Beale Street Historic District Memphis
Memphis's iconic Beale Street: a neon-lit mecca of live blues, R&B, and soul music with a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street comes alive with music
Beale Street Historic District Memphis
Best Time
Street comes alive with music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Memphis's iconic Beale Street: a neon-lit mecca of live blues, R&B, and soul music with a rich history.
"The people were friendly and the venues were eclectic. We had a great time."
🎶 Cover Charges Apply
Many venues have cover charges, especially on weekends. Check ahead or be prepared to pay to enter some clubs.
🚶♀️ Walk the Main Drag
Even if you don't go into every bar, walking the street and enjoying the atmosphere is a must-do.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Blues Music
Various venues along Beale Street
Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of live blues music emanating from iconic clubs and bars.
BB King's Blues Club
103 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Experience legendary performances and delicious food at this iconic club dedicated to the King of the Blues.
Neon-Lit Atmosphere
Entire Beale Street district
Stroll down the street and soak in the vibrant, neon-drenched atmosphere that defines Beale Street.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on Beale Street
Navigating Beale Street's Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎶 Cover Charges Apply
Many venues have cover charges, especially on weekends. Check ahead or be prepared to pay to enter some clubs.
🚶♀️ Walk the Main Drag
Even if you don't go into every bar, walking the street and enjoying the atmosphere is a must-do.
🍔 Foodie Finds
From ribs to soul food, Beale Street offers diverse dining options. Blues City and BB King's are popular choices.
🏍️ Bike Nights on Wednesdays
Experience a unique vibe with motorcycle enthusiasts gathering on Beale Street on Wednesday nights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎶 Cover Charges Apply
Many venues have cover charges, especially on weekends. Check ahead or be prepared to pay to enter some clubs.
🚶♀️ Walk the Main Drag
Even if you don't go into every bar, walking the street and enjoying the atmosphere is a must-do.
🍔 Foodie Finds
From ribs to soul food, Beale Street offers diverse dining options. Blues City and BB King's are popular choices.
🏍️ Bike Nights on Wednesdays
Experience a unique vibe with motorcycle enthusiasts gathering on Beale Street on Wednesday nights.
🍻 Drink Responsibly
Outside alcohol is not permitted. Enjoy the local offerings, but be mindful of your consumption.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beale Street offers a vibrant nightlife with a strong emphasis on live blues music and a historic atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the energetic vibe, diverse music venues, and classic Memphis food. However, some find it can be crowded and expensive, with cover charges being a common point of consideration.
"It was okay, nothing exciting, but was also there on a Thursday night so I'm sure that makes a difference.
I do recommend going and experiencing it though! Plenty of places to pop in have a drink or something to eat as well."
Dorene Jacobson
"After our Graceland tour we decided to hit Beale Street. Highlight was stopping into BB King’s Blues Bar and listening to live music. The food was good and the ribs were the best I’d had."
Julie Fluegel
"Had a great time! The people were friendly and the venues were eclectic. We had a great time."
Daniel Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beale Street is located in downtown Memphis. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available, and ride-sharing services are a convenient choice.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages and lots surrounding Beale Street. Rates can vary, so it's good to check prices before you park. Some visitors opt for street parking if available.
Absolutely! The Main Street Trolley is a charming way to explore downtown Memphis, including a stop at Beale Street. It's a scenic and historic way to travel.
Beale Street is very walkable, and exploring on foot is the best way to experience its vibrant atmosphere and pop into different venues.
Besides walking, the Main Street Trolley is a great option for exploring other downtown areas. Ride-sharing services are also readily available for longer distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Beale Street itself is often free before a certain time, typically around 9 PM. However, many individual clubs and venues will have cover charges, especially on weekends and during special events.
The street is generally accessible at all hours, but the bars and clubs typically operate from late afternoon until around 2 AM. Live music schedules vary by venue.
While some smaller venues might have no cover, most popular clubs like BB King's Blues Club will have a cover charge for live music performances. It's best to check individual venue websites for details.
Yes, sometimes there are free events or performances, especially on weeknights or during specific city-wide celebrations like 901 Day.
No, outside alcohol is not permitted on Beale Street. You'll need to purchase beverages from the establishments along the street.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Beale Street is world-renowned for its live blues music, but you'll also find R&B, soul, rock, and jazz performances across its many venues.
Popular recommendations include BB King's Blues Club, Silky O'Sullivan's Irish Pub, Rum Boogie Cafe, and Blues City. Each offers a unique atmosphere and live music.
For a great meal, consider Blues City for ribs or BB King's Blues Club for soul food. Many other establishments offer a variety of cuisines.
Beale Street is generally safe, especially when events are happening, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night.
You can explore unique shops, enjoy diverse food and drink options, and soak in the historic atmosphere. There are also occasional special events like bike nights.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic neon signs, the historic street signs, and the vibrant crowds. The entrance to BB King's and the brass notes embedded in the sidewalk are also great photo opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in urban areas. It's best to check with local authorities or the Beale Street management before flying a drone.
For the iconic neon glow, evening and nighttime are best. For capturing the street's architecture and daytime buzz, late afternoon can be ideal.
Don't miss the statues of blues legends, the brass notes embedded in the sidewalk (like ZZ Top's), and the vibrant murals.
Focus on the performers, the audience's engagement, and the stage lighting. Be mindful of low-light conditions and consider using a camera with good low-light performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours or early evening before the more adult-focused atmosphere takes over. The Main Street Trolley is also a fun, family-friendly activity that can connect you to Beale Street.
💰 Budget Travelers
While many bars have cover charges, you can still enjoy the vibrant atmosphere by walking the street and listening to music that might spill out from open doorways. Consider having a meal at a more casual spot or splitting dishes to save money.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Memphis Music
+1Many of the venues are steeped in history, paying homage to legends like B.B. King, W.C. Handy, and Muddy Waters. Walking down the street, you can almost feel the echoes of the past. The iconic neon signs and the constant thrum of music create an immersive experience that transports you to another era. It's a place where music isn't just played; it's lived and breathed.
Beyond the blues, Beale Street has also hosted a variety of other genres and special events. From rock legends to hip-hop artists, the street has seen it all. Events like 901 Day and the Midsouth Pride Parade showcase the diverse cultural tapestry of Memphis, drawing large crowds and creating unforgettable moments.
Navigating Beale Street: Tips from the Community
Food recommendations are plentiful, with Blues City and BB King's Blues Club frequently mentioned for their ribs and soul food. For those looking for a more relaxed vibe, visiting on a weeknight can mean fewer crowds and a more intimate musical experience.
Safety is also a common topic. While generally considered safe, especially during events, being aware of your surroundings is always advised. The presence of large events, like those associated with the FedExForum, often contributes to a safer atmosphere.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit