Norfolk Travel Guide
One of the oldest cities in Virginia, Norfolk is named after the harbor that surrounds it. And it's some harbor, home to the largest naval base in the world. But Norfolk is also known as the cultural center of the Virginia Beach region. Altogether, it's a city proud of its rich history, its military presence and its booming urban financial district.
Sights
Downtown Norfolk is situated on the Elizabeth River. A favorite spot among locals and visitors is the vibrant Waterside Festival Marketplace at Hampton Roads, which is the site of frequent special events, as well as shopping, dining, entertainment and music venues. A few blocks to the north, in Town Point Park, is the Nauticus National Maritime Center, which features numerous maritime-themed things to do, as well as the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Nauticus is also home anchorage of the battleship USS Wisconsin. This is one of the city's iconic landmarks and a must-see for visitors.
While you're at Waterside, look into a day or evening cruise. You have several great options, including a sumptuous motor yacht, a charming paddlewheel ferry and the majestic American Rover tall ship. The sightseeing tours are most popular between April and October so book early if you're in town then.
For fine art lovers, a visit to Norfolk is not complete without a stop at the Chrysler Museum of Art. One of the finest in the U.S., its galleries hold a collection of some 30,000 objects, sculptures and paintings, including works by Degas, Monet, Gauguin and Renoir, and regularly hosts prestigious touring exhibitions.
Dining and Shopping
Great trips are highlighted by great food and Norfolk offers a variety of restaurants, from romantic waterfront places to high-end gourmet meccas. Most are concentrated in the city center and the Ghent neighborhood. A favorite place among locals, whether they're celebrating family milestones or a romantic dinner for two, is the Freemason Abbey Restaurant. The site is actually a 139-year-old church that has been renovated for fine dining. The menu features pasta, seafood, steaks and the popular she-crab soup.
The hub of retail in Norfolk is MacArthur Center, located on Monticello Avenue downtown. It's a sprawling place mall of over a million square feet, with hundreds of high-end boutiques and trendy outlets, as well as high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Dillard's. There are also a number of dining options here, from sit-down meals to quick snacks in the food court, as well as a movie theater.
Where to Go in Norfolk
