Downtown Mall

Charlottesville is such a charming city! And nowhere is that more obvious than the historic Downtown Mall. If you’re visiting Charlottesville for the first time (like we were), don’t miss this strip of old bookstores, bars, eateries, shops, and more! With more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants, this is a must visit!

I have mixed feelings about the downtown mall. The amphitheater is great for shows when it is warm and some of the restaurants along here are excellent. As far as shopping, however, it is ridiculously expensive and nothing exciting to rave about. If you want to shop I’d rather much recommend Barracks Rd shopping center. What is the biggest downfall to this mall are all of the homeless people that hang out. I understand it is a city and the homeless are all around but they seem to commune in the mall and harass people. I’m not kidding when I say I was asked for a piggyback ride by one. There needs to be more police in the area to make people feel safe

Cool, Fun, Romantic Outdoor «Mall»! On a Saturday Night it is a real Lookalota! ! !
Gelato
IceCream
Urban Outfitters
Bookstore
Ice Cream and More Ice Cream
Street Musicians
Artists Co-​Op
Restaurants
I think they have a Saturday AM Farmers Market too! Not Sure if it is year round or not?

The Downtown Mall is a charming area in downtown Charlottesville with a variety of local restaurants, shops, and music venues. It spans several city blocks along Main Street with closed road access which allow for pedestrian traffic down the center of the street. During the year there are many local and free community events such as the City Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, Friday’s after Five music series, and of course Tom Tom Founder’s Fest among many others.
It’s a beautiful space with a nice mix of locals, tourists, and of course, the ever present UVA community. To give you perspective, this part of town is often chosen for classic Charlottesville wedding photographs and on occasion, wedding receptions.
There tends to be a bit of something for everyone which makes this a must-​see for those visiting the city. A few of my favorite places include the Jefferson/​Southern for great shows, Rapture for salsa, Felini’s No. 9 for live band karaōke, and of course the pavilion for great outdoor shows and community events. Honestly though, there are a lot of great things to do and I encourage you to check it out for yourself!

First time I’ve been back here in years. I like and don’t like all the street vendors set up everywhere in the middle of the cobbled walkway. It’s ok at first but gets old really quick. I found some nice items here and there but it’s just too much. Restaurants there have always been fun. I was sad to see that the Hardware Store (restaurant) was no longer there but they have what looks like some good burger joints so closer to Octber when the humidity goes away I’ll give these a try.
Nice stores selling homemade items and some coffee shops. Took the kids up in the glass elevator and took pictures of the mountains from the roof of the parking garage. We’re silly I know! I miss this mall the way it was back in the day.

First time visiting this open mall. I took off 1 star only because so many businesses were closed today (Sunday).
They have a great variety of restaurants and stores. I love the seating for several of the restaurants, which is positioned in the middle of the the walkway, so you are able to enjoy the weather, be shaded if you desire, and people watch. It’s perfect.
There is a parking garage near the area that charges hourly parking that’s pretty cheap. There is also free street parking, depending on how long you are going to be hanging out.
There is also some new constitution going up, which includes a theater.
I am wondering how busy this place typically is on the weekend. This is a holiday weekend, so I’m not sure if people were out of town or it’s just more low key on Sunday.
Even though Charlottesville is an hour away from me, it’s definitely got my attention, and I’m interested in checking out more of this mall!

It’s not a bad mall, just for a native New Yorker, didn’t seem like anything to really write home about.

Im going to write something very unpopular here. The couple of times I went there I was asked for money by an intimidating person. On one occasion, I walked away but he made it a point to «follow» me for half a block to intimidate me.
Another time I walked up an intersecting street where I parked my car. Two guys hanging out on the corner next to one of those shops just looked way too suspicious. Looking over their shoulder for a chance to see whether I had anything while loading my car. Once I made eye contact, they started to approach me. I jumped in my car and just drove off. I could hear one of them saying they just wanted to ask me a question… right.
When im there, especially when walking to my car, im always looking over my shoulder. I just get bad vibes there.

Lovely set of shops and restaurants line a open walkway where you can casually stroll, walk your dog or grab a bit to eat. A great selection of restaurants, bars and stores will make for an entertaining afternoon or a even a late night cap at one of the bars. Within walking distance of the Omni hotel this is a great convenient one stop shop.
They had a small ride for children and also a chalk board to write on. Small fun little things that bring big character.

