—Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles, Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork, and Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Memphis and across Tennessee, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Tennessee: Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Memphis (Tennessee), look for: Local specialties across Tennessee: Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Tennessee dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Memphis (pop. 633,104), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Shelby County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 78 m (256 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Union Planters Airport (1.4 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Mud Island Park (0.9 km) · Elvis Presley Memorial Park (1.1 km) · Hernando-DeSoto Bridge (1.4 km) · Harahan Bridge (3.3 km) · Frisco Bridge (3.4 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Lauderdale Courts, Greenlaw, Hunt Village, Foote Homes, Dixie Homes
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- West Memphis, AR (12.3 km)
- Woodstock, TN (15.0 km)
- Marion, AR (15.2 km)
- Bartlett, TN (17.0 km)
- Southaven, MS (18.2 km)
Regional Specialties Across Tennessee
- Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Memphis
Best time to visit Tennessee: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Memphis exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Memphis; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Memphis (Memphis, TN) located in the United States?
Memphis (Memphis, TN) is a us city in Tennessee, United States (coordinates: 35.1495°N, 90.0490°W, elevation: 78 m (256 ft)). It has a population of approximately 633,104.
How do I get to Memphis by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Memphis via Union Planters Airport (1.4 km). Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis Airport (MEM), Knoxville (TYS) for the Smokies, and I-40/I-65/I-24. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Memphis and Tennessee known for?
In Memphis and across Tennessee, signature regional dishes include Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles, Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork, Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens, as well as Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola and Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Memphis?
Best time to visit Tennessee: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: