The Knoxville center is around the area of Market Square and the area of Knoxville Museum of Art.
Deciding on the best time to visit Knoxville depends entirely on what you would like to do while you're there. During the summer, the city comes alive with plenty of festivals and events. The months of June through September see average high temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s, with July being the wettest month of the four. However, keep in mind that this is the most popular time of year to visit the city, so hotels charge the highest rates.
While October and November bring cooler temperatures, you still won't find very many hotel deals, as people travel to the area to take in the beautiful fall colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. October sees average highs in the lower 70s, while November typically sees average highs in the lower 60s. The biggest festival of the season, Tennessee Fall Homecoming, happens in mid-October, and brings in nearly 400 bluegrass, folk, and gospel musicians.
Winters are relatively mild in Knoxville, and this is the best time of year to get a good deal on a hotel room. From December through February, you'll experience average high temperatures in the 40s and 50s and average low temperatures in the 30s. While Knoxville doesn't get a lot of snow, you can expect an average of 1 to 2 inches per month.
Spring is a lovely time to visit Knoxville. In March the average highs are in the lower 60s, but by May they've climbed into the upper 70s. April brings the Dogwood Arts Festival, which is a month-long celebration of the city's beautiful dogwood trees in full bloom. During the event you'll be able to travel over 60 miles of dogwood-lined trails that wind around the city.
From special packages to discounted room rates, Knoxville hotels offer plenty of ways for you to save money. At Embassy Suites Knoxville West, you can save 5 percent during your next stay by using your AAA, CAA, or AARP membership. Or, if you book your room at least 14 days in advance, you can save up to 20 percent. Active and retired military personnel and their families can also enjoy exclusive savings on leisure stays at Embassy Suites Knoxville West.
Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff offers packages and discounts to make your next stay in Knoxville even more special. For example, AARP members and seniors 65 and older can both save up to 10 percent off the best available rate, while AAA and CAA members can save up to 10 percent off a weekend room rate and 5 percent off a weekday rate. If you don't want to worry about meals during your stay, consider the Dine and Unwind package. You'll get a $25 daily food and beverage credit that can be used at the on-site restaurant, for a made-to-order breakfast, for room service, or for a snack at The Pavilion Pantry.
The value option hotels in Knoxville offer comfortable amenities while still staying within your travel budget. Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville Papermill Drive is just seven miles from the University of Tennessee football stadium and the Bijou Theatre. Along with an indoor pool, the hotel also has free self-parking, a fitness center, complimentary coffee and tea in the common area, and a free breakfast buffet. All 108 rooms come with iPod docks, free wireless internet access, LCD televisions with cable channels, and deep soaking tubs.
If you don't want to miss a workout during your stay in Knoxville, take a swim in the outdoor pool, or use the cardiovascular equipment in the 24-hour fitness center at Best Western Plus Cedar Bluff Inn. The hotel also features a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, free self-parking, coffee and tea in the lobby, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Relax in rooms that have refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, flat-screen televisions with digital channels, MP3 docks, and free wireless internet access.
No matter where you choose to stay in Knoxville, you'll have endless opportunities for fun during your trip. Regardless of what time of year you visit the city, head to Market Square to take in all the sights and sounds of this pedestrian mall. Originally built in 1854 as a market place for farmers, today you can watch performers and musicians in the spring, play in the fountains in the summer, catch a festival in the fall, and go ice skating in the winter.
Rising above the Knoxville city skyline is the 266-foot hexagonal Sunsphere, which was built for the 1982 World's Fair. Head up to the level four observation deck for 360-degree views of downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains, and the Tennessee River. Go up one more floor and you can enjoy Italian cuisine with a spectacular view of the surrounding area at Primo Ristorante Italiano.
When you visit Knoxville, you'll find a vibrant city with plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. And whether you want affordable or luxurious, you'll also find the ideal hotel for your stay.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Knoxville, TN excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Knox
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026, 2025 | September 30, 2027, 2027 | $129.00 | $74.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Knoxville, TN from an actual visitor's perspective.
Everything especially Tennessee football!??
Love Knoxville. My son is attending his 3rd year at Univ of TN - he loves everything about Knoxville.
