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The Sun Studio sign on the brick corner of the building on Union Avenue, Memphis

No. 9 Top Landmarks & Attractions 2026

Sun Studio

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

The Memphis studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash and rock 'n' roll found their sound.

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Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Sun Studio is No. 9 in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2026 ranking of the top attractions in the world. Sam Phillips opened the Memphis Recording Service at 706 Union Avenue in 1950 and launched the Sun Records label soon after. "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, recorded here in 1951, is often called the first rock 'n' roll record.

Elvis Presley made his first recordings at the studio, and Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison all recorded here. The building is a National Historic Landmark and still works as a recording studio at night.

A vintage microphone and upright bass inside the Sun Studio recording room
A vintage microphone and upright bass inside the Sun Studio recording room. Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D., CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to visit

Tours run through the day. Summer and weekends are busiest, so book ahead or arrive early.

Highlights

  • 1

    The recording studio

    Stand in the room where the famous records were made, and see the spot on the floor where Elvis is said to have stood.

  • 2

    The Million Dollar Quartet

    The story of the impromptu session on 4 December 1956 with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

  • 3

    The upstairs museum

    Memorabilia and recordings trace the story from blues and R&B artists such as Howlin' Wolf and B.B. King to rockabilly.

  • 4

    The café and shop

    The tour starts in the soda-fountain-style café and gift shop next door.

Getting there

Sun Studio is on Union Avenue, just east of downtown Memphis. Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about a 20-minute drive away. Amtrak's City of New Orleans train stops at Memphis Central Station. Ask about shuttle links to Graceland and other music sights; check current details on the official website.

Practical tips

Tours & tickets
Visits are by guided tour only. Check the official website for tour times, age rules and prices.
Time needed
The tour lasts about an hour.
Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars.
Safety
Take normal big-city care, especially at night. The emergency number is 911.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.

Official information: Sun Studio (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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