About Norfolk
Norfolk is an independent city in the U.S. commonwealth of Virginia. It had a population of 238,005 at the 2020 census, making it the third-most populous city in both the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and in Virginia, after neighboring cities Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, as well as the 101st-most populous city in the United States. The city holds a strategic position as the historical, urban, financial, and cultural center of the Hampton Roads area, which has more than 1.8 million inhabitants and is the 37th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S.
Places to visit in Norfolk
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Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin
MuseumA downtown maritime science center beside the battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest ever built, which visitors can board to explore its decks and massive gun turrets.
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Chrysler Museum of Art
MuseumA wide-ranging art museum with European and American paintings and a celebrated glass collection, plus a working glass studio offering live demonstrations. General admission is free, making it an easy cultural stop downtown.
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Norfolk Botanical Garden
Park · 6 mi from centreDozens of themed gardens spread over wooded grounds near the airport, known for azaleas, camellias and roses, with boat and tram tours along its canals.
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MacArthur Memorial
MuseumHoused in the old city hall, this memorial holds General Douglas MacArthur's tomb and galleries covering his career through two world wars and the Korean War.
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Virginia Zoo
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA mid-sized zoo with African savanna animals, orangutans and Asian exhibits, an approachable half-day outing for families visiting the Hampton Roads area. It sits beside Lafayette Park with picnic space and playgrounds nearby.
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Naval Station Norfolk
Landmark · 7 mi from centreThe world's largest naval base offers guided bus tours past piers lined with aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines; bring photo ID for security screening. Tours depart from the base visitor center.
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Ghent
NeighborhoodA historic neighborhood of brick row houses and Victorian homes near the Hague inlet, with Colley Avenue's cafes, bars and independent shops making it a lively place to eat.
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
ReligiousA colonial church that survived the British bombardment of 1776, still bearing a cannonball lodged in its wall, surrounded by an old shaded graveyard. It is a short walk from the MacArthur Memorial.
Where to stay in Norfolk
Popular hotels in Norfolk, out of 107 properties you can book.
Hilton Norfolk The Main
From $527 per night
Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown
From $101 per night
Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown
From $198 per night
Element Hampton Peninsula Town Center
From $171 per night
Hampton Inn Norfolk-Naval Base
From $132 per night
The Landing At Hampton Marina Tapestry Collection
From $138 per night
Comfort Inn & Suites Hampton near Coliseum
From $112 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Newport News/Jefferson Ave.
From $61 per night
Courtyard Norfolk Downtown
From $93 per night
Marriott Norfolk Waterside
From $187 per night
Red Roof Inn Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport
From $76 per night
Delta Hotels Norfolk Airport
From $130 per night
Best time to visit Norfolk
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Norfolk is April and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–78°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Norfolk weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 61° 55° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 68° 53° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 65° 57° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 64° 56° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 67° 55° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 72° 53° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Norfolk
These are the airports closest to central Norfolk. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ORF Norfolk International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Norfolk
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates the bus service in Norfolk. There are many routes in Norfolk, and the service can get you to almost any spot in Norfolk. Most buses run seven days a week early morning to late evening, and are relatively reliable. The fare is $2.00 for a single trip. $4.50 will get you an all-day pass which is usable on most buses, the ferry, and Tide Light Rail. Certain express buses cost more ($4.00 single, $2.00 supplement on a regular all-day pass, $7.50 for an all-day express pass).
By boat
Hampton Roads Transit runs a passenger ferry from Portsmouth. Service is seven days a week and runs every half hour with more frequent service during rush hours. The fare is $2.00 one way, and $4.50 for an all-day pass. The ferry's crew does not carry cash, so be sure to bring the exact fare for each rider.
By light rail
The Tide Light Rail, a light rail line, extends from the Newtown area at the Norfolk/Virginia Beach border to Downtown Norfolk and Sentara Hospital by the Midtown Tunnel. The Tide runs seven days a week every half hour with service increasing to every ten minutes during rush hours. The Tide is air-conditioned and has free WiFi access.
By car
If you must drive around the city, a good map and/or a local with knowledge of the roads is an absolute necessity. Stay on interstates for as long as possible, for once you leave, any signage is the responsibility of the city, not VDOT, and it shows. If your directions tell you to follow US 58, US 460 or state route 337 through the city, be prepared for a nerve-wracking drive.
Norfolk travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Norfolk?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Norfolk is April and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–78°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
What is the weather like in Norfolk?
July is usually the warmest month in Norfolk, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 32°F (0°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 161 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Norfolk?
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Norfolk.
What time zone is Norfolk in?
Norfolk uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Norfolk?
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates the bus service in Norfolk. There are many routes in Norfolk, and the service can get you to almost any spot in Norfolk. Most buses run seven days a week early morning to late evening, and are relatively reliable. The fare is $2.00 for a single trip.
What are the best places to visit in Norfolk?
Top sights in Norfolk include Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden and MacArthur Memorial. A downtown maritime science center beside the battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest ever built, which visitors can board to explore its decks and massive gun turrets.
Where should I stay in Norfolk?
Popular areas for hotels in Norfolk include Norfolk, Hampton and Airport. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Norfolk The Main and Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown.
How many hotels can I book in Norfolk?
Destina Holidays currently lists 107 properties in and around Norfolk, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
