Roanoke Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Roanoke featuring heritage elements and street scenes
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Roanoke which includes heritage elements
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

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

Roanoke showing interior views

Downtown Roanoke

If you're spending some time in Downtown Roanoke, Center in the Square and Taubman Museum of Art are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Roanoke
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Old Southwest

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

Old Southwest
Hyatt Place Roanoke Airport/Valley View Mall
Hyatt Place Roanoke Airport/Valley View Mall
3 out of 5
5040 Valley View Blvd North, Roanoke, VA
The price is £98 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£98
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice spot to spend the night en route south."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Hyatt Place Roanoke Airport/Valley View Mall
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roanoke, VA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roanoke, VA
3 out of 5
7860 Plantation Rd, Roanoke, VA
The price is £83 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£83
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,820 reviews)
"Great place, very clean and convenient."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

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 £120 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£120
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,159 reviews)
"Large upgraded room with a nice bathroom and shower."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

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 West End Flats
The West End Flats
4.5 out of 5
515 8th St SW, Roanoke, VA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Roanoke. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Shaftman Performance Hall and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Unique property. Very comfortable. Full kitchen. Nice to have brewpub on property. Very walkable to downtown."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

The West End Flats
Cute and Charming 2-bedroom home  • Self check-in • close to DownTown
Cute and Charming 2-bedroom home • Self check-in • close to DownTown
Roanoke, VA
Stay at this holiday home in Roanoke. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Berglund Center and O. Winston Link Museum are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (13 reviews)
Vintage
"The home served our purpose; clean and accessible to VA Tech. The house needs some work; however, it was very clean and was comfortable for a quick over night trip. Parking was fair and the home is in a depressed area of town. Loved the small touches (peppermint patties!)."

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Cute and Charming 2-bedroom home • Self check-in • close to DownTown
2-bed house in enchanting Roanoke with hiking trails fire pit
2-bed house in enchanting Roanoke with hiking trails fire pit
Roanoke, VA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Roanoke. Enjoy free breakfast, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bennington Place Shopping Center ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"It was a quiet area. The property owner was very prompt to answer any questions we had."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

2-bed house in enchanting Roanoke with hiking trails fire pit
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.

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