Memphis dangerous?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#4
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
If you should be approached by a panhandler, just keep walking, and don't engage in conversation.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
If you don't know the city ask in your hotel where not to go.
#7
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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/
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/
#8
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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/
http://www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody-ducks/
#9
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#16
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
www.memphistravel.com/our-guide-memphis