Skyline of downtown Knoxville in Tennessee, USA

Things to do in  Knoxville

Country music, take me home

Just outside the Smoky Mountains and a short drive from Pigeon Forge, the Tennessee city of Knoxville is often the first place visitors see when flying into the region. Knoxville makes a great starting point for a trip full of adventure, but this college town also offers plenty of reasons to stick around. Some of the best things to do in Knoxville include visiting historic homes, checking out the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and taking in the views from the observation deck of the 26-story, gold-plated Sunsphere.

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Explore Knoxville by interest

Top activities in Knoxville

Sharing Nature with Children
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Sharing Nature with Children

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$50.00
Knoxville Ghosts Tour
Special Offer

Knoxville Ghosts Tour

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$26.40
$33.00  $6.60 savings
Knoxville Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville's Perfect Blend

Knoxville Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville's Perfect Blend

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$12.31
Knoxville City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

Knoxville City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

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$10.00
Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Knoxville

Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Knoxville

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$20.00
per group
Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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$5.99
Knoxville River Cruise Aboard the Volunteer Princess

Knoxville River Cruise Aboard the Volunteer Princess

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$32.25
Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game

Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game

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$24.50
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville - Arrival Private Transfer

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville - Arrival Private Transfer

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$36.58
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Crazy Dash

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Crazy Dash

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$10.00
Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Operation City Quest

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Operation City Quest

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$10.00
Knoxville to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - Departure Private Transfer

Knoxville to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - Departure Private Transfer

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$36.58
Downtown Knoxville Hidden Tour w/ Ice Cream, Coffee & Tennessee River Gems

Downtown Knoxville Hidden Tour w/ Ice Cream, Coffee & Tennessee River Gems

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$79.99
Clear Creek Falls Hike

Clear Creek Falls Hike

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$99.00
Knoxville Bar Hunt: Swell Times in Scruffy City

Knoxville Bar Hunt: Swell Times in Scruffy City

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$12.31
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville - Round-Trip Private Transfer

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville - Round-Trip Private Transfer

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$73.17
Knoxville Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

Knoxville Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

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$20.00
per group
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All about Knoxville

When to visit

Knoxville is loads of fun in the summer, with warm weather and plenty of activities. Popular events include the Shakespeare on the Square theater festival in July and August. If you want to miss the crowds, spring and fall are great times to visit. Winters can get cold, but the season is generally festive, with lots of holiday activities between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Getting around

Many visitors to Knoxville come in their own vehicles or rent a car at the airport. The downtown area is compact and walkable with ample parking—and much of it is free after 6pm and on weekends. It is possible to get around town without driving. Three free trolley routes go through downtown, and scooter and bike rentals are widely available.

Traveler tips

Situated right on the Knoxville Strip (Cumberland Avenue), the Sunspot restaurant is a favorite among Knoxville residents looking for a hearty, tasty meal. The menu is eclectic, with a mix of soups, salads, tacos, sandwiches, and entrees inspired by the cuisines of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the American Southwest. There's plenty for vegetarians and meat lovers, and you'll find wines, spirits, and more than 40 beers on tap.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
17
Reviews
23
EN
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People Also Ask

What are the top attractions to visit in Knoxville?

Knoxville's top attractions include the Sunsphere, with its towering observation deck, and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Other Knoxville sights include Maple Hall, a vintage bowling alley with a bar and a lounge, and Three Rivers Rambler. This tourist train travels between downtown Knoxville and the Tennessee River.

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Where can I find the best hiking trails near Knoxville?

Some of the area's best hiking trails are within easy reach of Knoxville. Spots worth checking out include Fort Dickerson Park, which houses a Civil War fort and an old quarry, and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area on the banks of the Tennessee River.

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What family-friendly activities are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville is full of great spots to explore with kids. Muse Knoxville, with hands-on activities, is a great place for little ones to learn about science and technology. Visitors of all ages can also head to the Ijams Nature Center to learn about local wildlife while enjoying the great outdoors.

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Where can I experience live music and entertainment in Knoxville?

Knoxville has long been celebrated as an incubator city for budding musicians, particularly those active in country and rock 'n' roll. Music is celebrated here with gusto. Some of the city’s more popular entertainment venues include the historic Tennessee Theatre and the Bijou Theatre, both Knoxville institutions.

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Which neighborhoods in Knoxville are known for shopping and unique boutiques?

Downtown Knoxville has some of the best shopping opportunities in the city. At the heart of it all, Market Square draws in crowds with farmers markets held on Wednesday and Saturday. Turkey Creek is another great option, with hundreds of shops and restaurants in one large shopping center.

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What's the best way to explore Knoxville's historic sites and architecture?

The best way to explore Knoxville's historic sites and architecture is to join a guided tour. Historic House Museums of Knoxville runs tours throughout the year that pass by or enter a variety of historic structures, from simple log cabins to elegant stone mansions. Purchase a PastPort for discounted admission.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the top activities in Knoxville?
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