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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Locust Grove

While there might not be top attractions in Locust Grove, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Historic Court Square and Albemarle County Court House.

Locust Grove
English Inn of Charlottesville

English Inn of Charlottesville

3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
$98 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$112 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
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! (2,413 reviews)
"Nice place to stay on our way to The Blue Ridge Parkway. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

English Inn of Charlottesville
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Charlottesville

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Charlottesville

2.5 out of 5
3400 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA
$84 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$96 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Downtown Mall and Monticello are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (194 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Charlottesville
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville

4 out of 5
990 Hilton Heights Rd, Charlottesville, VA
$93 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$107 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Nice hotel
"Easy check in and out, comfortable beds and clean hotel. We didn’t eat in the restaurant, but were a little bummed the coffee and tea area in the Lobby weren’t working. Lots of stores and restaurants nearby. Our stay was quiet, we were on 9th floor."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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.
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! (83 reviews)
"Beautiful farm property. Peaceful 1802 stone cottage. Enjoyed the beautiful pool."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

1802 cottage once part of Monticello and owned by Thomas Jefferson
Downtown Carriage House | 1 BR Loft close to the historic downtown mall

Downtown Carriage House | 1 BR Loft close to the historic downtown mall

Charlottesville
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Charlottesville. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Downtown ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at Carriage House. It was very nice, clean and convenient to UVA and Downtown Charlottesville."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Downtown Carriage House | 1 BR Loft close to the historic downtown mall
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! (58 reviews)
"Our stay was great. The location is perfect - close to Charlottesville but also quiet and a little bit away from the center of activity. We discovered some great places in Crozet, too. Check-in was super easy, and the place was fun and quirky. Our hosts were excellent. We had a minor issue on day ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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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