graceland museum tours

Protect Your Trip »

Graceland tours: the best options & what to expect.

Advice for making the most of your time at Elvis' famous home.

The Best Graceland Tours

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

A visit to Graceland is a popular activity for both Elvis fans and Memphis tourists.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

When Elvis Presley was just 22 years old, he purchased Graceland – a 10,266-square-foot mansion that occupied a nearly 14-acre property in Memphis, Tennessee . After the singer's death in 1977, the executors of his estate found that the mansion's exorbitant operating costs proved difficult to maintain, so they decided to open Graceland for tours in 1982. Since then, more than 20 million people from around the world have visited the mansion – which now spans 17,552 square feet – and its surrounding Elvis-themed museums and shops. Read on to plan your Graceland visit.

What is Graceland?

• Where is Graceland located?

Is Graceland open for tours?

How much does it cost to tour graceland, graceland tours, how long is the graceland tour, how do i buy tickets, which graceland tour is best, graceland hours, what is the best time to visit graceland, tips for visiting, how to get to graceland, how far is it from nashville to graceland, are there tours from nashville to graceland.

Graceland is a 120-acre institution dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley. The main draw is the mansion, but there's more to see than Elvis' former abode. Visitors can stop by Elvis Presley's Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot museum and entertainment complex. This building houses the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and a series of exhibits, such as "Elvis' Tupelo," which explores Elvis' early life in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. The Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which displays the entertainer's gold and platinum records, his famous jumpsuits and movie memorabilia, can also be found here. Tourists will also have access to 10 interactive exhibits and games. Located throughout the complex, the interactive features include quizzes, a simulated golf cart ride and photo booths that put travelers on Elvis' movie posters and album covers. Finally, the complex houses two restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and a soundstage where tourists can watch Elvis' movies and attend live music performances.

After you learn all about the King, check out the Graceland Exhibition Center. This 80,000-square-foot venue features a variety of rotating museum exhibits, covering a variety of subjects, including motorcycles, Muhammad Ali and Van Gogh. The complex also boasts a food court, a bar and a separate, rentable event space.

Where is Graceland located?  

Graceland   is located in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, nearly 3 miles west of Memphis International Airport and 10 miles south of downtown.

Yes, Graceland is open for tours.

The cost per person varies depending on which tour experience you choose. Expect to pay about $30 to $200 for children 10 and younger. Adults can expect to pay around $50 to $200 per person. Keep in mind: Higher ticket fees mean a premium experience complete with VIP access, keepsakes, meal vouchers and more.

There are multiple tour options for visiting Graceland.

• Elvis Presley's Memphis + Planes Tour : This is the basic tour option. It grants visitors access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex and the Elvis' Custom Jets exhibit, but does not include access to the mansion. Tickets for this tour start at $48 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Elvis Experience Tour : Tickets for this tour, which start at $77 per adult, include everything in the above tour, plus access to the mansion complete with an audio tour.
• Elvis Entourage VIP : The Elvis Entourage VIP tour includes everything in both the other tour options, plus skip-the-line access to the mansion, a VIP shuttle to the mansion, access to a special exhibit, and a keepsake pass. Tickets start at $128 per person.
• Ultimate VIP Tour : The Ultimate VIP Tour includes everything in the Elvis Entourage VIP, plus a guided tour of the mansion with an experienced guide, access to a VIP lounge, a meal voucher to an on-site restaurant, an archives show and tell, the chance to buy exclusive souvenirs and a photo-op. Tickets for this experience start at $196 per person; children 2 and younger tour for free.

The mansion tour will take about 90 minutes to complete. Those who decide to tour the rest of Graceland's offerings should budget at least 3 1/2 hours to explore.

Tourgoers can purchase tickets online or at the box office on-site. Tickets purchased online can be printed at home or downloaded on a smartphone (which saves time). You can also choose to pick up your tickets at will call; you must have a photo ID to pick them up. Patrons may also purchase a multiday ticket to access Elvis Presley's Memphis for an additional one, two or three days. Multiday tickets start at $17 per adult and can be purchased on-site only.

Tickets for exhibits at the Graceland Exhibition Center are not included in any Graceland tickets and require additional entrance fees. Tickets for those exhibits can be purchased on Graceland's website.

Which Graceland experience you choose largely depends on your fascination with the King. Graceland visitors mention that even non-Elvis fans will enjoy the tour and the up-close look at the entertainer's famous lifestyle. Visitors also appreciate the audio tour narrated by John Stamos. They recommend upgrading your tour to one of the VIP options, saying it is well worth the additional cost.

Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the day of the week and time of year). It closes or has abbreviated hours on holidays. The last mansion tour begins at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day and time of year.

The best time to visit Graceland depends on what kind of experience you want. Travelers should check out Graceland's events calendar as the complex and its hotel, the Guest House at Graceland, host numerous weekend events, concerts and daytrips to Elvis' hometown throughout the year. Visitors in the mood for a festive atmosphere will want to book a trip in late November, December or early January to see the estate's holiday lights display and decorations.

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Visit the mansion after 2 p.m. to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times, as this is the slowest time of day. (Multiple travelers note long wait times when arriving before this time). Check Graceland's website for exact opening times; there are certain days and holidays where hours vary.
• You're welcome to bring cameras, but flash photography is not permitted.
• Video cameras cannot be brought into the mansion, attractions or gift shops.
• Note that two rooms in the basement of the mansion and the airplanes are not wheelchair accessible.
• Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous Graceland wall before you leave.

Patrons can reach Graceland by car. On-site parking costs $10. The lot is located next to Elvis Presley's Memphis and the ticket booth. The only way to get to the mansion itself is by shuttle, which is included in your ticket price. The shuttle pickup is across from the ticketing pavilion.

There are also a few public transportation options. The Memphis Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, makes stops every hour at several attractions in the city, including Graceland. This bus generally runs Wednesday through Saturday (it may not operate on Fridays during select months), and tickets cost approximately $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 4 to 12. Memphis Area Transit Authority No. 42 bus route stops close to Graceland.

Nashville sits about 215 miles northeast of Graceland (an approximately 3 1/2-hour drive).

Yes. You'll find options for tours from Nashville (and more) below:

• Gray Line Tennessee:  Nashville to Memphis with Skip-The-Line Graceland VIP Tour & Sun Studio. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Graceland:  Elvis Presley's Childhood Home with Lunch & Transportation from Memphis. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Memphis Best Tours:  Memphis City Tour with Admission to One Memphis Attraction.  View & Book Tickets »
• Blues City Tours: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. View & Book Tickets »

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Memphis Tours
• The Best Nashville Tours
• The Best Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee
• The Top Things to Do in Tennessee
• The Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tags: Elvis Presley , Tennessee , Tours , Vacations , Travel , Tennessee Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 15 best chicago tours for 2024.

