Norfolk is the cultural centre of the Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia, a naval city with a revitalised downtown waterfront. The world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, dominates the northern end of the city, and the military presence is woven into the fabric of the place — you will see grey hulls on the horizon from almost any waterfront vantage point.
The highlight for visitors is the Chrysler Museum of Art, one of the best mid-size art museums in the country, with a particularly strong glass collection and free admission. Moored at the downtown waterfront is the USS Wisconsin, an Iowa-class battleship you can tour, next to the free Hampton Roads Naval Museum. The MacArthur Memorial, in the restored old city hall, is another free highlight.
The NEON District, a former warehouse area northeast of downtown, is the city's arts and nightlife hub, while Ghent — walkable, full of independent restaurants, and home to the Chrysler Museum — is the neighbourhood worth spending time in. The Norfolk Botanical Garden, 175 acres near the airport, is outstanding in spring.