Historic Downtown Mall
Historic Downtown Mall
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The area
How to get there
- Charlottesville Station • 10 min walk
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Restaurants
394 within 3 miles
Attractions
79 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Jim LChino Valley, Arizona6 contributionsLaidback atmosphere in the morning at the mallNice laid back environment with shops and restaurants and easy walking. Some shops are vacant but most storefronts are occupied. I strolled the mall during the morning and early afternoon with no problems at all. There were a few homeless people but they were polite if engaged. Can't say what the nightlife scene is like.Visited March 2023Written March 31, 2023
- TheCarrs52601Norfolk, Virginia458 contributionsIt was okLaid back pedestrian mall with shops, Wells Fargo, restaurants and easy walking. I strolled the mall during the morning and early afternoon with no problems at all. For lunch I ate a nice slice of pizza from Vita Nova on their patio under an umbrella and people watched, saw some interesting characters. Parking was limited, be prepared to pay for parking with an app or QR code.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten June 9, 2023
- Heidi WWaldorf, Maryland25 contributionsNice & relaxingI admit I was hesitant about going downtown after reading the negative reviews, but I’m glad I went with my gut. It was beautiful! A nice, sunny day. Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. There were very few homeless and those that were there were not obnoxious or threatening. There was a street musician playing for tips. Stores were open and business appeared to be good. Enjoyed my time and glad I went.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 9, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
448 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
150
Average
62
Poor
37
Terrible
19
Lara S
Mattituck, NY21 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We booked this trip to break up our drive from SC to NY. We heard Charlottesville was a fun place to go for good food and shopping. What a HUGE letdown. We visited on a Monday and it was desolate with many homeless and sketchy people. Almost no restaurants were open but we did find Citizen Burger which was wonderful!!!! Other than that, terrible place. No place to even buy a T-shirt. The icing on the cake was when we returned to the huge(almost empty) parking lot our truck had been towed. Sooooo after an Uber ride to a sketchy industrial area we got our truck back for $150 bucks. Very sad, but clearly this is a ridiculous money making scheme as we saw several other vehicles towed. Would highly recommend staying FAR away.
On a positive note, we did go to Trump Winery which was spectacular!!!! Just stay away from downtown.
On a positive note, we did go to Trump Winery which was spectacular!!!! Just stay away from downtown.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary G
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Solo
I find that all the hype about Charlottesville is over the top. They want new residents and tourism, which makes this a very busy high traffic town. Last time I was here was five years ago and it wasn't better but this time was much worse. Expect high prices for any hotel, poor service at regular restaurants, better service at the more expensive ones but its high prices again. Parking downtown is a nightmare with tow trucks milling about towing cars. There are no free spaces anywhere on weekends or after 5. Last time I was at the downtown mall there were several great restaurants but they are all gone. The atmosphere is nice but there are young troublemaker kids running around, littering. Lots of homeless people. Shopping for groceries at the closest places is a nightmare with terrible stores, even Whole Foods with the highest prices Ive seen.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventures0fAandL
New York City, NY319 contributions
May 2021
After seeing a few of the reviews here citing closed stores, homeless and aggressive panhandlers, I was concerned about visiting. From what we saw on a Sunday and Monday in early May things seem to be recovering nicely. Just wanted to provide a recent report for those who may be on the fence as we were.
Written May 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lather66
Mechanicsburg, PA485 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This mall caters to the college that is near by. Mostly restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bars. Only a few stores, most closed this time of year. I personally found most not appealing as variety stores. Many homeless sitting around, street performers, joggers and dog walkers. Public restroom at York Place, but homeless hanging out inside them. Highly disappointed.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheCarrs52601
Norfolk, VA458 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Laid back pedestrian mall with shops, Wells Fargo, restaurants and easy walking. I strolled the mall during the morning and early afternoon with no problems at all. For lunch I ate a nice slice of pizza from Vita Nova on their patio under an umbrella and people watched, saw some interesting characters. Parking was limited, be prepared to pay for parking with an app or QR code.
Written June 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole D
3 contributions
Feb 2022
Being in a mixed race family, I wasn't sure what Charlottesville would feel like after the 2019 incidents. I was pleasantly surprised to feel welcome and safe. We had a fun time looking through the shops and a great lunch at Citizen Burger. The movie theatre is also great!
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon C
Washington DC, DC62 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
It seems like it was a really nice area at one time - now it’s pretty sketchy.
Homeless folks asking for money, on a Sunday, most places are CLOSED.
I would never go at night with a family.
Homeless folks asking for money, on a Sunday, most places are CLOSED.
I would never go at night with a family.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M F
Maryland90 contributions
Jan 2021
Downtown mall area has become a haven for homeless people. The "progressive" policies of Charlottesville area attract people to come and sleep and live in the downtown store fronts/doorways. I was with a friend that lives in that area so she knew her way around. But I wouldn't have felt comfortable as a tourist. It's become a "little San Francisco" in regard to the conditions and lifestyle and attraction to homeless. Sad to see for such a beautiful area become run down and overrun .
