Charlottesville Travel Guide

Tourist 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 Theatre.

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 cosy bar.

Charlottesville is well connected by Amtrak trains and an airport is located just 10 miles (16 kilometres) north of the town centre. Renting a car is a good way to see further 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 colours and excellent photo opportunities.

Where to stay in Charlottesville

Charlottesville showing landscape views, farmland and tranquil scenes

North Downtown

While visiting North Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Historic Court Square and Paramount Theater.

North Downtown
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Belmont

While Belmont isn't home to many top sights, Ting Pavilion and Downtown Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Belmont
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Fifeville

While Fifeville isn't home to many top sights, Charlottesville Pavilion and Rotunda are some notable places to visit nearby.

Fifeville
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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

While visiting Venable, you might make a stop by sights like Rotunda and Corner District.

Venable
English Inn of Charlottesville

English Inn of Charlottesville

3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
The price is AU$175 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
AU$175
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (2,478 reviews)
"My favorite place."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

English Inn of Charlottesville
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville

4 out of 5
990 Hilton Heights Rd, Charlottesville, VA
The price is AU$162 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
AU$162
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & 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)
"friendly staff"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

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

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Charlottesville

2.5 out of 5
3400 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA
The price is AU$149 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$149
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (275 reviews)
"Everything was good. We did wonder about the lack of a hair dryer"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - 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.
Loveshack, a charming tiny house on a 5 acre farm

Loveshack, a charming tiny house on a 5 acre farm

Charlottesville
Stay at this cottage in Charlottesville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Monticello and Downtown Mall are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Romantic tiny house
"This tiny house was great for some alone time with your partner. The only downsides were, there was a coffee pot you could make coffee on the stove, but no coffee maker. Your are set out in the country some, so some insects are to be expected, but they mostly stayed on the first floor, there was ..."

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

Loveshack, a charming tiny house on a 5 acre farm
Charming Historic Carriage House Studio Apartment

Charming Historic Carriage House Studio Apartment

Charlottesville
Stay at this apartment in Charlottesville. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Monticello and Downtown Mall are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great location that was peaceful and made us feel right at home! Highly recommend to anyone in the area. Also loved the proximity to walking/running trails."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

Charming Historic Carriage House Studio Apartment
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! (60 reviews)
"Thanks for a wonderful weekend. Cottage was charming, clean and cozy - a perfect spot for a sisters’ weekend! The location was convenient to lots of local attractions. The property was well cared for both inside and out with a gorgeous garden full of colorful flowers. Will definitely come back!"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 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.

Popular places to visit

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