City centre Norfolk brings maritime heritage to life along the Elizabeth River waterfront. The majestic USS Wisconsin battleship stands proudly next to the interactive Nauticus museum. Cultural venues like Chrysler Hall and the NorVa offer everything from symphony performances to indie rock concerts. Explore the scenic Waterside District for harbourside dining and entertainment options. The Elizabeth River Trail provides perfect views for walking or cycling enthusiasts. Two metro stations make getting around simple, connecting visitors to Norfolk's historic sites and vibrant entertainment scene.
Step back in time on West Freemason's historic cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved 18th-century Georgian homes. This peaceful corner of Norfolk balances rich architectural heritage with quiet residential charm just steps from city centre. Mature oak trees cast dappled shadows across weathered brick facades adorned with wrought-iron details. The Elizabeth River provides a scenic backdrop for leisurely waterfront strolls along peaceful promenades. History enthusiasts will appreciate Hunter House Victorian Museum while photographers can capture timeless streetscapes. This walkable area offers an authentic glimpse into Norfolk's past without the tourist crowds.
Ghent blends historic charm with artistic energy in this inviting Norfolk area. Colonial Revival and Queen Anne mansions line tree-shaded streets where history feels alive at every corner. The Chrysler Museum of Art anchors a vibrant cultural scene along the picturesque Hague waterfront. Colley Avenue buzzes with independent galleries, vintage shops, and pavement cafes serving local fare. Stroll the waterfront promenade for peaceful Elizabeth River views. Most attractions sit within walking distance, making Ghent perfect for travellers seeking authentic local culture in a walkable setting.
Norfolk's Auto Row Historic District captures the spirit of America's 1920s automotive boom through well-preserved showrooms and Art Deco facades. Former Chrysler and Ford dealerships now house art galleries and studios, showcasing a blend of history and creative renewal. Wide streets lined with vintage buildings tell the storey of how cars shaped American cities. The district connects easily to Norfolk's cultural attractions like Harrison Opera House and Chrysler Museum of Art. Visitors can explore unique antique shops and local galleries housed in historic buildings with original terrazzo floors and large industrial windows. Farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries in converted spaces round out this authentic urban experience.
The coastal charm of East Ocean View offers a relaxed waterfront experience along Norfolk's Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Sandy beaches, fishing piers, and scenic walking paths create the perfect setting for unhurried days by the water. Beach cottages and modest homes give this area an authentic local feel. This affordable alternative to upscale beach destinations maintains its working-class maritime character. Casual seafood joints serve fresh Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters at reasonable prices. Visitors appreciate the flat, walkable terrain and peaceful residential streets that lead to waterfront parks and bay views.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Norfolk
Old Dominion University
8.4/10 (580 reviews)
Old Dominion University blends modern facilities with traditional architecture in its waterfront Norfolk campus. Explore the Barry Art Museum or catch a game at the Ted Constant Convocation Centre during your visit.
Waterside District
8.4/10 (135 reviews)
Vibrant waterfront hub with restaurants and entertainment overlooking the Elizabeth River. Enjoy Guy Fieri's Smokehouse or Blue Moon Taphouse before catching live music in this revitalised Norfolk gathering place.
Norfolk State University
8.4/10 (336 reviews)
This historic Black university in Norfolk showcases academic excellence across a 134-acre campus. Visitors can explore modern facilities, athletic venues, and experience NSU's rich cultural heritage during guided tours.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
8.8/10 (558 reviews)
Norfolk Botanical Garden showcases 155 acres of themed gardens, including a spectacular rose garden with 3,000 bushes. Explore seasonal boat tours or discover the interactive World of Wonders children's garden.
Norfolk Scope
8.2/10 (245 reviews)
The distinctive domed Scope Arena captivates with its modernist architecture and superior acoustics. Catch a Norfolk Admirals hockey game or attend a concert where every seat offers exceptional sightlines.
Virginia Zoo
8.4/10 (74 reviews)
This 53-acre sanctuary houses over 700 animals across immersive habitats like the Trail of the Tiger and Okavango Delta. Morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing when lions, elephants, and giraffes are most active.
Ocean View Beach
9.2/10 (35 reviews)
This Chesapeake Bay oasis offers 6.5 acres of serene beachfront with calm waters perfect for families. Enjoy the boardwalk, attend summer concerts at the band shell, or try kayaking in the gentle bay waters.
Norfolk Premium Outlets
8.8/10 (594 reviews)
This waterside shopping haven offers 70+ brand-name stores with discounts up to 65% off retail prices. Explore the open-air walkways and Market Hall food court for a premium outlet experience without premium prices.
What to do in Norfolk
Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin
"We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and couldn’t have picked a better place to stay. The place has a beautiful courtyard and the owner and his wife were very friendly!"
"Our primary concern during our stay pertained to the housekeeping service, which consistently fell short of expectations. As we were traveling with children, our repeated requests for fresh linens and trash removal were unfortunately overlooked. We ultimately had to procure our own garbage bags to maintain the cleanliness of our rooms due to the lack of service. Furthermore, we were compelled to collect all used linens, place them in the hallway, and personally retrieve replacements from the...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Norfolk break. However, a range of factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season will influence how much your holiday to Norfolk costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Norfolk?
If you're hoping to score a cheap Norfolk holiday package, consider travelling in January, February and November. You'll typically find lower rates on flights and accommodation during these months — ideal for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for Norfolk?
We'd recommend booking a Norfolk holiday for around 2 days. This will give you enough time to check off major attractions such as Chrysler Museum of Art and Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and also check out neighbourhoods like Downtown Norfolk and Norfolk Auto Row Historic District. You could even squeeze in one or two day trips from Norfolk.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Norfolk?
It's no wonder a Norfolk holiday is on the to-do list of many travellers. Major attractions like Virginia Zoo are just the beginning of things to see and do here.
How to find the best Norfolk package deals?
Landing a cheap Norfolk package deal is a breeze with Expedia. After you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, apply some filters and browse what's available. You can customise your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Popular locations" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most pocket-friendly Norfolk package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are generally lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Norfolk holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you significant savings when compared to booking flights and accommodation individually. Better still, you can tailor your Norfolk escape to match your exact needs. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Norfolk?
Secure incredible discounts by reserving your flights early with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, grab one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Norfolk escape.
How to plan a trip to Norfolk?
Pick your dates: The things you'd like to do in Norfolk and your preferred season can help you decide when to travel.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to pay for everything from dining out and transportation to activities and flights. Your hotel will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Norfolk.
Decide how many days away: Start by listing all the activities and sights you'd like to experience in Norfolk. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, as well as any travel time.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your car rental, flights, hotels and more into a tailored Norfolk holiday package.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.