As Downtown Knoxville is the life and soul of the city, it comes highly recommended for first-time visitors who want to immerse in its unique atmosphere. From shopping and dining to nightlife and entertainment, this commercial neighbourhood has everything you could want right at your feet.
Foodies will particularly love Downtown’s Market Square plaza, which is concentrated with a mouth-watering selection of eclectic independent bars and eateries. It is also famed for its chic independent boutiques selling high quality clothes and crafts.
Old City is the edgy alternative to the commercial Downtown area. Known for its quirky bars and cafes, and its line-up of independent shops, artisan bakeries, and art galleries, this creative quarter is where you’ll find the hipsters hanging out.
As student areas, Fort Sanders and University of Tennessee are equally young and hip as Old City, but more affordable and low-key. Rather than indie boutiques and artisanal bakeries, think vintage shops and dive bars.
Foodies will find sweet (or savoury) satisfaction in Marble City, where the dining scene is diverse and delicious with cuisine from every corner of the globe. Being a few kilometres away from Downtown, it is rather relaxed and has plenty of green spaces for families.
With a number of kid-friendly attractions like Knoxville Zoo and The Muse museum, East Knoxville is also ideal for families. Although it’s considered quiet and more residential, it is just moments from the bustle of Downtown.
There is a web of buses connecting each area in Knoxville making it easy to explore from wherever you decide to stay.
