Charlottesville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by www.visitcharlottesville.org
Photo provided by www.visitcharlottesville.org
Photo provided by www.visitcharlottesville.org
Photo provided by www.visitcharlottesville.org
Photo provided by www.visitcharlottesville.org

Experience the Virginian wilderness surrounding this enchanting university town. Join a walking tour to see historic colonial architecture.

The charming university town of Charlottesville is steeped in history, culture and prestige. It is surrounded by vineyards and fertile horse country and was home to two U.S. presidents. Since 1819 the town has grown around the University of Virginia. Today Charlottesville has a population of 43,000 residents who are passionate about their local community.  

Located in the heart of the Civil War battlefields, the town is home to many important sites from the war. Join a downtown walking tour to discover historic attractions. Walk past colonial-era homes and Jefferson-style architecture. Throughout the tour you’ll be shown key sites from the lives of two presidents who lived here: Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. See Jefferson's house and gardens at the Monticello estate. Monroe's home is at Ash Lawn-Highland.

After the tour, spend time in the pedestrianized Downtown Mall area to sample local cuisine from a range of restaurants, delis and cafés. Barbecue is incredibly popular in Virginia, particularly in the summer when the smell of grilling meat wafts through town. If you are looking for after-dinner entertainment, consider attending a show at the Paramount Theatre. 

Explore the University of Virginia campus by signing up for a guided tour. Thomas Jefferson founded the prestigious university its alumni include the author Edgar Allan Poe and comedian Tina Fey. The university area is a lively entertainment precinct where students congregate after dark. Make new friends as you drink in a cosy bar.  

Charlottesville is well connected by Amtrak trains and an airport is located just 10 miles (16 kilometres) north of the town centre. Renting a car is a good way to see farther afield but during your stay in the town you can walk or catch a bus to all the major attractions. Take a drive through the horse country that surrounds Charlottesville to discover wineries and independent farms. In fall the region is known for its spectacular palette of colours and excellent photo opportunities.

Where to stay in Charlottesville

Charlottesville featuring landscape views, tranquil scenes and farmland

North Downtown

4/5(1 area review)

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

North Downtown
Default Image

Belmont

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

Belmont
Default Image

Fifeville

While Fifeville isn't home to many top sights, Charlottesville Pavilion and Rotunda are some notable places to visit nearby.

Fifeville
Default Image

UVA

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

UVA
Default Image

Ridge St.

While visiting Ridge St., you might make a stop by sights like Ix Art Park and Play On! Theater.

Ridge St.
Default Image

Venable

While visiting Venable, you might make a stop by sights like Rotunda and Corner District.

Venable
English Inn of Charlottesville

English Inn of Charlottesville

3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
The price is ฿3,189 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
฿3,189
฿3,756 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,373 reviews)
"The proper is a great deal for the price. Certainly dated but if you expect that it’s fine. And the buffet breakfast is really good."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

English Inn of Charlottesville
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville

4 out of 5
990 Hilton Heights Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,172 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿3,172
฿3,626 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Good in the restaurant was awful, room was a bit dingy but overall clean. Lobby is very nice and staff was very nice. Overall would stay there again."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville
Omni Charlottesville Hotel

Omni Charlottesville Hotel

4 out of 5
212 Ridge McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA
The price is ฿4,915 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿4,915
฿5,618 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Omni Charlottesville was wonderful! The location at the downtown mall was perfect. The only criticism we have is the pool area needs to be attended to. The outside pool specifically was fairly dirty. There were kids toys at the bottom & a broken boogie board on the side. These items were there both ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Omni Charlottesville Hotel
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.
Postcard Cabins Shenandoah

Postcard Cabins Shenandoah

2 out of 5
2010 Madison Rd, Stanardsville, VA
Stay at this cabin in Stanardsville. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Green Hills Golf Course and Greene County Library are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"This property was a one night stop for us on our way to Shenendoah NP. It was perfect! The cabin was lovely, just enough space for 2, with everything we needed. We enjoyed building a campfire (wood/starter probided!) and eating the s’mores which were also provided for us. The quiet wooded surroundings ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Shenandoah
Valley Extended Suites

Valley Extended Suites

3 out of 5
399 Mule Academy Rd, Fishersville, VA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Fishersville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (190 reviews)
"Quite and Accommodating.office staff was great"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Valley Extended Suites
Massanutten Resort by Tripforth

Massanutten Resort by Tripforth

3 out of 5
1822 Resort Drive, McGaheysville, VA
Stay at this 3-star spa holiday home in McGaheysville. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Massanutten Water Park ...
7.8/10 Good! (152 reviews)
"The rooms are fully equipped"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Massanutten Resort by Tripforth
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do