Perched in eastern Tennessee between the Great Smoky Mountains and the mighty Tennessee River, Knoxville is a vibrant city surrounded by nature. With delicious Southern food, natural attractions, and historical sights, there are so many things to see and do!
Knoxville is a great city to explore on foot as so many tourist attractions are close to downtown. And when you want to get away, there are endless hiking and biking trails to explore. Plus, the Great Smoky Mountains are less than an hour away!
Knoxville is a great destination for those who are craving an active, fun-filled vacation. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, a memorable family vacation, or a trip with friends, there’s no doubt that you will find a unique Airbnb in Knoxville that’s perfect for you. From tiny houses to luxury cabins, there are so many great options to choose from.
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Top 10 Things To Do in Knoxville
- Check out the view of Knoxville from the observation deck of the 266-foot-tall Sunsphere which was built for the 1982 World’s Fair.
- Browse the restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops of Market Square.
- Watch a football game at Neyland Stadium – home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the 5th largest stadium in the USA. Don’t forget to wear orange and white!
- Explore the 300 acres of forests at the Ijams Nature Center. You can go rock climbing, take a hike on the 10 miles of trail, or go paddling at Mead’s Quarry Lake.
- Catch a show at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Built in 1928, when it first opened it was called “the South’s most beautiful theatre.”
- Learn about the history of Knoxville at James White’s Fort, the original homestead of the founder of Knoxville.
- Stroll along the downtown mural walk starting from the “Greetings from Knoxville” sign at 1143 N Broadway.
- Head back in time to see the story of Knoxville firsthand at the beautiful Blount Mansion.
- Discover the art and artists of East Tennessee at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
- Go bar hopping in Knoxville’s Historic Old City. A few of our favorite spots include Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, Pretentious Beer Co., and Boyd’s Jig & Reel.
Why Stay in an Airbnb in Knoxville
Staying in an Airbnb in Knoxville comes with a lot of benefits. First of all, you’ll have the ability to connect with a local before you even set foot in the city. Locals in Tennessee are known for their kind Southern hospitality so your host will likely give you tips on the best sights, tastiest restaurants, and the hidden local gems that you wouldn’t find on your own.
Plus, there are so many fun and unique Airbnbs to choose from in Knoxville! You can opt for a swanky downtown loft, a minimalist townhouse, or a luxury log cabin. You can pick a vacation home that perfectly fits your vibe.
The economic value of staying in an Airbnb can’t be beaten either. It’s much more cost-effective to split the price of a single large vacation rental if you’re traveling as a large group.. Plus, most of Knoxville’s vacation rentals are much nicer and more spacious than your average hotel room!
Best for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. Little River Tiny House
It doesn’t get any cozier than this picture-perfect tiny house! The owners spent two years building this it with local Tennessee wood and it’s clear that a lot of thought and love went into the design.
The interior of this tiny Airbnb has beautiful wooden walls throughout and the kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need. If you’re a coffee lover you’ll be happy to know this home comes with a coffee press, a coffee pot, a Keurig, a coffee grinder, and locally roasted beans.
Cozy up on the living room couch by the fireplace or watch a movie on the flat-screen TV. The upstairs loft is a dream to sleep in with a comfortable queen-sized bed and white noise machine to ensure a good night’s rest.
The rooftop deck is the perfect spot to relax, whether you’re enjoying sunset cocktails or stargazing at night. This home also has a lot of great outdoor spaces for guests to take advantage of. Roast s’mores on the outdoor fire pit, make a meal on the grill, or take a nap in the hammock on the covered porch.
This Airbnb is in Maryville, close to downtown Knoxville and many other outdoor attractions including 700+ miles of beautiful hiking trails, ziplining, horseback riding, tubing, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pigeon Forge. It’s an ideal place for adventurers to stay!
2. Honey Bee Haven: Quaint Studio Apartment
This cozy converted attic apartment is perfect for solo travelers or couples who want to be close to downtown but still want the privacy of a quiet neighborhood during their stay.
The Honey Bee Haven has exposed brick and angled ceilings finished with a beautiful shiplap design that adds to its unique feel. Inside is an open bedroom area furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed and a twin-sized bed with quality bedding and linens. A flat-screen TV is ready to connect to any of your favorite streaming applications in the living room.
