Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Norfolk

Accommodation

$35-70 per night

Shared rooms in hostels, budget motels, or economy hotels in outer areas

Food & Dining

$20-45 per day

Fast food, deli sandwiches, grocery store meals, and occasional casual dining

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional rideshare for longer distances

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free parks and beaches, self-guided tours, occasional museum entry

Visit free attractions like Norfolk Botanical Garden's outdoor areas and public beaches instead of paid entertainment venues (typically saves $30-60 per day)

Use the public bus system instead of rideshares for regular transportation (usually 70-80% cheaper)

Shop at grocery stores and prepare some meals instead of eating all restaurant meals (can reduce food costs by 40-60%)

Book accommodations in nearby areas like Virginiabeach or Chesapeake for potentially 20-40% lower rates

Take advantage of free downtown walking areas and self-guided historic district tours instead of paid guided tours

Visit during shoulder seasons (late fall or early spring) when accommodation rates typically drop 25-45%

Staying only in downtown waterfront hotels during peak season without comparing nearby alternatives (can cost 50-100% more)

Relying exclusively on rideshares and taxis instead of using public transportation or walking (typically 3-4x more expensive)

Eating primarily in tourist-focused restaurants near major attractions rather than local neighborhood spots (usually 40-80% markup)

Booking activities and tours last-minute instead of advance online booking (often 15-30% more expensive)