Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Williamsburg?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Williamsburg?

Many visitors spend two to four days in Williamsburg during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the historic old town, the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, and shopping.

Williamsburg is a historic city in the state of Virginia that was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780. Today visitors can learn about the city's historic past at the living museum in Colonial Williamsburg. The city is also home to the College of William and Mary as well as several world class amusement parks and waterparks.

Do you have one or two days to visit Williamsburg? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Williamsburg?

With only one day, you might feel a bit pressed for time when it comes to exploring the main attractions. After all, Williamsburg, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. To fully embrace Williamsburg, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to plan two to four days to experience the historic old town, the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, and shopping. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.

How to spend a day in Williamsburg

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Ultimate Pirate Walking Tour in Colonial Williamsburg ($25)
  • Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour ($65)
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia ($25)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket ($79)

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Williamsburg?

Williamsburg, a small town brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. A weekend is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Williamsburg such as the historic old town, the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, and shopping. To thoroughly enjoy all that the town has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule two to four days to fully experience the historic town. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia

How to spend 2 days in Williamsburg

With a weekend (two to three days) in Williamsburg, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

Don't miss Colonial Williamsburg during your trip to Williamsburg, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

Williamsburg is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Ultimate Pirate Walking Tour in Colonial Williamsburg ($25)
  • Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour ($65)
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour ($20)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Williamsburg, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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