Knoxville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit Knoxville
Photo provided by Visit Knoxville
Photo provided by Visit Knoxville
Photo provided by Visit Knoxville
Photo provided by Visit Knoxville

Against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee’s third-largest city honours its World’s Fair past and buzzes with a cool café culture and lively nightlife.

Stroll through Knoxville’s bustling shopping districts of Market Square and Gay Street or follow University of Tennessee students to the best place for a coffee or beer. Relax in a city park or enjoy some time in nature visiting the nearby Smoky Mountains. Cruise along the Tennessee River, which starts in east Knoxville where the Holston and French Broad rivers meet.

Knoxville has successfully shaken off its “scruffy little city” image to become an area of urban chic and student cool. The transformation began in 1982 when the city hosted the World’s Fair. The Sunsphere, a tall building topped with a golden orb, was one of the original attractions from the fair. Find it in World’s Fair Park, which is now a popular place for families, joggers and artists year-round.

Make a point to visit the Old City, where some of the area’s best restaurants and nightspots are nestled inside fine old architecture. Look for rows of Victorian-style houses in Fort Sanders, another attractive neighbourhood.

In the East Tennessee History Centre discover the role Knoxville played in producing the first atomic bomb. This facility covers a comprehensive history of the area, from Native American times to the present.

Shop for local produce in the twice-weekly farmers markets in Market Square or hunt for bargains along Gay Street.

The Dogwood Arts Festival has numerous art and outdoor activities throughout April. Several city locations have free weekly summer concerts.

Explore over 800 miles of trails in one of America’s largest protected areas. The Smoky Mountains are just a 30-minute drive away.

Driving is the easiest way to get around the city and parking is rarely hard to find. Buses run at hourly intervals. The KAT transportation service operates free trolleys during business hours in the downtown areas.

The mild winters of Knoxville’s subtropical climate mean it is a great place to visit throughout the year. Enjoy an al fresco coffee or breakfast in a café each morning and plan which of Knoxville’s attractions you want to visit.

Where to stay in Knoxville

Knoxville which includes markets

Downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bijou Theater or Tennessee Theatre.

Downtown Knoxville
Default Image

East Knoxville

East Knoxville is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Chillhowe Park and Knoxville Zoo while in the area.

East Knoxville
Default Image

Fort Sanders

Unique features of Fort Sanders include the shopping and bars. Make a stop by Neyland Stadium or Thompson–Boling Arena while you're exploring the area.

Fort Sanders
Default Image

Cedar Bluff

Cedar Bluff is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Dead Horse Lake Golf Course and Bagwell Tennis Center while in the area.

Cedar Bluff
Default Image

Knoxville West

If you're spending some time in Knoxville West, Turkey Creek Shopping Center and Regal Pinnacle are top sights worth seeing.

Knoxville West
Default Image

Bearden

While visiting Bearden, you might make a stop by sights like West Town Mall and Bearden Antique Mall.

Bearden
Hilton Knoxville

Hilton Knoxville

3.5 out of 5
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville, TN
The price is AU$190 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$190
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,637 reviews)
"Really great location can walk to most things or grab public transportation nearby. Breakfast was included and was a great portion and very good quality."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Hilton Knoxville
Comfort Inn & Suites Knoxville West

Comfort Inn & Suites Knoxville West

2.5 out of 5
7737 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$150 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$150
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (893 reviews)
"Clean room, no bad odors in the room or hallway. Friendly front desk staff."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Knoxville West
Days Inn by Wyndham Knoxville East

Days Inn by Wyndham Knoxville East

3 out of 5
5423 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN
The price is AU$99 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
AU$99
17 Oct - 18 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.6/10 (1,071 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Knoxville East
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
"Garden" 2Br, 2Ba, overlooking the Square in Downtown Knoxville

"Garden" 2Br, 2Ba, overlooking the Square in Downtown Knoxville

Knoxville
Stay at this apartment in Knoxville. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
"Everything in great order. No issues whatsoever."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

"Garden" 2Br, 2Ba, overlooking the Square in Downtown Knoxville
Downtown•Riverviews •Walk To Market Sq & UT•Get 3 Night Beach Trip by Booking

Downtown•Riverviews •Walk To Market Sq & UT•Get 3 Night Beach Trip by Booking

Knoxville
Stay at this apartment in Knoxville. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Volunteer Landing ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Lovely place and wonderful scenery. Property manager was extremely accommodating and communicative and it was great location as well."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Downtown•Riverviews •Walk To Market Sq & UT•Get 3 Night Beach Trip by Booking
The Albatross-Houseboat DT Knox

The Albatross-Houseboat DT Knox

Knoxville
Stay at this houseboat in Knoxville. Enjoy patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Craighead-Jackson House are located nearby.
The Albatross-Houseboat DT Knox
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Knoxville