Knoxville, TN

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 honors 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 neighborhood.

In the East Tennessee History Center 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 featuring markets

Downtown Knoxville

4.5/5(691 area reviews)

Downtown Knoxville boasts a central business district, World's Fair Park, and historical buildings like the Bijou Theatre. Explore the University of Tennessee campus and enjoy the lively Market Square.

Downtown Knoxville
Knoxville Botanical Garden has beautiful views and plants! We had a wonderful time enjoying the scenery and pausing to enjoy nature's beauty.

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
Default Image

Fort Sanders

Located near the University of Tennessee, this area boasts Victorian-era houses and a lively atmosphere, especially during the school year. Enjoy "The Strip" on Cumberland Avenue, featuring bars, restaurants, and shops.

Fort Sanders
Concord Pier  #sunset #sky #colors #easttennessee #perspectives

Cedar Bluff

4/5(349 area reviews)

Located along Cedar Bluff Road, this Knoxville neighborhood boasts a major commercial corridor and numerous office and technology parks. Easily accessible via Park West Boulevard and Middlebrook Pike.

Cedar Bluff
Cloud reflection #sunset #clouds
#perspective photo contest

Knoxville West

While visiting Knoxville West, you might make a stop by sights like Turkey Creek Shopping Center and Regal Pinnacle.

Knoxville West
Default Image

Old City

Travelers come to Old City for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like 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 ¥17,595 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
¥17,595
¥20,806 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,530 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 ¥16,044 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥16,044
¥18,972 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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)
"It is the best. Very clean. The staff is great. I love the Crown¡!!!!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 ¥12,511 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥12,511
¥14,793 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
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! (1,841 reviews)
First time at Baymont
"Very clean and great service at the desk and breakfast station. Standard food options as most free breakfast stays. Internet connection normal. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 Jul 23, 2025

Plymouth · Quiet City Home, 7-8 min to Downtown Knox
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 Jul 12, 2025

1940's Bungalow near Downtown & UT Campus
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 Jul 31, 2025

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

Cities near Knoxville