Knoxville boasts rich history, culture, art, unique dining, nightlife and shopping experiences with indelible views. If you’ve got only 24-hour to see this jewel of Tennessee, not to worry! Though a day is not enough time to take in all of Knoxville’s attractions, this 24-hour itinerary will help you make the most of your day.
9:00am- Breakfast at Cafe 4!
Start your day at the Cafe 4 that serves up delicious southern comfort food. Indulge in southern delicacies. You can find a Tennessee cheese steak, flash-fried calamari, a low country shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pork-chops, steak frites, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon bagels, and waffles, too. It is a perfect place to fill up for the day ahead.
Address: 4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-544-4144
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:00am-9:30pm; Friday: 7:00am-10:30pm; Saturday: 9:00am-10:30pm; Sunday: 9:00am-8:30pm
10:00am- Take a stroll amidst the nature’s beauty at World's Fair Park!
Head to World’s Fair Park, the site of World’s Fair of 1982. Connect with nature and take in the beautiful views of the surroundings. The park features manicured lawns, waterfall, walkways, man-made lakes, and sunsphere’s observation deck that offers striking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River. Many events, performances and festivals are held at this lovely park. The fragrance of flowers, mountain air and stunning vistas will keep the visitors enthralled.
Address: 525 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-215-1158
Distance from Cafe 4: 0.7miles or 5minutes drive via Clinch Avenue
11:00am- Admire the art at Knoxville Museum of Art!
Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art that features art in several mediums, including sculptures, paintings, prints and mixed media. It features permanent exhibits that focus on the mid-19th and 20th century history of Knoxville. Plus, there are several travelling exhibitions, as well. Peruse the stunning works of art by the regional, national and international artists, including William Morris, Charles Burchfield, Loretta Lux, Richard Jolley, Joseph-Delaney, Impressionist Catherine Wiley, and Robert Longo, to name a few.
Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States
Phone: 1 865-525-6101
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from World’s Fair Park: 0.2miles or 1minute drive
12:00pm- Explore the state’s history at East Tennessee History Center!
Next, visit the East Tennessee History Center traces the history and culture of the region from the 1700s to the present day. The East Tennessee Historical Society maintains the museums. The museum houses hands-on exhibits, a documentary and artifacts, including furniture art, quilts, Civil War items and textiles.
Address: 601 S Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-215-8830
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Knoxville Museum of Art: 0.6miles or 5minutes drive
1:00pm- Stuff with local food!
Enjoy sushi & Japanese cuisine at Nama Sushi Bar (506 S Gay St). For French cuisine, make your way over to The French Market Creperie (526 S Gay St). Enjoy Southern comfort food at Tupelo Honey Cafe (1 Market Square).
2:00pm- Discover laurels of Women Basketball at Women's Basketball Hall of Fame!
Visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame that is home to the largest basketball in the world- 30-ft tall and weighs 10 tons. This spot also has plenty of artifacts and memorabilia of early women’s basketball, including uniforms, an original rule book of 1901, trophies and other exhibits. It pays tribute to the women and men who have contributed to the women’s basketball. Do climb up to the top of the Sunsphere and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the mountains.
Address: 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, TN 37915, United States
Phone: 1 865-633-9000
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
3:00pm- Blount Mansion traces the formative years of Tennessee!
Dig into some more history at the Blount Mansion, also known as “the house with many eyes”. It features the formation and development story of Knoxville through historical artifacts and exhibits. It is a 1792 house of Governor William Blount, who was the signer of the U.S. Constitution. It showcases the culture and lives of people who lived and worked here. Check out the antiques and period items. Step inside and experience the history!
Address: 200 W Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-525-2375
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30am-5:00pm
Distance from Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame: 0.3miles or 1minute drive E Hill Avenue
4:00pm-Catch the latest flick at the Tennessee Theater!
Time for some entertainment! Head to the Tennessee Theater, a popular and magnificent “movie palace”. The theater is designed in Spanish-Moorish style with beautiful pieces. The theatre showcases an array of performing arts events, classic music concerts, vintage movies, rock concerts, drama, dance and Broadway shows. The theater has presented some of the top-notch performances that have created quite a bit of buzz. There is something for everyone!
Address: 604 S Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-684-1200
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Distance from Blount Mansion: 0.3miles or 2minutes drive via State Street
5:00pm- Market Square for Shopping!
Get your retail fix at the Market Square, which is brimming with local and chain stores like the Urban Outfitters. From arts and crafts to fashion clothing and accessories to home decor, this place has everything.
Distance from Tennessee Theatre: 0.2miles or 3minutes drive
If you wish to pick up some souvenirs, head to Rala, a shop that features items by local artists and crafters. It houses items like postcards, printed t-shirts, modern jewelry and one-of-a-king art pieces. It is a one-stop shopping experience when looking for souvenirs/keepsakes for yourself or someone back home!
Address: 323 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-525-7888
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11:00am-9:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Distance from Market Square: 0.3miles or 3minutes drive
6:00pm- Sample a wine at Blue Slip Winery!
Head to Blue Slip Winery, the first winery in Knoxville and the first boutique urban winery in Tennessee. Sample the tasty wines that are made onsite from the locally grown fruits and grapes. There are different varieties of wine- red, white, blush, fruit, sweet and dry. There is a wine for every palate!
Address: 300 W Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917, United States
Phone: 1 865-249-7808
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-7:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-8:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Market Square: 0.5miles or 4minutes drive
7:00pm- Dinner!
Head to Downtown Grill & Brewery that has a delicious menu of bar food. From seafood to fine steaks to Mexican cuisine to pastas, the food menu has something to please every palate. Wash down the food with hand-crafted brews. After supper, patron can head to the bar with pool tables and Foosball.
Address: 424 S Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-633-8111
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-12:00am; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-1:00am; Sunday: 11:00am-12:00am
10:00pm- Venture into inviting nightlife of Knoxville!
Head to the Preservation Pub, a two-story pub with speakeasy style booths and a bar on the rooftop. It has over 20 strong ale selections. Kick back and relax on the rooftop with a beer in hand. With live music, it is also a perfect spot for those who would like to dance the night away.
Address: 28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Phone: 1 865-524-2224
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 3:00pm-3:00am; Saturday & Sunday: 1:00pm-3:00am
Next, head to Sassy Ann’s that is housed in a 120-year-old Victorian home. It is a multi-level nightspot with bar bites, music and drinks. The music played here will get your feet moving and body grooving. Stylish and sumptuous are the buzzwords that describe this spot perfectly.
Address: 820 N 4th Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917, United States
Phone: 1 865-525-5839
Opening hours: Thursday: 9:00pm-3:00am; Friday: 6:00pm-3:00am; Saturday: 9:00pm-3:00am
24 Hours in Knoxville Map Guide
