Things to do in Norfolk

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A park with green trees, a statue, and outdoor seating. In the background, there are modern buildings including a Hilton hotel.
A large wooden house with a brick chimney, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and a large tree.
A white sailboat docked at a marina with a large ship in the background.
The MacArthur Memorial building with a statue in front.
Waterside restaurant with outdoor seating and a view of the Waterfront Club.

Things to do

View of the water and the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise ship

City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Dinner Cruise

￥15,315
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Dinner Cruise
View of Spirit of Norfolk

City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Brunch Cruise

￥15,727
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Brunch Cruise
Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin

Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin

￥6,931
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin
Dolphin Kayak tours

Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim

￥15,441
per adult
Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim
Virginia Beach: Private Pontoon Boat Charter

Virginia Beach: Private Pontoon Boat Charter

￥56,889
per traveler
Virginia Beach: Private Pontoon Boat Charter
See all activities in Norfolk
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What to do in Norfolk

Stay near popular Norfolk attractions

A waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating and a view of the marina.

Waterside District

8.4/10 (135 reviews)
Vibrant waterfront hub with restaurants and entertainment overlooking the Elizabeth River. Enjoy Guy Fieri's Smokehouse or Blue Moon Taphouse before catching live music in this revitalized Norfolk gathering place.
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Where to stay in Norfolk

Find the best Norfolk areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Norfolk
Learn more about Norfolk
A large naval ship docked in a harbor with a crowd on the deck and a tall building in the background.
Photo by LTorr
Open Photo by LTorr

Downtown Norfolk

While you're in Downtown Norfolk, take in top sights like The NorVa or MacArthur Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Monticello Station or MacArthur Square Station.

A cityscape with a tram track, buildings, and overhead electrical lines.
Photo by Nicholas Theo
Open Photo by Nicholas Theo

West Freemason

While you're in West Freemason, take in top sights like Hunter House Victorian Museum and jump on the metro at York Street-Free Mason Station to see more of the city.

The Chrysler Museum of Art with a bridge and a statue of a horse.

Ghent

While Ghent isn't home to many top sights, Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House are some notable places to visit nearby.

A beach with tall grass in the foreground, a wooden fence, and a few people in the distance.

Ocean View

While Ocean View might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ocean View Beach and Norfolk Beaches.

An aerial view of a city with a prominent church, a river, and a mix of historic and modern buildings.

Norfolk Auto Row Historic District

Though Norfolk Auto Row Historic District might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Harrison Opera House and Chrysler Museum of Art.

Popular day trips from Norfolk

A golf course, a large building complex, and a marina by a river.

Chesapeake

A marina with several boats docked, surrounded by modern buildings including a Hilton hotel and a SunTrust building.

Portsmouth

A crowded beach with colorful umbrellas and tents, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.

Virginia Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Norfolk worth visiting?
Norfolk offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local culinary flavors, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Norfolk?
Kick your day off with a visit to Virginia Zoo and Ocean View Beach. Then, explore different areas of Norfolk for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Norfolk?
The top tourist attraction in Norfolk is Virginia Zoo, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Norfolk?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Virginia Zoo, Town Point Park and Chrysler Museum of Art with a three-day break in Norfolk. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Norfolk - Virginia Beach.
Is Norfolk a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Norfolk. Several attractions, such as Virginia Zoo and Town Point Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Norfolk's best neighborhoods, Downtown Norfolk is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Norfolk Auto Row Historic District is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Norfolk with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Norfolk with kids.

What to do in Norfolk for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Norfolk for adults including L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center and Norfolk NEX.
Are there free things to do in Norfolk?
In Norfolk, Town Point Park is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Norfolk.