Sun Studio
Sun Studio
5
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
About
Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It’s well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless others started their recording careers. Today, Sun Studio still serves as a recording studio in the evenings while hosting public tours during the daytime hours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Judy PHouston, Texas17 contributionsBrilliantThis little studio has had some names come through there. Sam Phillips and his partner Marion Keisker were brilliant at finding new talent and sound. (I loved the story about how the amp fell out of the car and Sam Stuffed newspaper around the cone and that created the distortion of rock n roll as we know it today.) Worth the time whether you are a music buff or not.Visited March 2023Written 20 March 2023
- Kelly2 contributionsFantastic tour and tour guideI feel bad I didn’t write this review sooner as we visited last May but I figured it’s better late than never. THIS IS MUST SEE TOUR if you’re in Memphis. It was fascinating and our tour guide Zoe was so engaging and knowledgeable!! Do not visit Memphis without visiting this great, historic little spot. Worth every penny!!!Visited May 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 22 March 2023
- Peter and Lisa W5 contributionsRock and roller’s dream!A must for all fans of rock and roll. Tour leader, Graham Winchester, was awesome. Great stories, great recordings and a little tickling of the ivories to boot. Check it out, folks. You will ne glad you did!Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 March 2023
- DashBath, United Kingdom78 contributionsSteeped in historyA must visit if you are in Memphis The moment you enter the reception/shop area you know you are experiencing history. Great music is naturally played here - Cash and Elvis There are lots of great t shirts and other souvenirs to purchase The tour itself is so professional with very knowledgeable, engaging and professional guides Standing in the studio listening to the music being played and experiencing the acoustics. At the time of our visit U2 drum set was in situ Worth every penny but be warned it’s very popular so you may have to wait for a tourVisited May 2022Written 3 April 2023
- BoneflyMarrakech, Morocco64 contributionsThe birth of rock n roll was here.A must visit for all r&b and rock n roll fans. This is where rock n roll was born. If you go to Memphis - this is the key. The guy who lead us through the history of the studio and all the iconic performers how started here know it all. Highly recommended.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 April 2023
- Samara G1 contributionJust go!A must have experience in Memphis IMO. Our tour guide was Darrah. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and really brought the magic of this iconic space to life. Could have spent many hours absorbing everything there is to learn. Staff is chill and the energy is powerful, check it out!Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 April 2023
- sangooseWest Covina, California1 contributionGraceland bonus stop @ Sun studios.Traveling to Memphis on a trip to Graceland. Family and I drove by Sun studios and had to make a stop at the historical site. If you are a music fan Or simply a history enthusiast then you’re in-for a treat. Darrah was our guide and made the experience worthwhile. Darrah is Very knowledgeable and a great storyteller with a nice sense of humor and easy going demeanor. Thank you Darrah for the tour and history lesson . I can’t wait to share with friends and family.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 April 2023
- Libby TKeller, Texas199 contributionsElvis discovered here, by the secretary!Great museum and studio! We had a tour guide, a musician himself, who told the story about this place. The artists included Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins. Well worth the time, especially for music lovers.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 April 2023
- lturbyRockford, Illinois34 contributionsA great tourWe really enjoyed the tour. We were able to buy tickets when we arrived for next tour. Spent about 30 minutes in gift shop while we waited. The staff was pleasant and fun. The tour guide was funny and informative. We enjoyed picture time at the end.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 April 2023
- Gidons51Herzliya, Israel4,333 contributionsGreat place of history of the music with all the famous names of the 20 centuryGreat place to explore history of blues in the sixties and seventies. Photos , recording machines, and real recording studio as it was those days . Take a tour . The studio still functions till today . Excellent experience.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
12,355 reviews
Excellent
9,903
Very good
1,956
Average
399
Poor
67
Terrible
31
kjcamp1208
Brentwood, Tennessee5 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
My husband and I took a quick weekend trip to Memphis and decided to do a tour of the Sun Studio. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The historic studio has been preserved so well, and we were thankful so much of the original equipment and furnishings were still there. When we stepped into the famous studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B. B. King, recorded amazing music you could feel that creative vibe. Our guide Josh H. did a great job of conveying the history, and stories of the birth of that special sound....Rock and Roll!! Highly recommended for everyone, especially music lovers.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hepburngal
Nashville, TN4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
A must see for every Memphis visit. The history and stories that have been told in that space through music left a permanent mark on anyone who has listened to or played rock n roll. Our guide, Drew was passionate about telling the story of Sun Studio and his enthusiasm was palpable.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avidtraveler41
Coastal South Carolina, SC10 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Our guide, Lydia, was phenomenal -- enthusiastic, knowledgeable, funnt, eager to please. She took us back in time to the day when Sun Studio was helping make stars. Wonderful tour.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marta F
Marshfield, MO1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Lydia was the BEST guide and made the tour fun and educational. We learned more about Elvis here than we did at Graceland! We had never heard of the Prisonaires and would love to hear a little more of their music! Way better than MoTown (and we liked that one too)
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom A
West Lafayette, IN84 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This is a must see tour.
Lydia gave a great presentation about the studio, history, activities, and significance of this location.
We all got to hold and touch the original microphone that has been in use for the lead vocals on most recordings done in this studio. Amazing.
Lydia gave a great presentation about the studio, history, activities, and significance of this location.
