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Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

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Do you include history in your travels? If so, this Colonial Williamsburg itinerary is a must-do for history lovers visiting Virginia . This itinerary helps you plan before you go, identifies the best historical buildings in Williamsburg to see, along with tips for the best places to dine and stay plus other things to do while you are in the area.

Colonial Williamsburg is a meticulously researched look at life in early America. Debi Lander ( ByLanderSea ), who has visited many times over the years, has written a Colonial Williamsburg travel guide that’s perfect for boomer travelers. Enjoy!

Colonial Williamsburg, America’s oldest and largest living history experience, remains near and dear to my heart. At times, I have felt like I lived and walked along Duke of Gloucester Street when Williamsburg was Virginia’s 18th-century capital.

A mile-long stretch runs from the 1693 Wren Building of the College of William and Mary to the reconstructed Capitol. “The Revolutionary City” covers 301-acres with 88 original buildings, 500 reconstructed houses, shops, public buildings, gardens, working craftsmen, and costumed interpreters.

While visiting Williamsburg, folks stroll along car-free cobblestone paths or take carriage rides, stopping to see artisans at work and merchants behind shop counters. They hear stories about the patriots from actor-interpreters called Nation Builders.

These individuals portray actual historical figures, male and female, black and white, free and enslaved—who made significant contributions in Williamsburg. In some cases, Nation Builders have made it their life’s work to study and deeply understand the character they portray.

Ask them a question, and they will respond in their persona, occasionally with exact quotes.

The opportunity to understand our nation’s past, the struggles to break away from British rule and gain freedom makes a powerful reason to visit. Equally compelling stories come from the enslaved for whom a nearer power than Great Britain held them in a greater form of bondage.

While history usually whispers, it speaks loud and clear in Colonial Williamsburg ( official website ).

However, the destination offers much more than history; it’s the kind of getaway most Boomers prefer. You’ll find a city with fine dining, world-class museums, resort-like lodging, heritage gardens, championship golf, spa, antiques, and for those who wish – lots of walking.

Williamsburg, Virginia is also ideal for taking the grandkids or the extended family. It’s a surefire winner when you add nearby Jamestown, Yorktown, and modern attractions like Busch Gardens ( purchase tickets here ).

Table of Contents

Before you go: Planning your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary

Before your trip, go online at colonialwilliamsburg.org and visitwilliamsburg.com . These sites will help you make plans.

• Be sure to check out any special events happening during your visit—they abound most seasons.
• Save time by purchasing your tickets and making dining reservations online. Also, Viator offers a wide assortment of tours and experiences. Purchase them here .
• Plan for a minimum of two days for a Williamsburg visit.

While roads circle the historic district, the streets inside the tourist area are closed to traffic. Begin at the Visitor Information Center, where parking is plentiful and free. You can use the hop-on/hop-off shuttle buses to traverse the perimeter of the historic city, offering multiple stops.

Teens and adults should not miss the introductory movie, Story of a Patriot . Yes, it was filmed in 1957 but restored recently.

Where else can you catch a view of Jack Lord before his Hawaii Five-O days? You can also watch it on YouTube .

Guide to Colonial Williamsburg: the must-see historical buildings

While there is no right or wrong way to visit Williamsburg, the Capitol building offers an ideal starting point for your Colonial Williamsburg walking tour. What happened within its walls shall we say, brewed discussions leading to discontent, the Revolutionary War, and the eventual formation of the independent United States .

Capitol building

The original Capitol , completed in 1705, functioned as a two-story H-shaped structure, connecting two buildings by an arcade. Each wing served one of the two houses of the Virginia legislature, the Council and the House of Burgesses.

The building burned in January 1747, and a second built on the same site suffered the same fate. 

Today’s replica Capitol, on the same foundations and per the same plans, became one of the first sites to open in February 1934. Guided tours start in the General Courtroom, the highest judicial court in the colony.

The bay features stunning woodwork and round windows. In the House of Burgesses, you can see the original 1735 Speaker’s chair. Council and Conference Rooms occupy the second floor.

Governor’s Palace

Before gaining independence, British royal rule in Virginia came locally– a royal governor. A grand brick structure, irreverently nicknamed “the Palace” by colonial subjects, was built in 1714.

The overall design sought to impress visitors with a display of authority and wealth, and it does indeed. The Palace became the home to seven royal governors until the last one fled.

Following the Revolutionary War, the structure acted as the executive mansion for the first two elected governors in Virginia— Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. In 1780, the capital of Virginia moved to Richmond .

The main building succumbed to fire in 1781 while in use as a hospital for the American wounded at the Siege of Yorktown.

A tour of the Palace, reconstructed in the early 1930s, takes you through the front door into an entrance hall. You’ll find it lined with an ornate display of swords and muskets. (Many European castles and mansions feature similar presentations.)

The first floor also includes a parlor, dining room, and an office. A grand supper room and ballroom were added to the rear. Their bright blue and vibrant green paint surprise many visitors. According to Kim Ivey, a CW curator, “Every single item  installed was done so for a well-documented reason.”

The tour exits into the lavish formal gardens that invite leisurely strolls. The plots incorporate clipped hedges, rectangular parterres, and garden species used in the early eighteenth century.

Stunningly beautiful tulips fill the gardens in the springtime. Other highlights include a tree-shrouded tunnel walkway and boxwood maze that kids (and I) adore.

Some 90-acres and 25 smaller gardens remain open to the public around town.

Bruton Parish Church and Graveyard

The steepled Bruton Parish Church was designed by Royal Governor Spotswood and completed in 1715. In 1907, this original building became the first structure to undergo restoration.

Rev. Goodwin used this example to convince John D Rockefeller, Jr. to commit funds to bring back the historical city. The big dreams of these two men helped spark the restoration movement around the world.

The Bruton Parish Church and graveyard both invite explorations. Two of Martha Washington’s children rest there.

If possible, attend one of the evening candlelight harpsichord and organ concerts in the sanctuary. It’s hard to describe the lost-in-time feeling that period instruments, candlelight, old pews (maybe a seat George once occupied) create.

Raleigh Tavern

The Raleigh is open for tours , not like several others serving today’s guests with period dining, drinking, and music. Learn how the building functioned as an important social meeting place and a tavern for drinking, debate, and lodging.

One room contains a billiard table dating to 1738. Outback lies a large kitchen.

In the summer of 1956, I was a young girl visiting Colonial Williamsburg with my family for the first time. We finished a tour in the Raleigh Tavern when the clouds burst open. We scurried into the rear kitchen building, cramming in with many others.

A delightful aroma of gingerbread baking in the beehive oven surrounded us. The scent became irresistibly enticing, and everyone bought cookies handed over in brown paper sacks.

My cookie was so yummy the memory and smell still linger in my brain. Make sure to buy one!

Duke of Gloucester Street

You will walk back and forth along the lengthy street packed with homes, taverns, craftsmen, and merchant shops. Look for colorful signs hanging outside that denote the type of craft.

Stop into the 1770 Courthouse and the Powder Magazine, where the town’s artillery was stored. Peruse the outdoor Market Square, perhaps buying a tri-corner hat or sunbonnet.

