Beale Street

Music lovers—as well as those just looking for a fun night out in downtown Memphis—will not want to pass up an opportunity to visit the "Home of the Blues." Nearly every sightseeing tour in Memphis makes a stop on this iconic stretch of road, and those who really want to dig into the history can take a walking tour of the street to learn about its musical haunts and legendary performers. After a day spent exploring Memphis, Beale Street sets the scene for a lively, music-fueled night on the town to eat, drink, and dance in the footsteps of legendary greats such as BB King, Louis Armstrong, and WC Handy.

• Beale Street is a must-see for music lovers and night owls.

• Don’t forget to bring a valid ID if you want to enter bars and clubs.

• Some bars on Beale Street with live music charge a small cover fee.

• Expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at night, especially on weekends.

The most convenient way to reach Beale Street is by road, and there are several parking garages within walking distance. Several Memphis hotels offer free shuttle services to the district, and it’s also accessible via the Main Street Trolley or on a tour that includes roundtrip transport to and from area hotels.

The best time to visit Beale Street depends on what you want out of the experience. By day, the entertainment district has few crowds and is more kid-friendly, ideal for visiting the specialty shops and restaurants. Those expecting Beale Street's legendary party atmosphere should wait until the sun goes down and the neon lights go on. As a top hot spot in one of America’s most musically rich cities, Beale Street features live music and jam sessions pretty much every night of the week. Unlike in the rest of Memphis, some bars here stay open until 5am. Expect the biggest crowds during the Beale Street Music Festival in May.

All sorts of styles of musical acts take to the stages of Beale Street. To feast your ears on authentic blues played by great musicians, head to establishments such as BB King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, or Handy Park, where a local rag-tag band sometimes plays in the afternoons.

Delta blues, jazz, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll make Beale Street famous. At night, head out to its three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops and get the full downtown Memphis flavor. Have your cameras ready, get a cocktail in hand, and make sure you’re wearing your dancing shoes.

Yes, Beale Street is worth visiting, especially if you want to groove to the lively atmosphere at night. There’s plenty of history here, dating back to the Jazz Age in the 1920s-1940s, where B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, and others created “Memphis Blues,” a style born on Beale Street.

Some liken Beale Street to Bourbon Street, but the scale is much smaller. Beale Street has an authentic Memphis feel, complete with blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and barbeque. During the day, tourists visit the shops on Bourbon Street, but Beale Street is pretty dead during the day, waiting to come alive at night.

Head to Beale Street in the evening for the party atmosphere it's known for. The neon lights turn on, and the music and jam sessions are in full effect. Listen to some excellent blues music, and try local barbeque before or after you grab some drinks.

Yes, you do. It’s only around $5 per person after about 9pm. The fee goes for security, so everyone can safely enjoy a night out and drink a few adult beverages. Beale Street sees many drinkers, and open containers can be carried on the street and between bars.

Generally, it is safe around Beale Street, but take care when walking in the late night hours when fewer people are out and about. Like any big city, walk in well-lit areas, don’t walk alone, and keep an eye on your valuables.