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 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

Downtown Knoxville is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Bijou Theater and Tennessee Theatre while you're in town.

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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Cedar Bluff

Cedar Bluff is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Dead Horse Lake Golf Course or Bagwell Tennis Center.

Cedar Bluff
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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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Knoxville West

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

Knoxville West
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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 P5,527 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,527
P6,536 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,507 reviews)
"We arrived very late at night and the staff was very friendly and attentive"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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 P6,227 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,227
P7,364 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! (1,013 reviews)
"The staff were great. Everything was clean. Loved the proximity to Market Square. The only issue was the tiny bathroom in which water went all over everything all the time. No matter how careful you tried to be, everything around the sink got soaked. The only way to enter the shower was from the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 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 P4,970 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P4,970
P5,877 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,009 reviews)
"All good."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 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.
Placemakr Premier SoBro

Placemakr Premier SoBro

4 out of 5
205 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,759 reviews)
Nice spot but with some issues
"Great spot near the river and stadium and Broadway. Our room was great with a super view. But there were some issues. Check-in was a mess. Room wasn't ready on time (which was already a later time than usual), lots of people in the same boat waiting in the lobby area. Much of the communication we ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Placemakr Premier SoBro
Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville

Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville

4 out of 5
301 Rosa L Parks Ave, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,993 reviews)
"Beautiful loft apartment within walking distance to concert at Nissan Stadium. Would definately stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville
Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

3 out of 5
315 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and ...
6.2/10 (87 reviews)
"Very nice stay for the price. Newly renovated, simple and clean."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
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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