Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Norfolk?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Norfolk?
Most visitors spend one to two days in Norfolk when visiting. The blue collar city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the food, the nightlife, and the many shops.
Norfolk is a waterfront city that is home to a naval base and several military museums. It has a working class vibe, but it's also cultural with a growing arts scene. While it's often overlooked by tourists, there are some interesting aspects to the city.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Norfolk? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Norfolk?
Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Norfolk, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the food, the nightlife, and the many shops on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Norfolk as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 3 days in Norfolk
Perhaps the most famous place in Norfolk is the Battleship Wisconsin, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.
This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket ($22)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.
Shopping in Norfolk is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.
Is 4 days enough time in Norfolk?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Norfolk has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the food, the nightlife, and the many shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Norfolk, Virginia
How to spend 4 days in Norfolk
If you have more than 4 days in Norfolk, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Norfolk, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Is 5 days enough time in Norfolk?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Norfolk, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, take advantage of the local nightlife, and find the best deals at the shops. You could also use Norfolk as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Norfolk
Having 5 days in Norfolk will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Norfolk. Plenty of amazing options are available.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Norfolk, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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