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Elvis Presley's Graceland Tour with Audio Guide & Airplanes

• Audio-guided Tour of Graceland with orientation film
• Graceland Archives Experience
• Self-Guided tour of Automobile Museum
• Self-guided tour of Elvis: The Entertainer Career Showcase Museum
• Self-guided tour of Elvis Discovery Exhibits
• Full access to state-of-the art visitor entertainment complex
• See Elvis' Two Custom Airplanes
• Audio Guides in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese
• Entry/Admission - Graceland
• Meals and Beverages
• Graceland, Memphis, TN 38116, USA Departure Point: Graceland Tours depart from the Ticket Office located on Elvis Presley Blvd Address: 3765 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, TN, 38116
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• From time to time, certain exhibits at Graceland may be closed to the public due to artifacts being changed out or for cleaning or repairs. These occasions are rare and are strategically planned during slower times of the year
• Guests may take photographs with a regular still camera in all areas of the Graceland complex, inside and out, including the mansion property. Flashes of any kind are not allowed inside the mansion or any museums or attractions. Tripods are not allowed as they present a safety hazard for guests walking by.
• When visiting Graceland, audio and video recording equipment cannot be carried on the Graceland Mansion grounds, inside any museums, attractions or gift shops and are not permitted on the tour shuttles. In addition, video mode on digital cameras and cell phones may not be used inside Graceland, on the Graceland Mansion grounds, inside any museums, attractions or gift shops.
• Wheelchairs are available at no charge for use on the mansion property only. Inquire at the shuttle boarding area or with your shuttle driver for assistance at the mansion property. Graceland also has mansion tour shuttles equipped with a wheelchair lift.
• All gift shops, restaurants and visitor facilities, the automobile museum, and the Sincerely Elvis museum are fully wheelchair accessible. The mansion tour is wheelchair accessible except for two rooms in the basement. The airplanes tour is not wheelchair accessible, but guests who cannot physically take the on-board tour may have free access to the terminal to enjoy the video and free access to the airplane display area to view the plane exteriors and take pictures.
• Mansion tour scripts for hearing impaired guests are available at the Guest Services desk and at the mansion.
• Elvis images(s) used by permission, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Graceland Memphis, TN 38116, USA Departure Point: Graceland Tours depart from the Ticket Office located on Elvis Presley Blvd Address: 3765 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, TN, 38116 See address & details
• 1 Graceland Stop: 5 hours - Admission included The journey to Graceland begins on Elvis Presley Boulevard at Graceland Plaza. Elvis Experience Tour: Package includes the Graceland Mansion audio-guided tour with orientation film, Elvis' two custom airplanes (if option selected), along with self-guided tours of the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Elvis The Entertainer Career Showcase Museum, Elvis Discovery Exhibits, and More! Elvis' two custom jets can be added to this tour. All exhibits, except Graceland Mansion are located in the Graceland plaza or at Graceland Crossing. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• laurasR2252GU 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed 3.5 to 4 hours. We started out by taking a picture before being busses to tour the house. After touring the house we arrived to the souvenir shop that opened to where the plane is parked, it was a little before 5. The girl who opened the door for us said they were about to close so we did not tour the plane which was included in the ticket price. We then went to see the albums/ costumes and sat for less than 10 min. to watch the pre recorded concert video. As we were walking out the video was turned off and the doors were being locked up. The ticket also included the automobiles but thos Was closed along with all of the other attractions. We were not able to see or purchase the picture taken at the beginning of the tour as that was closed as well. We drove a long way and couldnt be more disappointed. If you are not going to stay open for 3.5-4 hours after the last tour begins don’t sell tickets that late! Read more Written May 1, 2024
• Mary W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing This place is amazing. Such a good job done on this. There was so much to see we couldn’t see it all. Highly recommend this tour. We spent five hours there and still couldn’t see everything Read more Written May 1, 2024
• SueBusse 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Go later in the afternoon for a shorter wait time The only way to see the mansion is to pay for a combination museum/mansion tour. I would have skipped the museums but, sadly, you much purchase that part and THEN you can add the mansion. The mansion and grounds were very interesting and it was nice that they have preserved so many of the original furnishings. There is an audio and video tour included with John Stamos narrating. It was so busy the day we were there I was not able to listen to the entire narration. There is so much to see in the museums it becomes a bit repetitive. There are plenty of restrooms in the museum area and one on the mansion tour. NOTE: there are stairs in the mansion. I don't know if they accommodate wheel chairs in a different manner or not. Read more Written April 30, 2024
• S5777NZjuliec 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles WOW what an experience Graceland you are beautiful I started the morning with the walk up to the grave at 7.30 my ticket was for the basic tour at 9.45 I was told I could upgrade on the day to the UVIP tour on the day. When getting to the ticket office they could only do the early afternoon tour which I took as I did not have any other option. I walked around all the attractions, cars, planes shows everything that was on offer.Whilst doing the UVIP tour it was amazing but I was spoken too a little rudely maybe I was a tad emotional it was hot and I had been out since 7.15 am and I use cruches . I truly did not want this to be a negative experience as going to Graceland had always like most been a dream of mine to visit. I surpose wanting a picture at the door was a big ask but I have seen so many peoples pictures with this. Putting that aside it has not put be off but I will make sure I book the am tour. The highlight for me was meeting Angie from the archives as well as the visit to the grave and house. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• hbhakh 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good visit We bought our tickets in advance for a visit to Graceland on a Wednesday morning. We did the basic tour ticket, which includes the self guided tour of the mansion and museums. We arrived early and had no problem parking (there is a charge). Check in was easy and we were advised to return at the designated time for the shuttle to the mansion. All of the timing was prompt. The mansion tour doesn't take very long. We elected not to use the tablets and just read the signs. The upstairs is not open to the public.....only the main and lower levels as well as the grounds. The return shuttle was prompt. The various museums at the welcome center took much longer to visit and had a wide variety of cars, concert costumes, and other memorabilia. Although we're not huge fans of Elvis, this was worth the time and visit. Read more Written April 28, 2024
• carolpP9384FF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Graceland’s Ultimate VIP Tour and Tour Guide John are the ULTIMATE! My husband and I took the Ultimate VIP tour at Graceland in Memphis, TN. Our tour guide, John, was PHENOMENAL! He was a Southern gentlemen that knew Graceland inside and out. He said if he didn’t know the answer to a question, he would get it for us. That wasn’t necessary because he answered every question and then some. I just can’t say enough wonderful things about John and the tour. He was such a gracious host! Read more Written April 27, 2024
• martinsH9764AM 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Easy to lose a day here What can I say? It's Graceland. Admission fees are high but once in you can easily lose five or six hours here. The house is fascinating and the accompanying exhibitions seem to go on and on. Even non-Elvis fans will enjoy it here too. Read more Written April 27, 2024
• caprirob 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ultimate VIP tour We took the ultimate VIP tour which lasts around 3 hours. It is quite a lot of money but we found it well worthwhile as our guide ( John ) was superb. His knowledge of Elvis history is immense. If you are visiting Memphis this is an experience not to be missed. Read more Written April 26, 2024
• S1118MAmonicab 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Bring water Nice trip great things to see. Only downfall no where to get a drink until lunch. The museum and property where the house is very nice. Bring your own drinks Read more Written April 26, 2024
• Explorer746525 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional It was a wonderful experience. Seeing Elvis home was amazing- I also went to Tupelo, Mississippi to see his first home- Tupelo is such a great place to be. This is my 2nd time going to Memphis and stayed at the Guest house- what a superb time I had- it was nice because they had so much to do in the Guest house at night after the tours- Is a shame that is getting a bit expensive to go there- I hope the prices will come down, will love to return- Read more Written April 24, 2024
• KVM4 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Very disappointing experience This was my 3rd trip to Graceland with the previous being 10 and 5 years ago. Whilst lots of money has obviously been spent with more buildings and exhibits being added - the experience itself was very disappointing. Firstly - the most important part - the house tour. The audio guide has not changed in over 10 years. It still refers to Lisa Marie as visiting the house often despite the fact she unfortunately passed away over 3 years ago. When we got off the shuttle bus and were told to start the first video in our tour. Within seconds, one of the workers came around before before it finished and one by one skipped everyone past the establishing story of Graceland and hurried us into the house. Once we started the tour, you move from room to room whilst listening to the audio tour. Once down in the basement section of the house, things are a little tight. There was a worker sitting at the bottom of the stairs bellowing commands that we 'shouldn't touch anything' and 'there is an alarm that goes off if you do'. Shortly after shouting 'that's a lie but that's the only way you people behave'. It was not a joke. She continued to berate everyone. She constantly shouted for everyone to 'KEEP MOVING' so you were shuffling out of the room before the audio guide was anywhere near finished describing what you're seeing. Although you couldn't hear much of it anyway with all her shouting. It was a really unfriendly and rude experience and her dislike of her job and the visitors was very clear to see. I understand there is a constant stream of people but making people spend seconds in a room when the audio guide is minutes long doesn't make much sense and has never been the case on my previous visits. And also not worth the high price tag considering this is the one things people want to see the most. Lots of additional building and exhibits have been added but there is a lack of signage as to what these are and the order they're in makes no sense. There is no overarching story of Elvis and his rise. You go from his army days to some random artefacts they've put on display - but with little or no description as to what they are and their relevance. There is a nice section about Lisa-Marie and then we're in Sun Records at the start of Elvis' career. It makes no sense and has no flow. There is just gift shop after gift shop after gift shop to punctuate your journey. There is also only one tiny sign of how to get to the plane exhibit. Luckily I knew it was there from my previous visit but had to point many people in the right direction on the day as it was so hard to find. We tried to get an ice cream at the restaurant but the staff were so rude. 3 groups of customers were waiting to be served but the 3 workers all kept their backs to us while they were cooking one single burger. Another staff member was trying to get some ice cream but was also being ignored. We gave up eventually. Every staff member acted like they hated being there and the customers were such a bother. I wont be visiting again and it's a shame to see such an important part of musical history go down the drain. Read more Written April 23, 2024
• Q9978TFglenb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A trip of a lifetime A day was a rush to take everything in. The house was my main reason to visit. VIP tours went ahead of standard tours which is expected. However it left us waiting outside for some time. The house tour is great and the audio through the ipad is worth it. It is available in other languages. The exhibition halls across the road are vast and well laid. Food halls are reasonably priced and a good range of food. Read more Written April 21, 2024
• paulinen736 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Don't walk to Graceland, they won't let you in Amazing Ultimate VIP tour with John. Waited a lifetime and was not disappointed until the very end. We wanted to go back to Graceland but the queue for the shuttle was very long so we thought we'd walk over. Big mistake. We weren't allowed to walk in even though our lanyards were on show. Absolutely NOWHERE does it say this or were we advised and any point during the day. We just wanted to go in and pay our last respects before leaving tomorrow. By the time we would have crossed back over the road and waited for the shuttle bus, it would be too late. Sadly the last thing we will remember and it has left us feeling very disappointed x Read more Written April 20, 2024
• D5699MGchristopherh 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles No thanks The whole experience was very disorganized, with unfriendly staff, and extremely long wait times without explanation. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• Ellen W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unfortunately it's already over I came to Graceland for the fourth time and again it was worth traveling here from the Netherlands. 1 day is too short to see everything properly. The house, the planes, cars, jumpsuits, gold records and all other exhibits are enough to delve into Elvis history and life for hours on end. But the meditation garden is still the highlight of the day. The peace this gives is indescribable. Fortunately, every morning there is the opportunity to walk up through the garden to the meditation garden. Hopefully this wasn't the last time I visited Graceland. Read more Written April 17, 2024

