Charlottesville, VA

Travel 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 Theater.

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 cozy bar.

Charlottesville is well connected by Amtrak trains and an airport is located just 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of the town center. 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 colors and excellent photo opportunities.

Where to stay in Charlottesville

Charlottesville showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and farmland

North Downtown

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Downtown, Historic Court Square and Paramount Theater are top sights worth seeing.

North Downtown
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Belmont

While Belmont might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ting Pavilion and Downtown Mall.

Belmont
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Fifeville

4/5(25 area reviews)

When in Fifeville, you can plan a visit to Charlottesville Pavilion and Rotunda, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fifeville
Nighttime view of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia

UVA

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

UVA
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Ridge St.

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

Ridge St.
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Venable

4.5/5(81 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Venable, Rotunda and Corner District are top sights worth seeing.

Venable
English Inn of Charlottesville
English Inn of Charlottesville
3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
$96 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$109 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,317 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

English Inn of Charlottesville
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
4 out of 5
212 Ridge McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$151 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$173 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,011 reviews)
"Great location, walking distance to many restaurants and pubs"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Omni Charlottesville Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville
4 out of 5
990 Hilton Heights Rd, Charlottesville, VA
$98 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$112 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Overall it was nice"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville
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.
Best of Downtown and Belmont in cozy unique 2BD! Walk everywhere!
Best of Downtown and Belmont in cozy unique 2BD! Walk everywhere!
Charlottesville
Stay at this vacation home in Charlottesville. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Downtown Mall and Monticello are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Perfect little spot for us
"We were in town for my grandmother’s funeral and wanted to spend a little time exploring CVille and Monticello while we were here. It was clean, comfortable, safe, and cozy. It was perfect walking distance to restaurants and the mall. We were a quick drive to Monticello and hikes. Beds were comfy. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Best of Downtown and Belmont in cozy unique 2BD! Walk everywhere!
1802 cottage once part of Monticello and owned by Thomas Jefferson
1802 cottage once part of Monticello and owned by Thomas Jefferson
Charlottesville
Stay at this cottage in Charlottesville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

1802 cottage once part of Monticello and owned by Thomas Jefferson
Ivy Rose Cottage nestled b/t Cville & Vineyards
Ivy Rose Cottage nestled b/t Cville & Vineyards
Charlottesville
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Charlottesville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Starr Hill Brewery and Grace ...
10/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Fairytale Cottage
"The cottage was the perfect place for our girls’ getaway! The setting was idyllic and the house had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. It was close by ti local wineries, breweries and shopping. Can’t wait to visit again sometime."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Ivy Rose Cottage nestled b/t Cville & Vineyards
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.

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