//
Independent city in Virginia, United States
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Charlottesville, in central Virginia, is a lovely university town of about 40,000 with lots to offer. Charlottesville is a town steeped in history and culture. Charlottesville is a major cultural center for central Virginia, and features more fine dining, shopping, and entertainment than one might expect for a town of its size. Ensconced in beautiful Albemarle County, Charlottesville is also surrounded by vineyards and horse country.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
AKA "Mr. Jefferson's University" or "UVA", and together with his residence a . Arguably the most prestigious public university in America, with a campus that is just as beautiful. The oldest part of UVA's "Grounds" was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, and includes the iconic Rotunda. Jefferson viewed the university as his crowning achievement, and requested it to be mentioned on his grave instead of his Presidency.
The residence and plantation of Thomas Jefferson. The grounds include the house itself, the gardens, slave quarters, and Thomas Jefferson's grave. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and later President of the United States; he is widely respected for his intellectualism, as well as his political achievements; and he was in many ways a very forward-looking man, who was dedicated to education and to the advancement of the latest science in crop-breeding. However, he was also a large-scale slave-owner, who owned over 600 slaves and had a sexual relationship with one of them, Sally Hemings, and Monticello was a slave plantation. Enslaved people largely built everything you see in Monticello and kept everything operating.
The residence of James Monroe. Open daily.
An inn dating to 1784, now a museum and restaurant. The fried chicken and peach cobbler here are life-changing experiences. Open daily.
Several blocks in downtown Charlottesville have been closed off to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly area full of shops and restaurants. The old brick buildings, eclectic stores, and people make this a great place to walk around. Just north of the Downtown Mall on Park Street is the town hall and some of the oldest buildings in town.
On the Downtown Mall, has a variety of child- and family-oriented exhibits. Closed Monday, open until 5PM other days.
For the best sights in the Fall, drive into the hills south of town, or out US-250 West toward Afton Mountain. Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, west of town off US-250 or I-64, offer some of the best views.
Located on the same ridge as Monticello, Carter Mountain is home to the popular Carter Mountain Orchard and offers views of the Virginia Piedmont, Charlottesville, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Accessible either by trails or by car (groomed gravel road open April to December).
Drive west of town to see farms, fences, and vineyards to make you feel as if you've stepped back into the 18th century. Garth Road is a particularly nice drive.
UVA sports teams, competing in 12 men's and 13 women's sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are a big deal in the Charlottesville area. As with most big schools, football and men's basketball are the biggest draws, with several other sports, notably baseball, men's lacrosse, and men's soccer, also being national powerhouses. Most venues are on Grounds, with the best-known being Scott Stadium (football) and John Paul Jones Arena (aka the "JPJ"; basketball).
A walk-through, sculptural, mural-festooned space that's free and open for the public to wander, night and day.
You’ll experience birds, native plants, and local biodiversity. Here you can learn about the birds nesting at the site, plants on location, and the stream restoration project.
Through Boars Head Country Club.
Wide range of wine and beer tours. Easy online availability, pricing and booking.
Camryn Wine Tours is a family-owned, Charlottesville-based company established in 2005 and operated by Bill and Cheri Kerr. Specializing in Virginia wine tours, weddings and special events.
The Charlottesville chapter of the national ballroom dance association holds monthly ballroom dances, generally the first Saturday of the month
Has a variety of partner dance lessons.
Teaches ballroom lessons every weekday.
Offers group and private dance lessons on weekday evenings and weekends.
Holds monthly dances and free practice sessions every Thursday.
Weekly swing lessons and monthly workshops.
Hosts Salsa Sunday.
Weekly spring and summer time music in the Ting Pavilion at the east end of the Downtown Mall.
In March.
In the spring.
In the summer
In September.
In late Oct-early Nov.
In late November.
In March at Paramount Theater.
Every fall and spring.
Higher end Asian-inspired tapas.
Moderately priced French-influenced comfort food.
Locally made ice cream in an old-style diner. Also burgers etc.
Gourmet pizza by the slice.
High end Virginia cuisine in a cozy environment. Excellent casual bar downstairs.
High-end French cuisine.
Higher-end misc.
Brings Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan food to the Downtown Mall. Lunch buffet.
Noodles and dumplings. Super cheap and very popular.
MarieBette Café & Bakery
European-inspired breakfast, coffee, brunch, lunch, and pastries.
This pub is an institution but is known for its music, not its food. Dave Matthews tended bar here back in the day and met his future bandmates here. However, the establishment greatly downplays its DMB connections.
Southeastern Asian cuisine.
Cozy couches and outside seating make this a popular coffee shop. Baked goods abound.
Great breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches. High quality products all around.
Classic, casual French bistro.
American food, billiards, bar and dance club.
Hearty soups, inspired sandwiches, fresh salads, fancy sodas, local and organic ingredients. Soups are about $10.
This is a brew-pub where they serve what they make on the premises. South St. also serves guest beers, cider, wine and has a full bar. Mix of cheap-moderate food.
High-end sushi and cocktails.
Large selection of gourmet teas, with vegetarian food and hookah.
Gourmet pizza by the slice.
Higher end Latin inspired cuisine.
A James Beard nominee for "Best New Restaurant" in the U.S. The Alley Light serves classic French shared plates, craft cocktails and small grower wines in a comfortable place.
Spanish tapas.
Upscale Italian. Also features a cocktail bar behind the dining room with craft cocktails and small plates.
Locally sourced modern American
Large beer selection and food. Has a large patio. Serves brunch.
