Knoxville

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

East Knoxville
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Cedar Bluff

3/5(1 area review)

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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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
Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75 by IHG
Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75 by IHG
3.5 out of 5
9134 Executive Park Drive, Knoxville, TN
The price is €90 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
€90
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (1,001 reviews)
"This is where i sray in Knoxville!!! Thr people that work there are amazing!! And the hotel is nice too!!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75 by IHG
Hilton Knoxville
Hilton Knoxville
3.5 out of 5
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville, TN
The price is €145 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€145
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (1,403 reviews)
"Convenient location !"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Hilton Knoxville
Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown
Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown
3 out of 5
530 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN
The price is €178 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€178
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"The main lobby area was much nicer than the guest floors."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown
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 Thompson–Boling ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
"This was a great property located near several things. And a great distance from UT."

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2025

Marble Alley Lofts
Gameday Getaway walk to stadium sports/concerts UTK  TN 2 bedroom sleeps 6
Gameday Getaway walk to stadium sports/concerts UTK TN 2 bedroom sleeps 6
Knoxville
Stay at this vacation home in Knoxville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Thompson–Boling ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Weekend visit
"We have stayed in this property multiple times and will stay again. Our daughter lives across the street at the Davy so more than convenient to be so close to her and to campus. The property is exceptional and the host is always immediately available."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Gameday Getaway walk to stadium sports/concerts UTK TN 2 bedroom sleeps 6
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 Thompson–Boling ...
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
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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