Gay Street is the main street of downtown Knoxville, and it's one of the best places to feel the city's character. Lined with historic buildings, theaters, restaurants and galleries, it was named one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association. If you're staying in a downtown Knoxville rental, it's likely right outside your door.
Historic Theaters
Two of Knoxville's most beloved venues sit on or near Gay Street:
- The Tennessee Theatre: Opened in 1928, this ornate movie palace is known as Tennessee's official state theatre. It hosts concerts, Broadway tours, classic films and more. Its grand interior is worth seeing in person.
- The Bijou Theatre: One of Knoxville's oldest buildings, the Bijou is an intimate historic venue known for concerts and performances.
Check each theater's website for upcoming shows and tickets.
Art and the Emporium Center
The Emporium Center, home to the Arts & Culture Alliance, hosts gallery exhibitions and anchors First Friday ArtWalk. On the first Friday evening of each month, downtown galleries and venues open their doors, often with new exhibits, live music and a lively crowd. It's a great way to experience the local arts scene.
Dining and Shopping
Gay Street is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, bars and local boutiques. You'll find everything from casual spots to special-occasion dinners, plus easy access to Market Square and the Old City. It's an easy street to explore on foot.
Tips for Exploring
- Walk it. Downtown Knoxville is compact and walkable. Park once and explore on foot.
- Use parking garages. Downtown has several public garages. Check current rates and policies.
- Check event calendars. Concerts, First Friday and festivals can make downtown busy, which is part of the fun.
- Plan for game days. Tennessee Vols football weekends bring huge crowds downtown, so book early and expect traffic.
- Look up. Many buildings along Gay Street have beautiful historic architecture worth noticing.
History on Gay Street
Gay Street has been at the center of Knoxville life for generations. Its buildings reflect the city's growth, and many have been restored for new uses, including restaurants, lofts and shops. Walking the street gives you a sense of how downtown has been revitalized over the years.
Nearby Attractions
From Gay Street, you can easily reach Market Square, the Museum of East Tennessee History, the Old City, the Sunsphere and World's Fair Park. It's a perfect starting point for a day in the city.
Who Will Enjoy It
Couples on a city getaway, friends on a weekend trip, theater lovers and sports fans visiting for a game all find something to enjoy. It's also a great contrast to a mountain cabin stay if you're splitting your trip between the city and the Smokies.
A Street with Deep Roots
Gay Street has been one of Knoxville's main streets since the city's early days in the 1790s. Over the years it has been home to banks, department stores, theaters and offices. Many of its historic buildings have been restored and now hold restaurants, shops, apartments and hotels, giving the street a lively mix of old and new.
Eating and Drinking
Gay Street and the surrounding blocks are lined with restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and bars. You'll find everything from casual lunches to special-occasion dinners within an easy walk.
- Walk the length of the street: Stroll from the 100 block toward the river to see a variety of architecture.
- Check show schedules: Look up current performances at the Tennessee Theatre and Bijou before your trip.
- Visit Krutch Park: This small, shady park nearby is a nice spot to rest.
- Use parking garages: Downtown has several public garages within walking distance.
Events Downtown
Downtown Knoxville hosts parades, festivals and seasonal events throughout the year, many of which take place on or near Gay Street. Check local listings before your trip to see what's happening.
Getting Around Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville is compact and easy to explore on foot. Gay Street, Market Square, the Old City and World's Fair Park are all close together, and the University of Tennessee campus sits just to the west. Knoxville Area Transit runs a free downtown trolley system on select routes, which can be handy for longer hops. Check KAT's website for current routes and schedules.
- Park once: Public garages are spread around downtown, so you can leave the car and walk.
- Watch the calendar: UT football weekends, festivals and big concerts fill restaurants and rentals quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll likely walk more than you expect.
- Plan a mountain day: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is roughly an hour's drive from downtown, depending on traffic and which entrance you use.
Why Stay Downtown
A downtown loft or apartment puts you in the middle of the action. You can walk to dinner, catch a show and stroll back without worrying about parking. For groups, a rental with several bedrooms and a shared living space keeps everyone together, and a kitchen makes it easy to enjoy farmers' market finds or a relaxed breakfast before a busy day. It also makes Knoxville a convenient city base if you'd like to pair urban fun with day trips to the Smokies.
Stay Downtown
Our downtown Knoxville lofts and apartments put you steps from Gay Street. Browse our Knoxville vacation rentals to find a place that fits your group, and call our local team with any questions.