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Official University tours are conducted by the University Guide Service. The University of Virginia is not affiliated with and does not endorse any campus tours offered by third parties.

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Historical Tours  of the University of Virginia are offered daily when courses are in session , with the exception of  home football game days . These tours cover the original University and Lawn area, and they begin from the Lower East Oval Room of the Rotunda, Sunday-Friday at 11 am, and Saturday at 11am and 3pm. Additionally, we offer a History of African Americans tour each Sunday at 3pm. No reservation is necessary for these tours.

We also have specialty or large-group historical tours offered by request . 

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How to Visit the University of Virginia in Charlottesville

By: Author Katie

Posted on Published: November 11, 2023  - Last updated: November 16, 2023

Whether you are a visitor to Charlottesville, VA exploring the city’s history or a prospective student of UVA looking at college campuses, a visit to the University of Virginia is a must.

The good news is that visiting the campus is free and easy to do. Here are all the details you must know.

Is the UVA Campus Open to Visitors?

Yes, the UVA campus is open to anyone who wants to visit.

In fact, the campus is a very short walk from some of the best restaurants in Charlottesville , making it a great after-dinner stroll.

Can You Walk Around the UVA Campus?

Yes, you can walk around the entire UVA campus. There are historic buildings to see during a walking tour, as well as modern day places of interest such as the sports stadiums or college bookstore.

UVA Charlottesville is considered one of the prettiest college campuses in Virginia .

Walking will be your best option, rather than driving, because parking is very limited. We suggest parking in one place and then walking everywhere.

How Do I Get a Tour of UVA?

There are a variety of ways to tour the University of Virginia campus.

Historical Tours

Visitors are encouraged to sign up for a historical tour of the UVA campus. These students-led tours are about an hour long and go through the University’s Academical Village and gardens.

On these tours, you will learn about the history of the University of Virginia, from the founding to today, from the architecture and founding ideals, to the enslaved laborers, activists, students, and community members that have changed the university over the centuries.

Each tour starts at 11 a.m. every day during the  academic year  (except  home football game days ). Meet your student guide at the Lower East Oval Room of the Rotunda.

Self Guided Tours

You are more than welcome to explore the UVA campus with a self-guided tour any time of the year, even if classes are not in session.

Download the walking tour for a map and information about the main buildings you will see.

Prospective Student Tour

The Dean’s Welcome and Tour are designed for students and their families who are considering going to UVA. In addition to learning about the admissions process, you will enjoy a student-led tour of the campus.

In addition to general campus tours, there are guided tours for specific schools on campus, such as the Architecture school, as well.

Specialty Tours

A variety of specialty tours are available for a more in-depth focus on the university campus. These tours are not offered every day and must be requested at least two weeks in advance .

History of African-Americans at UVA

History of African-American tours run approximately an hour and grapple with our University’s complicated racial legacies of slavery and discrimination. Topics covered will include slavery, integration, and even a discussion of the modern racial climate at UVA.

Memorial to Enslaved Laborers (MEL) Tour

MEL tours discuss the history of enslaved laborers’ resistance and resilience at the University and the advocacy by community members and students to fully acknowledge and memorialize their labor. MEL tours were designed by the Descendants of Enslaved Communities (DEC-UVA).

Tours are available from a University Guide or from a Descendant.

History of Women at UVA

This hour-long tour focuses on the integration of women at the University of Virginia, from the lives of the first women on Grounds in the 1820s to the acceptance of women into the student community.

Garden Tours

Learn about the importance of the gardens in the early days of the University, and how they have transformed into the modern day spaces of today. This 45 minute guided tour gives a look into the Pavilion gardens.

Children’s Tours

Especially great for homeschoolers, schools and day camps, these children’s tours share exciting stories about UVA geared for kids age Pre-K to Fifth grade. During the hour-long tour, children learn about the Thomas Jefferson, early life at the University, and the burning of the Rotunda in 1895.

