Honestly, I used to think Knoxville was just a pit stop on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains. You drive past the orange-clad Neyland Stadium, see the Sunsphere poking its head above the skyline, and keep on truckin' toward Gatlinburg. But man, I was wrong. The "Scruffy City"—a nickname locals wear like a badge of honor—has turned into this weirdly perfect blend of urban grit and Appalachian charm. If you're looking for things to do at Knoxville TN, you’re basically signing up for a weekend of world-class food, surprisingly deep history, and an outdoor scene that doesn't require a two-hour traffic jam in Pigeon Forge.
The Sunsphere and World's Fair Park: More Than a Simpsons Joke
You can't talk about Knoxville without the "Wig Sphere." Yes, the 1982 World's Fair left behind a giant gold disco ball on a stick. It’s iconic. But here’s the thing: actually going up into the Sunsphere is one of those things you sort of have to do. The 4th-floor observation deck offers a 360-degree view that puts the whole geography of East Tennessee into perspective. You see the Tennessee River snaking along the south and the blue haze of the Smokies in the distance.
Down on the ground, World's Fair Park is where the city breathes. Right now, in early 2026, the park is buzzing. It's not just a patch of grass; it's the connective tissue between downtown and the University of Tennessee. If you're here on a crisp January afternoon, you’ll see families hitting the splash pads (okay, maybe not in January) or just lounging near the Tennessee Amphitheater.
Culture at the Knoxville Museum of Art
Just a stone's throw from the Sunsphere is the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA). It’s free. Let that sink in. In an era where a museum ticket can cost as much as a steak dinner, KMA is a gift. They have this permanent glass installation called Richard Jolley: Cycle of Life that is arguably one of the largest figurative glass-and-steel sculptures in the world. It’s massive and kind of haunting.
Current exhibitions this month include the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission: Gallery of Arts Tribute, which is a must-see if you're in town through January. They also have the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition running until the 11th, showcasing just how much raw talent is coming out of these hills.
📖 Related: Seeing Universal Studios Orlando from Above: What the Maps Don't Tell You
Eating Your Way Through Market Square and Gay Street
If you’re hungry, just walk toward the sound of live music. Market Square is the heartbeat of the city. It’s a pedestrian-only plaza that feels like a European square but smells like Southern barbecue.
- The Tomato Head: It’s a classic for a reason. Get the pizza.
- Emilia: If you want something upscale, their Southern-Italian fare is legit. The gnocchi is like eating clouds.
- Yassin’s Falafel House: You’ve probably heard of it—it was once named the "Nicest Place in America." The falafel is incredible, but the vibe is better.
Gay Street is just a block over and houses the legendary Tennessee Theatre. Even if you don’t see a show, just looking at the marquee at night is a vibe. If you’re into the "speakeasy" thing, look for the Peter Tarachi mural and find your way into The Library or grab a drink at Five Thirty Lounge for the best rooftop view in the city.
Expert Tip: If you're here on a Saturday in January, the Winter Farmers Market hits Market Square on the 17th, 24th, and 31st. You can grab locally roasted coffee from Honeybee or some weirdly delicious fermented kraut while listening to a guy play a banjo.
The Urban Wilderness: Nature Without the Crowds
This is where Knoxville kills it. While everyone else is stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to get into the National Park, locals head to the Urban Wilderness. It’s a 1,000-acre stretch of trails and parks just three miles from downtown.
👉 See also: How Long Ago Did the Titanic Sink? The Real Timeline of History's Most Famous Shipwreck
Ijams Nature Center is the anchor here. You can hike the River Trail or, if you’re feeling brave, head to Mead’s Quarry. In the summer, people are paddleboarding in the turquoise water, but in the winter, the "Keyhole" trail offers this cool, rocky gorge scenery that feels very Lord of the Rings.
For the adrenaline junkies, Navitat Knoxville stays open year-round. It’s a treetop zipline adventure at Ijams. Zipping through the bare winter trees gives you views of the Tennessee River you can’t get when the foliage is thick. It’s cold, yeah, but they have "Navitat at Night" where the whole course is lit up, which is sort of magical.
Zoo Knoxville and the Red Pandas
Seriously, did you know Knoxville is the Red Panda capital of the world? I’m not joking. Zoo Knoxville has bred more red pandas than almost anywhere else. Beyond the cute fluff-balls, the Langur Landing and Gibbon Encounter are top-tier. It’s a 53-acre park that’s manageable in an afternoon without feeling like you’ve run a marathon.
The "Old City" and Knoxville's Grit
If Market Square is the polished living room, the Old City is the basement where the cool kids hang out. It’s got that warehouse district feel with cobblestone streets and some of the best nightlife.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Newport Back Bay Science Center is the Best Kept Secret in Orange County
- Pretentious Glass Co: Half glass-blowing studio, half craft brewery. You can watch them blow the glass while you drink from a glass they made.
- Barley’s Taproom: Great pizza, better beer list.
- Old City Java: The gold standard for caffeine in this town.
Acknowledging the "Scruffy" Reality
Look, Knoxville isn't perfect. Parking downtown can be a headache if there’s a Vols game or a big show at the Bijou. The weather in January is temperamental—it could be 60 degrees (15°C) today and snowing tomorrow. And while the city is safer than it used to be, you still want to keep your wits about you in certain pockets of North or East Knoxville at night.
But that’s part of the charm. It’s a real city. It’s got history at the East Tennessee History Center (which is fascinating, by the way—don't skip the Davy Crockett stuff) and a future that’s clearly leaning into art and outdoor recreation.
How to Do Knoxville Right (The Short List)
- Check the Calendar: If it’s the first Friday of the month, the ArtWalk is mandatory.
- Wear Layers: East Tennessee weather is a liar.
- Walk the Bridges: The Gay Street Bridge offers a killer view of the skyline and the river.
- Respect the Orange: If there’s a home game, the city will be a sea of orange. Either join them or stay far away from the UT campus.
When you’re looking for things to do at Knoxville TN, don't just stick to the Sunsphere. Get into the neighborhoods. Go to South Knoxville (SoKno) for tacos and beer after a hike. Go to the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the UT campus to see "Monty" the dinosaur. Knoxville is a city that rewards people who actually get out of their cars and walk.
To make the most of your trip, start by booking a tour with "Gotta Know Knoxville" or checking the "Inside of Knoxville" blog for daily event updates. You should also download the Visit Knoxville app—it’s actually updated and has a solid map of the 100+ miles of greenways. Pack a pair of sturdy boots and an appetite for biscuits; you're going to need both.
article>