The kitchen has all the appliances, cookware, and dishes you need to prepare a meal from start to finish. It features a butcher-block island with bar seating that can also serve as a workspace. The bathroom is sparkling clean and stocked with the necessary toiletries you’ll need during your stay.
This Knoxville Airbnb is less than 1.5 miles from downtown Gay Street, Market Square, and Neyland Stadium where you can catch a Volunteers football game. You’ll be able to walk to cafes, breweries, and restaurants on Sevier Ave, and the riverfront walking trails are just 2 blocks away!
Best for Small Groups and Families
3. Stunning Historic Brownstone in Market Square
Located in the heart of Market Square, this stunning historic brownstone is one of the most beautiful and unique Airbnbs that Knoxville has to offer. Relax on your own personal veranda, create meals to remember in the gourmet kitchen, or indulge in the plethora of high-end restaurants right outside your door.
This 2500-square-foot vacation home is luxury through and through. The main floor has an expansive gourmet kitchen with a bar that seats three. It opens up into the dining area with a table that seats 6 and an option to expand if you have extra guests over.
The open floor plan continues into the spacious living room that invites you to relax with a large sectional couch in front of a gorgeous fireplace. French doors lead you to a private 300-square-foot veranda that overlooks Market Square – an ideal place to people-watch while sipping on a drink of your choice!
The master bedroom is a dream to sleep in, with a king-sized bed and a massive ensuite bath that features a deep soaking tub for relaxing. With 2 more bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this home can comfortably sleep up to 6 guests.
This Airbnb overlooks Market Square which is the central hub of dining and entertainment in downtown Knoxville. Farmer’s markets, concerts, shops, and restaurants are all within steps of your front door.
4. Modern Minimalist Home
If you love minimalist design, then you’ll definitely want to check out this stylish Knoxville home that’s filled with natural light, high-end finishes, and every modern convenience. It’s a dream space if you’re working from home as it has strong WIFi, outlets everywhere, and comfortable and efficient workspaces in every room.
You’ll love cooking in the fully equipped kitchen with a gas cooktop and oven and an island that can also double as a workspace. Throw your favorite show on Netflix in the living room or step outside onto the covered patio with a good book. It’s easy to find a space to relax here.
This Knoxville Airbnb has 3 bedrooms including a loft bedroom that features a full master bath with a shower/tub combo. You’ll enjoy views of downtown and birds chirping outside your windows every morning. The other 2 bedrooms are downstairs and have comfy queen-sized beds.
This vacation rental is an ideal base to explore Knoxville. It’s just 1 block from the 4th & Gill historic district where you’ll find cute coffee shops, craft breweries, and restaurants. Downtown and the Old City are just a short bike ride away.
5. Williamswood Castle
You’ll feel like royalty when you stay at the most unique Airbnb in Knoxville – your very own castle! Complete with secret passages, turrets, and suits of armor, a stay at Williamswood Castle is guaranteed to be an adventure for the whole family.
Modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, you’ll be transported back in time to medieval Scotland. Some of the unique features of this Airbnb include a multi-level balcony overlooking the Tennessee River, a massive bedroom with the Sistine Chapel painted on the ceiling, a bookshelf that moves to reveal a staircase, your own pub, and forty-two leaded stained glass windows.
Kids are sure to love staying here! Be sure to bring dress-up clothes so they can really get into their medieval adventure. There are 3 bedrooms, each decorated with hand-carved wood details and antique furniture so there’s room for the whole family.
As an added bonus, this unique property is surrounded by more than 300 acres of Ijams Nature Center forests. Ihams has trails, a ropes course, a mountain biking path, and programming for children. While this Airbnb is secluded, it’s still only a 10-minute drive to downtown Knoxville and even less to Neyland Stadium and the University of Tennessee.
Best for Large Groups and Events
6. Urban Oasis: Beautifully Updated Historic Home
If you’re a large family or group looking to stay near the heart-of-the-action in Knoxville, then you’ll definitely want to check out this gorgeous 7-bedroom urban oasis. No expense has been spared in making this home the ultimate vacation rental!
