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 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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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 €129 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€129
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! (1,539 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Hilton Knoxville
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 €136 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€136
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (1,001 reviews)
Beautiful Hotel
"The hotel is very nice overall. There was a lot of construction surrounding the hotel, but the room was still quiet. This hotel does charge a deposit of $100 per night even though it isn’t mentioned on hotels.com. Definitely something I wish I would have known ahead of time so I could have factored ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG
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 €86 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€86
14 Sept - 15 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! (1,832 reviews)
"We stayed just one night passing through Knoxville. Its a no frills hotel, but was clean and the staff was kind and helpful, so it was a pleasant, but short, stay."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville/Cedar Bluff
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.
Plymouth · Quiet City Home, 7-8 min to Downtown Knox

Plymouth · Quiet City Home, 7-8 min to Downtown Knox

2 out of 5
Knoxville
Stay at this vacation home in Knoxville. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Chillhowe Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"A lovely little house in a quiet neighborhood, this home was perfect for a short stay with some friends. The property manager was very communicative and we had no issues at all. I would recommend this home to others."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Plymouth · Quiet City Home, 7-8 min to Downtown Knox
House, Near Downtown with Fenced Back Yard!!!!

House, Near Downtown with Fenced Back Yard!!!!

Knoxville
Stay at this vacation home in Knoxville. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Marble Springs State Historic ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (9 reviews)
UT Move in
"Great place to stay when we moved our kids to UT for grad school. Close to campus, without being downtown."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

House, Near Downtown with Fenced Back Yard!!!!
Luxury 1BR, Sleeps 4, Walk to stadium/downtown, Full kitchen, W/D

Luxury 1BR, Sleeps 4, Walk to stadium/downtown, Full kitchen, W/D

Knoxville
Stay at this apartment in Knoxville. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Mabry-Hazen House are located ...
"Excellent experience. Great hosts and great amenities. The kitchen had all I needed to cook a few meals. It was very clean and comfortable. I loved the local touches like books, games and restaurant recommendations. The neighborhood felt safe and quiet. Close to UT, but GPS does take you through ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Luxury 1BR, Sleeps 4, Walk to stadium/downtown, Full kitchen, W/D
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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