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 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
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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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €98 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€98
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,510 reviews)
"good"

Reviewed on 8 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 €87 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€87
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,825 reviews)
"Good place to stop. Decent breakfast."

Reviewed on 9 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 €111 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€111
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay in Knoxville! Close enough to everything downtown without being so close you hear everything"

Reviewed on 7 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.
1940's Bungalow near Downtown & UT Campus

1940's Bungalow near Downtown & UT Campus

Knoxville
Stay at this vacation home in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Knoxville Children's Theatre are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
"Great Home near downtown in a quiet neighborhood. The home was very clean, the beds were super comfortable. The only suggestion I have is to provide more glassware for your guest."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

1940's Bungalow near Downtown & UT Campus
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! (128 reviews)
"The property was very nice. It was as advertised. It was in a wonderful location. Within walking distance to just about everything."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Downtown•Riverviews •Walk To Market Sq & UT•Get 3 Night Beach Trip by Booking
Knoxville Old City Hideaway - Free Parking

Knoxville Old City Hideaway - Free Parking

Knoxville
Stay at this condo in Knoxville. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Historic ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Old City Stay
"Place was great, small but well organized. Communication with property manager was very fast and helpful."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Knoxville Old City Hideaway - Free Parking
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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