Visitors bound for Memphis are generally well aware of its strong associations with music, with many coming to the city with the primary intention of witnessing some of the sights at the heart of its rich musical history. For fans of Elvis Presley, Graceland and Sun Studio are must-sees, while for soul lovers the Stax Museum is number one of sightseeing itineraries.

Beale Street
Popularly considered the ‘birthplace of the blues’, Beale Street is where Memphis’ black music and culture originated and so is an essential stop on a sightseeing tour for anyone interested in the history of the city’s music scene. Famous blues musician WC Handy penned the classic "Memphis Blues" on this street. His former residence, also on the street, now serves as a popular museum containing various pieces of memorabilia related to his life and the blues scene. The street is still noted for its music venues, giving visitors the chance to experience some authentic live blues. Phone: +1 901 526 0110; www.bealestreet.com.

Graceland
Unquestionably the city’s most famous attraction, Graceland is the former estate of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. The grand mansion on the estate was home to the now deceased star from 1957 until his death in 1977. Tours of the building offer as much to the diehard Elvis fan as they do to the casual visitor and include stops at the Jungle Room and the Meditation Garden where the star’s grave is located. Opposite the mansion is Graceland Plaza, a museum exhibiting a variety of memorabilia related to Elvis Presley’s life and the ongoing legacy of his influential music. Phone: +1 901 332 3322; www.elvis.com.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is perhaps the city’s most comprehensive source of information on its extensive music scene. The museum offers visitors a look at how genres such as gospel, blues and country influenced the birth of rock and roll and soul. There is a wide range of exhibits on offer with highlights including Carl Perkins’s guitar and Ike Turner’s piano, and original vinyl presses of classic Stax Records. Phone: +1 901 205 2533; www.memphisrocknsoul.org.

Mud Island River Park
Covering 52 acres, this park is home to a variety of attractions, the most notable of which is the River Walk, a three-dimensional model of the famous Mississippi River, spanning a half-mile in length and featuring running water. Also on display in the park is the famous Memphis Belle airplane, a WWII bomber that flew in numerous combat missions over Nazi Germany. Phone: +1 901 576 7241; www.mudisland.com.

Soulsville: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
A relatively new attraction celebrating one of the city’s oldest contributors to its famous music scene, Soulsville is located on the site on which the original Stax recording studio once sat. Recordings by giants such as Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Booker T and the MGs and the Bar-Kays were made throughout the 1960s and ‘70s at this famous studio. A variety of original artefacts and items of memorabilia from the studio and other sources are on display in the museum. Among the highlights is a gold-plated Cadillac that previously belonged to Isaac Hayes. Phone: +1 901 946 2535; www.staxmuseum.com.

Sun Studio
Sun Studio on Union Avenue was responsible for launching the career of Elvis Presley and countless other legends of the American music scene and as such is a must-see attraction for fans of Elvis as well as for anyone passionate about music. Visitors can learn the stories behind the beginnings and rises to fame of not only Elvis, but also stars such as Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. Various items of memorabilia are on display, including what is said to be the first microphone that Elvis ever used. Phone: +1 901 521 0664; www.sunstudio.com.