Written January 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J E
Fredericksburg, VA8,949 contributions
Jun 2021
Pretty cool pedestrian mall with lots of interesting shops, some other businesses and lots, lots, LOTS of places to eat and grab a drink. One of my favs here is Revolutionary Soup. Miller’s is also nice and is famous too. Overall, it’s a decent place to visit, but parking is a pain, as they only have pay-to-park lots, which is silly.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi W
Waldorf, MD25 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I admit I was hesitant about going downtown after reading the negative reviews, but I’m glad I went with my gut. It was beautiful! A nice, sunny day. Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. There were very few homeless and those that were there were not obnoxious or threatening. There was a street musician playing for tips. Stores were open and business appeared to be good. Enjoyed my time and glad I went.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat H
2 contributions
To the city:
Why is the downtown mall and Charlottesville city allowing homeless and addicts to destroy these areas?
They verbally assault families with children, they verbally assault students, they yell racial slurs, explicit sexual harassment, they make drug deals and throw trash on the ground.
How come the city isn't cleaning this up? Why is this tolerated?
Bellabelle1
Rocky Mount, NC15 contributions
Has anyone been here recently who could tell me if this area was vandalized over the summer? I’ve read mixed reviews. Some don’t mention any changes while others say things are not good here anymore. I’ve seen one YouTube video that shows lots of graffiti and closed businesses. Does anyone know what’s really going on?
Pat H
2 contributions
I go often for lunch but this last time will be the last time.
The last 3 times I have gone to grab lunch with 2 lady's.:
Approach by people asking for money, drugged out guy yelling at nobody then later passed out on the ground kilt over, I tried to look past a guy with homeless anything helps sign to go into Christians pizza and was stared down and sign pushed at my face in a manner of how dare I look past this same guy and same sign for a third time in the last month. Then he verbally assaulted our group while children are around. Walked by a drug deal and heard the one guy say chill chill to the other guy because we were waking close by. The guy yelled at us and said f them...
Please, this is not a stretch in the story. It happen and happens every single time. I've seen security bicyclists ride right by not doing anything. Trash all over the place, people throwing it on the ground because they get away with it. This behavior is tolerated by the city. It's embarrassing. I read other positive reviews by visitors, which is good maybe you too can get a lucky day. I work down there and see this daily. A street I would avoid in DC or Baltimore.
Lua L
Fort Wayne, IN10 contributions
what restraunts and stores are pet friendly and other places besides dog parks.
MDB116
Gettysburg, PA50 contributions
In my experience, many outdoor eating places may allow dogs. As for stores, we didn't have our dog with us, but as we travel, we find that more and more stores do allow dogs (except food stores).
Pam C
Saint Louis, MO1 contribution
Is there a pass available that gets you into several places in Charlottesville?
Frank S
Wilmington, NC21 contributions
There are passes for variety of attractions. Really depends where you want to go. I recommend you go to visitor center on downtown mall. They can give you a map of the area, variety of pamplets, and answer any questions you may have. Services are free and they validate parking.
Sherri A
2 contributions
Is the Amtrak station close to downtown mall?
thenorthwind
Charlottesville, VA65 contributions
Just a few blocks to the east. Take the stairway up to West Main St and walk east (turn right) to the Downtown Mall. To the west you are just a few blocks from UVA and the Corner. The walk to the Downtown Mall takes you past great restaurants and local shopping.
rizzotto130
Long Valley, NJ5 contributions
Are the stores open on Sunday morning or at all on Sunday? What time do they close on Saturday?
thenorthwind
Charlottesville, VA65 contributions
Retail stores are all open until at least 6 on the week-end. Nearly all are also open on Sunday. Even the ABC store is now open on Sunday.
Cora K
Stafford, VA
Which hotels would be within walking distance to the downtown mall area?
Jeff C
Charlottesville, VA66 contributions
Just Google it. There is one at the end of the mall, but I cannot remember if it is a Hyatt or what. There are two other up near the hospital...not tumble out of bed and you are there, but a 15 minute walk that is nice on a good day.
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Claim your listingHistoric Downtown Mall - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Historic Downtown Mall
- Hotels near Historic Downtown Mall:
- (0.01 mi) The Townsman
- (0.02 mi) The Gryphon | Downtown Mall next to Townsman Hotel
- (0.03 mi) Boutique Hotel Room above The Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall
- (0.11 mi) 200 South Street Inn
- (0.05 mi) Omni Charlottesville Hotel
- Restaurants near Historic Downtown Mall:
- (0.00 mi) Mudhouse Coffee
- (0.01 mi) 208 Bar And Grill
- (0.01 mi) Lucky Blue's
- (0.01 mi) The Bebedero
- (0.02 mi) The Whiskey Jar
- Attractions near Historic Downtown Mall:
- (0.02 mi) Telegraph Arts & Comics
- (0.03 mi) Violet Crown Cinema
- (0.04 mi) Open Mic Charlottesville
- (0.04 mi) Tilla Accessories
- (0.10 mi) C'ville Arts: A Cooperative Gallery