More to explore in Memphis

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Elvis Presley's Graceland Tour with Audio Guide & Airplanes provided by Graceland

A Travel Guide for Visiting Graceland on a Budget

 Taylor McIntyre/TripSavvy

Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee, is viewed by some as a solemn experience, while others are motivated by amusement or curiosity. Whatever your reason for visiting, no one can deny that a stopover is a unique experience that attracts people from around the world. Fortunately, a value-packed Graceland tour can be done with some advance planning.

Admission Costs

Knowing what you'd like to see at Graceland can help you save money on tickets. Different tour packages cater to different visitors, from the history buff who's a casual Elvis admirer to the full-blown Elvis fanatic.

Basic admission (starting at $41) covers the Mansion Only Tour, which is audio-guided. The Elvis Experience Tour includes exhibits of his wardrobe, automobiles, gold records, and other features. An Elvis Entourage VIP ticket adds front-of-the-line admission privileges and access to the Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex museums and exhibits. An airplanes tour can be added on to those three ticket options for an additional cost. The most extensive and pricey selection is the Ultimate VIP tour, which includes everything the other tours offer plus a meal voucher, access to the Ultimate Lounge, a Graceland archives session, and more.

Children under 6 are free on all tours except for the Ultimate VIP Tour, though that has no charge for kids under age 2. Although there's a small fee, online orders could spare you long waits in line, allowing you to pick up tickets at will-call and be ready for your Graceland experience.

Money-Saving Tips

A few tricks can help you save at Graceland, whether you are in Memphis just for Elvis or simply want to stop by and pay your respects.

If Graceland is your main focus, you might want to consider becoming a member, which can help you cut back on costs if you are a frequent visitor .

If you'd like to visit the graves of Elvis and his family, walk up to the Meditation Garden at Graceland for free between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. (except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). And you can always pull off Elvis Presley Boulevard and take a selfie outside the famous mansion.

Big Elvis fans will come here just for Graceland, but for most people, it is a half-day adventure at best. Regardless, look at some of the other attractions in the area and make your trip to the city memorable. One good stop is to Sun Records, where Elvis cut his first demo record . According to legend, they asked Elvis which artist he sounded like, and he answered: "I don't sound like nobody." Soon enough, they discovered a new sound that swept the nation at this unassuming Sun Studio at 706 Union Ave.

See more Memphis music highlights using the free hourly shuttle running daily on a first come first served basis. The shuttle travels between Graceland, Heartbreak Hotel across the street, Sun Studio, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. If you stay downtown, you can start out at Memphis Rock 'n' Soul and visit both Sun Studios and Graceland without spending on gas or parking.

Rock 'n' Soul also offers a discount on a Backstage Pass, which includes admissions to Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

When to Visit

The peak time for visitors is the annual Elvis Week in early- to mid-August when there are scores of special events such as concerts, movie screenings, and an Elvis Expo (off-property in downtown Memphis) of memorabilia. Reservations during this time are highly recommended, as individual events sell out months in advance.

For less stress and more value, go on a weekday and avoid times when school is not in session. The two busiest times are the August "Elvis Week" and January 8, which was Elvis' birthday.

Travel Arrangements

As you search for flights and Memphis hotel rooms, consider Graceland's location only 4 miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM). Although it's close to the airport, don't try to see the mansion on a layover. Traffic can be intense and waits at Graceland are often long. Security lines at MEM can become busy when travelers on business or holiday trips show up at the airport. Cabs are available to and from the airport.

Staying at The Guest House at Graceland is one option with discounts including admission to Graceland, seeing landmarks, and other Elvis-related events. Also, the Graceland RV Park and Campground is a less-expensive way to camp out within walking distance to Graceland and enjoy bike trails.

Hotels in the area around Graceland can be run-down or expensive. But the proximity to I-55 means you can reach a bargain room in another part of the city fairly quickly (unless it's rush hour). Some chain offerings are good values in the Bartlett area and just across the state line in Mississippi.

How Tours Work

The mansion and the visitor pavilion/parking complex sit on opposite sides of Elvis Presley Boulevard. Transportation across the street to the grounds and a headset enabling a self-guided tour of the property are included in the admission fee. The additional options available with the higher-priced tickets are on the pavilion-side of the boulevard: the jumpsuit, automobile, and airplane exhibits. You will be reminded at every turn that security cameras are watching you and that indoor flash photography is prohibited. The second floor of the mansion is off-limits; these rooms were Elvis' private quarters.

