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
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
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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
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
Hilton Knoxville
Hilton Knoxville
3.5 out of 5
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville, TN
The price is ¥13,977 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥13,977
¥16,528 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,498 reviews)
"Typical Hilton stay. Went smooth. Downtown location."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 ¥16,903 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥16,903
¥19,988 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Amazingly, beautiful hotel! I only wish they supplied shower gel instead of body soap. Rooms were perfection!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG
Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75 by IHG
Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75 by IHG
3.5 out of 5
9134 Executive Park Drive, Knoxville, TN
The price is ¥12,135 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥12,135
¥14,350 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay, convenient location and clean comfortable room. The pool and gym facilities were nice and the restaurant bar was also great!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Holiday Inn Knoxville-West, I-40 & I-75 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 Knoxville Zoo and Neyland Stadium are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
Stay 4/19-21 at Mario's place
"Stay was awesome. Very updated cute house on the inside. Would be nice for 1sr bedroom to have blackout shades; the sun was very bright in the early am. 2nd room was perfect. Comfortable beds. The 2nd bathroom shower drain wouldn't stay open; so you had to manually do it after showering. Just letting ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

1940's Bungalow near Downtown & UT Campus
"Lofn" is a 1Br 1Ba located on Market Square,Middle of Everything
"Lofn" is a 1Br 1Ba located on Market Square,Middle of Everything
Knoxville
Stay at this apartment in Knoxville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Neyland Stadium and Knoxville Zoo ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"I always love staying downtown Knoxville. The apartment is located right in Market Square, so an easy walk to everything. If the outside downtown noise bothers you, there are disposable earplugs provided. All the necessities are provided and everything was clean and neat."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

"Lofn" is a 1Br 1Ba located on Market Square,Middle of Everything
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 Knoxville Zoo and Neyland Stadium are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"The host was very communicative and accommodating.Beautiful property, quiet but convenient. Wish I could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

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