Knoxville

Travel Guide
Knoxville showing a pond, a garden and modern architecture

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 Tennessee Theatre or Bijou Theater.

Downtown Knoxville
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Old City

Old City is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out The Emporium Center, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Old City
Default Image

Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville might not have many top sights, but World's Fair Park and Sunsphere Tower are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Mechanicsville
Default Image

Parkridge

Parkridge might not have many top sights, but Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and Knoxville Zoo are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Parkridge
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 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€87
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,532 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Knoxville/Cedar Bluff
Hilton Knoxville
Hilton Knoxville
3.5 out of 5
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville, TN
The price is €126 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€126
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,063 reviews)
"Was there for Big Ears Festival. Had a great time which started and ended each day at my hotel. I was very comfortable there."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hilton Knoxville
Crowne Plaza Hotel Knoxville Downtown University, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hotel Knoxville Downtown University, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
401 W Summit Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN
The price is €136 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€136
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Nice Hotel With Hidden Agendas.
"Everything was great except the few hidden things that I wasn't aware of. #1 Parking. There is a $15 charge a night to park in the garage #2 Buffet is on the website in which I didn't know you had to pay for it. What do you do at that time when you have hungry people with in which you were mentally ..."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Crowne Plaza Hotel Knoxville Downtown University, 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 apartment in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room washer/dryer. Popular attractions Knoxville Visitors Center and Market ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Marble Alley Lofts
Pet-friendly Cottage ~ 8 Mi to Downtown Knoxville!
Pet-friendly Cottage ~ 8 Mi to Downtown Knoxville!
3 out of 5
Knoxville
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Knoxville. Enjoy barbecue grills, a kitchen, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Knoxville Expo Center and Bounce USA are located ...
Pet-friendly Cottage ~ 8 Mi to Downtown Knoxville!
GlampKnox Canvas Retreat - Primero
GlampKnox Canvas Retreat - Primero
Knoxville
Stay at this campground in Knoxville. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and a patio. Popular attractions River Islands Golf Club and Seven Islands State Birding ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Great peaceful spot
"This was a great stay for my son and I after a tour of UT!"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2023

GlampKnox Canvas Retreat - Primero
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do