When you’re looking to make a trip to Tennessee’s music cities, it’s often a debate of Memphis vs Nashville. If you’re really wanting to enjoy everything that each of these great cities offer, you’ll need to pick one for your musical pilgrimage. However, you’ll also need to consider the delicious food, historical attractions, and unique culture of each city as you plan your next destination.
I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to both of these amazing towns and enjoying everything they have to offer. Nashville vs Memphis is a big debate, that we might not settle with a single blog post, but hopefully will help you pick which city you want to make your next trip to. Whichever you ultimately choose, it’ll be a rocking good time!
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Overview of Memphis
Memphis is a city steeped in history, playing a pivotal role in the story of the American South. Founded in 1819 on the banks of the Mississippi River, it quickly grew into a hub for trade and culture. The city was central during the Civil Rights Movement, with the National Civil Rights Museum now located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Today, Memphis preserves its historical legacy with landmarks and museums that offer visitors a profound glimpse into the city’s past.
Memphis is synonymous with music, particularly blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Beale Street, a historic hub for the blues, continues to pulse with live music venues, echoing the sounds of legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Sun Studio, often called the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, is where artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their first hits. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music also highlights the city’s contributions to soul music, making Memphis a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.
For tourists, Memphis offers a mix of historical, cultural, and culinary experiences. In addition to its iconic music scene, visitors can explore the Memphis Zoo, enjoy riverboat rides along the Mississippi, or indulge in its famous barbecue at renowned spots like Central BBQ or Rendezvous. With new attractions and events popping up each year, Memphis continues to surprise and delight travelers.
Overview of Nashville
Nashville’s history is rooted in its founding in 1779 as a frontier settlement and its subsequent rise as a center of commerce and culture in Tennessee. Known for its role in the Civil War and its emergence as a major transportation hub, the city has evolved into a thriving metropolis. Historic landmarks such as the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park and the Tennessee State Capitol showcase Nashville’s dedication to preserving its past while embracing the future.
Musically, Nashville is unmatched, earning its title as Music City. The city is the heart of country music, with the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Country Music Hall of Fame drawing millions of visitors each year. Beyond country, the city has a diverse music scene with thriving rock, indie, and jazz communities. The Bluebird Café, a legendary spot for singer-songwriters, offers an intimate glimpse into the city’s musical soul.
Tourists flock to Nashville for its lively atmosphere, diverse attractions, and culinary delights. From Broadway’s honky-tonks to the serene beauty of Radnor Lake State Park, there’s something for everyone. Foodies will appreciate the city’s famous hot chicken, while art lovers can explore its burgeoning arts district. With its welcoming Southern charm and dynamic energy, Nashville remains a top destination for travelers year-round.
Comparing Broadway to Beale Street
Music is core to the cultures of Memphis and Nashville. Perhaps no state in the country has a better claim to a deep musical tradition than Tennessee. Memphis is the home of the blues, while Nashville is the heart of country. Both of these great music cities have streets which are iconic and bring in thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the fantastic music that’s all around.
During my own visits to Nashville, Broadway has always been HOPPING! Even on weeknights, there is a party all along Broadway. Music is continually heard coming from all the honky tonks, bars, and restaurants that line both sides of the street. Many major country and rock stars have their own spots along Broadway, including Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock, Garth Brooks, and Johnny Cash. You’ll also find other iconic places like Tootsies and Nudie’s which you’ll want to have a drink in. It’s a boot scootin’ boogie of a good time on Nashville’s Broadway!
Broadway is also surrounded by most of the major museums and attractions in Nashville. A couple blocks south you’ll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Bridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators, stands at the start of Broadway. Right across the street you’ll find Ryman Auditorium and the National Museum of African-American Music as well. You could easily spend an entire weekend in Nashville simply hanging out on Broadway!
Beale Street is the blues counterpart to country’s Broadway. Pretty much any night of the week you can find blues joints with live music inside. That includes famous places like the B.B King’s Blues Club, the Hard Rock Cafe, and the Blues Hall Juke Joint. There’s also plenty of good food and BBQ to be found along Beale Street as well.
However, Beale Street just isn’t the same kind of party or spend all day kind of place that Broadway is. During my visit to Memphis, Beale Street felt a little empty by comparison. While there are some attractions nearby as well, they aren’t as close either. At the end of the day, I had a lot more fun on Broadway than I did Beale Street and I think in the battle of Nashville vs Memphis, Nashville clearly wins on this one.
Memphis vs Nashville: BBQ vs Hot Chicken
The real fight in Nashville vs Memphis is about the food. Each location has a claim to fame that it’s proud of. Both signature food options are absolutely amazing as well when you get them from an authentic location. I highly enjoy both bbq and hot chicken, so this was a pretty tough analysis for me to pick a “winner” in.
Of the two cities, Nashville’s Hot Chicken is the more “unique” of the two famous dishes. It’s also the one that is my personal favorite between the two because I’m all about the spice. I’ve gotten the opportunity to eat my fair share of hot chicken from across Nashville.