We all got to hold and touch the original microphone that has been in use for the lead vocals on most recordings done in this studio. Amazing.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Absolutely awesome. A wonderful tour, hands on. Graham, a proud Memphis resident, was wonderful, sharing this studios great, storied history. A must.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sammy G
Frisco, TX6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Fantastic tour for the whole family. Graham was our tour guide and was upbeat and had fantastic storytelling skills while keeping the crowd engaged. Our 7 and 9 year old had a great time as we toured and listed to the hits that were produced at the studio. Don’t miss this tour! Thanks to the employees who squeezed us in the tour as we arrived 10 mins before it started.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Csimpson202
Jacksonville, FL3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This was a fantastic tour. Honestly, I initially wasn’t as excited about this tour as my husband. However, after we had arrived and began the tour, I quickly became interested. Our tour guide, Drew, was great. It was obvious that he loves his job. He was entertaining and engaging. The tour was very informative and a lot of fun. This was one of the highlights of our visit to Memphis. Highly recommend it.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gen
Tampa, FL1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
We went up to Memphis for Elvis' birthday and of course I had to stop at Sun Studio to see where it all began! Our tour guide was Josh H and he was so much fun and so full of knowledge. He made it soo much more exciting for us. The rest of the family enjoyed learning about all the different artists that came from there. To be standing where so many greats stood and recorded was epic. We even got take pictures in those same spots others stood and pretended to sing into a microphone! I would highly recommend this tour if you are looking for something to do in Memphis. For Elvis lovers....this is a MUST!!!
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen D
13 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
If you are interested in early rock and roll music, especially how Elvis got his start, then do not miss the tour of this studio. It has so much memorabilia, photos, the actual room where the DJ played Elvis’s first recorded song, etc. You can be in the room where music greats recorded their hits. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and played snippets of songs to set the memory.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a free shuttlebus from the Sun Studio to the Rock and Soul Museum?
Judy P
Houston, TX17 contributions
No all public transportation available charges. It is easier to use Uber or Lyft than trying to figure out the buslines and route schedules.
Lotte86
Palling, Germany36 contributions
I’m travelling with my 6 months old baby. Are we allowed to visit? If not, what are my options?
roger_storman
Lithia, Florida2 contributions
Children under 5 years old are not permitted on the tour; however, you can contact the staff and they will facilitate options to care for the child.
Jessica A
Hanover, MN3 contributions
Hello is there a place to park a car?
NoneReally
USA603 contributions
Street parking
Hi, does anyone know what time the first shuttle from Graceland to Sun Studios is in the morning please
MAL PETER
Sheffield, UK31 contributions
Not sure we used Uber reception at the Graceland hotel will no just send them a email and ask 🤙
fabsies
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK47 contributions
Do the sun studio tickets have to be mailed? Can you not just print them off? If we just turn up are we likely to get on a tour easy enough?
Damien B
Newcastle, Australia390 contributions
We just arrived and got onto a tour about 45 min later. There’s enough in the bar area to keep you occupied until the tour time. No need to prebook
MacCracken
Orlando, FL107 contributions
Hi! I am attempting to tour rock and soul, sun studios and Graceland in one day. My Graceland tour is at 1:45pm. Does the shuttle start at Sun, then to Rock and Soul, then Graceland? For example I begin my day at 9:30am at Rock and Soul, take the 10:30 shuttle from there (assuming it goes to Graceland then to sun?)to Sun, and it would arrive at sun at 11:15am? Then I can take the 12:15pm shuttle from sun that stops at Rock and soul and continues on to Graceland at 1pm? Thanks for any help you can give!
bluesmama11
Castleton On Hudson, NY3,644 contributions
Too much for one day in my opinion, you will need more than an hour at Sun, since you can stay after the formal tour and take photographs in the Studio..although the day we were there, the shuttle wasn’t on time and once it arrived we still had a wot a bit before it left
I have a broken ankle. Is it handicap accessible?
JohnSB3
Wellington, New Zealand796 contributions
I agree. Note the comment about the stairs. It is a small place. There is not much moving about.
StrawFamily
8 contributions
Is it advisable to buy tickets for the tour ahead of time?
ChristineB2409
Manchester, UK11 contributions
We didn’t , we just turned up. But they only take so many people at once so it probably wouldn’t hurt to book a time before you go.. We were lucky, it was a wet day and nit many people there.
Jason M
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates102 contributions
Hi, Jason. What would you like to know about this attraction?
There are no timings on the tickets, what time do the tour starts, or do you just make your way to the studio and wait in line?
Jellybeandean
Tucson, AZ240 contributions
as said in another about every 1/2 hour, show up and wait in line. Crowded as advised.
What time is the last tour
Tdotontario
Toronto, Canada256 contributions
Sun Studio is open 7 days a week from 10am - 6:15pm.
Tours begin at the bottom half of every hour from 10:30 - 5:30
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Claim your listingSun Studio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sun Studio
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sun Studio:
- Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission (From HK$586.60)
- Memphis Mojo Bus Tour (From HK$300.42)
- Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options (From HK$351.96)
- Nashville to Memphis Daytrip with Graceland VIP Tour and Sun Studio Admission (From HK$2,572.03)
- Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour (From HK$1,251.41)
- Hotels near Sun Studio:
- (0.06 km) Suburban Lodges of America
- (0.59 km) The James Lee House
- (0.29 km) 3300 SF 4BR/3Bth Pet-Friendly Loft 2 blks from Sun Studio has HUGE Rooftop Deck
- (0.81 km) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown
- (0.39 km) 2 bedroom / 2.5 bath Memphis Condo - Prime Downtown Location!
- Restaurants near Sun Studio:
- (0.08 km) Domino's Pizza
- (0.20 km) Slim And Husky's Pizza Beeria
- (0.51 km) Sunrise Memphis
- (0.34 km) Evelyn and Olive
- (1.52 km) Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar