10 Ways to Save Money in Memphis

The Sun Studio Shuttle is a free public bus that takes you to Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Graceland, and Sun Studio. It runs almost hourly every day, making it one of the most convenient ways of getting around 3 of Memphis’ most popular music landmarks.

The Sun Studio Shuttle’s drop-off/pick-up point is directly in front of Sun Studio, with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. While the shuttle is complimentary for Sun Studio visitors, note that there are entry fees to explore the attractions. You should carry some cash to tip your friendly driver, too, and it’s a good idea to check the shuttle schedule for any changes.

Many of Memphis’ museums and landmarks have days or times when you can visit for free. It might need a bit of researching, but you’ll save quite a lot in the long run. Tennessee residents can enjoy free admission to Memphis Zoo on Tuesday afternoons, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 7 pm, and the National Civil Rights Museum on Mondays from 3 pm onwards.

If you’re not a local, there are pay-what-you-can days to look out for – visit Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on Wednesdays from 10 am to 8 pm, or the Dixon Gallery and Gardens on Tuesdays from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Memphis Trolley has 3 routes that take you to different parts of the city for a base fare of about $1. The Main Street Line stops near prominent hotels and landmarks such as Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum and the South Main Arts District. Trolleybuses on this line usually operate every 12 minutes.

The Riverfront Shuttle Line is a 2.6-mile-long loop that offers a scenic view of the Mississippi River, while the Madison Avenue Shuttle Line takes you along Madison Avenue in Midtown Memphis. Day passes are available for better value for money.

The Mud Island River Park offers a wide range of activities for families in Memphis. One of its most popular features is the free Riverwalk, a scale replica of the Lower Mississippi River. Spanning roughly 5 city blocks, it’s marked with miniature cities, bridges and historic landmarks found between Cairo in Illinois and the river estuary south of New Orleans. There’s also a pool that represents the Gulf of Mexico.

The Mud Island River Park also has an amphitheatre that hosts live concerts, mainly in the summer. Check out the twice-monthly Soulin’ on the River for performances by up-and-coming soul musicians of Memphis. A Vibe on the Island takes place every month, showcasing different genres to keep things interesting.

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens combines art and horticulture with an extensive collection of world-class artworks. You can explore around 17 acres of English-style gardens, which are decorated with classical sculptures. Its permanent collection of over 2,000 objects includes late 19^th-century Impressionist paintings by Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Berthe Morisot, along with 18th-century German and English porcelain.

Tickets to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens cost around $7 but visit on a Saturday (10 am to noon) to enjoy free admission. The gallery also has a pay-what-you-can policy on Tuesdays. You can find the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in East Memphis, just 0.3 miles south of the Memphis Botanic Garden.

Big River Crossing stretches nearly 1 mile across the Mississippi River, making it one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the USA. This protected pathway on Harahan Bridge connects Downtown Memphis and Arkansas, giving you spectacular views of the river and the city skyline throughout the day.

You can walk or ride your bike across the bridge. If you need to rest afterwards, there’s a covered patio with benches, picnic tables and bike racks at the Arkansas end of the crossing. Big River Crossing hosts a light show from dusk until 10 pm – more than 100,000 LED lights produce impressive patterns to commemorate holidays and special events.

Elmwood Cemetery dates back to 1852, making the first rural garden cemetery in the South. The 80-acre cemetery is the final resting place of 85,000 Memphians, many of whom were military veterans, civil rights leaders, and Blues singers. You’re free to explore the lush grounds – must-sees include the 19^th-century Phillips Cottage (Elmwood’s visitor centre and office) and the Gothic Victorian Lord's Chapel.

Elmwood Cemetery is also the official Bird Sanctuary and Arboretum of Memphis. Look for a shaded spot in Miller Garden to rest and enjoy views of blooming azaleas, hydrangeas, lilies, ferns, as well as ginkgo, oak, and maple trees.

Levitt Shell is an open-air amphitheatre in Overton Park, hosting more than 50 free concerts every year. It’s also historically significant, as this is where Elvis Presley performed his first paid concert back in 1954.

The amphitheatre has lawn seating available on a first-come-first-served basis, as well as bench seats that are reserved for the physically challenged. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair if you’re planning a visit to Levitt Shell. You can find food trucks at the Shell Eats community area, while drinks are available at the Levitt Shell Bar. You can bring your own food if you’re catching the Orion Free Music Concert Series.