Things To Do
in Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee is a lively city on the Tennessee River with a mix of historic neighborhoods, a growing food scene, and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. It balances a college-town energy thanks to the University of Tennessee with Southern charm and civic pride. Downtown centers like Market Square and the Old City host festivals, live music, dining, and public art.
Outdoor recreation is minutes away, making Knoxville a convenient base for both cultural and nature-focused trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the East Tennessee History Center, where you can delve into the rich history of Knoxville and the surrounding region. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the historic Market Square, admiring the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Grab a coffee at one of the local cafes to fuel your morning adventures.
In the afternoon, visit the Tennessee Theatre, a beautifully restored historic venue that hosts a variety of performances. After the theatre, explore the nearby Knoxville Museum of Art, where you can enjoy contemporary art exhibits that celebrate the culture of the region. Wind down your afternoon with a walk along the Tennessee River Greenway, soaking in the scenic views.
For dinner, head to the bustling Old City, where you can choose from a variety of eateries offering local flavors. After dinner, catch a live music performance at one of the local bars, immersing yourself in Knoxville's vibrant nightlife. Conclude your evening with a relaxing stroll through the illuminated streets of downtown Knoxville.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner before heading to Ijams Nature Center for a morning of exploration. Spend your morning hiking the scenic trails, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful views of the Tennessee River.
In the afternoon, rent a canoe or kayak to paddle along the river and experience the beauty of Knoxville from the water. After your water activities, take a break at one of the picnic areas in the nature center, enjoying a packed lunch surrounded by the great outdoors. If time permits, consider a visit to the nearby Mead's Quarry for stunning views and photo opportunities.
As the sun sets, return to downtown Knoxville and indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants. After dinner, explore the local breweries to sample craft beers made from regional ingredients. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, taking in the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🥂Mid-range restaurant dinner for two | $50-80 |
| 🚕Short rideshare/taxi | $8-20 |
| 🛏️Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $100-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to Great Smoky Mountains for outdoor recreation
- Lively downtown with festivals, live music and good food
- Relatively affordable compared with larger U.S. cities
- Friendly, welcoming local culture and strong college-town energy
- Hot, humid summers that can be tiring for outdoor activities
- Public transportation is limited outside central areas — a car is useful
- Fewer direct international flight options; regional airport with domestic connections
- Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates — situational awareness recommended
Places to Visit in Knoxville
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic 1982 World’s Fair tower with panoramic city views and surrounding open spaces for skyline and architecture shots.
Great vantage for sunset reflections on the Tennessee River and downtown skyline photos.
Vibrant street scenes, historic buildings, murals, and lively crowds — excellent for candid urban photography.
Wooded trails, quarry waters, boardwalks and river vistas that are photogenic in any season.
Historic collegiate architecture, tree-lined avenues and seasonal color — especially picturesque in autumn.
Riverfront park with boats, walkways and views upstream toward downtown — good for sunrise and river activity shots.
Food in Knoxville
Knoxville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-smoked pork or beef, often served with tangy vinegar- or tomato-based sauces; try regional joints and riverside barbecue restaurants for authentic flavors.
Must-Try!
A thick, savory stew of meats and vegetables with Appalachian roots; available at some traditional restaurants and community events.
Fluffy biscuits topped with sausage gravy or country-style sides — a staple at diners and brunch spots across the city.
Classic Southern fried dishes commonly found on local menus at casual and mid-range restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers’ market downtown with local produce, baked goods, food vendors and occasional pop-up street-food stalls — great for sampling local flavors.
Clusters of food trucks and pop-ups appear at events and evenings, offering tacos, barbecue, sandwiches and desserts — check local listings for where trucks congregate.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Knoxvillians value friendliness and politeness — greetings, small talk, and saying 'please' and 'thank you' go a long way.
Sunday church services are central to many communities; be respectful of quiet neighborhoods and events tied to local traditions.
Expect strong local pride around University of Tennessee football and athletics; respectful banter is normal but avoid confrontational or offensive comments.
Safety
Tipping in Knoxville
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at restaurants for full service, $1–2 per drink at bars, 10–15% for casual table service, 15–20% for taxi and rideshare drivers, and a few dollars for hotel porters/housekeeping. For exceptional service you can tip more.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple/Google Pay) are common. Cash is useful for small vendors, farmers’ markets, food trucks and tips. ATMs are readily available downtown.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures frequently in the upper 80s–90s °F (30s °C); bring light clothing, sunscreen and plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings. Expect festivals, outdoor concerts and higher humidity; hydration is essential.
Crisp, comfortable weather and beautiful fall foliage, especially in late October–November — a prime time for hiking in nearby Smokies and scenic drives.
Generally mild with occasional cold snaps and light snow; temperatures often range from the 30s–50s °F (0–10 °C). Some mountain roads may get icy — check conditions before heading to higher elevations.
Mild, increasingly warm weather with spring blooms and frequent festivals; occasional thunderstorms are possible, so plan for a mix of indoor and outdoor options.
Knoxville at Night
Hiking in Knoxville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
World-renowned park with hikes like Laurel Falls, Chimney Tops, Alum Cave and Mount LeConte; amazing biodiversity and scenic overlooks within an hour to 90 minutes' drive.
Local favorite with interconnected trails, quarry views, climbing areas and family-friendly routes just minutes from downtown.
Close, moderate hikes with panoramic summit views — popular for half-day trips and sunrise hikes.
Trails along the lake and through woodlands with opportunities for fishing and picnics; good for quieter nature outings.
Airports
How to reach Knoxville by plane.
Knoxville’s primary airport, about 12–15 miles south of downtown with domestic flights; reachable by taxi, rideshare, shuttle services and rental cars.
Approximately a 1.5–2 hour drive to the east in North Carolina; useful alternative with additional regional connections.
About a 3-hour drive west; larger hub with many domestic and some international flights — an option for wider flight choices.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large student population from the University of Tennessee contributes youthful energy, nightlife and cultural activities.
Multi-generational families and long-term residents form the backbone of many neighborhoods, with strong local traditions.
Increasing Hispanic/Latino and Asian communities, and a rising number of newcomers attracted by jobs, lower cost of living and outdoor access.
Retirees and people drawn to outdoor recreation make up a visible demographic, especially around suburban and rural areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
University of Tennessee football is hugely popular — game days draw large crowds, tailgates and a strong local identity.
Bristol Motor Speedway (in nearby Bristol) hosts major NASCAR events that attract fans regionally.
High school football and other community sports are important locally, alongside UT basketball, baseball and other collegiate sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Knoxville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are commonly available at cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and several dedicated eateries; call ahead to confirm for more traditional Southern restaurants.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests but cross-contamination can occur; bakeries and some menus clearly mark GF items or offer alternatives.
Major restaurants are used to accommodating allergies — notify staff and double-check ingredients; specialty international groceries in Knoxville can help source specific ingredients.