You may be lucky enough to see a musket or cannon firing or the fife and drum corps. Be sure to make a reservation and take a carriage ride.

Turn off the main route onto the Palace Green lined with catalpa trees. It remains one of my favorite places to sit, rest, and contemplate the people who lived here in the past. 

If time permits and your legs aren’t too weary, join a guided tour inside the nearby Peyton Randolph House or the brick home of lawyer George Wythe.

A nighttime stroll becomes one of the loveliest ways to absorb the atmosphere along Duke of Gloucester. Lanterns light the way while candlelight glow seeps from house and tavern windows.

If you’re an early riser, meander Duke of Gloucester before it comes alive for the day. The setting evokes a marvelous sleepy feel, especially when foggy. Or consider joining the college students and fitness enthusiasts jogging the mile-long stretch.

The Wren Building at the College of William & Mary

Most first-time visitors don’t get around to touring the Wren Building on the campus of William & Mary. It ranks as the oldest college building in the United States, built between 1695 and 1699, even before Williamsburg’s founding. The college itself was chartered in February 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II.

At least take a sightseeing drive around the beautiful 1,200-acre campus. The grounds incorporate ponds, bridges, and sunken formal gardens, especially enchanting in spring.

The college’s modern Muscarelle Museum of Art, with 4,000 works, might also be of interest. 

Craft Houses/Demonstrations

The craftsmen working their trades fascinate all visitors, young and old. They use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in — and eventually master —woodworking, gunsmithing, or basket weaving, to name a few.

These world-renowned experts make goods for sale or for use by other institutions around the world. They welcome questions.

Children are drawn to the blacksmith, shoemaker, milliner (hat maker), and brickyard. When possible, kids can even create a brick. Did you know the bricks and nails used for Williamsburg reconstructions were handmade there, just like the originals?

Most tourists don’t understand the research behind the authenticity of this destination, rarely found elsewhere. Colonial Williamsburg presents the accurate location and design of homes and buildings where our forefathers lived and worked.

Leave the Wiliamsburg museums for a second day, but explore the newly expanded joint venture: the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. See colorful and whimsical collections of toys, portraits, weathervanes, and much more in the Folk Art Museum.

Take time to appreciate the beautifully crafted furniture, musical instruments, home goods, textiles, and artworks in the DeWitt Wallace. Don’t miss the famous Charles Wilson Peale portrait of George Washington. The site includes a fantastic gift shop and convenient café.

Dining in Colonial Wiliamsburg

Although the food served in the taverns traces back to similar fare cooked by colonists, the preparation takes place in modern kitchens. The servers, however, are dressed in period clothing.

The dishes, flatware, and goblets are authentic reproductions of 18th-century items. Minstrels frequently provide musical entertainment. Look forward to tasting Peanut Soup, Sally Lunn bread, Brunswick Stew, or a syllabub.

• Christina Campbell’s Tavern : 101 South Waller St (behind the Capitol)
• Josiah Chowning’s Tavern : 109 East Duke of Gloucester St (temporarily closed)
• King’s Arms Tavern : 416 East Duke of Gloucester St
• Shields Tavern : 422 East Duke of Gloucester St

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

To get the true feel for this historic city, I suggest you overnight in one of the Colonial Homes . I’ve done this three times, and each experience felt different and fun.

You choose between stand-alone colonial houses or a private room within a larger colonial home, known as a Tavern Room. Meticulously reproduced spaces resemble the period but with modern amenities. Rentals usually come with an admission pass. 

My favorite lodging experience was spent in the Robert Carter Kitchen, tucked behind the house next to the Palace. I stayed there with my two daughters, and our little room was enchanting.

We could overlook grazing sheep, and the Palace illuminated at night. I reserved the last carriage ride of the day, and the driver dropped us off in front of “our” house! Talk about a memory.

Those looking for five-star and AAA Five-Diamond luxury should choose the iconic Williamsburg Inn ( book here ). Many presidents and even the Queen of England have slept there.

No worries, if you can’t afford the rates, drop in and tour the property. Consider indulging with an extraordinary breakfast in the elegant Rockefeller Room or lunch in the Terrace Room overlooking the golf course.

The Williamsburg Lodge (now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection) offers a relaxing retreat, just steps away from all the action. Book here .

Williamsburg Woodlands ( make a reservation ) becomes an excellent choice for a family. It conveniently rests next to the Visitor Center.

Nature surrounds the newest lodge, the Griffin Hotel ( book your room here ), but it sits out of the historic district.

Other options not managed by Colonial Williamsburg include the sprawling Kingsmill Resort ( reserve here ) or the family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge ( make a booking ).

More things to do in the Williamsburg area

Treat both your mind and body to a rejuvenating experience at The Spa ( official website ). Arrive early for your treatments and linger afterward to enjoy steam rooms, showers, and whirlpools, as well as the relaxation lounges.

Take your pick of 45-walkable holes over three courses at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club ( official website ) designed by Robert Trent Jones and his son Rees Jones.

I never miss browsing the goods in Prentis, Greenhow, and Tarpley’s,  my favorite shops within the historic district. The Prentis Store showcases wares constructed using 18th-century techniques. Choose between handcrafted leather goods, iron hardware, tools, pottery, writing instruments, papers, ink, and seals.

The J. Greenhow General Store sells gifts, books, candy, historical items, toys, and trinkets. Their selection includes items imported from England for the colonists, like the delicate creamware dishes.

Tarpley’s, Thompson & Company, another fine shop, offers clothing, hats, and many of the above items.

Merchant’s Square

You will undoubtedly run into the area between the college and the historic car-free zone known as Merchants Square ( official website ). Hard to resist this retail village with over 40 modern-day shops and some fabulous restaurants, like the Blue Talon Bistro .

Be sure to check out the college bookstore or other stores selling souvenirs.

Christmas and the Grand Illumination

In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or a new colonial governor.

Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination began in 1935 with holiday candles in windows and fireworks. In the years that followed, the Grand Illumination became such a popular event that it expanded to three weekends.

Friday evenings introduced a new event, the Yule Log procession. It includes music from the Fifes and Drums, musket fire from Continental Army reenactors, and a visit from Father Christmas.

During a torch-lit march, the Yule Log progresses by wagon from the Capitol to Market Square. It then burns in a bonfire where guests gather to throw greenery sprigs into the fire and make a wish.

A grand display of fireworks is set off simultaneously rising above the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol on Saturday evenings.

Wreaths made from natural greenery with intricate designs of fruits, nuts, and pinecones decorate doorways and balconies. The homeowners and merchants go all out, hoping to win the annual local contest.

Having grown up in Northern Virginia, I am always excited to return to Williamsburg, one of my favorite places in the world. I look forward to dining in a colonial restaurant, shopping for handcrafted items, sitting in colorful gardens, and just soaking in the 18th-century ambiance.

Yes, Virginia is for lovers, and I do love Williamsburg. 

How to get to Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg lies 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach on Interstate 64. Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown make up the three corners of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. A 23-mile Colonial Parkway connects the sites.

Three airports serve Williamsburg within a 50-minute drive. Start your search for flights here .

• Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) – a 20-minute drive.
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – a 50-minute drive.
• Richmond International Airport (RIC) – a 50-minute drive.

City of Williamsburg Transportation Center, located in downtown Williamsburg, offers Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, rental car, and taxi services. 

Visit more Virginia history

Make a Virginia history road trip by including these destinations:

• Visit historical Fredericksburg (83 miles from Williamsburg)
• Tour Abingdon and the Crooked Road on a Southwest Virginia road trip (360 miles from Williamsburg)

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Making the Most of Your Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary

If you have even the tiniest bit of interest in early American history, I highly recommend a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle. Here are my top tips for making the most of your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary .

Key takeaways

• Consider purchasing multi-day tickets for the best value.
• My Colonial Williamsburg “must-dos”: Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, at least one special program, and dine in at least one historical tavern.
• Explore the trade shops and historical houses to learn more about 18th-century living in Williamsburg.
• Don’t miss the other Historical Triangle sites and follow my recommended visit order: Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.  

Virginia’s Historic Triangle is made up of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown—three cities each with special significance in early American history and all within about 23 miles of each other.

You will have your eyes opened and your horizons broadened in unexpected ways. The top visitor draw in the Historic Triangle is Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum and the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 (when the capitol was moved to Richmond).

In the early 20th Century, W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, pitched to John D. Rockefeller Jr. the idea of restoring and preserving (and even reconstructing) the historic center of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg includes 85% of the area of the capital as it was in the 18th Century, including Bruton Parish Church.  

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect from a visit to Colonial Williamsburg. Would it be cheesy? Would it just be a giant tourist trap? I was so happy to find that Williamsburg was beyond what I had even hoped. It’s a wonderful combination of fun and eye-opening education that is immersive and engaging.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Colonial Williamsburg ticket options 

Colonial Williamsburg offers several ticketing options, which you can review on their website . If you only want to see Colonial Williamsburg, I’d suggest going for the multi-day ticket since it’s only a little more than the 1-day ticket and includes admission for three consecutive days.

Follow this itinerary if you have only one day at Colonial Williamsburg .

But if you’re in the area anyway, I highly recommend visiting Jamestown and Yorktown as well as Colonial Williamsburg. Seeing all of the Historic Triangle sites together helps to paint a more complete picture of early American history in this area. 

All of the typical Williamsburg sites and shops as well as some events and programs are included in your ticket. Some programs and events require the purchase of a separate ticket, but those are clearly indicated on schedules. 

Make sure you visit the official Colonial Williamsburg website to check out the schedule of open sites, trade shops, programs, and activities. If you do purchase the Historic Triangle tickets (covering Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown), consider visiting the sites in this order: 

• Jamestown Settlement  
• Historic Jamestowne
• Colonial Williamsburg
• American Revolution Museum
• Yorktown Battlefield  

I found that by visiting the sites in this order, the information presented at each one built upon the other. You can do both Jamestown sites in one full day , but I would recommend at least two days in Colonial Williamsburg. Both Yorktown sites can be done in one day, but we could have easily spent more time at both the museum and the battlefield. 

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this .

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area 

Your first stop at Colonial Williamsburg will be at the large Visitor’s Center. This is where you will park (for free), buy your tickets (if you haven’t bought online already), and catch the shuttle to the Historic Area. You can also walk to the Historic Area. It’s a pleasant walk of about a third of a mile.

The Visitor’s Center includes two gift shops (yay!) and restrooms. 

Unless you are staying at one of the official Colonial Williamsburg accommodations, plan to allow 30 minutes to get from your hotel to the Visitor’s Center parking and then on to the Historic area on foot or by shuttle. 

The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg is approximately one mile long and about half to three-quarters of a mile wide. Make sure you pick up a map from the Visitor’s Center; it will help you tremendously in planning out your visit and it also shows all of the shuttle stops. 

Must-see/must-do sites in the Historic Area 

There are literally dozens of sites and trade shops in the Historic Area and we were able to experience the bulk of them during our time at Colonial Williamsburg. Here are what we consider to be the “must-see” sites. 

Governor’s Palace 

The Governor’s Palace is the first major building you’ll encounter once you hit the Historic Area if you walk from the Visitor’s Center. We encountered the palace while it was open for self-guided visits.

It’s a beautiful building with lovely gardens and was home to several of the colony’s royal governors as well as a couple of elected Virginia governors. 

Capitol 

Colonial Williamsburg’s impressive capitol is a replica building. All of the previous capitols burned down for one reason or another, but they were able to save some of the furnishings and artwork.

Entry to the Capitol was by guided tour only on our trip. We actually did the tour twice. The first time we ended up on the last tour of the day, which meant the light in the building was quite limited since the sun was going down.

When we returned on Christmas Eve morning, we were the only ones there and ended up with a nice private tour. Both tour guides were excellent. 

Peyton Randolph House 

Entry to this house very near the palace is also by a short, guided tour. Our guide did an excellent job of outlining how the lovely Randolph house was different from the average Virginian’s home and what life there may have been like for an enslaved person.   

Charlton’s Coffeehouse 

Our guided experience at Charlton’s coffeehouse included a chat with Colonel George Washington in the main room. While it was interesting, I do have to admit that since hubby and I were the only ones there it was a little awkward.

We weren’t sure if we were supposed to engage in conversation with him or just let him talk. And what do you say to George Washington anyway?? We had a lovely, quick tour of the coffeehouse followed by a sample of drinking chocolate.

Trade Shops 

Stop in as many of these shops as you can fit into your day. Not all of them are open daily, but shops that are open will have a flag out front and often a staff member to point you in the right direction.

You don’t need to take long at each one, but you can learn a lot about 18th-century American life (colonial life?) just by asking a few questions.

We highly recommend the armory, the blacksmith, the wig maker, the silversmith, the cabinet shop, the cobbler, the printing press, the bindery, and the apothecary. Also, keep in mind that not all of the sites and shops are right on Duke of Gloucester Street which runs through the heart of the Historic Area.

Refer to your map to make sure you don’t miss anything that’s a little off the main path. 

Fifes and Drums 

Make sure you don’t miss your chance to see the Williamsburg Fifes and Drums on your visit. We were fortunate enough to be there for the “Firing of the Christmas Guns” program just as the sun was going down on Christmas Eve.

I don’t think you can experience anything more “colonial” in Williamsburg than those Fifes and Drums. 

Courthouse 

Colonial Williamsburg offers a variety of programs in the Courthouse that are definitely worth adding to your itinerary. At least some of the evening programs require the purchase of a separate ticket, but those are clearly marked on posted and printed schedules.

If any of these had been on the schedule during the week we were there, I would have definitely wanted to do this. 

Other things to do in Williamsburg

There are other tours you can do in Colonial Williamsburg.

• If you’re looking for a ghost tour, you might enjoy this highly rated one .
• If you’re interested in hearing stories about pirates as well as ghosts, you might like this guided tour.
• Interested in doing a day trip to Washington DC? Try this full-day tour of the United States capital including bus transportation from Williamsburg. It comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour departure.

Historic tavern dining 

There are four “historic taverns” in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area: Chowning’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, and Shields Tavern.

We did one lunch at Chowning’s Tavern and enjoyed a dinner at Christiana Campbell’s during our trip. Both had good vegetarian options and gladly helped hubby with gluten-free options. If you can, make a point to do at least one meal at one of these taverns. 

Read More → Great Places to Eat in Colonial Williamsburg

Chowning’s Tavern does not take reservations and is a little less expensive than the others, so it’s a good lunch option. Plan to arrive as soon as it opens to be seated quickly. Otherwise, you can do what we did and put your names in for a table and take a nice break from all the walking on a nearby bench while you wait for your table.

Christiana Campbell’s , which apparently was once a favorite spot of George Washington, is only open for dinner, and reservations may be required, so make sure to check ahead.

We enjoyed our meals at both taverns.

Shopping and Dining at Merchants Square 

Just beyond the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, the shopping and dining area called Merchants Square features more than 40 restaurants and retail shops.

During our trip, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Blue Talon Bistro .

There is A LOT to see and do at Colonial Williamsburg. We spent two and a half days in the historic area and still didn’t see everything. I would have gladly spent a third day there poking around into all of the corners we missed, not to mention to their two art museums.

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg 

There are many accommodation options all within easy distance of the Visitor’s Center or historic area.

Options range from the official Colonial Williamsburg hotels and resorts (Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, Griffin Hotel, Woodlands) to colonial houses and budget motel chains. 

We enjoy Marriott hotels and got a great rate at the Residence Inn Williamsburg for our trip. It’s just a short drive from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center.

The rate comes with free breakfast and rooms have kitchens in case you want to eat in your room and save some money on your trip.

Other popular and highly rated hotels include:

Williamsburg Inn :  This is the premier hotel for stays in Colonial Williamsburg, just steps away from the historic center. It’s the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond-rated resort in the Historic Triangle.  Book your room today .  

Williamsburg Lodge :  This is a beautiful hotel in a great location in the historic center of Williamsburg. And they offer select dog-friendly rooms.  Reserve your room today .  

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel :  Comfortable rooms and conveniently located next to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center.  Book today .

Colonial Williamsburg tips 

• Wear comfortable shoes. Even though there is a shuttle service that operates between the Visitor’s Center and several stops around the perimeter of the historic area, you will still do a lot of walking and standing. 
• Do at least one special event or program. 
• Enjoy at least one meal at a Colonial Williamsburg historic tavern. 
• The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is open to the public for free, but you do need a ticket to get into any of the historical sites or trade shops. Open sites have a flag posted out in front.  
• Make sure to refer to your map and schedule to help you plan your day.

Final thoughts on your trip to Colonial Williamsburg

There are so many great things to do in Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle. After you explore the world’s largest living history museum you can end your day with some great food at one of the amazing restaurants.

More articles about the Historic Triangle

• Great places to eat in Colonial Williamsburg
• How to spend one day in Colonial Williamsburg
• Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg
• How to visit Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne
• Key tips for visiting Yorktown, Virginia

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

We have gone to CW every year (and sometimes twice a year) since we discovered it in 2012. Probably not going this year because I do not want to see Lafayette in a mask.

We have our 50th wedding anniversary in Oct. and will be going to Williamburg. We love history and looking forward to our trip.

That’s great! I hope you have a wonderful time. My husband and I love Williamsburg, and I think it’s a great idea for an anniversary trip.

Great itinerary! I grew up going to Williamsburg for Busch Gardens and school field trips 😀

I LOVE U.S. history. My sister was a US history major in college and we’ve always enjoyed visiting historical sites- but we’ve never been here! This will have to be next. Not too far from her home in Pittsburgh.

I love history, you will LOVE Colonial Williamsburg! Thanks for reading!

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Guide to Visiting Colonial Williamsburg For One Day (or Two!)

• April 28, 2023
• Updated December 12, 2023
• In Virginia

Are you visiting Colonial Williamsburg for a day? You’ve come to right place!

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia draws visitors from all over the world!

As the world’s largest living history museum, there is a ton to see and do, and it’s hard to see it all in one day. Especially if you plan on checking out all of the things to do in Williamsburg itself.

To get the most out of your trip to Colonial Williamsburg, we recommend at least two days to see everything. Especially because some buildings aren’t open every day!

On our visit to Colonial Williamsburg, we were able to see almost everything in two days with some strategic planning.

However, if you’re visiting Colonial Williamsburg for one day, the guide below will help you narrow down the best things to see and what to skip. We also share some tips for a multiday visit!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Ticket Options for One Day in Colonial Williamsburg

There is a lot to do in the Williamsburg area, so several different ticket options include Colonial Williamsburg tickets and more. Below are some options you have, depending on what you plan to do and see.

Colonial Williamsburg Tickets

Colonial Williamsburg sells single-day and multiday  (three consecutive days) tickets. The multiday isn’t too much more expensive than the single day, making them a great deal if you want to extend your visit.

America’s Historic Triangle

Are you planning to visit other historical sites near Williamsburg ? Then consider purchasing the  America’s Historic Triangle ticket . It includes unlimited admission to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Historic Jamestowne, and Yorktown Battlefield for seven consecutive days.

Bounce Ticket

Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens have partnered up to offer a Bounce Ticket , which gives the user seven consecutive days of admission to both Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Water Country USA is included in the Summer Bounce Ticket option.

A bonus to this ticket is the FREE general parking at Busch Gardens (and Water Country USA). Parking at Busch Gardens for one day can cost $25 or more.

Colonial Williamsburg Parking

The best place to park for Colonial Williamsburg is at the Visitor Center. This is also where you can purchase or pick up your tickets and book special tours, evening programs, or events there. You can even pick up a souvenir or two at the gift shops.

From the Visitor Center into the historic area, visitors can walk or take a shuttle bus to the historic area.

The walk is about a half-mile and takes about 10 minutes. The path takes you over a bridge where you “walk back in time” along the Colonial Parkway until you come out near the Governor’s Palace.

The shuttle is a fast and easy way to get from the Visitor Center to the historic area. There are several stops around the historic area, but we recommend getting off at the Governor’s Palace or the Capitol.

How to Plan One Day in Colonial Williamsburg

If you only have one day in Colonial Williamsburg, these tips and information will help maximize your visit!

Arrive Early

With one day in Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll want as much time as possible to see everything. The historic buildings in Colonial Williamsburg opens at 9:00 AM with the Visitor Center opening 15 minutes before that. Try to arrive by 8:45 AM to get your tickets and hop on the shuttle.

Don’t Miss The Big Ones

Touring the Governor’s Palace and Capitol is a must when visiting Colonial Williamsburg. Those are the two most popular and most prominent buildings on the property.

Other Notable Tours

If you have time and would like to do more guided tours, don’t miss Charlton’s Coffeehouse. We received a free sample of coffee and hot chocolate at the end and it was delicious!

You’ll may also want to tour the Raleigh Tavern (historically, a significant building) or attend one of the hearings at the Courthouse. It’s interesting to learn what a “small claims court” was like during the 18th century. The hearings are offered at specific times throughout the day.

The Randolph Property and the Wythe Property were owned by some prominent figures leading up to the American Revolution, so it’s worth visiting those buildings as well.

Visitor Tip: Tours of some of the historic buildings can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes, and sometimes you’ll have to wait for a tour to begin.

Visit Other Open Buildings

Select historic buildings are open every day, and others only a few times during the week. So, if you only visit Colonial Williamsburg for one day, you may miss out on some. But that’s okay! There are so many buildings available to pop in and listen and learn about what life was life during the colonial era.

Don’t Skip the Presentations and Performances

Every day there are multiple presentations and performances in the historic area. Pick one or two that your family would enjoy. Musket demonstrations and the fife and drum march are always crowd-pleasers.

Carriage Rides

A carriage ride is an excellent option for a quick tour of Colonial Williamsburg. They last about 15 minutes and will give you an overview of the historic area with some fun and exciting information about the period.

If a carriage ride is a must, head to the Lumber House Ticket Office (at the end of the Palace Green on Duke of Gloucester Street) early in the morning to reserve your ride as they sell out quickly.

Best Itinerary for Two Days in Colonial Williamsburg

If you have at least two days in Colonial Williamsburg, you can spend more time visiting the smaller historic buildings and even enjoying a leisurely lunch. This is what we recommend.

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Day One: Divide the Historic Area in Half

The best way to see everything (or almost everything) is to divide the historic area geographically in half.

On day one, visit everything from the Capitol to Colonial Street. We recommend starting at the Capitol (take the shuttle to the Capitol Stop) and working your way west towards Colonial Street.

Of course, if there are buildings west of Colonial Street that won’t be open for your day two, definitely take the time to visit them.

As noted above, we highly recommend the Raleigh Tavern and Charlton’s Coffeehouse as must-do tours. However, you should have enough time to visit every open building, even if for just 10-15 minutes.

You could pick up something at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery or plan a nice leisurely lunch at King’s Arms Tavern or Christiana Campbell’s Tavern.

Two Days in Colonial Williamsburg: How to Spend Your Second Day

On your second day in Colonial Williamsburg, visit the Governor’s Palace and everything else west of Colonial Street. This includes attending the Courthouse hearings and booking a carriage ride (if you want).

You should also have time to visit any of the stops along Nicholson Street if you didn’t get to them on day one.

We recommend taking the shuttle to the Palace Stop and visiting the Governor’s Palace first. Don’t forget to visit the gardens and the outbuildings!

If you are looking forward to a carriage ride, head to the Lumber House Ticket Office (either walk from the Palace Stop or stay on the shuttle until the Market Square Shop) and sign up for a ride before they sell out. You might want to do this before you tour the palace.

On this day, you’ll be closer to Merchants Square, with more modern lunch dining options. However, we recommend eating at the Golden Horseshoe Gold Grill or Museum Café.

If you still have time and energy, you can explore the exhibits at the Art Museums (included with your ticket).

Tips For Your Visit to Colonial Williamsburg

Pick up a map.

The Colonial Williamsburg map not only shows the locations of the historic buildings, restrooms, and eateries. It also lists which buildings are open each day, as well as the time and days of performances, presentations, and tours. It will help you plan what to see and when.

Look for the Flag

The Grand Union Flag will be outside the historic buildings that are open for the day. They also indicate the entrance of the buildings, which is very helpful for larger properties like the Capitol, Governor’s Palace, and Randolph Property.

Attend an Evening Program

Although they are not included with your daytime tickets, the evening programs are worth doing. There are options like ghost tours (some are kid-friendly) or concerts at the Governor’s Palace.

Wear Layers and Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking outside in Colonial Williamsburg. So you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

However, the tours of the buildings take place inside, and they have modern conveniences like heat and air conditioning. You might want to remove layers in the winter or throw on a light sweater or jacket in the summer while inside the buildings.

Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. There are some shaded areas, but you’ll still get a lot of sun exposure during your visit.

Getting Around Colonial Williamsburg

Walking is the most common way to get around Colonial Williamsburg. With a few exceptions, the main road through the historic area is closed off to motor vehicles, allowing visitors to walk on both the sidewalks and in the streets (keep an eye out for horse droppings!).

Shuttle Bus

Your ticket to Colonial Williamsburg allows unlimited access to the shuttle bus around the historic area.

Shuttles run clockwise, and stops include the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Taverns, Market House, Williamsburg Lodge, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and Merchants Square.

The shuttle bus runs daily from 9 am until 10 pm.

Where to Eat in Colonial Williamsburg

Taverns & other table service.

There are several table service restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg. A few restaurants are in the historic area, including the popular King’s Arms Tavern and Christiana Campbell’s Tavern .

Others are more modern dining spaces surrounding the historic area, like the Golden Horseshoe Gold Grill and the Rockefeller Room .

These restaurants take reservations, and it is recommended to make  reservations  a few months ahead of time, especially for the favored King’s Arms Tavern.

Grab and Go

On a beautiful day in Colonial Williamsburg, grab a sandwich, sit outside, and watch the historic action unfold along Duke of Gloucester Street. There are a few shops in town that sell this kind of food. The  Raleigh Tavern Bakery  is right in the heart of the historic area.

There are other grab-and-go options (like Saladworks) in Merchants Square, on the west end of Duke of Gloucester Street. And if you’d like a quick bite to eat, but with an indoor seating area, the  Museum Café  in the Art Museums has delicious sandwiches, salads, and other options.

Snacks and Drinks

Several vending machines around the historic area have drinks and small snacks. They are typically close to bathrooms, shuttle stops, and other areas along the perimeter. You can find these vending areas by following the “Cold Drinks” signs.

Where to Stay Near Colonial Williamsburg

There are tons of family-friendly resorts and hotels near Colonial Williamsburg.

One of the many timeshare resorts would be a great option if you’d like a full kitchen and multiple rooms to spread out during your stay. You don’t have to be a member to book a visit, but they may ask you to attend a timeshare presentation. You can always decline!

The  Colonies at Williamsburg  and  Patriot’s Place by Wyndham are two resorts we’ve stayed at. Of the two, we had a better overall experience at the Colonies (they have an indoor pool and a better outdoor pool), but both were pleasant stays.

Every major chain has a hotel (or more) in the area. So, if you prefer to stay in a standard hotel room, you have  many to choose from .

And, of course, Colonial Williamsburg has multiple hotels on its property within walking distance to the historic area. You can even stay in one of the historic buildings!

TOP HOTEL PICK

The Colonies at Williamsburg ‘s large two-room suites (with full kitchens) and awesome pool with a lazy river is our top choice for a hotel in Williamsburg.

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Lauren is the visionary behind Where the Wild Kids Wander. She is a travel enthusiast who lives outside of Philadelphia. For more than a decade, she's been hitting the road, exploring the nooks and crannies of the United States alongside her family. Her passions include visiting big cities and small towns and trekking through nature's trails. She loves sharing those adventures with fellow travelers.

Visit Colonial Williamsburg – 13 Must-Try Activities

Are you longing to visit Colonial Williamsburg? Pack up the car and go! This historic city is a must-see for history buffs, children, and families alike.

Colonial Williamsburg immerses visitors into 18th century life in Williamsburg VA. From re-enactments of pivotal events in history to tours of restored buildings, there is so much to see and learn in this iconic city.

Wondering what to do in Williamsburg VA? Throughout your day, you’ll discover more about the daily lives of citizens, run into notable politicians and figures, and hear the stories of Native Americans and African Americans during this time period.

Don’t be surprised if you have a conversation with Thomas Jefferson or talk to Patrick Henry about the battle for the United States independence during the American Revolution!

It is easy to be overwhelmed when you first arrive at Colonial Williamsburg Virginia . However, with these 13 tips and tricks in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to visit Colonial Williamsburg, VA like a pro.

Colonial Williamsburg Discount Tickets

While you do not need a ticket to walk around the city, guests must purchase a ticket to enter buildings, participate in events, go on tours, and explore other areas of the historic Williamsburg grounds.

Tripster allows you to combine your already discounted Colonial Williamsburg tickets with a hotel room for additional savings. Simply choose the number of tickets you need, find the hotel that suits your travel preferences, and save . It’s really that easy.

Plus, who doesn’t want to visit Colonial Williamsburg, experience all of the things to do in Williamsburg VA, and save money at the same time ?

Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time

One of our best tips for visiting Colonial Williamsburg is to plan ahead ! The non-profit organization that runs Colonial Williamsburg has expertly leveraged the area’s history, people, and events to create a one-of-a-kind experience for guests. As a result, it’s difficult to see it all without a plan.

Before your visit, check out Colonial Williamsburg’s website for tour times, landmark locations, and the schedule of events for the day.

This will help you create a loose itinerary that you can follow throughout your day. Don’t try to over-schedule yourself or you’ll be worn out halfway through your visit!

Must-see landmarks and activities include:

• The Governor’s Mansion
• Tavern Ghost Walk tour
• DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
• Governor’s Palace Kitchen
• The Capitol Building
• Raleigh Tavern

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

The Courthouse

• The College of William & Mary

Of course, these are only a handful of the things to do in Colonial Williamsburg !

Make Dinner Reservations in Advance

If you’re interested in dining in a tavern or at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s renowned dinner events, you’ll want to place your reservations as soon as possible.

These particular events and historic taverns in downtown Williamsburg are a popular choice among visitors, and walk-in seating isn’t always available.

For an authentic Colonial Williamsburg experience, a tavern meal is a must. Virginia is for lovers. So for the love birds, you might want to check out some of these romantic restaurants in Williamsburg or plan something special with this list of romantic things to do in Williamsburg .

For those who would rather not plan their day around dinner reservations, Colonial Williamsburg also has a multitude of dining options including:

• Museum Cafe
• Raleigh Tavern Bakery
• Rockefeller Room
• Huzzah’s Eatery
• The Terrace & Goodwin Rooms

Study Williamsburg’s History Before You Go

Want to enhance your visit to Colonial Williamsburg ? Study up on Williamsburg’s history before your trip.

While you don’t have to go back to high school history class, just browse through a few articles or documentaries to familiarize yourself with the content. With this information in mind, you’ll be able to explore the city and understand the events that took place.

If you’re looking to visit Colonial Williamsburg with kids, a quick lesson in our nation’s history will improve their overall experience too.

Colonial Williamsburg’s online resources make it easy for kids and adults to get a history lesson before, during, and after their visit.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Colonial Williamsburg is massive. On top of the sheer size of the city, there is so much to do and see in a single day.

With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure your Williamsburg, VA vacation offers enough time to truly explore this historic area.

To see all that the area has to offer, you’ll want to split your visit up into two days . This allows you to thoroughly immerse yourself in all of the history and stories of Williamsburg VA things to do without rushing through.

Also, if you’re traveling with children, visiting Colonial Williamsburg over the course of two days is ideal .

Colonial Williamsburg Hours

In the spirit of allowing yourself enough time to experience all of Colonial Williamsburg, you should arrive as early as possible.

The majority of Colonial Williamsburg buildings, activities, and landmarks are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Several evening programs also run late into the night.

Plus, if you arrive right at or before 9:00 am, you can take advantage of excellent parking spots at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

A shuttle will transport you from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to the city.

Wear Comfortable Attire and Footwear

Did you know that Colonial Williamsburg is one mile long and a half-mile wide?

With this in mind, it is in your best interest to wear comfortable walking shoes when walking around Old Town Williamsburg.

Unless attending a formal event at Colonial Williamsburg, leave the high heels and fancy loafers at home.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast, too! Wearing weather-appropriate clothing will help make your visit a pleasant one. It is advised that guests wear layers or bring a light jacket.

Know Your Way Around

It’s easy to get lost in Colonial Williamsburg! Before you begin your day of exploration, be sure to grab a map.

Or, you can download the Colonial Williamsburg mobile app for directions and an interactive map. You can also use this app as a resource when planning out your visit the day before.

Colonial Williamsburg Tours

To help get you acquainted with the city, orientation tours run daily from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

These tours show you around the historic area and offer advice on activities, demonstrations, food stops, and more. Special family-focused tours are available as well.

If you did not have a chance to plan your day at Colonial Williamsburg in advance, this tour is a great way to help form an itinerary on the spot.

Feel Free to Explore

While planning ahead of time can be advantageous, sometimes the most memorable vacations don’t have a set itinerary.

If you are only able to visit Colonial Williamsburg for a short amount of time, feel free to wander around the city!

Even if you do not enter the historic buildings or participate in a tour, you can still discover so much about the area, the history, and the people of Williamsburg just by walking around.

Talk to the Interpreters

During your visit, you’ll find expert interpreters scattered throughout the area. These interpreters represent iconic Williamsburg figures such as:

• Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington
• Martha Washington
• The Randolph Family
• Patrick Henry
• Benedict Arnold
• Richard Henry Lee
• Marquis de Lafayette
• James Monroe

You’ll also be able to meet and talk with townspeople, businessmen, farmers, and more. Each person has a story to tell!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a conversation with an interpreter. You can ask them any question you may have about the time period, their life, or the city.

These interpreters have extensive knowledge of life in Colonial Williamsburg and about the particular individual they represent.

Know Which Buildings are Open to the Public

Did you know that the actors, interpreters, and other Colonial Williamsburg employees can live in the city’s restored buildings and homes?

With this in mind, Colonial Williamsburg has a clever way of indicating which buildings are open to the public and which are private residences or offices.

Aside from the door marker clearly stating that a building is a private residence, look for the Grand Union flag flying outside a building.

If you see this flag, you are free to enter the building at your leisure (assuming you have purchased Colonial Williamsburg tickets ).

Take Advantage of Kid-Friendly Activities

Convincing a kid that a trip back in time to the 18th-century will be fun may be a challenge for some parents. Fortunately, Colonial Williamsburg is filled with kid-friendly activities, tours, and attractions . While you visit Colonial Williamsburg, your children can:

• Rent a Colonial Costume
• Tour Great Hopes Plantation
• Ride in a Carriage
• Embark on the Tavern Ghost Walk
• Speak with Interpreters
• Play Colonial Games

Your kids will have so much fun, they’ll completely forget this is an educational experience ! After their first visit, you won’t need to convince them to go a second time.

Williamsburg Attractions

After a full day, or two in Colonial Williamsburg you might be ready to switch gears and try a few of Williamsburg’s other great attractions. You’re in luck! Williamsburg is chalked-full of a variety of activities.

From thrilling rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg , to a day in the water at Water Country USA , to a ghost tour and guided tour , to visiting nearby Jamestown Settlement there is something for everyone!

Are You Ready to Visit Colonial Williamsburg?

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum and a beautiful National Historic Park (Colonial NHP) with miles to explore. With these tips and tricks in hand, you’re on your way to a revolutionary time at Colonial Williamsburg. Get your tickets and immerse yourself in our nation’s past!

What Did We Miss?

Do you have any Colonial Williamsburg tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Anne Mercer

12 comments about “Visit Colonial Williamsburg – 13 Must-Try Activities”

I was just wondering we are two older couples in our 60s but do have issues with walking. Our electric scooters available to rent?

Hello Michael, unfortunately, electric scooters are not available for rent. However, folding wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can one bring their own mobility scooter?

Hello Michele! Yes, most park areas are accessible, and your mobility scooter will be welcomed.

Are dogs on a leash welcome ???

Hello Deborah, pets are not permitted in most areas of Colonial Williamsburg. Per Colonial Williamsburg: “Pets are not permitted in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Rockefeller Library, administrative buildings, on carriages or ox carts, retail outlets, trade sites, historic buildings or in any site or Colonial Williamsburg owned facilities requiring an admission ticket.”

Hi Deborah, In my experience, many, many visitors have well behaved pets-on-leash and enjoy walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg…I have done it myself. Pets are not allowed in the buildings noted by a previous post, but you and your family can certainly enjoy the area with your dog. I highly recommend it. If you purchase tickets for building entry, just take turns hanging outside with your 4-footed family member! Williamsburg is very friendly. Enjoy!

Is there a website that gives a list of restaurants and taverns in colonial Williamsburg that are in the one milex 1/2 mile area.

Hello! We have a couple of resources that may help. Check out our articles highlighting the most romantic restaurants in Williamsburg and Williamsburg historical taverns .

Since Lakewood Trails has closed, is there anywhere else that offers trail rides?

Hello! There are several Central Virginia trail ride options. One, in particular, is Two River Trails . Happy horseback riding!

Can you tell us where we could book an orientation tour that you mentioned?

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This Colonial Williamsburg Moscow Mule Mug will make a fun addition to your home bar! Create icy cold cocktails for your guests while displaying your Williamsburg pride. A fun gift for souvenir mug collectors too.

• Moscow mule mug with copper and brass finish
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Hand wash only. When in use, place mugs on a coaster or beverage napkin to protect surfaces. Do not use with hot liquids. Not microwave safe.

Pineapple Ginger Mule Recipe

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Russian ships arrive in Cuba as Cold War allies strengthen their ties

A group of Russian Navy ships , including a nuclear-powered submarine, arrived in Cuba on Wednesday morning in a sign of strengthening ties between the two Cold War allies.

Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov – the first of a four-ship convoy – fired a 21-gun salute after entering Havana harbor, which was answered by the Cubans with cannon fire from an 18th-century colonial fort built by the Spanish to guard the port.

The Gorshkov is one of the Russian Navy’s most modern ships, and was followed by the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, a rescue tug, and an oil tanker.

Onlookers and fishermen lined the seafront to watch the vessels arrive in the harbor. A CNN team on the ground saw members of the small Russian community in Cuba and Russian diplomats carrying national flags to welcome the crews.

Some of the Cubans present told CNN they had never seen a submarine enter the bay of Havana before.

The four Russian ships are now docked in berths usually occupied by cruise ships.

It marks the largest show of force by the Russians with their longstanding ally Cuba in many years. The US assesses that the Kazan does not have nuclear weapons on board, a US official said.

The vessels will carry out a five-day official visit to the Caribbean island – a show of Russian force just 90 miles from Florida as tensions rise between the US and Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Cubans will be permitted to tour the frigate following the arrival of the convoy of ships, a Russian diplomatic source told CNN.

The Russian diplomat told CNN that starting Thursday, “the general public” in Cuba will be allowed to tour the Gorshkov frigate for four hours each day for three days. Military analysts believe it is capable of long-range missions, anti-submarine warfare, and carrying surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, among other weapons systems.

US Navy ‘monitors’ exercises

En route to Cuba, the Russian warships conducted drills in the Atlantic, the Russian Ministry of Defense said Tuesday.

The crews of the frigate and the nuclear submarine missile cruiser practiced the use of high-precision missile weapons using computer simulation for naval targets, designating ship groupings of a simulated enemy located at a distance of over 600 km, according to the Russian MOD, Russian state media TASS reports.

US officials told CNN that the US military had deployed ships and planes to monitor Russia’s military exercises in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, and has been tracking the Russian vessels as they transited the Atlantic in recent days en route to Cuba.

US Navy ships that have been tracking the Russian vessels include the USS Truxtun, the USS Donald Cook, and Coast Guard vessel the USCGC Stone, the US official confirmed. The US has also deployed air assets, including a P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance plane, to circle overhead the Russian vessels. Canada has also deployed assets to monitor the activity, the official said.

The official added that the US has been monitoring the flotilla’s movements “the whole time,” which is a normal part of the US’ maritime homeland defense, and all vessels including the Russians have remained in international waters.

Pentagon and State Department officials have also sought to emphasize that the Russian activity is routine and poses no threat to the US, and have noted that Cuba has hosted Russian ships every year between 2013 and 2020.

Still, the Russian transit to the region comes at a particularly tense moment between Washington and Moscow, several weeks after President Joe Biden agreed to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia directly using US-provided weapons.

Stopover ‘does not represent a threat’

Cuba said last week that such visits were standard practice by naval units from countries friendly to Havana, and insisted the stopover does not represent a threat to the region.

“Visits by naval units from other countries are a historical practice of the revolutionary government with nations that maintain relations of friendship and collaboration,” a statement from Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said.

According to a Cuban Armed Forces Ministry statement, none of the Russian ships are armed with nuclear weapons.

Cuba has long had good relations with Russia. It was a key ally to the former Soviet Union during the Cold War that briefly hosted nuclear missiles at Moscow’s behest during the 1962  Cuban Missile Crisis .

The arrival of the ships on Wednesday signals Moscow’s strengthening ties with Havana in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Cuba is also increasingly reliant on Russian oil and aid as the communist-run country weathers its  worst economic crisis in decades .

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Ukrainian Activist Traces Roots of War in ‘Centuries of Russian Colonization’

One Ukrainian researcher and podcaster is a leading voice in efforts to rethink Ukrainian-Russian relations through the prism of colonialism.

