Waterside District
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Waterside District

4.4
·8k reviews·Norfolk, United States

A vibrant waterfront hub in Norfolk, VA, offering diverse dining, lively bars, and entertainment with scenic river views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Fridays

Lively atmosphere, live music

CrowdHigh
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Waterside District

Waterside District

Best Time

First Fridays

Lively atmosphere, live music

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant waterfront hub in Norfolk, VA, offering diverse dining, lively bars, and entertainment with scenic river views.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"A great place to meet up with friends to have a few drinks and watch sports events."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Smart Parking Solutions

Consider parking near Tides stadium or Amtrak for cheaper options than garages.

🎶 Catch First Fridays Events

Experience the vibrant energy of First Fridays with live music and a great crowd.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 7,669 reviews

Type

Restaurant

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Views & Ambiance

Waterfront Views & Ambiance

Along the Elizabeth River

Enjoy scenic waterfront views, perfect for a stroll or a relaxing evening by the water.

Live Music & Entertainment

Live Music & Entertainment

Various venues within the district

Experience vibrant live music, DJ sets, and energetic performances that liven up the district.

Diverse Dining & Bar Scene

Diverse Dining & Bar Scene

Center bar, Blue Moon Taphouse, PBR

From casual eateries to sit-down restaurants and lively bars, find a spot for every craving.

Special Events & Markets

Special Events & Markets

Central plaza and event spaces

Discover unique events like the Norfolk Flea Market and themed nights for a memorable visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Parking & Crowds

Parking at the Waterside District can be pricey. Redditors suggest parking near the Tides stadium or Amtrak station for cheaper alternatives. Weekends and evenings can get crowded, especially during events like First Fridays.

Best Times for Vibes & Events

For a lively atmosphere with live music and events, check out First Fridays or weekend evenings. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider weekday afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the waterfront views.

Best Times

When
First Fridays
Why
Lively atmosphere, live music
Crowd
High
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Buzzing nightlife, entertainment
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Relaxed vibe, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One Of The Most Intimate Lounges In VA ! Live Blend of Usher - You Dont Have To Call & Burna Boy - Ye 🫶🏾 #PlacesToVisit #summervibes #djedits #norfolkva #loungevibes #placestogo
@wlthyarchives
67.7K likes • 553.3K views

🎯 Smart Parking Solutions

Consider parking near Tides stadium or Amtrak for cheaper options than garages. Reddit

🎶 Catch First Fridays Events

Experience the vibrant energy of First Fridays with live music and a great crowd. TikTok

Tourist vibes in Norfolk VA! #virginiabeach #virginia #norfolkva #virginiafood #virginiabeachfoodie #tourist #tourists #virginiatravelguide #virginiabeachguide #thingstodo #thingstodovirginia
@mass_adventurer
14.7K likes • 508.6K views
Doing ALL that sh*t ☺️😌💚 #757 #virginia #norfolk #watersidedistrict #body
alissa.nicoleeee
3.9K likes • 37.9K views

🍸 Ask for Drink Recommendations

If you're at the center bar, ask Courtni for a sweet surprise drink! [^Review]

🌊 Enjoy the Waterfront Stroll

Take a walk along the river for beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. Instagram

Check out our 3️⃣ favorite spots in Norfolk, VA! From dining options to shopping, @quaysells.va highlights some of Norfolk’s best gems💎 Be sure to take a look at… 🍴🍸@watersidedistva 👛@seldenmarket 🏒🎶 Norfolk Scope Arena #hamptonroads #norfolk #norfolkva #localbusinesses #watersidedistrict #seldenmarket
assetsrealestateteam
122 likes • 4.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Smart Parking Solutions

Consider parking near Tides stadium or Amtrak for cheaper options than garages. Reddit

🎶 Catch First Fridays Events

Experience the vibrant energy of First Fridays with live music and a great crowd. TikTok

🍸 Ask for Drink Recommendations

If you're at the center bar, ask Courtni for a sweet surprise drink! [^Review]

🌊 Enjoy the Waterfront Stroll

Take a walk along the river for beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. Instagram

🍽️ Check Restaurant Closures

Some smaller eateries may be closed; focus on bars and main restaurants. [^Review]

👨‍🍳 Service with a Smile

Appreciate staff like Chloe at Blue Moon Taproom for exceptional service. [^Review]

🕹️ Fun Arcade Games

Enjoy the arcade and air hockey for some lighthearted fun. [^Review]

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Waterside District for its lively atmosphere, diverse dining and bar options, and beautiful waterfront views. It's a popular spot for meeting friends, enjoying live music, and experiencing events. However, some note that certain smaller eateries have closed, and parking can be expensive.

"A great place to meet up with friends to have a few drinks and watch sports events. Several different eateries to suit anybody’s pallet and several bars to have you choosing from. They also offer several sit down restaurants.

It can be rather loud so be prepared for that."

Joshua L

"I had a great time here with my fiancée and my cousin the other day! We came for the flea market but ventured inside to the center bar to get some drinks. Thank you Courtni for the amazing service!! She’s great at making recommendations, ask her to make you something sweet for a surprise!"

Haley Linkous

"Waterside District has a few bars and one seafood restaurant. Unfortunately, most of the other small restaurants options are closed. There is a fudge and ice cream place but all others are gone. If you want a bar scene, this may be for you, but the charm of a shopping and eating center at Waterside is gone."

Nathan Rice

What People Like

Great waterfront views
Lively bar scene
Diverse food options

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
Some closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Waterside District is easily accessible by car, with several parking garages available. Public transportation options also serve the area. For those driving, Redditors suggest looking for parking near the Tides stadium or Amtrak station to save on costs. Reddit

Yes, local bus routes typically service the downtown Norfolk area, including stops near the Waterside District. Check with the local transit authority for specific route information and schedules.

From Virginia Beach, you can drive directly to Norfolk via I-264 W. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshare services are also a convenient option. TikTok

Many downtown Norfolk hotels are within walking distance of the Waterside District, making it a convenient destination for a stroll along the waterfront. Instagram

While there isn't a dedicated ferry service directly to the Waterside District, the Elizabeth River Ferry connects Norfolk and Portsmouth, offering scenic water views and a unique way to explore the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no admission fee to enter the Waterside District itself. However, specific events, concerts, or ticketed attractions within the district may require separate tickets. TikTok

The operating hours for the Waterside District can vary, especially for individual establishments. It's best to check the official website or individual venue pages for the most up-to-date hours, particularly for restaurants and bars. TikTok

While the Waterside District is generally family-friendly, some bars and lounges may have age restrictions, typically 21 and over, especially during evening hours or for specific events. TikTok

Yes, there are parking garages associated with the Waterside District, and they typically charge a fee. Redditors have noted these can be expensive, suggesting alternative parking locations. Reddit

Yes, the Waterside District offers spaces for private events, including parties, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. Inquire directly with their event services for details. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Waterside District offers a variety of dining options, including casual eateries, bars with food menus, and sit-down restaurants. Popular spots include Blue Moon Taphouse and PBR, with some smaller food stalls also present. Instagram [^Review]

Yes, there is a seafood restaurant mentioned within the Waterside District, offering a taste of local flavors. [^Review]

The Waterside District has several bars, including a central bar known for great service and recommendations, as well as venues like Blue Moon Taphouse and PBR. TikTok [^Review]

While specific menus vary, many restaurants in the district offer diverse options. It's recommended to check the menus of individual establishments or inquire with staff about vegetarian and vegan choices.

Many of the bars and restaurants in the Waterside District offer happy hour specials. It's a popular spot for meeting friends for drinks and appetizers after work. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Elizabeth River and ships, perfect for scenic shots. The architecture of the district itself, especially at sunset, also makes for great photos. Instagram

Drone photography may be subject to local regulations and venue policies. While some aerial shots exist, it's advisable to check with district management before flying a drone. Instagram

Yes, the Waterside District is beautifully lit at night, offering a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for evening photography. The reflections on the water add to the ambiance. TikTok

Look for shots with the Norfolk skyline in the background, the docked ships, and the lively atmosphere of the central plaza. The unique bar areas also provide interesting visual elements. Instagram

Absolutely! The district frequently hosts events, concerts, and markets, providing dynamic and engaging scenes for event photography. TikTokInstagram

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