For a real dive bar version of hot chicken, then check out Dino’s out on Gallatin Ave. It’s exactly my kind of place and the food was just as delicious as had been advertised to me. My first experience with authentic hot chicken was with Prince’s, and it was also mighty tasty. Hattie B’s is perhaps the “hot” new chicken in town, and for good reason as they’re pushing out excellent food all across town!
Memphis is world famous for its BBQ and especially its ribs. If you’re coming to Memphis for BBQ, then you’ll need to be prepared to take down a heaping helping of ribs. However, if ribs aren’t quite your thing then you can find all kinds of BBQ across town that will be to your liking!
The big debate about the “best” BBQ in town often comes to a battle between Rendezvous and Central BBQ. However, these aren’t the only places in town to get a great BBQ. Cozy Corner doesn’t serve up any bells and whistles, but they do put out some mighty fine BBQ. The Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison Ave is home to a uniquely Memphis dish, BBQ Spaghetti.
In the fight between these two amazing dishes and Memphis vs Nashville, I think it’ll all come down to your personal preference. I’m a bigger fan of hot chicken over BBQ, but you really can’t go wrong with either.
Museums and Other Attractions
If you’re like me and love visiting museums or other cultural attractions when you’re in town, then you’re in luck. Memphis and Nashville both have a wonderful array of attractions you can visit, many of which are unique to them. Honestly, there are so many different places to visit and things to see that you might have to make more than one trip to Nashville and Memphis to see them all!
Memphis is a cultural and museum mecca along the Mississippi River. For museum aficionados, your first stop needs to be the National Civil Rights Museum. This place serves to tell a powerful story of the fight for rights that African-Americans and others have deserved since America’s earliest days. It is built at the site of the Lorraine Motel, where MLK Jr was assassinated, and is a place I feel everyone needs to visit once. Nearby, you can also visit the Blues Hall of Fame as well, especially if you can’t make it down to the Delta Blues Hall of Fame in Clarksdale, MS.
There are a number of other great attractions across Memphis that are worth a visit. During my time in the city, I really enjoyed spending a beautiful day at the Memphis Botanic Garden. We also took time to visit the iconic Bass Pro Shop Pyramid, which is probably the most unique store I’ve ever been to. Elvis lovers must make the pilgrimage to Graceland just south of town, though admittedly we skipped it on our two day trip to Memphis.
Nashville is jam-packed with amazing museums and attractions as well. When you’re visiting Broadway, you’ll be right nearby a number of them including the Country Music Hall of Fame, National Museum of African-American Music, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Just a little ways down the street you can also find the Frist Art Museum, which is one of the best in all of Tennessee!
Getting away from Downtown, there are still more fantastic attractions. Any visit to Nashville needs to include a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, which is well worth the price of admission. The Parthenon, a full scale recreation of the famous one in Greece, is also a really neat way to spend some time in Nashville. There are also tons of historical tours around, but my personal favorite was visiting Belle Meade Historic Site because of their willingness to tell both sides of the story there.
Much like with the food, the battle of Memphis vs Nashville will come down to your own preference. I personally think Nashville has got the edge thanks to “bigger” attractions, but both Nashville and Memphis have more than enough to offer visitors to make them both worth a visit.
Analyzing Each City’s Annual Events
Both of these Tennessee cities hold a number of fantastic annual events across the year. These celebrate the unique music, food, and holiday celebrations that make each of these places a real destination. In the battle of Nashville vs Memphis, everyone is a winner when it comes to festival fun!
Nashville, brings its unique flair to its annual events, starting with CMA Fest. Held every June, this four-day music festival celebrates country music with performances from top artists and rising stars. Fans flock from all over to experience the high-energy concerts, meet-and-greets, and the electric vibe that transforms downtown Nashville into a massive celebration of the genre.
The Music City Hot Chicken Festival, held every Fourth of July, highlights Nashville’s culinary icon: hot chicken. The festival pairs spicy chicken with live music and a parade, giving locals and visitors alike a true taste of Southern hospitality. In winter, Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo brings an entirely different kind of magic. Featuring a spectacular display of handcrafted Chinese lanterns, the event turns the zoo into a glowing wonderland, offering an unforgettable blend of art and nature.
Memphis is a city that knows how to celebrate, and its annual events reflect its deep cultural roots and vibrant community spirit. The World Championship BBQ Contest, held each May during Memphis in May International Festival, is a must-visit for food lovers. This event is more than just a barbecue competition; it’s a culinary extravaganza featuring world-class pitmasters, live music, and a buzzing atmosphere by the Mississippi River. It’s the perfect showcase of Memphis’ reputation as a barbecue capital.
