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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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
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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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Cedar Bluff

3/5(1 area review)

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
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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
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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 Rp1.585.733 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.585.733
Rp1.875.129 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,512 reviews)
"Excellent location, staff was above and beyond with any needs we had"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Hilton Knoxville
Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville/Cedar Bluff

Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville/Cedar Bluff

2.5 out of 5
209 Market Place Boulevard, Knoxville, TN
The price is Rp1.475.100 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.475.100
Rp1.744.388 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,825 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville/Cedar Bluff
Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG

3.5 out of 5
401 W Summit Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN
The price is Rp1.786.510 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.786.510
Rp2.112.548 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Everything was very nice ! Food was great ! Room was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG
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.
Placemakr Premier SoBro

Placemakr Premier SoBro

4 out of 5
205 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,780 reviews)
"Property was great! Close to everything and pictured as expected."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Placemakr Premier SoBro
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

2.5 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Stay at this condo in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Bent Creek Golf Club and Little Pigeon River are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Awesome place for the price and not too far away from gatlinburg"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville

Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville

4 out of 5
301 Rosa L Parks Ave, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nashville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,004 reviews)
"Property was nice, clean and centrally located to where we needed to be. I called twice for replacement coffee and creamer, three hours later when we left we still had never received our coffee. That was annoying."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville
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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