Came for a wedding the area was nice that we went bowling. We went sightseeing was good and of course our friends that live in Tennessee hospitality was excellent.
Originally from the area and sister and her family remain here.
Everything
Loved that it wasn't crowded and you could walk everywhere.We will be back when we can stay longer.
Restaurants, shopping, thrift stores, the people are the best very friendly
Nice
Knoxville is where I was raised. I have now lived in North Carolina for almost 40 years. Knoxville has a lot of attractions of its own, however it's a great place to stay when you want to visit Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or The Great Smoky Mountains.
My husband is from Knoxville. We like the food. The. Market Square and Ijams park. Highly recommend 71 South Restaurant!
Only arrived late last night and will depart early today;subsequently cannot say too much. If the city of Knoxville is like this Hilton hotel, I'm confident the city is an amazing place.
I was raised in Knoxville. Family here.
Just passing through! Can not comment on Knoxville if it's anything like the comfort suiets it's a very good place to visit I wish I had time to visit !
The shopping!!!
I live here in Knoxville and come to Embassy suites 2 to 3 times a year with my sisters or my nieces.
Many restaurants/fast food close to hotel. Courteous staff, especially breakfast folks.
We lived in Knoxville for 25 years. we love Knoxville.
Market Square - The bison burger and duck fat fries Stock & Barrel are to die for! Loved the farmers market on Saturday, as well!
Nice food options!
Went to a concert so didn't see much of the city. However what we did see it is walkable and makes you feel safe.
This area is accessible .. great walking distance and so much to offer.
Not so crowded as other big cities.
McKay's bookstore and Farmacy restaurant. The buildings in Knoxville are so lovely and interesting.
We were visiting a relative in Powell and the hotel was close to their residence; it was very convenient.
Country
Easy to navigate, dog friendly, people friendly, artsy but not snobby! A place that knows itself!
Went to Shoney's for holiday meal, inexpensive and delicious, only 1/2 from hotel.
Most everything
Strawberry Plains convenient to Knoxville & UT.
Everything my brother lives there and would consider moving if it wasn't for my children and grandkids- enjoyed Dollywood and Gatlinburg.
Good place to live
Our visit to Knoxville was great. It is a very welcoming city.
The hotel is located right at fwy so access was great. It's surrounded by yummy restaurants and fast food restaurants. We loved the Waffle House. Thank you!
There are plenty attractions. You will not be bored just a few minutes from everything.
A great city. Easy to get around. I recommend Knoxville to others. I believe you will enjoy it.
Knoxville is beautiful!
Freindly
In the area of the hotel is Aubrey's restaurant and Waffle House if you have to come the night before a procedure at the Premier Surgery Center.
City is great.
Clean, easy to get around on the highways.
we were visiting friends, beautiful place to visit
Lake Norris
A beautiful city
Knoxville was busy. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were not at all what I expected. I would almost call it an mini East Coast - Las-Vegas.
Great dining experience. We love the Lakeside Tavern. The area is surrounded by water. It is very clean and beautiful.
Love the gluten free restaurant options!
We enjoyed being tourists on Market Square. Tomato Head was a delicious restaurant. We also ate at Calhouns on the River- not on Market Square. It had decent BBQ. The real draw is its location. We loved looking out at the river and walked along it afterwards. I'd eat there again. Don't go without making reservations.
University of Tennessee campus, UT baseball stadium, magnificent, gorgeous housing on Weston Road, the absolutely fabulous fabulous architecture of many churches, the availability of every type of restaurant of all levels and any other Nashville train stores as well as locally owned stores. The extreme friendliness and helpfulness of almost every person I met in Knoxville!!!
Nice restaurants
Austin's Steak and Buffet was a great place to eat.
Knoxville was really nice with friendly people. Pretty area
I loved seeing houses on big hill tops.
Near attractions.
Love it! So much to see and do. Restaurants are great!
We enjoyed visiting the Emporium.
Knoxville is a great city with a lot to offer visitors. World's Fair Park is beautiful and the University of Tennessee campus is amazing.
Clean city
We enjoyed Watson restaurant.
We were there to see the Vols play baseball. The location is good for downtown and the University of Tennessee.
Near specific medical facilities.