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Downtown historic district · Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg
The former colonial capital of Virginia restored as a living museum, with 18th‑century houses and buildings, craft workshops and costumed interpreters.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg was Virginia’s capital from 1699 to 1780, when the government moved to Richmond. The town declined in importance and preserved many colonial‑era buildings. Beginning in 1926, with support from John D. Rockefeller Jr., restoration of dozens of original structures and reconstruction of others began, on the exact sites where they once stood.
The historic area covers about 120 hectares, with Duke of Gloucester Street as its axis, between the Capitol and the College of William & Mary, founded in 1693. Along the way are the Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church, the jail and the Governor’s Palace, with formal gardens.
Actors and historians in period clothing portray residents, enslaved people and leaders from the independence era, and craftsmen work in blacksmith, carpentry, printing, bookbinding and sewing shops using 18th‑century techniques. Street and building enactments retell moments from the revolution.
The streets are open to pedestrians without a ticket; the buildings, workshops and Colonial Williamsburg art museums require admission.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two days.
Best time
From spring to autumn, in the morning; in December, for natural Christmas decorations and house lighting. Summer weekends are busier.
How to get there
The visitor center is on the Colonial Parkway, with parking and shuttle buses to the historic area. It’s about a 15‑minute walk from the Williamsburg Transportation Center.
Tip
Buy a multi‑day ticket if you want to see the buildings at a relaxed pace. Pick up the day’s schedule on arrival: reenactments and tours run at set times.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Colonial Williamsburg
Do you have to pay to enter Colonial Williamsburg?
No, to walk the streets. The historic buildings, workshops and museums require an admission ticket, sold at the visitor center and on the website.
How long does a visit to Colonial Williamsburg take?
A full day lets you see the essentials; with two days you can enter more buildings and watch the live performances.
What is the Governor’s Palace?
The reconstructed residence of Virginia’s royal governors, with furnished rooms and formal gardens, one of the most visited buildings in the historic area.