Things to do in Knoxville

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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
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
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Most popular activities in Knoxville

Tours & day trips

See all 17 activities
Pigeon Forge: French Broad River Helicopter Tour

Pigeon Forge: French Broad River Helicopter Tour

Activity duration is 4 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,405 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities
Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Quick Hop

Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Quick Hop

Activity duration is 7 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,061 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Great Smoky Tour

Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Great Smoky Tour

Activity duration is 27 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥49,994 per adult
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What to do in Knoxville

Discover the most popular places to visit in Knoxville

University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee

Explore the campus of University of Tennessee, a top college in Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

University of Tennessee
Views from the stadium

Neyland Stadium

Catch an event at Neyland Stadium during your trip to Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Neyland Stadium
Good place to catch a concert

Thompson–Boling Arena

Catch an event at Thompson–Boling Arena during your trip to Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Thompson–Boling Arena
While my home town of Knoxville doesn't have the most impressive skyline the Sunsphere does add something unique to make it at least still memorable. It even made a Simpsons episode!

World's Fair Park

Enjoy a stop at World's Fair Park, an entertaining place to visit in Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

World's Fair Park
Very cool alley in downtown Knoxville

Market Square

During your trip to Knoxville, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Market Square. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Market Square
Great place to see a show!

Tennessee Theatre

You can enjoy a show at Tennessee Theatre during your stay in Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Tennessee Theatre
Visit the observation deck for a great view of Knoxville. From the city's website: The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World's Fair and during that time, it served as the symbol to the Fair. It was also home to a full service restaurant and the Observation Deck, which cost $2.00 for the elevator ride up for a visit. The Sunsphere closed to the public with the Fair's end and remained vacant or underutilized for most of its post-fair life. The Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater are the only structures that remain from the 1982 World's Fair.

Sunsphere Tower

You can find out about the history of Knoxville with a trip to Sunsphere Tower. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Sunsphere Tower
Big field of sunflowers.

Ijams Nature Center

Explore the great outdoors at Ijams Nature Center, a lovely green space in Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Ijams Nature Center

Knoxville Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Knoxville Convention Center during your trip to Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Knoxville Convention Center

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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 Botanical Garden and Arboretum and Knoxville Zoo while in the area.

East Knoxville
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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
Charley's Grilled Subs! Awesome! Wish they'd come around where I live!

Bearden

While visiting Bearden, you might make a stop by sights like West Town Mall and Bearden Antique Mall.

Bearden

Popular day trips from Knoxville

Photo by Ashten Grooms

Powell

Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Sevierville

Photo by Susie

Oak Ridge

Photo by Susie

Farragut

Photo by Michael Hawkins

Maynardville

Photo by Michael Schuier

Andersonville

Frequently asked questions

Is Knoxville worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Knoxville is explore Knoxville Zoo. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's nature and history.
How do I spend a day in Knoxville?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Knoxville Zoo and Historic Southern Railway Station, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Knoxville.
What is the top tourist attraction in Knoxville?
Knoxville Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Knoxville and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Knoxville?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Knoxville Zoo, Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theater with a three-day break in Knoxville. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Pigeon Forge.
Is Knoxville a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to do and see in Knoxville. Several key attractions, such as Knoxville Zoo and Tennessee Theatre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Knoxville's neighborhoods, East Knoxville is 5 kilometers away from downtown, while Fort Sanders is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Knoxville with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Knoxville with kids.

What to do in Knoxville for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Knoxville for adults including Thompson–Boling Arena and East Tennessee Veterans Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Knoxville?
In Knoxville, Knoxville Museum of Art is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Knoxville.