This Charlottesville bagel bakery has fast service and yummy food; serving breakfast in the morning and afternoon. (This location closes at 3pm everyday, unlike the other two Bodo's locations.)
Small restaurant/bar with a varied menu tucked away on Elliewood Ave. Popular bar among undergrads.
Good Vietnamese and Thai cuisine with a little twist. Offers a student discount for lunch.
Pizza & subs. Good pizza, dozens of beers on tap. $2 pints during their happy hour.
Serves a wide variety of sandwiches on fresh baked bread. Carries a large amount of potato chip varieties and drink selections. Limited seating. Popular with UVa students and people who work in the area.
Charlottesville's oldest diner is a cozy bar/restaurant featuring burgers, steaks and linguini. Various drink specials throughout the week.
The White Spot
Lunch-counter style establishment that is another Corner landmark. Locally famous for its Gus Burger, a cheeseburger topped with a fried egg.
By renowned chef Peter Chang. They serve a mix of authentic Szechuan and American Chinese food.
A second restaurant by Peter Chang.
In the Main Street Market near the Downtown Mall. Charlottesville's artisanal bakery. French-style baguettes, Italian-style ciabatta, rye bread, whole grain, and more - plus they bake pastries, cookies and cakes.
locations at 1418 N. Emmet St., 404 Preston Ave., and on The Corner. The best bagels south of New York. Really. A Charlottesville institution for nearly 20 years. Great sandwiches, salads, and soup, cheap prices, blindingly fast service, and a trendy atmosphere. For a laugh, ask a local how long it takes Bodo's owner Brian Fox to open each new restaurant. All meals are about $5.
The best pizza in Albemarle County. Make reservations for parties of 10 or more.
Coffee, espresso, sandwiches and noodle bowls. Kid-friendly. Free wireless.
In town location: 1427 Hazel St. Riverside North location: 1770 Timberwood Blvd. A Charlottesville institution. Some consider Riverside to have the best burgers in town.
A local Mexican institution. The best in Cville. Try the Pollo con Mole, or Carnitas.
in the Rio Hill center on US 29. This hidden gem serves the most delicious and authentic Thai food in Charlottesville.
Seminole Square, 29 North. A full variety of Indian food. Dinner $10-$15.
Wonderful Indian food, spicy and aromatic favorites cooked in authentic tandoori oven. Features a lunchtime buffet. Wide range of favorites, including vegetarian options. $10-20.
Traditional Chinese and extensive vegetarian menu.
down the hill from Monticello. Michie (pronounced Mickey) Tavern is a recreation of a Colonial tavern, where tourists can eat, shop, and tour the buildings.
Also in the Main Street Market. Wonderful Med style food.
Inexpensive and delicious Thai food.
Italian, with charming indoor or two-tiered patio seating.
Just what it says it is. A rare un-yuppified oasis. Pretty good chicken; disappointing dinner rolls, though.
Close to downtown and Belmont, has hundreds of craft beer bottles for sale, 14 rotating draughts, growlers to go, a full restaurant and lively atmosphere with patio seating. Frequent beer tastings and a focus on all natural, organic, local foods.
On the corner, Has one of the best and widest selection of beers in town, and specializes in Belgian and European beers.
Downtown, a good micro-brewery and restaurant
On the corner, has lots of beers on tap and drink specials when it rains.
To experience a world of teas in Charlottesville, head over to the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar on the Downtown Mall. Also available is a fine selection of wines, beers and sake. The evenings frequently bring music and cultural activities.
Southern comfort food done right.
Oldest bar at the UVA Corner. A classic, weeknights and weekends, for UVA students aged 18-24.
Best food around and coldest, cheapest beer in town.
Wine country B&B. Junior suites with king bed, private bath, wine fridge with bottle of sparkling wine, wine & cheese check in, port & chocolate turn down. Full served country-fresh breakfast with room rate. Views of vineyard out back. Transportation (schedule permitting) included the 6.5 miles to downtown for dinner. Wine tour packages available.
Offers guests free continental breakfast and free wireless high-speed Internet access.
2-bedroom cottage for up to 4 people, private yard, full kitchen, and on street parking. No pets/No smokers.
All suites offer full kitchens, living rooms with pullout sofa beds and work desks with high speed Internet access. Complimentary full breakfast daily, grocery shopping service, on-site laundry and nightly social hours midweek.
Located on property that was owned by Thomas Jefferson’s father, with rolling hills and swans swimming in a pond, the hotel is accessible from Interstate 64 and off US 250 bypass. A complimentary shuttle serves local destinations.
Nice hotel with clean, comfortable rooms.
Renovated in 2019. Offers free breakfast & WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Barracks Road and Emmett Street. This outdoor shopping center contains higher end stores, as well as mid-level clothing outlets and a variety of inexpensive restaurants. Conveniently located near the University North Grounds.
By train
By car
The major highways leading into Charlottesville are US-29 and I-64. I-64 is a four-lane interstate leading to Charlottesville from east and west.
By bus
Greyhound has a bus stop in Charlottesville. If you are traveling to or from Washington, DC, the train is generally faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than the bus.
City of Charlottesville
The city is reasonably well connected by free city buses, the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT). Don't use Google Maps for CAT bus routes; Google sometimes has the wrong bus data.
Surrounding area
Transportation outside of the city is best accomplished by car, although taxi and certain buses may be available for some locations.
Taxis
With the possible exceptions of the airport and the Downtown Mall, you must call for taxi service in Charlottesville. There are several taxi companies in the city.
Rental car
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Charlottesville · Regional · CHO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Charlottesville and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
9 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
7 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.