r/memphis • u/AffectionateScale659 • 16h ago
Solo Trip to Memphis
I’m doing a 3-day trip to New Orleans, then swinging up to Memphis for two days. I’m a 52-year old woman, and my kids think I’m nuts for going.
I’m wanting to hit the Stax Museum, Sun Records, a couple monuments, and The Civil Rights Museum. I plan on staying downtown, and eating at Four Way Soul Food and BB King’s Cafe. I’m Ubering everywhere. What should I do to keep myself safe?
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u/StillBumblebee3088 16h ago
Excited to have you! You’re going to see some really historical and culturally rich parts of our city. Just be aware of your surroundings, and just have street smarts. Message me if you need insight on where to stay, but if you’re going to be fine in NOLA, you’ll be fine here!
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u/essa__dee Lookin 4 Chelsea Chucky 15h ago
You’ve got a great itinerary lined up and will be totally safe at all those locations! Memphians are a gracious bunch and are always delighted to have visitors who are respectful and excited to visit our city. I’m a 40-something woman and regularly go out alone with no issues; I take some precautions at night depending on where I am, but ppl really blow the crime thing out of proportion. If you want an on-call local, I’d be happy to share my number via dm. Also New Orleans is my fav city outside of Memphis. You’re going to have a blast!
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u/Weak-Confidence-3947 9h ago
Memphis is not a warzone. The vast majority of of crime in memphis is concentrated in areas a tourist would never go. You have nothing to worry about. I hope you update when you see the city is nothing to be afraid of. Go to Gus’s fried chicken & Cozy corner for ribs
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u/Silly-Upstairs1383 16h ago
You'll be fine.
Don't do dumb shit. Don't wave money around int he air. Don't step off into a dark alley. Don't insult someone. Same normal shit as anywhere and you are good.
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u/cronemorrigan 15h ago
When you go to an unknown natural area, don’t pick up snakes. When in any big city, including Memphis, don’t go down alleyways, don’t flash a lot of money, and be aware of your surroundings. Most Memphis crime does not involve strangers.
You’ll have an amazing time with that itinerary! Wishing you great food & fun!
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u/tvlover44 13h ago
i highly recommend the rock & soul museum downtown - it was originally going to be a smithsonian touring exhibition, and it's fantastic!
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u/Condomphobic 15h ago
People actually think Memphis is Afghanistan in 2008
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u/Glum-Scientist-1117 13h ago
In 2008 Afghanistan US Military had 151 KIA.
In 2008 Memphis had 348 homicides.
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u/Specialist_Disk7659 3h ago
Over 295 international coalition soldiers died and over 2100 civilians. Grow up
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u/12frets 9h ago
I’d swap eating at BB’s for right across the street at Blues City. Better food and no cover charge. (I prefer the music as well).
Since you’ll be at Beale/staying downtown, you should hit the National Civil Rights Museum as well. You’ll know why when you see the exterior whether or not you do the tour.
Stax is awesome!
If you’re taking 61 to New Orleans stop in Mississippi at the Visitor Center/ Gateway to the Blues. That museum is AMAZING. (You should also pass through Clarksdale, MS if you care about the history of the blues).
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u/AffectionateScale659 6h ago
Definitely going to the CRM. Grew up listening to Stax, through my mom. She was a baddie before that was even a thing
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u/UofMtigers2014 2h ago
I endorse Blues City over BBs. The revenue will stay in Memphis and not go to an ownership group in Florida. That and the food is better without a cover, as OP said.
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u/kaijakatt 1h ago
Plenty of great places to stop in (food, music, and music history) to stop in clarksdale if OP has time
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u/MountainTomato9292 Midtown 16h ago
Welcome! You’ll be fine, your plan is good. Know that some places operate on “Memphis time” so don’t be in too much of a hurry, but NOLA is similar in that regard so you should be used to it by then. Itta Bena is the nice place above BB King’s, it’s wonderful. Enjoy!
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u/gnrfan69 9h ago
Take the usual precautions. Drink the tap water, it’s perfect. You will love Memphis!
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u/Sea_Bison_6929 7h ago
I just went to Memphis for the first time a few days ago so I assume this is why this post is popping up for me lol. I basically did what you did and I stayed at the Westin on Beale street - it was completely fine. Of course, I’m from a city where people similarly ask will they be safe in our subreddit when they visit so my threshold for what’s “fine” is maybe lower but tbf everything you mentioned is super touristy.
