Knoxville Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Knoxville is a city that surprises you. Often overshadowed by Nashville’s neon lights or the tourist bustle of nearby Gatlinburg, this riverfront city balances a gritty, artistic soul with genuine Appalachian hospitality. It is a place where glass skyscrapers reflect 19th-century brick warehouses, and where you can kayak in a marble quarry just ten minutes after finishing a gourmet brunch in a bustling city square.

Known affectionately as the “Scruffy City”, a badge of honor worn since a Wall Street Journal article in the 1980s questioned its potential, Knoxville has reinvented itself as a hub for makers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. Whether you are cheering on the Volunteers in a sea of orange or sipping a craft brew in the historic Old City, the vibe here is unpretentious, welcoming, and undeniably fun.

The Marble City and the Volunteer Spirit

While modern Knoxville is defined by the University of Tennessee, its roots run deep in industry and geology. Historically known as “The Marble City,” Knoxville supplied the pink marble used in the National Gallery of Art in D.C. and Grand Central Station in New York. You can still see this distinct stone in the foundations of historic buildings downtown and in the stunning quarries now converted into swimming holes in the Urban Wilderness.

The city’s energy spikes dramatically in the fall. If you visit on a Saturday between September and November, be prepared for a takeover. The “Vol Navy” docks hundreds of boats on the Tennessee River, and over 100,000 fans pack Neyland Stadium. Even if you aren’t a sports fan, the electric atmosphere of a game day is a cultural phenomenon worth witnessing.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

The Sunsphere - Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, this 266-foot steel structure topped with a 75-foot gold glass sphere offers the best view in town. The observation deck was recently renovated and provides a 360-degree look at the downtown skyline and the Smoky Mountains (Free to look at, ~$5 to go up).

Market Square - This has been the city’s gathering place since 1854. It is a pedestrian-only district flanked by historic buildings that now house some of the city’s best restaurants and shops. In the summer, children play in the fountains, and in winter, it hosts an open-air ice rink (Free access).

Ijams Nature Center - Located in South Knoxville, this 315-acre urban nature park features limestone rock formations, sunflower fields, and the Tennessee River boardwalk. It connects to the larger Urban Wilderness system of 50+ miles of trails (Free entry, equipment rentals vary).

Tennessee Theatre - Billed as the “Grand Entertainment Palace of the South,” this 1928 movie palace was restored to its original glory. Even if you don’t catch a Broadway show or concert, check the schedule for “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ performances or open house tours (Tours approx. $15).

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Knoxville is straightforward via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located about 12 miles south of downtown. It is a user-friendly, mid-sized airport with connections to most major hubs. If you are driving, Knoxville is a major crossroads where I-40 and I-75 intersect, making it accessible from much of the Eastern United States.

Once you arrive downtown, you can park your car and forget it. The downtown core is compact and walkable. For longer distances, or to get from Market Square to the University strip, utilize the Knoxville Trolley system. These colorful buses run on three different routes and are completely free to ride, offering a charming and efficient way to hop between districts without worrying about meters.

Knoxville is more than just a stopover on the way to the mountains; it is a destination with its own rhythm and flavor. Whether you come for the blooming dogwoods in spring, the craft beer and paddleboarding in summer, or the roaring football crowds in the fall, you will find that the Scruffy City cleans up quite nicely.