A great place to grab some food, relax and people watch. There are a variety of shops and activities to enjoy with friends or family. Movies, bars and restaurants at your disposal and awesome artwork along the strip. A very nice place to hang out.

Very nice place to shop, dine, watch a show or movie, walk or relax. Many different stores (antiques, book stores, tea bars, restaurants). If you’re in the area, I’d definitely recommend grabbing a bite to eat and wandering around. I definitely would love to come back!

Not as great as the Charleston, SC downtown — this place is pretty neat in the fall and summers. There are some cool restaurants, and coffee places here. And, now free wifi!
Avoid treading in DT area late at night. There have been a few incidents latetly, and is probably not safe!

Beyond the rowdy Fall Saturdays at the UVA campus, Charlottesville’s most happenin area might just be here. With plenty of youngins, lounges, restaurants, shops, and even a movie theater, it’d be hard to disagree.
Since it is mainly an outdoor experience, its appeal may depend on two things: the weather and whether or not you’re visiting town. I imagine the spring and summer time would have the most people, where as the winter months may be brutal. Locals are likely to recommend this spot because there is simply nothing else like it in the city. Big city tourists might find the alternative mall experience refreshing, but the scene is likely to get old real quickly.
The good news is the majority of the places here are truly local. Not many chains to report of and there is a decent art scene in the center of it all. Add in some trendy bars and restaurants and suddenly there is much more to explore.
Finally, be on the lookout at night, especially during weekends when a slew of pimped out vehicles from low riders to souped up vintage cars blasting music in hopes of turning some heads. Since «cruisin» is the thing to do in downtown Charlottesville, don’t forget to point and laugh.

Not to be a buzzkill, but after 2 years of living here… the downtown mall is a lot less appealing to me.
Maybe it’s the fact that I am outraged at the fact that they charge $ 2/​hr for parking (I mean, we’re not even in a «real» city — and yes, I know of a few free parking spots, but I digress) or the last time I went downtown on a Sunday afternoon NOTHING was open except the Nook, but… yeah. Lots of homeless people, too much cigarette smoke and the restaurants are so overpriced.
I am not totally cutting it down — I still enjoy visiting the lululemon store and cappelino’s crazy cakes, but otherwise… yeah.

This is a unique experience for those used to shopping centers and gigantic malls. The shops all have character, the restaurants are all very good, and the area is well kept. Parking isn’t great, but there are plenty of spaces just outside the mall. It’s something different to do and the history of the area gives a charming feel.

Charming, historic, pedestrian-​only heart of Charlottesville. A great place to have some iced tea with lemonade at Christian’s and to stroll lazily while enjoying some people-​watching. There much activity the day I was there because of the Dalai Lama’s visit, but the ambiance was still relaxed and laid-​back. I did not expect to be so pleasantly surprised in Charlottesville.

Maybe I was there at the wrong time, but on a Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in September, this place just didn’t appeal to me, and I love historic buildings.
As an out of towner, I visited at the urging of several locals, only to find that this seemed like a place for people with no where else to go and nothing else to do to hang out. A few police officers walking around would have made me feel better. Maybe it is me, but I didn’t feel safe there, and I live in a big city.
I also didn’t care for all the second hand smoke. They should consider making the entire mall a smoke free place. Yes, including the outdoor parts.

This place is a wonderland of yummy food, unique shopping, movies, music and everything that’s wonderful. Tons of great restaurants, al fresco dining, entertainment and shopping. Can’t say enough nice things about this area.

The Downtown Mall is a great place to come and hang out when the weather is nice. Has lots of great lunch and dinner spots, a movie theater, and a lot of fun different shops. Grab a coffee at mudhouse and just wander people watching when you wanna just relax in cville.
Only thing I don’t like is that more recently little street vendors have started selling stuff in the middle of the mall, which really takes away from the ambience.

The Downtown Mall in Charlottesville is one of those gems of Charlottesville. It’s pedestrian-​only, with some cross streets that cars can pass through. There’s a wide selection of restaurants, coffee houses, home décor stores, and pubs. They have all price levels: you can eat cheap (and well) at Christian’s Pizza, or you can have a 4-​course French menu at Fleurie’s. I believe there’s a movie theater and still an ice skating rink. I’ve spent many lovely afternoons browsing the shops and soaking in the great weather. I miss it.