Memphis dangerous?
 

We would like to go to Memphis in April. Now, I heard, that it is dangerous there. Is it true? We want to Graceland, Pyramide, Peabody Hotel, Beale Street an Mud Island.

I don't think you would have any worries in any of the places you mention.

In general, violent crime is directed toward friends (?) and relatives and occasionally at people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

What is the wrong place? Neighborhoods where men are selling drugs and women are selling themselves.

What is the wrong time? After midnight, especially in the hour after bars close.

This applies to every large city and most small cities in the US and abroad, and the third rule is like unto it: keep your car doors locked and do not leave anything in the car that you do not want stolen.

Memphis has a high crime rate. Exercise all the usual caution of traveling in a big city. Stay at a reliable hotel downtown or on the far east side. Do not go out late at night on Beale Street.

I have never felt less safe there than any other place. Expect a polie presence on Beale, as there are a lot of people there and they want you to feel safe. I don't think there is that much crime on Beale at night, but maybe i'm wrong.

There's really nothing to see at the pyramid...it's in the process of being turned into a Bass Pro Shop. With the exception of Graceland, the other places you mention are all downtown, which has a pretty strong police presence. Like in any other city, I wouldn't walk down dark alleys, but otherwise, you'll be fine.

If you should be approached by a panhandler, just keep walking, and don't engage in conversation.

Don't recall where else you are going - but yes, there are some US cities that have higher crime rates (Detroit and New Orleans are notorious) and others where higher crime areas are near sights you want to see.

If you don't know the city ask in your hotel where not to go.

A bunch of my college classmates recently had a reunion at Graceland (one of our lads basically built it up post-Elvis) - and they also went to Beale Street - as a group.

Consensus was Beale St seemed a little rough - and had a number of panhandlers, not necessarily dangerous but even so - they didn't return there at night.

They preferred going to a good Memphis BBQ place. :)
http://www.10best.com/destinations/t...ants/barbecue/

Oh - they stayed at the Peabody - and did see the "legendary" Duck walk. Guess it's a daily event?

http://www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody-ducks/

As the others have said, the tourist areas of Memphis will be fine. You don't want to get lost, especially in some areas near downtown (though again, downtown is fine as long as you use common sense), so I always recommend getting a GPS with your rental car or using your own.

Beale Street is a party scene. Safety-wise you should be fine, but it's not my idea of a good time. Personal taste, though.

I took the Sun Studio tour back in October and really enjoyed it. The civil rights museum is also excellent. Agree that the Pyramid is not really anything to see.

Civil Rights museum is a must. Very well done.
Check to see if Mud Island is open in April. It's a park and I think it is seasonal.

I think you'll be fine on Beale if you use common sense precautions.

Early in the evening up until around midnight, Beale Street is fine, but later than that, it turns from a jazz-loving area to a hip-hop place. I wouldn't advise anyone to be there in the wee hours of the morning.

Hip Hop. LOL really? maybe thug rapping, but not hip hop

I think Beale Street is similar to Bourbon Street. Lots of drunk people, panhandlers/street hustlers and cops. Mostly safe but you don't want to wander away from the main area at night.

Beale is similar to Bourbon, but nearly as big and not nearly as bad, IMOP. Certainly not bad before dark and not as disgusting.

Thank you all

If you stay at the Peabody and in the tourist area around the hotel you should be fine. Beale is a couple of blocks from the hotel. Also, I would consider an organized tour from the hotel to Graceland. The following link will give you lots of information about many other things to see and do in Memphis and the area.
www.memphistravel.com/our-guide-memphis