Parking is hard to come by at the University of Virginia for visitors without a parking permit. We had a hard time finding any place to park that didn’t require specialty parking permits, and we visited when classes were not in session.

There aren’t a lot of parking lots and you can’t just park on the street for free.

You will need to pay for parking in most cases. Payment is through the ParkMobile app.

The Central Grounds Garage is considered the best place to park on the UVA campus for visitors.

When we visited the art museum, we were able to get a free parking pass to use their parking lot across the street. However, this was during a time when classes were not in session, so I’m not sure how well that would work during the school year.

Related Post: Best Wineries Near Charlottesville

What Is There to See at UVA for Tourists?

Visiting the University of Virginia campus is unlike most college tours. As history buffs who love architecture, we always take a tour of UVA when in Charlottesville! It’s one of the best things to do in Charlottesville !

UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. Yes, the Thomas Jefferson who would later become President of the United States!

Here are some of the historic places you will see on the University of Virginia campus:

The Rotunda

Designed by Thomas Jefferson, it is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Jefferson designed this building to the the heart of his “Academical Village.”

Inside, you can take a self-guided tour (maps are provided) or sign up for their free guided tours. You will visit the library upstairs with a stunning domed roof.

Helpful Tip: Bring a book or borrow one of the many books in the library collection and enjoy some quiet time reading in this historical place. It’s also a great place to bring your laptop for remote working.

Memorial to Enslaved Laborers

An estimated 5,000 enslaved African Americans worked on the grounds of UVA starting with construction in 1817 up to the end of the Civil War in 1865.

The memorial, maid of local granite, formally acknowledges the work and lives of the individuals who built the University and kept it running.

Running from the Rotunda to Old Cabell Hall, this huge expanse of green grass is a central hub for students and faculty. You will often see students having class on The Lawn.

The Fralin Museum of Art

A small art museum on the University campus, The Fralin Museum of Art is always free admission.

As frequent visitors of art museums, we thought the museum was nice, but nothing to schedule your day around. However, there were several exhibits closed during our visit, so maybe it would be better if everything was open.

What we did like is the Little Art Gallery outside. This was a project started in the pandemic for people to have access to art. You can view miniature handmade pieces of artwork and take a small piece of art or leave one for others.

We were able to get a free parking pass to use in a lot across the street, however I’m not sure if that option is available during the academic year.

Where to Stay Near When Visiting UVA

If you want to be close to the university for a campus visit or to attend a game, these are the best hotels near UVA:

• Kimpton Forum An elegant and spacious hotel located on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Everything you love about Kimpton hotels can be found here, including daily Happy Hour reception, bikes to rent, a fabulous restaurant and bar. (We personally had a horrible experience at this property and won’t be staying there again, but your experience might be different.)
• Graduate Hotel A fun and energetic hotel brand that has locations near popular University campuses. Each hotel is themed to the destination, so expect to see profiles of Thomas Jefferson as decor elements. The Graduate is located just outside the gates to UVA among the dining and shopping district.

Spring 2024

UVA's newly-renovated main library, Shannon, is open! As we move the books back in, services may be impacted. See current service status.

Walking Tours of Grounds

• Renovation Tour  — Learn about the history and future of the building and tour the ongoing renovation.
• Enslaved African Americans at UVA — Explore the history of enslaved African Americans at UVA through places, people, and events.
• UVA Library — Take a library-focused tour that winds through Central Grounds, beginning at the Rotunda and ending at the Fiske Kimball Fine Arts Library, with stops at five other libraries along the way.
• The University of Virginia in One Hundred Objects — Celebrate UVA's Bicentennial with the 100 objects that symbolize the University’s historical commitment to intellectual inquiry, documenting institutional crises, everyday life, and UVA’s place in the Charlottesville community and beyond.
• Faulkner at UVA — Walk the path of celebrated author William Faulkner, UVA's writer-in-residence from 1957-1958, from his offices to speaking engagements and classes around Grounds.
• Women’s Education at UVA — Discover some of the significant people, places, and moments in the sustained efforts to ensure women’s equal access to education at UVA.

