Waterside District Tours

Waterside Festival Marketplace featuring signage and a sunset
Waterside Festival Marketplace
Waterside Festival Marketplace
Waterside Festival Marketplace which includes signage as well as a family
Waterside District showing signage


A riverside district with restaurants, bars and nightclubs stands beside a scenic park and promenade with cycle and running lanes.

Near the mouth of the Elizabeth River, visit Waterside Marketplace, a covered site that is filled with all types of stores and eating places. The modern building is recognizable by its wide two-story silhouette right in front of the river. Enter the site from the street side and browse among the various restaurants and shops. Step outs on the southwest side to enjoy the riverfront views and amenities.

Select cupcakes, brownies and other sweet delicacies from food stalls. Head to the dining section and choose from the range of international culinary hubs. You’ll find everything from quick bites and snacks to market food and rich meals.

As evening falls, enjoy a few drinks at one of the bars with a fun and lively atmosphere. Attend one of the events arranged in the festival marketplace, such as a live music concert, sports viewing parties or other nightlife activity.

On a sunny afternoon, go for a run along the adjacent Elizabeth River Trail and admire the impressive boats beside the wooden pier. The trail is part of a 3-mile (5-kilometer) waterfront promenade that provides stunning views of the water. Outdoor performances and sports games are organized in Town Point Park. Rent a bike from a convenient rack and cycle around this scenic spot. Stay in one of the hotels and high-rise apartment buildings in this lively area.

Note that the complex was renovated in 2017. It opens daily from morning until late evening.

The Waterside Marketplace is next to the Waterside Marina and overlooks the Elizabeth River. Ride the Tide light-rail train to the Civic Plaza Station or MacArthur Square Station and walk southwest for less than 10 minutes to get here. You can also travel by bus to an adjacent stop or park in the garage adjacent to the marketplace.

While you’re in the area, consider visiting other sights, including the MacArthur Memorial museum, the World Trade Center and Nauticus maritime museum.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Waterside District

Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Norfolk Waterside Marriott

3.5 out of 5
235 E Main St, Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott Norfolk Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Norfolk Downtown

3 out of 5
520 Plume street, Norfolk, VA
Courtyard by Marriott Norfolk Downtown
Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown

Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown

3.5 out of 5
700 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA
Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown
Hilton Norfolk The Main

Hilton Norfolk The Main

4 out of 5
100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

3.5 out of 5
777 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection

Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection

3.5 out of 5
201 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection
Quality Inn & Suites Olde Town

Quality Inn & Suites Olde Town

2.5 out of 5
347 Effingham St, Portsmouth, VA
Quality Inn & Suites Olde Town
Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel

Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
425 Water St, Portsmouth, VA
Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel
Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown

Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown

3 out of 5
227 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA
Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown
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.

Things to do near Waterside District

In the vibrant Waterside District of Norfolk, Virginia, visitors can enjoy live music, theater performances, and soccer events. Key attractions include the Waterside Convention Center, perfect for various events, and an array of shopping options to explore. This bustling area offers a lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for entertainment and leisure during your vacation.

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is MacArthur Center, just 644m away, offering a variety of shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, visit Greenbrier Mall or Norfolk Premium Outlets, both about 9.7km away, featuring more entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

The NorVa, a lively concert venue 644m from Waterside District, offers an energizing atmosphere filled with music and entertainment. Meanwhile, Harbor Park, located 966m away, combines the excitement of sports with a vibrant community feel. For tranquility, visit Oak Grove Lake Park, 11.3km away, where you can relax in nature.

Adventure

At Folkes - Stevens Indoor Tennis Center, located 4.8km from Waterside District, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere while honing your tennis skills. Tidewater Tennis Center, 6.4km away, offers a vibrant setting for both casual and competitive play. Northside Park Tennis Center, 9.7km distant, features excellent courts for thrilling matches.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Waterside District by visiting the Norva Theater, just 644m away, for live shows and cultural events. For a romantic evening, catch a performance at Chrysler Hall, located 966m away, or enjoy a family-friendly film at the Commodore Theatre, 1.4km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Waterside District

The Waterside District in Norfolk, Virginia, offers an array of attractions including a maritime museum, historic college university, and vibrant urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the bustling city life along the waterfront. Don't miss exploring nearby attractions and the newly revitalized Waterside District, which promises a delightful blend of history and modern entertainment.

  • Old Dominion University: A historic institution with a vibrant campus, Old Dominion University is known for its rich cultural atmosphere. Explore its beautiful grounds, art installations, and engaging events that showcase local talent and academic achievements.
  • Norfolk Scope: This versatile arena offers a range of entertainment options, from concerts to family-friendly shows. It’s a hub of activity, where you can enjoy thrilling performances and create lasting memories with loved ones.
  • USS Wisconsin BB-64: Step aboard this impressive battleship and delve into maritime history. The USS Wisconsin BB-64 serves as a museum, providing a unique opportunity to explore naval life and the ship's storied past.

Best time to go to Waterside District

The best time to visit Waterside District can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Waterside District falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Waterside District falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waterside District

To save money during your visit to Waterside District, consider traveling between December and February when hotel prices are lowest. Booking on a Tuesday can also help you find cheaper accommodations. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly hotels, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Explore free activities in the area to keep your costs down while enjoying the sights.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Waterside District are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Waterside District is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Waterside District is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia offers a convenient search tool that lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest price to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Waterside District with your flights and activities when you book through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia