About Knoxville
Knoxville is a city in Knox County, Tennessee, United States, and its county seat. Located on the Tennessee River within the Appalachian Mountains, it is the largest city in the Grand Division of East Tennessee. Knoxville had a population of 190,740 at the 2020 census, making it the third-most-populous city in Tennessee. The Knoxville metropolitan area has an estimated 958,000 residents.
Places to visit in Knoxville
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nature · 37 mi from centreWithin an easy drive south of Knoxville, this park offers misty mountain views, waterfalls, wildlife and historic settlements like Cades Cove. Knoxville is a convenient gateway for day trips.
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Market Square
NeighborhoodA pedestrian square downtown surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, with a farmers market in season and outdoor concerts. It is the lively center of the city's dining and nightlife.
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World's Fair Park and Sunsphere
LandmarkThe site of the 1982 World's Fair, now a green park with a lawn, fountains and the gold-glass Sunsphere tower. The tower's observation deck gives views over downtown and the University of Tennessee.
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Knoxville Museum of Art
MuseumA museum beside World's Fair Park focused on art of East Tennessee, including a large glass installation by Richard Jolley. Its compact galleries make for a manageable visit.
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Ijams Nature Center
Nature · 3 mi from centreA large urban wilderness along the Tennessee River with forest trails, a former quarry lake for paddling and climbing walls. Easy to reach from downtown for a quick outdoor fix.
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Zoo Knoxville
Zoo · 3 mi from centreA zoo east of downtown with elephants, giraffes, red pandas and a well-regarded reptile center. Good for a family half day with play areas and up-close encounters.
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Tennessee Theatre
EntertainmentAn ornate historic movie palace on Gay Street, restored with lavish decoration and a Wurlitzer organ. Catch a concert, Broadway show or classic film to see the interior at its best.
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Blount Mansion
HistoricThe frame home of territorial governor William Blount, one of the oldest houses in Knoxville. Tours explain the founding of Tennessee and the early history of the city.
Where to stay in Knoxville
Popular hotels in Knoxville, out of 207 properties you can book.
Comfort Suites Knoxville West - Farragut
From $126 per night
Best Western Plus Knoxville Cedar Bluff
From $100 per night
Country Inn&Suites Knoxville At Cedar Bluff Tn
From $127 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Downtown
From $216 per night
Extended Stay America - Knoxville - West Hills
From $87 per night
Hampton Inn Knoxville-West At Cedar Bluff
From $142 per night
Hampton Inn Oak Ridge
From $152 per night
Embassy Suites By Hilton Knoxville Downtown
From $330 per night
Embassy Suites Knoxville West
From $273 per night
Hilton Knoxville
From $180 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff
From $237 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Turkey Creek/Farrag
From $157 per night
Best time to visit Knoxville
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Knoxville is October, when average daytime highs are around 72°F and rain falls on about 4 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.
Knoxville weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 75° 43° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 73° 44° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 74° 44° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 72° 46° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 72° 45° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 72° 46° 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 Knoxville
These are the airports closest to central Knoxville. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
Getting around Knoxville
Although parking is usually easy to come by in most of the city, it may be mildly difficult at times to find adequate parking downtown and around the University of Tennessee. Walking is convenient downtown, but in other areas, most major roads are not amenable to pedestrians or bicyclists. In the outer areas of the city, because the bus service is infrequent and some places don't have sidewalks, traveling by car is the way to go.
Biking and walking
Knoxville is slowly building a paved greenway system that allows cyclists and pedestrians to travel into downtown from nearby suburbs such as Sequoyah Hills and Island Home.
Knoxville travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Knoxville?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Knoxville is October, when average daytime highs are around 72°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Knoxville?
July is usually the warmest month in Knoxville, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 26°F (-3°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 156 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Knoxville?
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (18 km) from the centre of Knoxville.
What time zone is Knoxville in?
Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
Although parking is usually easy to come by in most of the city, it may be mildly difficult at times to find adequate parking downtown and around the University of Tennessee. Walking is convenient downtown, but in other areas, most major roads are not amenable to pedestrians or bicyclists.
What are the best places to visit in Knoxville?
Top sights in Knoxville include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Market Square, World's Fair Park and Sunsphere and Knoxville Museum of Art. Within an easy drive south of Knoxville, this park offers misty mountain views, waterfalls, wildlife and historic settlements like Cades Cove. Knoxville is a convenient gateway for day trips.
Where should I stay in Knoxville?
Popular areas for hotels in Knoxville include Knoxville. Well-reviewed options include Comfort Suites Knoxville West - Farragut and Best Western Plus Knoxville Cedar Bluff.
How many hotels can I book in Knoxville?
Destina Holidays currently lists 207 properties in and around Knoxville, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