Elvis Week, hosted in August, is another hallmark of Memphis’ event calendar, drawing fans from across the globe to celebrate the legacy of Elvis Presley. From tribute concerts at Graceland to a candlelight vigil, the event is a heartfelt homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Holiday Wonders at the Memphis Botanic Gardens rounds out the year with a dazzling display of lights and seasonal cheer. Running from late November through December, this family-friendly event offers enchanting trails, themed exhibits, and a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
What to do Beyond the City Limits
When visiting a major city, not everything is always right within the city limits. I’ve often found that it’s important to feel free to take some time away from town, especially if you’re spending more than a day or two in one spot. Memphis and Nashville have their fair share of attractions away from downtown, giving plenty for visitors to enjoy no matter what you’re looking for.
For those venturing beyond the city limits of Memphis, a treasure trove of unique attractions awaits. About an hour south of Memphis lies Tunica, Mississippi, known for its lively casinos and entertainment options. Whether you’re feeling lucky at the slot machines or catching a live show, Tunica offers a vibrant escape. History buffs should also consider visiting the Tunica RiverPark and Museum, which showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Mississippi River.
Just a short 90-minute drive east, the charming town of Holly Springs, Mississippi, beckons visitors with its well-preserved antebellum homes and the serene Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. This nature sanctuary is especially captivating in the fall when its hiking trails come alive with the colors of the season. Additionally, Shiloh National Military Park, located two hours east of Memphis, is an essential stop for Civil War enthusiasts. The expansive battlefield and museum provide a moving glimpse into one of the war’s most pivotal conflicts.
Within an hour’s drive from Nashville, the picturesque town of Franklin, Tennessee, offers a delightful blend of history and charm. Known for its well-preserved downtown area, Franklin boasts boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and landmarks such as the Carter House and Carnton, both of which played significant roles during the Civil War. Visitors can also explore Leiper’s Fork, a nearby rural village with an artsy vibe, where live music, antique shops, and scenic views are in abundance.
For nature lovers, the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. An hour east of Nashville, the stunning waterfalls and hiking trails of Cummins Falls State Park provide a perfect day-trip destination. Another must-visit spot is Mammoth Cave National Park, located just 90 minutes north in Kentucky. As the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave offers guided tours and underground wonders that are one of the most underrated national parks in America. These nearby attractions make Nashville an excellent base for exploring the heart of Tennessee and beyond
Best Lodging Options
Nashville and Memphis both have plenty of great places to stay when you’re in town. It’s really hard to say that when comparing Memphis vs Nashville that either city is going to win simply because of their hotels or B&Bs. However, if you’re planning on staying in town (which of course you are because you’ve read all the way to here), then you’ll want some recommendations for where you’ll be sleeping!
If you’re staying in Memphis, then it’s hard to not recommend checking out the Big Cypress Lodge. It might be one of the most unique hotel locations in the country since it surrounds and is above the Bass Pro Shops inside the Memphis Pyramid! The lodge has plenty of options for visitors of all kinds, and who doesn’t want to say they slept inside the Pyramid!
Another great Memphis location is The Central Station Memphis, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. It’s got a bit more of a convenient location being just around the corner from the National Civil Rights Museum, National Blues Museum, and the world-famous Beale Street. Not to mention, it’s also an absolutely stunning property as well!
Nashville isn’t necessarily outdone with it’s own great hotels, starting with The Union Station Nashville Yards. This might very well be one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire south, if not the entire country. The stylish rooms and gorgeous architecture are reasons enough to book a room here. However, it’s also just a short walk down the street to the bustling and booming nightlife of Broadway!
If you’re wanting a more unique stay in Nashville, then consider the Urban Cowboy. All of the rooms are beautifully appointed, and definitely bring that more eclectic vibe that East Nashville has to offer. It’s a smaller and more intimate space as well, letting you kick back and relax a bit more. It’s also super close to the great nightlife along Gallatin Street or the great Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway if you’re wanting to spend some time outdoors.
The Final Verdict on Memphis vs Nashville
So you’ve made it all the way to the end of this article on Memphis and Nashville. If you still haven’t made up your mind in the battle between Nashville vs Memphis, then I’ll help you out with my final thoughts.
I enjoyed my own trip to Memphis, especially the powerful moments spent at the National Civil Rights Museum. However, the city simply isn’t pulling me back to it the same way that Nashville does. When we were still living in Florida we made two trips back to back to see everything. Now that we’re in Chattanooga, I regularly have gone back and consider planning trips there all the time.
The clear winner for me in Memphis vs Nashville is the city of Nashville. Both are wonderful cities, and if you can visit both of them I highly recommend it. However, if your trip to Tennessee only has time for one, then make it Nashville. The Music City simply has too much to offer and you won’t be disappointed in the slightest!
Hopefully this post has helped you pick your winner in the Nashville vs Memphis fight. If you’d like to help me continue writing and travelling I’d greatly appreciate your support. Following me on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or TikTok will help you stay in touch. If you’re feeling super generous, you can tip me through the Ko-Fi box below! Finally, please share on your social media platform of choice!
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