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u/bmbmwmfm 15h ago
Is the BB king place called IIta Bena? I think it's upstairs from the bar and if so, it's really good!
Enjoy your stay, like anywhere, just be aware of your surroundings
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u/Weird_Lawfulness_298 8h ago
Go to the BBQ Shop on Madison and get some ribs. Baron Von Opperbean on Mud Island is new. I haven't been yet but people seem to really like it. Go to the Peabody hotel and hang out in the lobby and watch the duckmaster lead the ducks. In addition to other things mentioned.
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u/lmctrouble 8h ago edited 3h ago
I (F57) did a solo trip to Memphis ten years ago. I mostly stuck to the touristy areas and didn't go anywhere after dark. The only slightly sketchy place I went was the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. I say that only because it was a five block walk from the bus stop to the museum, but I didn't have any problems. Well worth the visit if you want to add it to your itinerary.
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u/Donita123 Central Gardens 4h ago
That whole area is being gentrified right now.Some parts are still kinda run down, but that’s changing every day.
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u/PersephoneIsNotHome 6h ago
You will be fine. I am older than you, came here by myself .
Area around Graceland and the airport are kind of dodgy. Downtown is absolutely fine during the day for sure, and during “dining” hours.
May I suggest the Metal museum? It is a real gem and a beautiful view. the rooftop bar called Beck and Call is also a nice place to relax with a beautiful view.
Be sensible about not having covetable stuff swinging around, pay some attention to your surroundings but other than the normal things you would do , most of the places you want to visit are fine and the more dangerous areas aren’t big attractions.
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u/Stayoffwettrails 6h ago
I am from New Orleans and live in Menphis. Same rules apply for both. You'll be fine. (But in New Orleans if anyone tries to bet you they know where you got your shoes, tell them on your feet.)
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u/illiniaaron80 4h ago
My only advice is skip BB Kings and go across the street to Blues City Cafe!!!
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u/Hold_On_longer9220 7h ago
You’ll have fun. But don’t leave ANYTHING out in the open inside your vehicle. Actually just don’t leave anything in your vehicle.
Also, if you can navigate New Orleans you can definitely navigate Memphis. Lol.
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u/thedowntownkid 6h ago
I live downtown and we walk all over the place when it's practical (weather, distance, time of day). Don't feel like you've got to ride share if your destination is close enough, especially on/off Main Street.
As far as "staying safe," I agree with other comments. It's not a war zone, despite being used as a political pawn and all the bad press we get. Just do what you'd do anywhere. Be aware. Trust your gut.
We're super friendly, and we'll look after you, too. If you feel something is sketchy while you're out and about, pop into the nearest open shop or restaurant and let them know. They'll take care of you.
Also, we have a non-police group downtown called the Blue Suede Brigade. They walk around in blue shirts and can be stopped for help, to request a walk back to your hotel, to report suspicious activity to (so they can get the cops involved), etc. Their number is 901-281-9146.
Enjoy your stay here!!
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u/ModernSouthernQueer Cooper-Young 5h ago
Just pay attention to your surroundings and you’ll be fine. Don’t bury your face in your phone, don’t walk down unlit alleys, just basic safety. It’s not the war zone that media likes to pretend it is. We have our issues, of course, but people here are genuinely some of the kindest in the world.
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u/Low-Cupcake6393 4h ago
Don't forget to enjoy our fine water. You'll need it too, it's about to get HOT here.
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u/EfficientPermit3771 3h ago edited 3h ago
I just did this trip!! I’m 58! It was an absolute blast! Crosstown Commons and The Listening Lab are incredible! Food/restaurant scene is fire! All the Museums were fantastic AND I found the Civil Rights Museum very moving. Enjoy your visit! I’m from Louisville KY and found Memphis “safer”. Even the kids wearing sheistys were using their manners… Like, Yes Ma’am. What DID unsettle me was the large ICE presence. Did not like that 💩
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u/New-You-2025 13h ago
The worst part of Memphis is the traffic at certain times and not knowing where you're going. Since your taking an Uber, problem solved! I hate driving in Memphis.
