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Independent city in Virginia, United States
Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Norfolk is in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is a port city with a large Navy and shipping presence. But it is also known as a major cultural center, with world-class museums, opera, symphony, ballet and a vibrant arts community. The downtown area has experienced a major resurgence, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and attractions. Norfolk is one of the top cruise ports in the country.
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Walter Chrysler, Jr., son of the Chrysler automobile company founder, donated his art collection to Norfolk, the hometown of his wife. His donation along with other donors formed the collection of this museum. A large variety of art can be found in the museum, including paintings, glass, porcelain, clay, sculptures and photos. Art from different geographies are also present, such as African, Asian, Egyptian, Greek and Pre-Columbian/Mayan. A glass studio located in a separate building south of the museum hosts a free glass art demonstration daily at noon.
Naval Museum exhibits maritime artifacts. Next to it is the decommissioned USS Wisconsin (BB 64) battleship, now serving as a museum ship. Visitors get a self-guided tour the interiors of the ship such as sleeping quarter, medical bay, sonar room, mess hall, ship's convenience store and the main deck. Alternatively, visitors can pay extra for guided tour of the engine room, or to the bridge and captain's cabin (additional $20 per person).
National historic district with houses and churches in Federal, Greek Revival, Late Victorian and Gothic Revival styles.
A buoy in the Elizabeth River. The Intracoastal Waterway extends south to Key West, Florida.
The only surviving fort of 19 in the area authorized in 1794.
Part of Old Dominion University.
A 45-minute tour conducted by Naval personnel. See aircraft carriers and other huge ships. As of October 2023, all tours, public and private, have been suspended.
Limited parking due to renovations; a timed ticket is required for entry.
Doumar's is known as the birthplace of the ice cream cone. This location opened in 1934, and still has a vintage drive-thru. Hamburgers, sandwiches, fries, and other diner items. Try an ice cream cone or banana shake.
Casual elegance, an upscale restaurant two blocks from waterside(they do not require suit and tie). They have a four diamond award for their food and an award of excellence from Wine Spectator. For a deal, Todd's Bistro appears on every one of Norfolk's Restaurant Weeks.
It is tucked behind a mini-mall Ghent, but it is a popular restaurant and watering hole with great burgers, seafood and beer selection.
Features inexpensive, yet delicious American cuisine with numerous vegetarian options and a good selection of alcoholic beverages.
An American restaurant located inside a Chinese structure donated by Taiwanese government. The garden is also landscaped in oriental style.
A cafe by day, and nighttime music venue and club that hosts independent music artists.
Located near the Old Dominion University campus, this bar features good food, a dance floor, and is the spot for all the college kids.
The biggest LGBTQ dance club in the Hampton Roads region for over 20 years. If you want to dance, this is the place to be.
Enjoy drag queens, drink specials, food, and live music at this popular spot with an outside patio and backyard area.
248 deluxe guest rooms. 15 meeting rooms. 3 restaurants.
The only downtown hotel on the waterfront. Connected to the Waterside Festival Marketplace. Moderate walk to the cruise terminal. Request a water view.
Set in the heart of the historic district, this award-winning Norfolk hotel is just steps away from the vibrant, revitalized waterfront.
By car
C. for horrendous traffic, especially during the summer season when many tourists throughout the United States and Canada flock to the beaches of Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
By train
Amtrak runs one daily passenger train into the Norfolk train station via the Northeast Regional route.
By bus
Greyhound runs many buses through Norfolk daily. The Greyhound Bus Stop is in downtown Norfolk.
By boat
Norfolk is accessible by private boats via the Intracoastal Waterway, from the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay. Overnight docking is available at Waterside Marina in downtown Norfolk.
By boat
Hampton Roads Transit runs a passenger ferry from Portsmouth. Service is seven days a week and runs every half hour with more frequent service during rush hours.50 for an all-day pass.
By light rail
The Tide Light Rail, a light rail line, extends from the Newtown area at the Norfolk/Virginia Beach border to Downtown Norfolk and Sentara Hospital by the Midtown Tunnel.
By car
If you must drive around the city, a good map and/or a local with knowledge of the roads is an absolute necessity.
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Norfolk · International · ORF
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