The interior of this newly renovated historical home was designed and furnished by top designer Brooke Phillips. The inside has been updated with modern features while still retaining its historic character. The kitchen is a dream to cook in and features new stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and ample counter space. If you don’t feel like making breakfast, the award-winning Wild Love Bakehouse is just down the road!
With 7 gorgeous bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this home can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests. It’s perfect for entertaining kids with extra amenities like a game room with an arcade and a giant chessboard.
This Airbnb is right on the edge of the highly desirable historic 4th and Gill area of Knoxville. You’ll be just a couple of minutes’ drive to the University of Tennessee, Market Square, the Sunsphere, and the Historic Old City.
7. Newly Remodeled 5-Bedroom Home
One of the best Airbnbs in Knoxville for larger groups, this newly remodeled house is just a 15-minute drive to Neyland Stadium and downtown Knoxville.
The main space of this home has a massive fully-stocked kitchen that’s a dream space for cooking and entertaining! The huge island in the kitchen can seat 7 and it opens up into the other shared spaces making it ideal for gathering. There’s a dining room table that can seat 8, and a living room with 2 large sectional couches surrounding a fireplace and a large TV.
Gorgeous wooden floors lead you upstairs to 3 of the 5 bedrooms. Every bedroom is furnished with a luxurious king-sized bed and a flatscreen TV. With 7 beds and 3.5 baths in total, this beautiful Airbnb can accommodate up to 14 guests!
Outside there is even more space for entertaining. The backyard has a hexagon swing with 5 porch swings surrounding a fire pit! There’s also a screened-in patio area furnished with a table and chairs – the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee!
8. Gallery 25 Market Square Loft
Gallery 25 Market Square is a perfect Airbnb option for large groups who want Knoxville’s best dining and entertainment options to be at their doorstep. Located on Market Square you’ll be right in the heart of the action!
This amazing art-filled loft has a super unique aesthetic with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and unique art pieces throughout the home. The interior is furnished with comfortable, high-end pieces including 2 large leather sofas in the living room.
This main space is the perfect place to socialize, with an open-concept floor plan, a billiard table, a large flat-screen TV, and a bar. You’ll love hanging out here with friends – drinking and playing pool before a night out on the town.
The kitchen is fully stocked with stainless steel appliances and an oversized refrigerator for cooking memorable group meals. There are 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, so this Airbnb can comfortably sleep up to 10 guests. There’s plenty of room for everyone to have privacy while still having shared spaces to hang out.
This Knoxville Airbnb is a foodie paradise, with over 75 restaurants within one square mile! Make sure you check out Tupelo Honey for traditional Southern cooking or Stock & Barrel for gourmet burgers and a huge selection of whiskey. For entertainment, the Historic Tennessee Theater, the Bijou Theater, and the Regal Riviera are all within a 3-minute walk from this centrally-located loft!
9. Renovated Luxury Townhouse Near Historic Old City
Characterized by high ceilings, large windows, and impressive artwork throughout, this three-story townhome is surely one of the best Knoxville Airbnbs for large groups.
This newly renovated luxury townhouse is stocked with everything you need for a memorable vacation. On the first floor, you’ll find the open-floor kitchen, dining room, and living room. You’ll love cooking in the spacious gourmet kitchen designed with beautiful blue cabinetry and a large island for entertaining. The living room is tastefully decorated with brand new furniture and a simple and clean aesthetic.
The second floor has the master bedroom that is elegantly furnished with a king-sized bed. The luxurious ensuite bathroom has a deep soaker tub surrounded by a gorgeous tile design – a perfect space to relax at night. It even has a Toto smart toilet! There are two other bedrooms and a second bath with double sinks and a large tile shower on the same floor.
The third floor has the attic bedroom that features 2 full-sized bunk beds and 1 twin-sized bed, plus a another full bathroom. In total, this vacation rental has space to sleep up to 12 guests with enough space to spread out.
This Airbnb is located in a neighborhood in North Knoxville. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Historic Old City and a short drive to downtown Knoxville where there are endless dining and entertainment options.
That’s it – our top Airbnbs in Knoxville! Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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