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
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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
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East Knoxville

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

East Knoxville
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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
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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
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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
Hilton Knoxville
Hilton Knoxville
3.5 out of 5
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville, TN
The price is AU$227 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$227
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 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! (1,382 reviews)
Very enjoyable
"Wonderful property close to everything!"

Reviewed on 23 Jan. 2025

Hilton Knoxville
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$245 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
AU$245
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Thank you for your kindness and attentive service. Our room was very comfortable with a beautiful view of Knoxville."

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 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$150 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$150
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 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! (1,011 reviews)
Great Rating
"Our stay was needed for taking our pet for surgery. The hotel was clean and inviting. Had a great cafe and breakfast bar."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2025

Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75, an IHG Hotel
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (60 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! (116 reviews)
Historical Christmas Stay
"Beautiful, quaint, historic building within walking distance to downtown Knoxville and all its amazing architecture. We felt very comfortable and safe at this property. The host provided such good directions and descriptions we were able to navigate our stay so easily!"

Reviewed on 30 Dec. 2024

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.

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