Only the Empire State Building outranks this iconic birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll
Memphis is making noise on the national stage…again! Sun Studio, the legendary recording spot that helped shape modern music, has been named the #2 top attraction in the United States by TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards.
A Global Stage for a Memphis Classic
Out of more than 8 million listings worldwide, fewer than 1% earn this top-tier recognition. Sun Studio made the cut, and it landed near the very top, second only to New York City’s Empire State Building.
That’s a big win for Memphis, and it’s not the city’s only shoutout! Graceland also made the list, coming in at #24, proving once again that Memphis music history continues to draw visitors from around the world.
Where Legends Found Their Sound
Sun Studio is a living piece of music history. In the 1950s, artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis stepped into those rooms and changed the sound of American music forever.
Today, visitors can walk the same floors, stand at the same microphones, and hear the stories behind the songs that still play across generations. As TripAdvisor puts it, the experience is packed with “cool stories” that bring the past to life.
Powered by the People
What makes this recognition even more meaningful? It comes straight from travelers. TripAdvisor’s rankings are based on a full year of reviews and ratings from visitors who go out of their way to share their experiences.
Memphis Momentum
This ranking is more than a badge of honor that signals that Memphis continues to stand tall as a must-visit destination for culture, creativity, and history. From Beale Street to Graceland to Sun Studio, the city’s rhythm is impossible to ignore.