This is not the most elegant nor largest mansion you will ever see. You may be struck by the relative simplicity of Elvis' life, given his status as a world celebrity. Check out the "Jungle Room," furnished with outlandish carpeting, furniture, and kitsch, and the simple swing set he set up for his daughter Lisa Marie in the backyard. Everything here was left largely the way it looked at the time of Elvis' death in 1977.

Basic Information

Hours of operation vary by season, with longer hours during the summer months. It's possible to rent sections of the facility for private parties, and some people even get married here.

Elsewhere in Memphis

Memphis is known for more than Graceland. If you are staying downtown and using the free shuttle between Graceland and other attractions, you can maximize your time and money and have some other worthwhile visits. Highly recommended: the  National Civil Rights Museum , on the site of the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

A lesser-known but fascinating attraction is a five-block-long scale model of the lower Mississippi River at  Mud Island River Park , which is connected to downtown by a sky bridge. Anyone with a love of travel or geography will enjoy this site.

Downtown Memphis is home to Beale Street , which bills itself as the "home of blues and the birthplace of rock n' roll" and has two blocks of places to enjoy Memphis barbecue or live music. 

Your Trip to Memphis: The Complete Guide

20 Top Things to Do in Memphis

Graceland: The Complete Guide

A Complete Guide to the Mississippi River Road Trip

48 Hours in Memphis: The Ultimate Itinerary

10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Gay Guide and Events Calendar

Rock 'N' Soul Museum in Memphis: The Complete Guide

The 10 Best Museums to Visit in Memphis

This Two-Night Elvis Experience Treats You Like a Celebrity for Less Than $20

Visit Memphis in Style and on Budget

The 12 Best Things to Do in Midtown Memphis

12 Best Things to Do in Memphis for Free

10 Things To Do For $10 Or Less In Memphis

13 Best Things to Do With Kids in Memphis, Tennessee

Tourist Destinations in the Southern U.S.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Graceland Tours | Visiting the Home of Elvis Presley

This post will cover all the best tours of Graceland, including information about ticket prices, availability, the length of each outing, and what you can expect to see and learn about from your tour guide.

Graceland is a top attraction in Tennessee. It is about 3.5 hours to get to Graceland from Nashville.

Graceland Tours

This article elaborates on some amazing Graceland Tours and offers a bunch of discounts on Graceland Tours, including a Combo Package which includes admission to Stax Museum.

These discounts and Coupons allow you to save money on your way to Graceland Tours. We have also added the Memphis Music Attraction Pass for music fans.

We'll also include information about how to get tickets, which activities are included with each tour, and even day trips from Memphis.

Here are a few of the most common questions about visiting Graceland:

Is Graceland open for Tours?

Yes, Graceland is open for tours for about 7 hours daily.

How much are Graceland Tours?

The cost varies as per the tour.

As an adult, you must keep your budget from $50 to $215 (a premium tour including Elvis’ planes, meal voucher, and an expert guide is $215 ).

The average cost for kids under 10 years is $30 to $200 .

When is Graceland open?

The opening hours on typical days are from 9 am to 5 pm. These opening hours may vary on weekends or special holidays.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Graceland is in the afternoon as it is less busy and you will not have to wait too long. The last tour commences at about 4-5 pm.

How to get to Graceland from Memphis

You can get to Graceland from Memphis by bus or a shuttle.

The property of Graceland provides a variety of tours that cover the life of Elvis Presley, including access to several exciting attractions such as the following:

• Presley Motors Automobile Museum
• Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum
• New Making of ELVIS Movie Exhibition
• Elvis Discovery Exhibits

Depending on which type of tour you select, you may also have access to the Graceland Mansion, Elvis' Custom Jets, and other usually off-limits areas.

This section provides the necessary details to pick the right tickets for you!

Elvis Experience Tour

The Elvis Experience Tour lets you experience an independent tour of Graceland Mansion Elvis Memphis Entertainment Complex.

You will explore Elvis’ automobiles, his career, jets, wardrobe, and much more. The tour lasts for 4-5 hours. 

• Adults - $79.75
• Children - $45.50
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Elvis Entourage VIP Tour

With the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour, you will visit the mansion through a VIP shuttle which means you get to skip the line.

The tour includes an independent tour of Graceland Mansion and exclusive VIP Exhibits with full access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.

Keepsake Backstage Pass, Front-of-the-Line Mansion Access, and unlimited visits are additional perks of this tour, which lasts about 4 hours. 

• $135 per person

Elvis Movie UVIP Tour

The Elvis Movie UVIP Tour provides you with a private guide who will elaborate on how Baz Luhrmann did the research for his movie ELVIS at Graceland. 

You will go to Graceland Mansion, Elvis' bespoke jets, and Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex with a small group of up to 10 people.

This tour includes a special VIP exhibit, hanging out in a lounge, taking pictures, and reviewing your archives. 

• $195 per person
• Kids under 2 can go for free.

Before it closes, you can return as often as you like. About 3 hours are spent on the excursion.

Ultimate Graceland VIP Tour

The ultimate VIP Tour includes Graceland Mansion, Elvis Presley's private jets, and the Elvis Presley Entertainment Complex. 

The complex has numerous museums, a theater, and an event area. You can also book time in the library's archive, a VIP display, a beautiful location, or a lounge. 

If you reserve before 1:30 pm, the trip costs $215 per person + $45 for dinner. After 1:45 pm, the trip's price goes down to $195 , and you won't get a ticket for dinner.

You can make multiple visits till they close. It will take you about 4 hours to finish the whole trip.

Day Trips to Graceland

There is at least one day trip from Memphis that includes admission to Graceland, and it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to pay for Graceland tour tickets and transportation to the landmark simultaneously.

Elvis Presley’s Upbringing Tour

This tour is retro and exciting as you explore the birthplace of Elvis: Memphis, Tennessee. You will watch Elvis movies on your way to Graceland and savor a delicious lunch and snack on your way back. 

The main advantage of this day trip is that it provides transportation to and from Graceland, so you won’t have to worry about renting a car, using an uber, or hopping on a bus.

• $99 per person
• Duration: 7 hours
• Not suitable for kids under 5

Discounts on Graceland Tours

There is a specific criterion for each ticket given below. You must bring proof of eligibility to pick up your tickets at Will Call Window at Graceland.

Senior Citizen Discount

With a proper ID and the code Senior22, seniors 65 and older can get 6% off the Elvis Experience Tour or Elvis Presley's Memphis tour (except VIP or Saturday). There are no savings for tickets to other shows.

AAA Members Discount

AAA members can save 6% on the Elvis Experience Tour for up to four people with a current membership card (except VIP or planes tickets). Must show card and ID at the Ticket Office.

US Military & Law Enforcement Officials Discount

Active and retired U.S. military, cops, and firefighters can save 6% on the Elvis Experience Tour for up to six people with a government-issued ID.

Graceland Members Discount

With a valid membership and ID, Graceland Insiders members can buy one Elvis Experience Tour and get the second half off. They can do this once a year.

Combo Package Discount Deal

This Combo Package at Tiqets includes two tours: Stax Museum Tour and Elvis Experience Tour at a discounted price of $76.09 . You must opt for your tour date, complete secure payment, and download the tickets.

Discount Sites for Graceland Tours

Several other websites are available online where you can get discounted Graceland tour deals. 

These Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial provide a bundle of discount coupons to their subscribers at a relatively lower rate. 

You might get a heavy discount if you visit these sites before finally getting your Graceland Tour Ticket.