Take the tours online: 

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Library spaces

• Locations and hours
• Maps of Library spaces
• Self-guided tours

Open city campus

Come to one of our campuses, download the app and choose a tour. You walk across the campus and solve riddles based on landmarks, through augmented and virtual reality. You can take the tour at your leisure, or play it as a game, competing with your friends and earning a place on the scoreboard. So download the app and come to the UvA when it suits you!

City Centre Campus: Arts

The Faculty of Humanities and the University Library will be housed in and around the Binnengasthuis, a historical place in the centre of Amsterdam where the Athenaeum Illustre, the forerunner of the University of Amsterdam, was founded in 1632. Monumental buildings are being renovated or completely rebuilt so that they will be ready for future generations of students and staff. The Faculty of Law used to be located in the city centre but is now based at the Roeterseiland Campus.

Roeterseiland Campus: Social Sciences

The place for Economics and Business, the Amsterdam Business School, the Social and Behavioural Sciences and student cultural centre CREA. Here you will find modern buildings, new study facilities, research labs and several restaurants. The Faculty of Law has also been located here since 2017.

Amsterdam Science Park Campus: Science

Since 2010, the Faculty of Science has been housed in a new building, beside the brand-new University Sports Centre and the Amsterdam University College, also located in a new building.

Amsterdam UMC: Medical Sciences

Amsterdam UMC joins together the university teaching hospitals of the UvA (AMC) and the VU University (VUmc). UvA medical students learn the profession by working alongside doctors, nurses and patients at the AMC location in Amsterdam South-east.

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Enjoy the beautiful rolling mountains of Southwest Virginia and experience UVA Wise for yourself -- get your first glimpse of what it means to be a Highland Cavalier! Learn about the variety of options available below and plan your visit today.

Daily Campus Visit & Tour (for Individuals)

Prospective students and family/guests are invited to join us for a daily on-campus visit with an Admissions Counselor and student-led campus tour (in-session) to learn more about our academic and extracurricular programs, admissions and financial processes and opportunities for student involvement. 

These visits include a 30-minute presentation, followed by a 1-hour walking campus tour. They are available Monday-Friday, as well as select Saturdays (allow approximately 2-hours on Saturdays). To schedule, view the calendar for dates and details.

Schedule Your Visit

Group Campus Visit & Tour (Schools & Organizations)

The Admissions Office will coordinate a custom campus visit experience to welcome groups of 10 or more visitors from schools and organizations. Reach out to us at [email protected] with the name of your group, available date(s), group size, and we'll be touch to coordinate the details.

Nursing Day

This special visit day is for all prospective nursing students and their family/guests will be held on Friday, April 5. Nursing Department faculty and students will showcase their program and facilities, including the newly-renovated Pippin-Wyllie Hall. The event will include a campus tour, lunch in our main campus dining hall, and more!

Nursing Day Sign Up

Virtual Tour

Unable to travel to Wise, you can still visit campus virtually at your convenience.       

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is UVA Wise?  We are in the town of Wise, Virginia, in the southwestern corner of the state. Driving to campus is accessible from Highway 23. Find us on Google Maps . 

Where do I park? Visitor parking is conveniently located in the circle between Crockett Hall and Smiddy Hall. Visitor parking is also available in the McCraray Hall lot. Find more information about parking and directions, including a campus map .

Where should I stay, and what else can I do in Wise? You will discover that our small town and greater surrounding region is packed with plenty to see and do: Whether you like dining, shopping, discovering arts and culture, or exploring the great outdoors, learn more about all that Wise has to offer in terms of hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and more.

How should I dress? Dress comfortably with shoes appropriate for walking. Wise weather varies with the seasons, so be sure to check the forecast before you pack.

When do I let you know I’m coming? For a daily campus visit, 24 hours notice is acceptable.  For special events, we need one week’s notice to get ready to welcome you. Schedule your visit today.

Can I bring a friend? What about my parents? Of course. Friends and parents are absolutely welcome. 

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