Roanoke

Travel Guide
Roanoke featuring forests and autumn leaves
The Star City of the South, named after one of its most popular attractions, is surrounded by scenic mountains and offers great museums, theatres and art galleries.

Roanoke, known as the “Star City of the South,” is the cultural and commercial centre of southwest Virginia. Located in the Roanoke Valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains, this bustling city is known for its spectacular mountain views. A large, colourfully lit star on top of Mill Mountain gives Roanoke its nickname. 

Stop downtown to experience the city’s long history and exciting contemporary cultural scene. The locally owned boutiques and shops that line the streets offer antiques, clothing and souvenirs. 

The centre of the city is home to over a dozen art galleries. Don’t miss the prestigious Taubman Museum of Art, which is located in a striking contemporary building and focuses on American art. Visit the O. Winston Link Museum, set in the city’s historic train station, which is dedicated to the work of the famed railroad photographer. 

Go to Centre in the Square to visit three museums in one location. Explore art and history at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. The History Museum of Western Virginia pays tribute to the area’s fascinating past. Browse exhibits and a butterfly garden in the Science Museum of Western Virginia. 

Enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of Roanoke’s many theatres. Mill Mountain Theatre puts on professional shows throughout the year. Go to the Jefferson Centre to see a performance by the Roanoke Symphony or the Roanoke Ballet Theatre. 

Despite Roanoke’s proximity to other ranges, the lone-standing Mill Mountain is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Pay a visit to the brightly lit star at the mountain’s summit. The adornment was built as a seasonal Christmas decoration in 1949 but is now lit year-round. Visitors of all ages will love the Mill Mountain Zoo and the Discovery Centre, also located at the top of the mountain. 

Roanoke is situated just a few miles south of the Appalachian Trail. Rent a car to get around the city with ease.

Where to stay in Roanoke

Default Image

Old Southwest

Old Southwest might not have many top sights, but Jefferson Center and Virginia Museum of Transportation are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Old Southwest
Days Inn by Wyndham Roanoke Near I-81
Days Inn by Wyndham Roanoke Near I-81
2 out of 5
8118 Plantation Road, Roanoke, VA
The price is S$102 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$102
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (418 reviews)
"We stayed for one night while driving home from our road trip. Our room was very clean, staff was friendly, and the breakfast was pretty decent, hot and cold options. Great deal for the price we paid. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Roanoke Near I-81
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roanoke, VA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roanoke, VA
3 out of 5
7860 Plantation Rd, Roanoke, VA
Fully refundable
The price is S$134 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
S$134
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,307 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roanoke, VA
The Liberty Trust
The Liberty Trust
4 out of 5
101 S Jefferson St, Roanoke VA 24011, Roanoke, VA
The price is S$234 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$234
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (595 reviews)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

The Liberty Trust
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
3.5 out of 5
315 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified vacation home in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Clean and very comfortable. Would return."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
2207 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,211 reviews)
"Overall it was great place. We had a connecting room and the connecting room clients were a little loud."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
Placemakr Marymount Ballston
Placemakr Marymount Ballston
4 out of 5
1008 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (285 reviews)
"I liked all the above safe, shopping, dining,transportation,walkable, grocery, easy parking, excellent attention by all the responsible Personal"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Placemakr Marymount Ballston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Other places like Roanoke