Tourist Passes: Memphis Music Attraction Pass

With tourist passes, you can enjoy free or discounted tours at many of Graceland’s tourist attractions. The Memphis Music Attraction Pass is one of the best options in the city. 

This pass is valid for 30 days, costs $129 per individual, and lets you see four places that celebrate the music of Memphis:

• Graceland, where Elvis lived
• Rock 'n' Soul Museum, a Smithsonian exhibit
• Sun Studio, where many stars recorded
• Stax Museum of American Soul, a tribute to soul music

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Paul Whitten

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Explore The South

Family Travel In The Deep South

Tips for Visiting Graceland

Make a well-planned visit to Elvis Presley’s home using these tips for visiting Graceland. Maximize your visit, there is much to see.

Use these Graceland Tour Tips to get the most out of a full day doing the Graceland Tour in Memphis.

If you don’t live nearby, you will be planning a trip. I am also sharing with you where to stay and eat while in Memphis for your Elvis experience tour.

This article contains affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

There is much more to visiting Graceland than only touring the mansion. Directly across the street from Graceland sits a huge entertainment complex complete with museums, gift shops, and restaurants for you to explore. This is where your Graceland experience will begin.

Table of Contents

How to get into graceland, presley motors auto museum, elvis career museum, other museums include:, elvis custom jets, souvenir shops, gladys’ diner, vernon’s smokehouse, rock-n-go diner, minnie mae’s sweets, how much does it cost to tour graceland, expert guide, vip private lounge, private archives, meal voucher, buy your tickets online before you go, what can you tour for free, guesthouse at graceland, graceland rv park and campground, dining and shopping, tips for visiting graceland, more places to visit in the south.

Your tour will begin at the Elvis Presley Memphis Entertainment Complex. This is where the ticket office is located.

It’s across the street in front of Graceland. There is a $10 parking fee. If you are staying at the Guesthouse, their shuttle runs every 30 minutes so don’t drive your own vehicle over and pay to park.

Graceland tours are scheduled every 15 minutes so you will be given a time on your ticket. Prior to boarding the shuttle, that is provided for your tour, you will watch a short, 7-minute video of Elvis’s career.

Once you are directed out to board the shuttle bus, you have an opportunity for your picture to be taken in front of a fun background. You are not obligated to buy these and you can opt-out of the photo if you like. They cost about $35 currently and can be found at the auto museum after your mansion tour.

You will also be handed an iPad and headphone set to listen to an audio tour narrated by John Stamos. As you make your way through the home of Elvis Presley, John who is also a big Elvis fan will tell you information about each room of the house tour.

You can spend as much time as you like on your tour. You are not required to board the free shuttle at any particular time. Just be sure not to miss the last bus of the day. Graceland hours of operation are daily 9-4. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex

A lot has changed on Elvis Presley Blvd. since the King of Rock and Roll passed away back in 1977. Over the years Elvis Presley Enterprises was able to purchase land across the street from the mansion. They built a 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex known as Elvis Presley’s Memphis. 

Elvis Presley’s Memphis enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took, and surround yourself with the things that he loved.

What will you find there?

A nice collection of vehicles owned by Elvis which includes the infamous pink Cadillac are on display in the car museum.

Fun fact about the pink Caddy. It was referred to as Glady’s car but she never learned to drive. The car earned the name Glady’s car because she wanted a pink Cadillac and that is why Elvis bought it. He loved his Momma.

You will be able to view up close hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland Archives, including Elvis’ amazing collection of gold and platinum records, his stunning jumpsuits, memorabilia from his movies, and more. This museum is the world’s largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world.

The items on display change from time to time as they are sent to locations around the world for his dedicated fans to enjoy.

The display of the iconic Elvis jumpsuits is amazing. They are stacked two and three high on three walls, each encased individually and lit so they are easy to view. But that isn’t all, there are more on display in this museum in various places including the famous black leather suit he wore for the 1968 Comeback Special.

•  Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley
• Presley Cycles; Elvis motorcycles and other vehicles
• Private Presley, showcasing his service in the U.S. Army
• ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley, an exhibit that showcases Elvis’ influence on other artists
•  Archives Experience, which allows you to explore the Graceland Archives

Climb aboard Elvis’ customized jet, named after his daughter Lisa Marie, that features a living room, conference room, sitting room, and private bedroom, as well as gold-plated seat belts, suede chairs, and leather-covered tables, 24-karat gold-flecked sinks, and more.

Then, take a peek inside Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jet Star, customized by Elvis with a yellow and green interior. Remember the decor is 70’s.

There are lots of souvenir shops at the complex. Many of them have similar items but some do have different things.

The T-shirts cost around $35 and up. You can find almost anything you can imagine. Shop Amazon before your trip for lots of Elvis t-shirts right here .

Restaurants at the Entertainment Complex

The menu includes; Classic American cuisine, including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza – plus one of Elvis’ favorites – Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches.

Vernon’s Smokehouse features authentic Memphis BBQ fare, including pork ribs, chicken, and beef brisket, seasoned with exclusive Vernon’s Smokehouse BBQ sauce. Also on the menu are; meatloaf, catfish, and BBQ spaghetti.

The Rock-n-Go is attached to Glady’s Diner and they share a dining room. They serve sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The menu also includes smoothies, iced coffees, and shaken iced teas.

Be sure to also visit Minnie Mae’s Sweets for hand-dipped ice cream, Root Beer floats, candy, and more! Choose from 16 delicious ice cream flavors.  

The good news is there are tickets available in a variety of price ranges. We chose the Ultimate VIP in order to enjoy the expert guide.

Tickets currently range in price from $48 up to $196 per person depending on the type of experience you prefer.

Ticket options

The most expensive option is called the Ultimate VIP Tour and includes:

• Graceland Mansion Tour with an Expert Guide For Each Small Group of up to 10 Guests 
• Self-guided tour of Elvis’ Custom Jets
• Full Access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex, including Presley Motors Automobile Museum
• Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum
• Self-guided tours of the Elvis Discovery Exhibits
• Access to Ultimate Lounge and Exclusive VIP Exhibit
• A meal voucher for a restaurant at Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Exclusive Photo Opportunity
• Personal Graceland Archives Show and Tell Session
• Keepsake Backstage pass

The least expensive option is called Elvis Presleys Memphis + Planes. This option does not include the tour of the mansion.

Benefits of the Ultimate VIP

The most significant benefit of the Ultimate VIP package is the expert guide. They will tell you lots of tidbits and stories you won’t otherwise hear.

We got lucky and our tour guide was one of the archivists who doesn’t usually do tours but we were there during Elvis week and it was busy.

You will receive a set of headphones for wearing during the tour so you can hear your guide because they don’t talk out loud for other tourists to listen to the things you paid extra to learn.

Near the end of the mansion tour, you will be taken to the VIP Private Lounge to sit and relax for a few minutes. There is water available and a few displays for you to look at that others won’t see. We enjoyed it because it was very hot the day of our visit and it was nice to cool off.

After leaving the lounge, we were shuttled down to the only building on the property which isn’t original to the home. It was built to house memorabilia and archives.

If you are not doing the Ultimate VIP Tour, you won’t come to this archives building.

Here, you get to see up close some of Elvis’s personal possessions and will be allowed to touch one thing. On our visit that thing was one of Elvis’ guitars.

Also part of the Ultimate VIP package is a meal voucher to one of the restaurants on the Elvis Memphis campus. We ate at Vernon’s and it was very good.

Save time and buy your tickets online before you go. You can print them or have them available on your cell phone when you get there. If you have the QR code open on your phone, the ticket agent will scan it quickly and you can go through the line. They will scan the code for each ticket you purchased.

