Fun Things to Do in Chattanooga: A Walkable Guide to the Scenic City

If you're looking for fun to do in Chattanooga, the good news is that most of it is packed into one walkable downtown core. From blues history to a bridge that's one of the longest pedestrian crossings in the world, this river city punches way above its size.

Whether you've got an afternoon or a full weekend, there's fun to do in Chattanooga for music lovers, history buffs, families, and anyone who just wants a good river view with dinner.

TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF CHATTANOOGA

Want the stories behind these landmarks as you walk past them?

Take our Chattanooga Blues to Bridges Walking Tour. It's a self-guided, GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and takes you past the Dome Building, Cooper's Alley, and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Stories play automatically as you walk, so there's no group and no schedule to worry about. The tour ends at the foot of the Walnut Street Bridge, right as the sun starts to set.

THE MUSIC AND HISTORY YOU DIDN'T EXPECT

Downtown Chattanooga holds more history than its size suggests. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center honors the "Empress of the Blues," while the Dome Building was once home to The Chattanooga Times. The Ed Johnson Memorial offers a sobering look at a 1906 case that reached the Supreme Court, and the Old Stone Church Tower is all that survived an 1899 fire.

FUN FOR EVERY AGE

There's plenty to keep every age entertained downtown. The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum offers unlimited old-school play for one price, while the Tennessee Aquarium is home to river otters and a shark-filled Secret Reef.

Cooper's Alley is a public art alley strung with lights and covered in murals, and Ross's Landing, Chattanooga's riverfront park, marks the spot where the city itself was born.

THE VIEW EVERYONE COMES FOR

The Walnut Street Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, and it's best crossed at sunset for the most dramatic light on the Tennessee River. It connects downtown to the Northshore and Coolidge Park, and it's free to walk, day or night, no ticket required.

WHERE TO REFUEL

For upscale seafood and steaks right by the Aquarium, head to Hennen's. Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria is a downtown favorite for made-in-house Italian, and Whitebird, at the foot of the bridge, serves modern American food that's perfect for a sunset dinner.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Ready to see it all for yourself? Check out our Chattanooga travel guide for tips on where to eat, where to stay, and how to plan the perfect day (or two) downtown.