Knoxville, United States

Historic downtown plaza buzzing with food, shops and live street performances. Expect alfresco dining, weekend farmers markets, and frequent live music under the square's lights.

2. Knoxville Museum of Art

4.7 (1,798)

Art MuseumBanquet Hallمعلم سياحيArt GalleryWedding Venue

Experience Southern and contemporary art in a bright riverside setting. Discover rotating exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and a free permanent collection.

3. Ijams Nature Center

4.7 (2,315)

Nature Preserveمنطقة تنزهمعلم سياحيPreschoolSchool

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Quick nature escape near downtown Knoxville, with trails, river access, and dramatic quarry views. Hike shaded paths, birdwatch along Mead's Quarry, or rent a paddleboard.

انقر للحجز في جولة مشي مجانية في Knoxville, United States

أفضل طريقة لتجربة المدينة مع دليل محلي.

Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!

4. Zoo Knoxville

4.5 (12,305)

حديقة حيواناتنقطة اهتماممؤسسة

Engaging habitats and active conservation programs make Zoo Knoxville worth visiting. Walk compact trails to spot elephants, red pandas, and catch lively keeper talks.

5. Tennessee Theatre

4.9 (3,435)

Performing Arts Theaterمكان حدثنقطة اهتماممؤسسة

Ornate 1928 theater with a celebrated Wurlitzer organ, stunning ceilings, and lively programming. Experience concerts, Broadway tours, classic films, and organ shows up close.

6. Neyland Stadium (University of Tennessee)

University of Tennessee

4.7 (5,557)

StadiumSports Complexمكان نشاط رياضيمكان حدثنقطة اهتمام

High-energy college football in Knoxville, full-throttle Volunteer spirit. Feel the roar of a sea of orange, marching band, and classic game-day traditions.

7. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

4.5 (1,338)

Botanical Gardenمعلم سياحيWedding VenueVisitor CenterTourist Information Center

Peaceful plant collections and winding trails offer a refreshing escape near downtown Knoxville. Stroll themed gardens, spot hummingbirds, and enjoy changing seasonal displays.

8. James White's Fort

4.4 (278)

Non Profit Organizationمعلم سياحينقطة اهتمامAssociation Or Organizationمؤسسة

Explore a 1786 frontier fort that shaped early Knoxville. Walk timber palisades, peek into period cabins and meet costumed interpreters.

Things to Do in Knoxville, United States

Popular activities and local experiences recommended by travelers

World's Fair Park (Sunsphere)

Old City

Additional popular things to do in Knoxville, United States

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Banana pudding

A Southern staple and a favorite at University of Tennessee tailgates and family potlucks in Knoxville, banana pudding is typically layered with vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and whipped cream for a nostalgic, creamy dessert.

Appalachian stack cake

This multi-layered spiced cake, filled with apple butter or preserves, is a traditional Appalachian celebration cake that shows up at East Tennessee weddings and local festivals, reflecting Knoxville's mountain-region roots.

Peach cobbler

Made from locally grown Tennessee peaches, peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert served warm with ice cream at Knoxville fairs and neighborhood restaurants, celebrating the region's fruit harvests.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Pulled pork barbecue and ribs

Knoxville's barbecue scene centers on slow-smoked pork, often pulled or served as ribs, with regional rubs and wood-fired smoke that give a distinct, savory Southern flavor.

Biscuits and gravy

A breakfast cornerstone in Knoxville, flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in peppery sausage gravy reflect the city's deep Southern breakfast traditions and hospitality.

Country ham with red-eye gravy

Salt-cured country ham served with coffee-based red-eye gravy is a long-standing Appalachian favorite in East Tennessee, commonly found on breakfast and brunch tables around Knoxville.

Traditional Beverages

Sweet tea

Sweet tea is the quintessential Southern refreshment, poured at restaurants and homes across Knoxville and typically served ice cold and generously sweetened.

Moonshine

Moonshine and legal small-batch 'white whiskey' are part of East Tennessee's Appalachian heritage, with local distillers preserving traditional clear spirits and high-proof recipes.

Tennessee whiskey

Tennessee whiskey, famed for its charcoal-mellowing process, is a statewide icon and a common feature on Knoxville bar lists, connecting the city to Tennessee's long whiskey-making tradition.

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Day trips

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg)

56 km 1h by car

Gateway to the Smokies, scenic drives, abundant hiking trails.

Pigeon Forge

54 km 50 min by car

Family entertainment hub, Dollywood, dinner shows.

Oak Ridge

31 km 30 min by car

Manhattan Project National Historical Park, science exhibits.

Chattanooga

178 km 1h 45m by car

Lookout Mountain, Tennessee Aquarium, riverfront attractions.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

140 km 1h 50m by car

Historic pass with scenic hikes and panoramic views.