You are allowed to visit the Meditation Garden which is Elvis’s burial site during a one-hour time frame each morning. Visitor walk-up times are daily from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. All guests must enter the gates by 8:30 a.m. to walk up, and guests must leave the mansion grounds before Graceland tours start.

Elvis, Gladys, Vernon, his Grandmother who he lovingly called ‘Dodger’, and his grandson, Benjamin is buried there. You will also see a memorial marker for Elvis’s twin brother, Jessie, who died at birth.

Where to stay

The Guesthouse, built in 2016, is a quite beautifully equipped, luxurious hotel decorated to reflect the colorful style of Elvis Presley. Located literally next door to Graceland, you can walk over to the mansion.

The gorgeous furniture in the lobby is designed to pay homage to the high collars of Elvis stage wear.

Read my Review of The Guest House at Graceland . It’s full of pictures.

The Graceland RV Park & Campground is located on 19 acres just off Elvis Presley Boulevard. It is part of the Graceland Campus.

The Memphis campgrounds feature:

• Full Hookup Sites
• 30/50 Amp Service
• Bathhouse and laundry facilities
• Bike & Walking Trails
• Patrolled 24-hour Security
• Free campground-wide wireless internet access
• Swimming Pool
• Camping store providing ice, drinks, propane, souvenirs, books, t-shirts, camping and RV supplies, and a small business center.
• Brochures and local information are also available in the store along with maps and other related items.
• The office staff can assist you in making reservations for tours and [dining] out at represented restaurants in the area.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of dining options located in the general area around Graceland or the Guesthouse. There are two restaurants inside the hotel but if you are staying a full week you will get tired of those. Their food is good but the prices are on the high side and the menus are limited.

We drove down to Southaven, Ms . for shopping. There is a nice Tanger Outlet there and we had a fun day shopping. It’s only about 11 miles from the Guesthouse so not far at all.

There are more dining options in this same area where the Tanger Outlets are. We went to a little pizza place where the food and service were both good and it was budget friendly.

Be sure to go to Marlowe’s Ribs and Restaurant which is just a few blocks down the street from Graceland.

They will come and pick you up in their pink limousine and bring you back. It’s a fun adventure and the food is quite good.

Graceland is the second most visited home in the U.S., second only to the White House. Of course, you want to get the most out of your visit. Use these tips to plan your trip to Graceland.

Visit the Graceland website to purchase your tickets in advance online.

• Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking involved.
• You are allowed to have bottled water in the mansion but no food.
• Flash photography is not allowed. Snap all the photos you want without the flash.
• Graceland is typically less busy in the afternoons, especially after 2:00 p.m.
• The last mansion tour of the day begins at 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., depending on the day of the week and time of year.
• Bring a sharpie. You can sign the famous Graceland wall.
• The Graceland gates close at 5 p.m., that is when you can get a picture of the closed gates or early in the morning.
• Walking up to Elvis’s grave is free. You are only allowed to do that between 7:30-8:30 am before tours begin.
• The mansion tour takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
• You can easily spend most of a day touring the mansion and the entertainment complex with a break for lunch at one of the restaurants.
• Take cash for tips if you plan to tip the driver of the free shuttle.
• Use #graceland when sharing
• If you plan to visit during Elvis Week, book everything in advance and buy tickets to the shows in advance.
• Visit during Elvis week and buy tickets to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Finals. The concerts are fabulous.

Great Smoky Mountains Trip Planner

Tybee Island Bed & Breakfast Surf Song Review

21 Fun Things To Do At Myrtle Beach

7 Unique Places To Stay In South Carolina

13 Campgrounds In Alabama To Explore

Similar Posts

The Guesthouse at Graceland Review

9 Great Places to Spend Christmas in the South

11 Best Day Trips In Tennessee

Got comments, travel tips or questions cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This Graceland Virtual Tour Takes You Inside Elvis’ Home

The magnificent mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, known as Graceland was the pride of singer and actor Elvis Presley. He spent his first night there on June 26, 1957, opening the gates to an amazing era of music history that remarkably lives on to this day. Over the 20 years he spent there, the property was “Elvis-ized,” with myriad changes to suit the eclectic taste of “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

Today, it’s part museum and shrine, a bucket-list destination for millions of fans, as well as Elvis’ gravesite. With more than 600,000 annual visitors, it’s the third-most visited house in the U.S., behind the Biltmore Estate and the White House. 

Ready to take a peek inside? Slip on something comfortable (we recommend “Blue Suede Shoes”), and join us for this Graceland virtual tour!

Entering the Estate

The property is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard.

It’s encircled by a wall constructed of pink Alabama fieldstone, built at a cost of $65,000 and installed shortly before the Presleys moved here. 

Signing the Wall

Today, the wall is covered with graffiti and professions of affection for Elvis.

Don’t worry, there’s still room for your personal contribution, which we recommend you add before entering the gates.

The Front Gates

The gates at the bottom of the curving driveway were installed at a cost $1,339 in 1957. They were designed by Abe Saucer and built by John Dillard, Jr. of Memphis Doors.

Adorned with musical notes and artistic outlines of Elvis playing guitar, they resemble sheet music. 

The Perfect Photo-Op

There are a number of photographs like this one of a beaming Elvis posing with the gates. He would even sometimes stand here and sign autographs for fans.

Just behind the gates to the right is the guardhouse, which was added in 1970.

Entryway to Graceland

At the top of the hill is the Entryway to Graceland. Here, you’re greeted by a pair of white lions, two white iron benches and four imposing Corinthian columns flanking the front door. 

The home’s exterior is covered with a special limestone, sourced from a quarry in Mississippi. It has a tan color that contrasts pleasantly with the green shutters on either side of the eight paned windows. Surprisingly, it exudes an air of subtlety.

The Doorway

A beautiful panel of ornate stained glass sits above the doorway — four flowers around a “P” in a golden circle. The flower pattern flanks the front door as well in thin, vertical panes. 

Extravagant stained-glass artwork is found in many locations throughout Graceland.

A Little Graceland History

Before we step inside the estate, here’s a little bit of history first. The estate received its identity from the original owner, who named it Graceland Farms after his daughter Grace. 

The nearly 14-acre property remained in the prominent Memphis family for several generations, leading to the construction of the 10,266-square-foot Colonial Revival style mansion in 1939.

The King Takes Over

Under the guidance of his parents, Elvis purchased it on March 19, 1957, for the then-princely sum of $102,500. He was just 22, less than a year from his groundbreaking “Ed Sullivan Show” appearance, a breakout star looking for a little privacy and something to grow into.

He’d spent only a year at his previous “Music City” residence (the nearby 1034 Audubon Drive), ultimately realizing the constant crush of fans gathered at the driveway was too much for the neighbors. 

A National Treasure

Graceland, which has 23 rooms, was extensively remodeled by Presley (his mother reportedly vetoed purple walls and white corduroy drapes) and authentically reflects his taste, as well as style influences of the 1960s and early ’70s. 

It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

First-Floor Map

Elvis’ parents, Vernon and Gladys, and his grandmother, Minnie Mae, actually lived with him in the 17,552-square-foot dwelling, which served as Elvis’ headquarters for two decades until his fatal heart attack there on Aug. 16, 1977.

The first floor features a luxurious living room and the adjacent, slightly understated music room. On the other side of the first floor is a formal dining room, with the kitchen tucked just behind it. A ground-level bedroom, accessed from the back of the foyer, was occupied primarily by Elvis’ parents. 

Shall we take a look?

