Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is in the metro area called Hampton Roads, in the state of Virginia, USA. It is a port city with a large Navy and shipping presence. Neighboring cities are Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth. It is known as a Navy town, as the world's largest naval base is located here.

Norfolk is also known as a major cultural center, with world-class museums, opera, symphony, ballet and a vibrant arts community. In the last ten years or so, its downtown area has experienced a major resurgence, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Other areas worth visiting in Norfolk include the Town Point Park, a waterfront park area right downtown that hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. Granby Street is the main downtown thoroughfare, lined with restaurants and bars. Ghent is a historic district adjacent to downtown, filled with historic homes, tree-lined streets and beautiful old churches.

Things to see and do

* Nauticus - National Maritime Center
* Chrysler Museum of Art
* Naval Station Tour
* Downtown and waterfront areas
* Virginia Zoo

General information

Cruise Season - May - Sept
Currency - US Dollar (US$)
Language - English
Land Area - 139.2 km²
Population - 250,000 approx
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code - 1

Port Location - The Half Moone Cruise Terminal is located downtown adjacent to the Nauticus Museum.

Transport Links - Norfolk is primarily served by the Norfolk International Airport now the region's major commercial airport. The airport is located near Chesapeake Bay, along the city limits straddling neighboring Virginia Beach. Seven airlines provide nonstop services to twenty five destinations.

Norfolk is served by Amtrak through the Newport News station, via connecting buses. The line runs west along the Virginia Peninsula to Richmond and points beyond. A high speed rail connection at Richmond to both the Northeast Corridor and the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor are also under study

Greyhound provides service from a central bus terminal in downtown Norfolk.