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By Constant Méheut

Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine

On a recent afternoon in Kyiv, a professor of literature and a stand-up comedian ​got together to talk about Russian colonialism, a subject that has become ​a preoccupation among Ukrainian activists, cultural figures and bookstore owners.

​The moderator of the discussion, which was recorded for a new podcast for Ukraine’s national public broadcaster, was Mariam Naiem, a graphic designer and former philosophy student who has become an unlikely expert on the topic.

“This war is just the continuation of centuries of Russian colonization,” said Ms. Naiem, 32, ​referring to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “It’s the same playbook.”

Russia’s long cultural and political domination of Ukraine, first through its empire and then the Soviet Union, had left an indelible mark, the podcast guests agreed, as they lamented being more fluent in Russian poems and films than in their own nation’s cultural treasures.

The goal of the podcast, Ms. Naiem said, was to solve this problem and “talk about our personal and social path of decolonization.”

It may have seemed an odd moment of cultural introspection in a war-battered country with urgent problems like how to repel Russian troops advancing along the front line .

But Ms. Naiem and many Ukrainians say that to understand Russia’s war in Ukraine — and its trail of razed cities , displaced children and looted museums — it is crucial to examine how Russia has long exerted its influence over their country.

The daughter of a Ukrainian mother and an Afghan father, Ms. Naiem is emblematic of a new generation of Ukrainians who, since Moscow invaded in February 2022, have been trying to rebuild their identity free of Russian influence. Much of this effort has focused on examining Russia’s history in Ukraine and highlighting its colonial imprint.

They have read famous theorists of decolonization like Edward Said and Frantz Fanon, talked of “decolonizing Ukraine” in Harvard lecture halls and gone on book tours around Europe to press their case.

Ms. Naiem has emerged as a leading voice in this movement. She studied philosophy at the Kyiv-based Taras Shevchenko National University and has also done a stint as a researcher with Jason Stanley, a professor of philosophy at Yale University.

Last year, she hosted an award-winning podcast on the theoretical foundations of Russian colonialism. In addition to the new podcast she is currently recording, she is now writing a book to help Ukrainians “decolonize” themselves, she said.

“She has seriously influenced me intellectually,” Mr. Stanley told Babel.ua , a Ukrainian online news outlet, last year. He added that she convinced him that Ukraine’s post-colonial history was not being studied enough and that “it should be changed.”

That is not an easy task. To call Russia a colonial empire is to challenge decades of scholarship that has shied away from viewing Russia’s history through a colonial prism. Russia’s shared history with Ukraine is complex and less marked by relations of racial hierarchy and economic subjugation typical of colonialism, many scholars have argued.

But Ms. Naiem and others say Russia’s centuries-long efforts to impose its language on Ukraine, occupy its territory with settlers and rewrite its history from Moscow’s perspective are all hallmarks of colonialism.

Ms. Naiem said it took the war for Ukrainians to take stock of this legacy and finally begin to “decolonize” themselves. She cited the example of the many people who have switched from speaking Russian to Ukrainian .

“This is exactly a decolonial act,” she said.

While many Ukrainians have devoted their time to raising money for the army or rebuilding destroyed houses , Ms. Naiem’s activism has been more intellectual, focused on deconstructing Russian influences, including those that shaped her.

She was born into a Russian-speaking family in Kyiv in 1992. Her father was a former education minister in Afghanistan who left Kabul after the Soviet invasion in 1979. She has two brothers, Mustafa , a leading figure of Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan revolution, and Masi , who lost an eye fighting Russian troops in 2022.

When she grew up in a newly independent Ukraine in the 1990s, the country’s cultural scene was dominated by Russian music, TV shows and books.

At school, classes were in Ukrainian, but “it wasn’t cool” to speak it in the playground, she said. Russian literature was also “cooler” than Ukrainian literature, she recalled thinking, “more mysterious, more complicated.” Some of the novels she read belittled Ukrainians as uneducated people.

“Turgenev pushed me to consider myself more Russian than Ukrainian,” Ms. Naiem wrote on Instagram two years ago , referring to the 19th-century Russian novelist. “Because I didn’t want to be that funny Ukrainian.”

It took Ms. Naiem many years, and many new books, to shake off these views.

During the pandemic, she buried herself in “ Imperial Knowledge: Russian Literature and Colonialism ,” a book by the Polish American scholar Ewa Thompson that argues that writers like Pushkin and Tolstoy helped legitimize Russia’s colonial ambitions.

“I realized that centuries of colonialism had seeped into my mind,” Ms. Naiem said.

After the Russian invasion, she wrote about her research on her Instagram page , which is followed by 22,000 people, arguing that Russia’s efforts to erase Ukrainian culture and identity are rooted in a long history of colonialism.

Her posts attracted attention and persuaded her to spread the word further. In addition to her podcasting, she has given interviews to Ukrainian media on colonialism and filled her Instagram page with more posts , questioning, for example, the place of Mikhail Bulgakov, a Kyiv-born Soviet writer who ridiculed Ukrainians, in Ukrainian school curricula.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

On a recent afternoon at a music festival in Kyiv, a passer-by thanked her for her efforts, one of several people that day who told her they had learned a lot from her podcasts.

Still, much of her time remains spent trying to convince people that talking of Russian colonialism is relevant.

Volodymyr Yermolenko , a Ukrainian philosopher, said the topic had long been viewed with skepticism.

Unlike Western colonies, which were often far-distant, overseas places, Russian colonies were adjacent territories, he said. Russian colonialism also never made racial exclusion a core policy, he added. Instead, it was based on the no-less violent “idea of sameness,” meaning that the colonized should surrender their identity and adopt the norms of the colonizer.

Mr. Yermolenko said colonial motives were evident in President Vladimir V. Putin’s claim that Ukrainians and Russians were “one people.”

“People long didn’t want to hear about Russian colonialism,” Mr. Yermolenko said. “Only now are we kind of seeing the first steps of intellectual debunking.”

Since Russia’s invasion began, some scholars have described it as a “ colonial war ” or one of recolonization . President Emmanuel Macron, who himself has had to confront the legacy of French colonialism , has accused Russia of being “one of the last colonial imperial powers.”

Ukrainian authorities have also launched efforts to break free of Russian influences, such as toppling Soviet-era statues and banning Russian place names . But they have stopped short of calling it a process of “decolonization,” to Ms. Naiem’s frustration.

“We’re doing the cake without the recipe,” she said. “We need the recipe.”

Still, she is pleased that a discussion about Russian colonialism has taken root.

On a recent afternoon in central Kyiv, Ms. Naiem stepped into a large bookstore and stared at a long table covered with recently published books.

“Let’s see how many are about colonialism,” she said.

“This one, this one,” she said, as she grabbed book after book — one on Russia’s dominance of Ukrainian cultural life, another about rebellious Ukrainian writers of the 1960s — and piled them up on a corner of the table.

After a few minutes, the pile had grown to 21 books.

Constant Méheut reports on the war in Ukraine, including battlefield developments, attacks on civilian centers and how the war is affecting its people. More about Constant Méheut