Upon entry into the foyer, you face the staircase to the second floor, which is roped off and closed to the public. To the left, behind a white urn on a mirrored pedestal, is a framed baby portrait of Lisa Marie. Elliptical arch openings on either side lead to the Living and Dining rooms.

To the right of the stairs is a short hallway which ends at a first-floor bedroom. A small table, with a mirror hung above it, is the only decoration on it. As was the case when Elvis was alive, there’s always a vase full of flowers.

The white-carpeted 15-step staircase has a white-and-gold accented railing on the right side, with mirrors covering the left wall. 

Along with the mirrors, there’s a portrait of Elvis as a young man. He’s wearing a white shirt and a placid expression. His hair is noticeably lighter, which suggests he’d recently been discharged from the Army. Elvis wasn’t able to dye his hair black when he was a soldier.

The Chandelier

The chandelier that hangs above the stairs was the third installed by Elvis. It was placed there in 1974.

Atop the stairs, at the first landing, there are blue drapes covering the wall, with gold trimming. To reach Elvis’ bedroom, you turn right to a landing that’s just outside the bedroom door.

Living Room

Immediately to the right of the foyer is the living room. It features white furniture and white carpet, with an open doorway to the music room at the far end. 

A pair of elegant rainbow-hued stained-glass peacocks captures your attention immediately. The artful cacophony of color was the creation of Laukuff Stained Glass. The birds were installed in 1974 at a cost of $9,345, a price that included several other stained-glass pieces. Elvis commissioned them as an ancient Christian symbol of eternal life and resurrection.

Custom-Made Decor

The living room boasts mirrored walls, a white-marble fireplace and a 10-foot, glass-topped, custom-made coffee table. Just inside, to the left, is a portrait of Elvis hung on a mirrored wall above a cabinet with a framed photo of his parents. 

The sofa, while not wide enough to hold Elvis’ famed “Memphis Mafia” collection of friends and advisors, was a spacious 15 feet from armrest to armrest. It was purchased for $1,375 in 1957.

Just beyond the living room, as you pass between the preening peacocks, is the music room. Originally used as a solarium by the previous owners, Elvis transformed the 17-by-14-foot space into a cozy location to entertain dinner guests on the piano. 

Several pianos occupied the room through the years, but the King’s favorite was a 1912 Knabe grand that he purchased in 1957 and had painted white.

The room also contains the ubiquitous television. Elvis had them installed in countless locations throughout the house. 

As an RCA recording artist, he received them for free from the company, which was a leading TV manufacturer. 

Dining Room

The formal dining room is located on the other side of the foyer. It has curio cabinets in both corners, black marble flooring in the center and a carpeted perimeter.

The dining table featured a hidden button, installed on the underside, used by Elvis to buzz the kitchen, which is just through an open door to the right. 

Dining Room Windows

The windows in the dining room, which face the front yard, are nearly floor to ceiling, framed by lush blue drapes with gold tassels. 

A mirror sits between the two windows, partially obstructed by a massive oak cabinet displaying a collection of silverware.

The King of Blue Drapes

Elvis loved blue drapes so much that they didn't just adorn the dining room.

The same drapes are found in the living room and atop the foyer staircase. 

The kitchen has an upscale 1970s look, right down to the appliances. It’s cozy and functional, not grand. There’s a TV (of course) on a small counter and a breakfast bar with stool seats. 

In addition to the TV, two black-and-white monitors provide the live video feed from Elvis’ security cameras. A pair of stained-glass lights hang from chains; their artwork depicts fruits and vegetables.

Top-of-the-Line Kitchen Gadgets

The refrigerator, which held all of the fixin’s for Elvis’ favorite meals, is a double-door model that was uncommon in most kitchens. The oven, a Tappan Fabulous 400, is similarly state of the art for its time. Elvis loved to own the latest gadgets, evidence of which is an early model microwave oven.

Notably, patterned carpet covers the floor. One can only imagine the mess if a griddle-fried, peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich or perhaps BBQ spaghetti (among Elvis’ favorites) fell onto the floor. 

First-Floor Bedroom

Tucked behind the living room is a small bedroom, originally used by Elvis’ parents and later by his grandmother and aunt. 

There’s a bathroom, allowing complete privacy for the inhabitant, despite its proximity to the main quarters. The bathroom’s wallpaper is decorated with poodles in various forms of fun and frolic.

Remodeled in 1974 with a yellow-and-black theme, Elvis had a lightning bolt and cloud painted on the back wall in tribute to the logo he adopted in the 1970s.

A wall in the TV room is embedded with three TVs (inspired by the knowledge that then-President Lyndon Johnson had a trio of sets to simultaneously watch the network news) with a deep-pillowed couch to relax in.

A Closer Look

If you look closer at the TV room, the ceiling and one wall are mirrored, and the carpet is yellow shag. A fireplace adds a feeling of warmth to the room, even if it appears that it was never lit.

Elvis’ collection of vinyl LPs and 45 RPM records sits on a shelf.

In-Home Theater Experience — Complete With a Wet Bar

A pull-down projector screen descended from the ceiling for movie viewing. For sound, there’s high-powered audio equipment located in custom-cut shelves in the TV wall.

A U-shaped wet bar, with yellow Formica countertop and padded elbow-rests, along with shelves of cocktail-related curios, completed the entertainment hideaway. 

Jungle Room

Added by Elvis as one of the first true “man caves,” the jungle room looked out to the backyard. It was designed by Bernard Grenadier, who also created the estate’s meditation garden. 

On the room’s north end was a built-in waterfall wall of cut fieldstone.

The Ultimate Man Cave

The rest of the jungle room features, among other extravagances, faux fur-covered Polynesian-themed furniture, hard-carved chests and cabinets, and lime-colored, shag carpet.

Note that the ceiling is also covered in the same carpet. 

A Temporary Studio Space

There are hanging ferns, mirrors, an array of jungle-themed lamps and a Tiki bar at the far end of the jungle room. Animal figures are everywhere. Elvis had a thing for primates, in particular. His favorite was a chimpanzee named “Scatter” whose previous owner was a Memphis TV personality.

In early 1976, a mobile recording unit was set up at Graceland, and Elvis transformed the jungle room into a temporary studio, from which he recorded “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.”

Billiards Room

Adjacent to the jungle room is the billiards room, where Elvis shot pool and relaxed with his crew. Originally a library, Elvis channeled the vision for his personal pool hall from a painting of an 18th-century billiards room. 

The room is covered in fabric — more than 300 yards of it! — including the ceiling. It reportedly took a team of workers 10 days to hang it. The project required the installation of hundreds of special rods so the fabric could extend from the walls in cascading ribbons. 

Other Billiards Room Accents

The stained-glass chandelier above the table’s green felt is surprisingly understated for a man of Elvis’ flamboyant tastes. The colors are blue and green, with a touch of red. 

A rip in the table’s green felt top remains, reportedly from a colleague’s failed attempt at a trick shot.

Second-Floor Map

The second floor of Graceland remains closed to the public out of respect for the family’s privacy. It features a master bedroom and accompanying master bathroom, a small office and a dressing room that was converted into a bedroom for Elvis’ bodyguard. 

In the rear corner, diagonally opposite the master bedroom, is the bedroom that was occupied by Lisa Marie, Elvis’ baby daughter.

Master Bedroom

Unfortunately, we can't show you the luxurious master suite because the only people allowed to enter are Elvis’ former wife Priscilla, daughter Lisa Marie and the Graceland curator. It faces the front yard and was accessed by climbing the foyer staircase and turning right. 

A door at the top of the stairs leads to a short hallway with a black-upholstered leather door that opens to Elvis’ private area. What we do know is his black bed was 9 feet by 9 feet, and beside the bed, which at one time was draped in a red canopy with large gold tassels, sat a red telephone. The bathroom where Elvis died is to the right of the bed as you enter the suite.

