Knoxville is a nature-loving, adventure-seeking, artsy-kinda town where award-winning restaurants, live music, history and more are all within easy walking distance. Park your car at your hotel or a downtown garage, lace up your sneakers and set out on foot to explore. From the character-filled Old City to the banks of the Tennessee River, downtown Knoxville is packed with local flavor and charm. While one day might not be enough to see it all, let these standout restaurants, shops and landmarks guide you through the best of this remarkable Tennessee city.
Explore on Foot: Self-Guided Walking Tours
Knoxville is a nature-loving, adventure-seeking, artsy-kinda town—and best of all, many of its attractions, shops and restaurants are within walking distance of one another. Park the car and set out on foot with one of several self-guided experiences.
-
Downtown Knoxville Walking Tour: Download the VoiceMap app and take a GPS-based walking tour that starts at the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center (301 S. Gay Street). It covers historic architecture and the heart of downtown, ending at the Sunsphere.
-
Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour: Learn how Knoxville helped shape jazz, blues, and rock 'n’ roll. This free, self-guided tour features stories of Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Elvis and more—with an optional VoiceMap audio version available.
-
Knoxville Downtown Mural Walking Tour: Find the picture-perfect backdrop for your photos while enjoying Knoxville. From alleys to stairwells, the city is bursting with color thanks to local and visiting artists. Expect to spend 45 minutes guided around some of Knoxville's most historic architecture, pass through the heart of the city, and end at the iconic Sunsphere. Start planning your walk with this handy mural guide and stop by the downtown Visitors Center to see and learn more.
Old Time Mercantile: Mast General Store
The tradition of the American general store remains timeless, even as the wares on their shelves change. Today's modern Southern mercantile carries everything from Yeti coolers to old fashioned candies by the barrel, from folding Buck knives to Tennessee Volunteer football tailgating gear. Occupying a spot in a building constructed in 1898, Knoxville boasts the only Mast General Store outside of the Carolinas.
Mast General Store is located at 402 South Gay Street, Knoxville.
Oddities + Curiosities: Pioneer House
If you happen to find yourself downtown on a Friday, then Pioneer House (only open on Fridays) is a must-see. Knoxville print artist Julie Belcher doesn't run the only Made in Tennessee art studio in Knoxville, but she may run the only one where you can purchase a 1950s Stetson hat and a poster of a fox strumming a banjo all in the same transaction. Her Appalachian-inspired print art colors the walls and bins of Pioneer House, alongside racks of rhinestone-studded western wear and cowboy boots.
Pioneer House is located at 413 South Gay Street, Knoxville.
Brews + Games: Suttree's High Gravity Tavern
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy spent much of his young adulthood in downtown Knoxville, a period in his life that he fictionalized in the pages of a semi-autobiographical novel titled Suttree. The high gravity and craft beer taps behind the bar and the nostalgic arcade games along the walls at this establishment create a more airy atmosphere than the smoky beer halls along Gay Street that McCarthy frequented in the 1950s.
Suttree's High Gravity Tavern is located at 409 South Gay Street, Knoxville.
Open Air: Market Square
Market Square is the heart of downtown Knoxville’s dining, shopping and entertainment scene. For more than 150 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered here to eat, shop and socialize — just like they did when it was Knoxville’s original market house. Today, the square buzzes with outdoor concerts, festivals and performances, surrounded by restaurants serving everything from Southern staples to sushi and pasta. Rooftop bars and local breweries are just a short stroll away. You’ll find Market Square two blocks west of South Gay Street, nestled between Wall and Union Avenues.
(The Tomato Head on Market Square)
Market Square is located two short blocks west of South Gay Street, between Wall and Union Avenues.
A Deeper Dive into Knoxville's History + Culture
Just a short walk from Market Square, several cultural landmarks round out your experience:
-
Museum of East Tennessee History: Museum of East Tennessee History on South Gay Street brings the region’s rich story to life. Through interactive exhibits, original artifacts, historic photos and first-person accounts, you’ll explore the people, places and pivotal moments that shaped East Tennessee. Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, this museum offers an engaging look at the past that continues to influence the present.
-
Tennessee Theatre: The Official State Theatre of Tennessee hosts a mix of entertainment—from symphonies and opera to Broadway shows and silent film screenings. Don’t miss Mighty Musical Monday at noon for a live Wurlitzer Organ performance.
-
Bijou Theatre: Only three minutes from the Tennessee Theatre, this intimate venue features national touring acts, comedy, and performances from local groups like the Knoxville Symphony and Knoxville Jazz Orchestra.
-
Blount Mansion: Visit the oldest operating museum in Knoxville and former home of U.S. Constitution signer William Blount. Tour centuries-old artifacts and enjoy Knoxville’s only free public garden.
Made in Tennessee Photo Ops: Volunteer Landing + The Sunsphere
These days, few people pass up a good photo op. In a city filled with such opportunities, two stand out in particular: the scenic Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing and the undeniably picturesque landmark, the Sunsphere. Down at Volunteer Landing Park, the backdrop of the river and the river bridges creates a perfect image, especially as the sun begins to set. And high up in the Sunsphere, you are afforded a 360-degree panorama of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee and even the distant Smoky Mountains.
Volunteer Landing is located at 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville. The Sunsphere is located at 810 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville. Both can easily be reached on foot from Gay Street.
Slow & Low: Sweet P's Barbeque & Soul House
There's no better way to cap off a day of touring downtown Knoxville than with some savory, slow and low barbecue. Luckily for all of us, Sweet P's now has a downtown location, in Old City. But don't take my word for it. Let the pictures do the talking:
Sweet P's downtown located can be found at 410 West Jackson Avenue, Knoxville.
Even More Local Flavor
-
Boyd’s Jig & Reel: A 10-minute walk from Market Square lands you at this lively Scottish pub featuring nightly music, extensive whisky offerings, and comfort food like fish and chips, haggis and cottage pie.
-
Cruze Farm: Cool off with a cone from this locally loved ice cream shop on South Gay Street. The flavors rotate daily and include hits like sugar cookie dough, pumpkin and lavender honey.
Art & Music for All
-
Knoxville Museum of Art: Free and full of visual surprises, this museum highlights East Tennessee artists with collections ranging from sculpture to contemporary glass. Don’t miss the famed Thorne Rooms—miniature dioramas beloved nationwide.
-
WDVX Blue Plate Special: Catch a live radio performance at the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center (Mon–Thurs, Sat) or head to Barley’s Taproom on Fridays for “The Big Plate.” Expect everything from bluegrass and folk to country and blues—free and full of heart.
Getting Around: The Downtown Connector Route
If your feet need a break, hop on the Downtown Connector — Knoxville’s updated transit route that makes it easy to explore key downtown spots. Operated by KAT (Knoxville Area Transit), this route connects visitors to popular stops like the Old City, Gay Street, Market Square, and the University of Tennessee area.
Check the latest schedules and route maps at katbus.com.
