What to do in Charlottesville, VA

Activities, attractions and tours

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A large brick building with a dome and columns, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and colorful tulips.
A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a red barn, and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
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Things to do

Blue Ridge Parkway Bundle

Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle

Rp428.437
per traveller
Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle
Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Rp303.424
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Shenandoah Lake

Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour

Rp231.988
per traveller
Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour
Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours

Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours

Rp571.488
per adult
Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours
Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours

Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours

Rp571.488
per adult
Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours
Small Group Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello 1-Day Tour from Washington D.C.

Small Group Max 13 Thomas Jefferson Monticello One-Day Tour from D.C.

Rp4.250.680
per traveller
Small Group Max 13 Thomas Jefferson Monticello One-Day Tour from D.C.
Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington

Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington

Rp4.512.518
per adult
Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington
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What to do in Charlottesville

Stay near popular Charlottesville attractions

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Photo by Edgar Macal
Open Photo by Edgar Macal

University of Virginia

9.4/10 (2,137 reviews)
Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpiece showcases his vision for American education through the iconic Rotunda and Lawn. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage site's elegant harmony of academia and classical design.
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Where to stay in Charlottesville

Find the best Charlottesville areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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North Downtown

While visiting North Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Paramount Theater and Downtown Mall.

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Belmont

While Belmont isn't home to many top sights, Ting Pavilion and Downtown Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

A classical building with a dome and columns, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.
Photo by Jason Clay
Open Photo by Jason Clay

Barracks Road

When in Barracks Road, you can plan a visit to Barracks Road Shopping Center and John Paul Jones Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A serene river with a stone walkway on one side and lush greenery on the other.

Fry's Spring

While Fry's Spring may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Scott Stadium and Charlottesville Pavilion.

A large neoclassical building with a dome, columns, and a portico at night.
Photo by Edgar Macal
Open Photo by Edgar Macal

UVA

If you're spending some time in UVA, Scott Stadium and John Paul Jones Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Charlottesville worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to discover the local charm and cultural attractions or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Charlottesville.
How do I spend a day in Charlottesville?
Virginia Discovery Museum and AMF Kegler's Lanes are two excellent places to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Charlottesville while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charlottesville?
Trump Winery is one of the top tourist attractions in Charlottesville and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Charlottesville?
Three days in Charlottesville is plenty of time to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. The Jefferson Theatre, Paramount Theatre and Jefferson Vineyards are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Swift Run Gap Entrance Shenandoah.
Is Charlottesville a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Charlottesville, including The Jefferson Theatre and Paramount Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kilometers from central Charlottesville is Venable and North Downtown is 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Charlottesville with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Charlottesville with kids.

What to do in Charlottesville for adults?
Trump Winery and Jefferson Vineyards are just a couple of the things to do in Charlottesville. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Charlottesville?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Charlottesville is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Arcady Vineyard is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.