Elvis' Upstairs Office

While you can't see Elvis' upstairs office in person, a mock version of it was part of a VIP exhibit at Graceland.

The exhibit titled, "Elvis Through His Daughter's Eyes,"  ran from 2012 to 2014.

Lisa Marie’s Bedroom

The room occupied by Elvis’ daughter looked out on the sundeck above the jungle room with a view of the backyard. 

It contained a circular, faux-fur, canopy bed and a private bathroom.

Racquetball Building

Set aside from the house, the racquetball building was added to the grounds in 1975, coming in at $200,000, nearly twice the price of the original Graceland purchase. 

It was Elvis’ personal sports complex, with a weight-training area on the ground floor, full-size racquetball court, Jacuzzi and dressing room upstairs. His shower was equipped with five gold-plated showerheads.

Racquetball Building Lounge Area

The building also had a lounge area with leather furniture, a bar, pinball machines and a piano for relaxing after a workout. 

The court is exactly as it was the day of his death, save for Elvis’ racquet under glass, just beyond a velvet rope that keeps visitors off the hardwood floor.

Trophy Building

Known today as the trophy building, the wing was built in 1966. Elvis first used it for elaborate slot car racing tracks. 

Later, it housed his growing collection of awards. 

The Hall of Gold

The Hall of Gold is, perhaps, the most striking aspect of the trophy building.

It displays all of Elvis’ Gold and Platinum albums and singles, along with three Grammy Awards.

Elvis Memorabilia to the Max

The trophy building also displays a stunning array of stage costumes, musical instruments and movie memorabilia.

You can gaze at his birth certificate, his junior high report card and Priscilla’s spectacular wedding dress. 

Swimming Pool

Added in 1957, the simple kidney-shaped pool and cut-stone patio was a playground for Elvis and his pals. Measuring 18 feet wide and 36 feet in length, it’s virtually unchanged in the decades since he passed. 

It’s surprisingly basic: white plaster, pale-blue tiles, old-style concrete coping and a diving board without railings or stairs.

Pool Maintenance

Nobody is allowed to swim in the pool, but it has been maintained by Roy Reed for years. Reed has his share of stories, one of which features an opportunistic employee who sold tiny vials of Elvis’ pool water for $1 each. There’s also the tale of Elvis using the freshly dug pool as a temporary donkey pen.  

It’s filled with saltwater and was built at a cost of $8,481.

Meditation Garden

Just south of the pool, the meditation garden was created in 1965 as a contemplative space. Now, it’s Elvis’ final resting place, alongside his parents and grandmother. There’s also a small monument in honor of Elvis’ stillborn twin brother, Jessie.

The garden was converted to its current configuration, as a burial memorial ground, after an attempt to steal Elvis’ coffin from nearby Forest Hill Cemetery. Reportedly, the plan was to hold it for ransom. 

Elvis' Grave

Elvis’ body and that of his mother were brought to Graceland on Oct. 2, 1977.

His father was interred there two years later, followed by his grandmother in 1980. 

The Eternal Flame

Within the meditation garden, there’s a circular pool with five fountain jets, a pergola with Ionic columns and a brick wall with four works of stained glass set in arched openings.

An eternal flame burns above a plaque that includes the words “may this flame reflect our never ending respect and love for you.” 

The Barn and Stables

Built in 1939, the barn is one of the oldest structures on the property. It’s located near the rear property line and serves as a stable for the horses at Graceland.

Horses still graze in the surrounding pastures, reportedly one each for Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie. The barn proudly remains a historic link to the estate’s original identity.

Elvis’ Source of Peace

The presence of the steeds and the stillness of the barn were considered therapeutic and a source of peace for Elvis. His favorite was a golden Palomino quarter horse named “Rising Sun” who was purchased in 1966. Fittingly, he named the barn “House of the Rising Sun.” 

Elvis also owned a black Tennessee Walking Horse known as “Bear.” His daughter, Lisa Marie, rode a Shetland pony named “Moriah” that Elvis led on a halter.

Vernon’s Office

The business of running Graceland was largely the responsibility of Elvis’ father, Vernon Presley.

He worked out of a little building that had the pictured hand-drawn message on a sign affixed to the door. We can't help but love the use of the word "loafing" here.

A Place of Normalcy

Vernon's office is oddly normal — like a traditional office, albeit with a number of Elvis portraits (much of them sent by fans) set here and there. It had wood-paneled walls, a collection of desks, file cabinets, a copy machine and electric typewriters. 

In a departure from the rest of Graceland, the carpeting isn’t shag, or eye-catching. It’s a tight, simple weave in a neutral color.

The Smokehouse Turned Shooting Range

A one-story, two-room brick structure was a part of Graceland Farms before Elvis’ ownership. It was used as a smokehouse by Vernon Presley to cure and smoke pork. At one time, he even raised hogs on the property. 

Later, the humble smokehouse structure was converted into a Shooting Range for Elvis and his gun-loving cronies. At the rear of the building were four thick wooden posts, with a target hung in front of them. 

One of those paper targets, loaded with bullet holes from Elvis’ many firearms, fetched $27,000 at auction.

The ‘Lisa Marie’ Aircraft

Elvis owned five planes. Two are on permanent display at Graceland. The largest is a Convair 880 purchased in 1975 for $250,000. He named it “Lisa Marie” after his daughter. Elvis spent $350,000 refurbishing it, adding two half-baths, a lounge area, conference room, sitting room and a master bedroom with a queen-size bed. 

The custom touches include gold-plated seatbelt buckles, 24-karat gold-flecked sinks, leather-topped tables, state-of-the-art 8-track stereo connected to 52 speakers and a phone system.

‘Hound Dog II’

There’s also a 10-seat Lockheed Jetstar on the grounds. Elvis dubbed it “x.” He purchased it for roughly $900,000 while waiting for the “Lisa Marie” to be refurbished. 

The interior has a funky green-and-yellow theme, and while not as customized as its counterpart, it was still luxurious. He didn’t fly on the jets for very long. Elvis died two years after their purchase, at age 42.

His Legacy Continues

Elvis fans continue to celebrate the life of the beloved rock star. Each year, there are candlelight vigils held at Graceland on the anniversary of his death.

This photo shows fans at his home on Aug. 15, 2017, to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

SUBSCRIBE   |   RESERVE BY PHONE: 800.238.2000   |    RESERVE ONLINE

THE GUEST HOUSE AT GRACELAND

Graceland Packages

Vip tour + planes.

Featuring a stay at The Guest House at Graceland plus two adult Graceland Elvis Entourage VIP Tours and more. LEARN MORE >  |  BOOK NOW >

Graceland Experience Package

An extraordinary hotel experience that includes two adult Elvis Experience Tours and more. LEARN MORE >  |  BOOK NOW >

Graceland’s Must-See Locations Include:

The tour of Graceland Mansion includes the living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, and more.

MORE ABOUT GRACELAND MANSION >

A state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex over 200,000-square-feet in size, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took.

ABOUT ELVIS PRESLEY’S MEMPHIS >

Step aboard Elvis’ customized airplanes to see how he traveled in luxury and take a glimpse at the Lisa Marie and Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jetstar, the Hound Dog II.

MORE ABOUT ELVIS’ AIRPLANES >

Rooms & Suites

Events & concerts, special offers, photo gallery.

3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, USA 901.443.3000 | Reservations: 800.238.2000 or 901.443.3000 | Group Sales: 901.473.6084 GRACELAND.COM | Press Room | Employment | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Web Accessibility

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.