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 showing 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 Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and Knoxville Zoo while in the area.

East Knoxville
Default Image

Cedar Bluff

Visitors highly recommend Cedar Bluff for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Dead Horse Lake Golf Course while you're in town.

Cedar Bluff
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

Old City

Old City is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Historic Southern Railway Station and The Emporium Center while you're in town.

Old City
Default Image

Knoxville West

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

Knoxville West
Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
401 W Summit Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN
The price is AU$246 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$246
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent hotel with a great location in the heart of Knoxville."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2025

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
9134 Executive Park Drive, Knoxville, TN
The price is AU$155 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$155
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great stay. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 12 Feb. 2025

Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75, an IHG Hotel
Hilton Knoxville
Hilton Knoxville
3.5 out of 5
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$222 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
AU$222
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (1,386 reviews)
"Affordable and still close walking distance to gay street."

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

Hilton Knoxville
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.
Marble Alley Lofts
Marble Alley Lofts
3 out of 5
300 State St, Knoxville, TN
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Maple Hall ...
8/10 Very Good! (48 reviews)
"overall the stay was good. I felt that the furniture and bed was a little dated and the shower had a little mold. I requested more supplies, which I never received. The day I was checking out I started taking things out to my car that morning at 6:45 a.m. and came back to my apartment and enter my ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jan. 2025

Marble Alley Lofts
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! (118 reviews)
Perfect spot to walk everywhere
"we had a wonderful weekend in Knoxville. This place was as described, very clean and convenient to everything. Love how it has a modern feel, but they have kept some of the original features. I would definitely stay here again if I was over to be in Knoxville."

Reviewed on 10 Feb. 2025

Downtown•Riverviews •Walk To Market Sq & UT•Get 3 Night Beach Trip by Booking
Private 2 Bed/1 full Bath close to everything-12 min to downtown Knox!
Private 2 Bed/1 full Bath close to everything-12 min to downtown Knox!
Knoxville
Stay at this vacation home in Knoxville. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
5 star
"Very nice and clean residence"

Reviewed on 22 Jan. 2025

Private 2 Bed/1 full Bath close to everything-12 min to downtown 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