About Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a city in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States, and its county seat. It is located along the Tennessee River and borders Georgia to the south. The population was 181,099 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 191,496 in 2024. It is Tennessee's fourth-most populous city and one of the two principal cities of East Tennessee, along with Knoxville. It anchors the Chattanooga metropolitan area, Tennessee's fourth-largest metropolitan statistical area, as well as a larger three-state area that includes southeastern Tennessee, northwestern Georgia, and northeastern Alabama.
Places to visit in Chattanooga
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Tennessee Aquarium
Museum · 3 mi from centreTwo buildings on the riverfront present river and ocean ecosystems, with river otters, sharks, penguins and a recreated Appalachian cove forest, making it a good start to a downtown visit.
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Rock City
NatureGarden paths on Lookout Mountain wind through rock formations and narrow passages to Lover's Leap, where views stretch across the valley toward several neighboring states.
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Ruby Falls
Nature · 4 mi from centreAn underground waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain, reached on a guided walk through cave passages lined with formations, where the falls are revealed under colored lighting.
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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Viewpoint · 5 mi from centreA very steep incline railway that carries passengers up the side of Lookout Mountain, with sweeping views of Chattanooga and the valley from the top station.
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Walnut Street Bridge
Landmark · 2 mi from centreOne of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, crossing the Tennessee River between downtown and the North Shore with its parks, shops and restaurants.
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Hunter Museum of American Art
Museum · 2 mi from centrePerched on a bluff above the river in a mix of historic and modern buildings, the museum displays American art from colonial times to the present, plus studio glass.
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Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Historic · 7 mi from centreCivil War battlefields with monuments, trails and visitor centers, including Point Park on Lookout Mountain, which overlooks the river bend that shaped the fighting for the city.
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Chattanooga Choo Choo
HistoricA former railroad terminal with a grand domed lobby, now a hotel and entertainment area with restored rail cars, gardens, restaurants and a large model railroad display.
Where to stay in Chattanooga
Popular hotels in Chattanooga, out of 175 properties you can book.
Doubletree Hotel Chattanooga Downtown
From $194 per night
Hotel Indigo Chattanooga - Downtown By IHG
From $131 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Chattanooga Downtown
From $156 per night
Holiday Inn & Suites Chattanooga Downtown By IHG
From $120 per night
The Chattanoogan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $136 per night
Holiday Inn Express Suites Chattanooga Downtown
From $105 per night
Embassy Suites Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place
From $158 per night
Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown
From $151 per night
Red Roof Inn Chattanooga - Lookout Mountain
From $56 per night
Sheraton Read House Chattanooga
From $151 per night
La Quinta Inn Suites Chattanooga East Ridge
From $87 per night
Hampton Inn Cleveland, Tennessee
From $113 per night
Best time to visit Chattanooga
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chattanooga is October, when average daytime highs are around 73°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Chattanooga weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 75° 46° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 74° 49° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 74° 48° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 72° 48° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 71° 47° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 72° 47° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Chattanooga
These are the airports closest to central Chattanooga. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CHA Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Getting around Chattanooga
When a speed limit is not posted, assume that it is 35 mph (56 km/h), especially when downtown or in a residential area.
By bus
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, better known as CARTA, provides one of the easiest way to move around downtown Chattanooga via a free electric shuttle that operates between the Holiday Inn Choo-Choo and Tennessee Aquarium, along with new service to Chattanooga's North Shore shops and Coolidge Park.
Chattanooga travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Chattanooga?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chattanooga is October, when average daytime highs are around 73°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Chattanooga?
July is usually the warmest month in Chattanooga, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 28°F (-2°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 177 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Chattanooga?
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Chattanooga.
What time zone is Chattanooga in?
Chattanooga uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Chattanooga?
When a speed limit is not posted, assume that it is 35 mph (56 km/h), especially when downtown or in a residential area.
What are the best places to visit in Chattanooga?
Top sights in Chattanooga include Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Two buildings on the riverfront present river and ocean ecosystems, with river otters, sharks, penguins and a recreated Appalachian cove forest, making it a good start to a downtown visit.
Where should I stay in Chattanooga?
Popular areas for hotels in Chattanooga include Downtown and Suburbs. Well-reviewed options include Doubletree Hotel Chattanooga Downtown and Hotel Indigo Chattanooga - Downtown By IHG.
How many hotels can I book in Chattanooga?
Destina Holidays currently lists 175 properties in and around Chattanooga, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
