Norfolk Travel Guide
Norfolk is Virginia's second-most populated city with more than 245,000 residents and is bordered by the grand Elizabeth River and historical Chesapeake Bay. Home to the largest Navy Base in the world and aptly referred to as the 'navy capital,' Norfolk makes for a great break away and sees many visitors year after year return to enjoy this seaside destination.
Its waterfront location makes Norfolk a pleasure for those who value seaside splendour. Offering much in the way of maritime attractions, Norfolk makes for a good break away in the sun and offers much more than just a beautiful shoreline. Norfolk is also home to a lively arts community, boasting some top notch galleries, museums and an impressive opera house.
Visitors often marvel at the unique attractions found in Norfolk. Not only home to the Naval base where visitors can enjoy guided tours and learn about Naval life, visitors can also take some time out to enjoy the likes of the Waterside Festival Marketplace. Overlooking the Elizabeth River, those who pop by can find live entertainment, an attractive array of dining options and superb shopping opportunities. Tourists of the region can also wander through the historic district of Ghent and discover old-world Norfolk as it once was. The downtown area is also a favourite; having flourished over the years it makes for a memorable visit.
Also known as a budget-friendly destination, visitors of Norfolk will no doubt enjoy what the region has to offer, and will save a couple of dollars in the process.
Things to do in Norfolk
Largely influenced by its watery environment, visitors to Norfolk will find some superb attractions to enjoy. The city has a beautiful shoreline; a given considering it is home to the world's largest naval base. The beach at Ocean View is a popular choice for those looking to take some time out, but there are many superb beaches to choose from. There are also some outstanding maritime centres, museums and nautical memorabilia shops on offer in the region, not to mention the mammoth navy base. But belying its naval reputation, Norfolk is also home to a vibrant arts community, boasting a variety of dynamic art galleries, including the world-class Chrysler Museum of Art, numerous theatres and a grand opera house.
The historic district of Ghent is a popular choice for those looking for something a little different. There are traditional wooden houses, tree-lined boulevards and old churches to see, all resembling the Norfolk of a time gone by. For lovers of history, antiques, art and architecture, this district is certainly worth the visit.
Those in search of some fun after dark won't be disappointed should they stop over in the downtown area of Norfolk. Here great restaurants and chic bars can be relished long into the early hours. For more music and culinary fare, the Waterside Festival Marketplace is also a good bet for live entertainment and some great dining opportunities. From here travellers can also embark on a tour of the harbour and surrounding areas on an elegant tall ship or paddlewheel ferry.
The Chrysler Museum of Art
Originally founded in 1933, the Chrysler Museum of Art is located on the waters of The Hague, in the Ghent district of Norfolk, and is home to the art collection of Walter P. Chrysler Jr. Over time it has increased its collection significantly and is one of Norfolk's most esteemed attractions. The museum is family-friendly and kids especially will love the Daniel Rozin interactive installation.
Nauticus
Nauticus is a must-see for families on holiday in Norfolk. This maritime-themed science centre and museum now stands where Norfolk's banana pier once stood and features exhibits, interactive theatres and shark touch tanks, as well as a weather station. Open since 1994, the museum is a popular educational attraction in Norfolk for anyone interested in learning about America's maritime history. The AEGIS Theater allows visitors to experience naval battles first-hand, and Secrets of the Deep lets them practise gathering samples from the ocean floor with a nine-foot robotic arm. Nauticus is also home to the USS Wisconsin battleship and the Schooner Virginia, an additional interest for mariners and holidaymakers alike.
Getting Around
Hampton Roads Transit provides transportation within Norfolk and surrounding cities (including Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton and Newport). Multi-day passes are available. The Tide Light Rail system extends east-to-west through downtown Norfolk, making 11 stops. Trains stop every 10 to 30 minutes depending on time of day, and operate from 6am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 6am to 12am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10.55am to 9.50pm on Sundays and holidays. Taxi stands are located throughout the city; ride-hailing apps such as Lyft and Uber are options. Water taxis are also available from the Norfolk and Portsmouth waterfronts on weekends during the summer.
Norfolk Climate and Weather
Norfolk and the Virginia Beach area have a humid subtropical climate. Winters (December to February) are mild, with light snowfall averaging around 5.8 inches (147mm) annually; temperatures generally stay between 32F (0C) and 52F (11C). Summers (June to August) are hot and humid with warm evenings, averaging temperatures between 67F (19C) and 87F (31C). Spring and summer are the wettest periods, although rainfall is fairly constant all year long. Norfolk is in a fortuitous location in that it is south of major winter storms and north of hurricanes, and thus is at less risk of storms than most cities on the East Coast of the US.
United States of America travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Language
English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
Money
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted; Apple Pay and Google Pay are very popular. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Tipping
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It's normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.
Safety
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There's a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Local customs
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Doing business
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, though rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it's considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Duty free
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Communications
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is widely available.
Passport & Visa
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens require passports.
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Useful contacts
United States Tourist Office: www.usatourist.com
911 (General)Embassies / consulates in other countries
United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 9000.
United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 688 5335.
United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6214 5600.
United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000.
United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 8777.
United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 462 6000.
Embassies / consulates in United States of America
British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500.
Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740.
Australian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 797 3000.
South African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400.
Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939.
New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 328 4800.