Frequently Asked Questions/Getting Started

• What is Colonial Williamsburg?
• Where is Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area?
• Why do I need a ticket?
• Where should I start?
• When can I visit?
• What should I see?
• Which Historic Area buildings can I enter?
• How long does it take to tour the Historic Area?
• What happens during bad weather?
• Where can I rent colonial costumes?
• What can we do in the evening?
• Can I make a reservation for a carriage or wagon ride?
• Are costumed people in character?
• Can I park in the Historic Area? Is there a bus system?
• Where can I stay?
• Are there places to eat?
• Are there places to shop?
• Is the Historic Area handicapped accessible?
• Where can I get information for school groups?

What is Colonial Williamsburg?

The largest living history museum in the United States, Colonial Williamsburg is a private not-for-profit foundation that operates the restored 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia. Learn more about the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg.
International information: Introductions

Where is Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area?

Williamsburg, Virginia. Download maps and get directions.

Why do I need a ticket?

Your admission ticket gives you access to historic homes, buildings, exhibition sites, and Revolutionary City. See how families lived, how trades were practiced, where laws were made, and how colonists played, all with the guidance of knowledgeable costumed interpreters.
View ticket options.

How do I start my visit?

Where should I start?

Begin your visit at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center (download maps and get directions) with ample parking, restrooms, and information about current programs, exhibitions, and activities. Purchase your tickets and get a current copy of "Colonial Williamsburg This Week," our weekly guide to schedules and programs. From here, it’s a short walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Historic Area. Read the timeline plaques along the bridge and prepare yourself for your transitions to and from the 18th century. Ticketed guests may also ride our shuttle buses to the Historic Area and the museums.

The film Williamsburg—The Story of a Patriot is an excellent introduction to the history of Williamsburg. See the film at the Visitor Center theaters in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, or Russian. Please call ahead or give the Visitor Center staff one-hour notice of your language preferences.

Planning tools

Colonial Williamsburg Guide Book

The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg is your knowledgeable host in the Historic Area. Pick up a copy in the WILLIAMSBURG Booksellers at the Visitor Center or one of the Shops of Colonial Williamsburg in the Historic Area, Merchants Square, or the Colonial Williamsburg hotel gift shops. It’s full of in-depth information on the town, its history, and today’s attractions, or purchase it online.

How do I plan my day?

When can I visit?

Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year. Visit the site schedule for seasonal hours.

What should I see?

The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg is your knowledgeable host in the Historic Area. Pick up a copy in the Visitor Center bookstore or any Colonial Williamsburg bookseller for in-depth information on the town, its history, and today’s attractions, or purchase it online.

When you’re here, pick up a free copy of “Colonial Williamsburg This Week.” This weekly program guide is available at the Visitor Center or any ticket location. In it, you’ll find programs offered during your visit along with a map and helpful tips. Learn more in our What to See and Do section.

Which Historic Area buildings can I enter?

Buildings with flags at their entrances are open to ticket holders. Not all colonial buildings are open to the public; some are privately occupied by employees of Colonial Williamsburg and their families, and some hold administrative offices. See which sites are open.

How long does it take to tour the Historic Area?

Colonial Williamsburg offers its guests a variety of opportunites to relive the Revolutionary War period. Depending on your interests or focus, visits vary in length and activities. Guests can get a small sample of the Historic Area in about half a day, but plan to stay at least two or three days to enjoy the full experience. Colonial Williamsburg is filled with exciting historic sites, informative programs that are constantly changing and expanding, and family-friendly fun.

Colonial Williamsburg offers itineraries to help guests find their way around the Historic Area. Download the itineraries here.

What happens during bad weather?

Some outdoor programs are presented only when weather permits. Building tours continue during inclement weather, and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open daily.

Where can I rent colonial costumes?

Play dress-up on a town-sized scale with rental costumes for boys and girls. Children’s costume rentals are available daily in the Visitor Center’s Costume Rental Center and at the Outdoor Market on Market Square. $24.95 daily, with $75 refundable deposit.

What can we do in the evening?

Evening programs include tours, plays, dances, concerts, and reenactments. Evening meals in colonial taverns are complete with strolling musicians and 18th-century fare.

Can I make a reservation for a carriage or wagon ride?

Tickets are sold on the day of the ride at all Colonial Williamsburg ticket locations. Availability is limited, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so purchase your ticket early in the morning. Reservations are not taken in advance due to the unpredictable nature of the weather.

Are costumed people in character?

Some costumed interpreters present their characters in the first person, and some give third-person interpretations. Generally, actors in Revolutionary City will be in character, while tradespeople and site interpreters will not.

Can I park in the Historic Area? Is there a bus system?

Automobiles are not permitted in the Historic Area, but shuttle-bus service is provided. Shuttles travel between the Visitor Center and the Historic Area (download maps and get directions.) and also circle the Historic Area from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Designated stops are indicated on the map. Shuttles with wheelchair lifts are available.

Where can I stay/eat/shop?

Where can I stay?

Colonial Williamsburg’s official hotels offer a range of accommodations. Whether you’re traveling for business, looking for a romantic getaway, or planning a family vacation, you’ll find an option that will meet your needs.

Are there places to eat?

From historic taverns to modern sandwich shops and bistros, the Historic Area and Merchants Square have plenty of choices to please all tastes. Restrooms are available, and cool drinks can be purchased throughout the Historic Area.

Are there places to shop?

Williamsburg, Virginia, was a center of commerce in the 18th century—the beginning of a consumer economy. You will find some of the same goods sold in the 1770s in the shops on Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green. Learn more about our shopping options.

Is the Historic Area accessible?

Is the Historic Area handicapped accessible?

A limited number of folding wheelchairs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Center. Ramps and wheelchair lifts are available at selected sites, but many buildings require a few steps. See more accessibility information.

Do you have information for bringing a school group?

Where can I get information for school groups?

Learn more here.