Downtown Norfolk Travel Guide
Norfolk
Visit Downtown Norfolk
Popular places to visit
Waterside District
A riverside district with restaurants, bars and nightclubs stands beside a scenic park and promenade with cycle and running lanes.
Norfolk Scope
Catch an event at Norfolk Scope during your trip to Norfolk. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
Chrysler Hall
Lovers of the arts, including the symphony and theatrical shows, will appreciate this revered performing arts center, the heart of the city’s cultural life.
Town Point Park
Escape to an urban waterfront park for relaxation, historic appreciation and hours of fun-filled activities.
USS Wisconsin BB-64
Walk the decks and corridors of a World War II battleship, a floating fortress that also saw action in the Korean and Gulf Wars.
Nauticus National Maritime Center
Learn, touch and observe at the waterfront maritime science museum dedicated to Norfolk’s naval history.
Things to do
City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Dinner Cruise
City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Brunch Cruise
Top hotels in Downtown Norfolk
Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown
"The hotel was fine, but not great. The pictures on the site felt like they were taken of a model room and definitely not the room we got. There was a target receipt in our window and the room smelled strongly of vanilla and slightly of weed, like someone was trying to mask the smell. My biggest complaint ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
"Biggest issue was parking - pay too much for valet and I parked my own car even… since it is in front of the hotel. Menu was good but limited. I unfortunately stayed when they were industrial cleaning carpets. Pool was closed and staff couldn’t tell me if or when it would open. 3 stars"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
"Very clean and nice and close to port."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Norfolk Downtown
"While nice as it is, there are some simple upgrades that would be appreciated. The closet door being gone but the track in the floor still there and very dust-covered is a definite eye sore and makes you feel less confident about the level of clean the room really is."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Hilton Norfolk The Main
"The experience was great. Easy access to the Scope snd Saltines seafood was top notch"
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
"Beach view is great. But not very clean elevators were dirty pool was dirty we stayed 3 days only seen the staff on out last day never cleaned the room during our stay. So if your are on a budget and dont plan on staying in the room much."
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown Norfolk
East Ocean View
If you're spending some time in East Ocean View, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.
Bayview
While Bayview isn't home to many top sights, Norfolk Beaches and Ocean View Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
Ocean View
While there might not be top attractions in Ocean View, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ocean View Beach and Norfolk Beaches.
Willoughby Spit
If you're spending some time in Willoughby Spit, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.
Cottage Park
If you're spending some time in Cottage Park, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.