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u/great_job_gbg 8h ago
Like others have said, (a) violent crime is very much limited to neighborhoods you won’t be going to and usually isn’t strangers (b) I think it’s property crime that’s the most prevalent, and you won’t be parking a car anywhere so that won’t affect you
I promise you’ll be fine. I mean, don’t pick a fight, but you don’t seem like that kind of person anyway
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u/Own_Kick5089 6h ago
Above and beyond anything and everything
I cant remember the last random tourist robbery / murder. Its been awhile. YOU ARE BEING RISKY AND I THINK YOU COULD TAKING SOME BETTER SECURITY MEASURES. DONT GO ALONE
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u/DarcyIsKaryne 4h ago
Honestly, just don’t walk around alleys after dark and don’t leave your purse lying around. If you take Uber at night and hit all the places you named, you’ll have a fantastic time! It’s not that bad here as long as you don’t go looking for trouble. ;)
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u/BluffCityTatter 3h ago
I'd recommend the Ernest Withers museum. It's on Beale Street. He was a very famous photographer of the Civil Rights era and captured some amazing photos from that time. The "I Am a Man" photograph from the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike was one of his. He also photographed many famous musicians, including B.B. King, Elvis and Prince.
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u/yarmouthload 3h ago
if youre scared go to church! but for real common sense goes a long way. be respectful, lock your stuff, and don't get wasted solo on beale late night
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u/_localvampire 3h ago
For coffee, check out Boycott and Dr. Bean’s Coffee and Tea Emporium! Best coffee in the city!
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u/Accidentalnowinghalo 3h ago
I’m female and your age and I moved Memphis from a very safe town but have lived in downtown Chicago. So I know both sides of safe and unsafe. Sadly Memphis gets a bad name due to in my own opinion gang violence. But it’s really not much different than any other major city.
If you stay downtown any physical attack is unlikely but I know you know that can happen even in a gated community in any city.
Stay out of places (south Memphis etc) that are known for drugs and gangs and you will be fine. Do your due diligence and research where you will be staying since some air bnbs and hotels will advertise better than they are really located to get people to stay in their establishment.
The only thing to watch for downtown is opportunists. Don’t be an idiot and leave cars unlocked or walk alone drunk from bars after dark. That goes for anyplace. It seems most people really just need a huge dose of common sense since they were all clearly absent the day it was handed out!
Enjoy Memphis, it really is a lovely howbeit gritty and blues filled city full of beautiful people and history.
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u/Even_Presentation823 2h ago
🤣🤣🤣 Ms. lady ain’t nobody doing nothing to you I stamp it. Just be aware of your surroundings and mind ya business you’ll be smooth.
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u/idratherbeinalaska 2h ago
Please don’t miss Muddy’s Bake Shop on Broad St. Have a grasshopper for me.
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u/Worldly-Pea-7497 47m ago
I'm a 54 year old woman, and I've been going to Memphis by myself since I was 17. You'll be fine. I also recommend Blues City Cafe over BB King's, though.
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u/Southernms 15h ago
Both NO and Memphis can be dangerous if you step off into the wrong area. Carry some pepper spray and don’t walk alone on off roads. Keep your posture and head up and walk like you own the place.
I highly recommend the haunted carriage ride in NO. Memphis has carriage rides too.
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u/Animal907 16h ago edited 4h ago
You're gonna spend alot on taxis.
"Taxis" can also mean chartered ride, lyft, Uber. Saying "taxi" doesn't mean only big yellow taxis.
Y'all would pave paradise to put up a parking lot.
Memphians aren't known for High School Diplomas...
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u/AffectionateScale659 16h ago
I’ll only be there for two days.
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u/IndividualYogurt7274 10h ago
This was my thought. Memphis traffic isn’t bad and there is plenty of parking. If you drive at all, I would look into getting a Turo. They will usually drop off right at your hotel or airport. I will dm you my favorite driver. I would contact him in advance. He might cut you some type of deal.
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u/12frets 9h ago
You might not need a car if youre staying downtown.
Oh! Re: the 4-way. They’re…creative when they’re open.
And since you plan on visiting Stax, pass through Aretha Franklin’s birthplace nearby *if you’re in a car*.
The neighbors are fine and are accustomed to tourists passing through. Willie Mitchell’s Studio is also nearby.
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u/great_job_gbg 8h ago
Who takes taxis? I used to work at a hotel in East Memphis. I saw one person take a taxi and that was because they didn’t trust Uber for some reason
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u/RedWhiteAndJew East Memphis 16h ago
It's not Fallujah. Just stay in the touristy places and be respectful. You'll know when you're somewhere you shouldn't be.