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! read more

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. read more

Downtown Mall - Shopping Centers Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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. read more

We decided to stop in Charlottesville, VA on the end of our Blue Ridge Parkway trip because my wife's cousin went to UVA so we wanted to stop and see her Alma Mater. The day we got in it was a miserable day with it being overcast and rainy. We stopped by the Charlottesville Downtown mall because we heard so many good things. We are glad we did because it was a great experience even when it was a dreary day. I would recommend coming here as it is one of the many highlights of the town. read more

My husband and I celebrated Valentines Day 2018 by visiting a restaurant on the downtown mall in Charlottesville. It was a mild night so we decided to take a stroll down the mall after dinner. Although there were a handful of couples, the majority of the "pedestrians" were street people asking us for money. Mind you this was not late in the evening, only around 8:30 PM. Being residents of Albemarle County, we are accustomed to being asked for money on the mall when we visit, but some of these people were pretty aggressive, so much so that we decided to shorten our walk and turned around to head back to our car. What I don't understand is why there was not one single Charlottesville police officer present on the mall on what CPD would have known would be a popular evening for visitors. Is this the impression we really want to make to visitors to the downtown mall, especially given the events of last summer? There definitely needs to be more police presence on the mall and although I realize panhandling is not against the law, I believe that if there were more police patrolling then there would be fewer people asking for money and at least in a less aggressive manner. This experience has made my husband and I rethink where we next spend a few hundred dollars to go out for a nice dinner. read more

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. read more

The Downtown Mall in beautiful Charlottesville, VA is popular spot for locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of cute shops and delicious restaurants to explore, and the shopkeepers are personable and courteous. There are vendors that sell incense and mala beads, a quaint little country general store, and even a chocolate and candy shop nestled in this stunning, picturesque outdoor "mall." The diversity of Charlottesville is evident in the restaurants that are sprinkled generously through the Downtown Mall. For example, there is a restaurant named Just Curry, which sells some of the best curry dishes I have ever tasted. Another wonderful restaurant to try is the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, which has a healthy selection of food dishes and teas to try. My personal favorite is the PMT with a pot of Blossoming Tea. There are many shops on the Mall, including toy stores, pharmacies, tobacco shops, and oddity shops. Ike's Underground (located directly below the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar) is a great place to stop if you love engaging conversation and unique gifts for you or your loved ones. Timberlake's Drug Store has a grand selection of health and beauty supplies and ice cold fountain drinks, and it is one of the few places I have found to sell a large selection of Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soaps. There is a lot to be said about the ambience of the Downtown Mall. It instantly makes you feel like you're at home. Walking up and down the charming cobble-stone walkway can drastically increase one's mood, and the 25th Anniversary commemorative fountain is a sight to behold in the wintertime. During the holiday season, a beautiful Christmas tree is set up and decorated with dazzling lights. With local events, shops, music, and food, the Downtown Mall is a must-see in the amazing city of Charlottesville. There will always be something new to explore, and you'll feel right at home. read more

Beautiful area with plenty events that are worth attending however its main attractions would be its shops and restaurants which are plagued by the same issue, incredibly poor service, there is only one restaurant one mall in the last 5 years I have been to where I have not had horrible service. It is something that I assume will never change as it has only got worst in the last 5 years but I will not linger be eating/drinking on the mall, I will come for events and seek food and drinks elsewhere I suggest you do as well as there are plenty of better options not too far away read more

Some great shops on the mall but I'd like to see more local artisans being featured, especially clothing and jewelry designers. Finally, there needs to be much more police presence later in the evening hours of 10pm-1am. read more

Two stars seems a little low but based on the descriptions that Yelp provides, two stars and "Meh" seem appropriate. I liked the amount of restaurants and shops and the area is a decent size. I could see where this would be a showcase for a downtown area but unfortunately instead of a showcase, the homeless and panhandlers make it a much less enjoyable experience. The panhandling was pretty intense and in your face and the homeless seem to get a pass on being unruly. We witnessed a group of homeless people throwing disposable food containers near the trash cans but obviously not attempting to get it in the can. In a different area we saw homeless people who were obviously intoxicated and cheering on one of their friends as he climbed into a trashcan. I also observed the dogs of the homeless harassing the pets of mall patrons who were just trying to walk their dogs down the mall. I believe the homeless have a right to be there but also believe that if a mall patron were acting the same way the homeless are allowed to act, they would be asked to leave. The stores and restaurants seemed to be very niche and overpriced. We had very little interest in most of the stores and after reviewing menus of the restaurants we opted for an Irish Pub which is a couple of blocks away from the walking mall. I recommend heading directly to the Tin Whistle Irish Pub and skipping the downtown mall. read more

I stopped by Downtown Mall while visiting Charlottesville recently. It's a great place to shop, dine, or relax. I went on a Saturday evening. The mall was very busy (beautiful weather). It's a cool place to socialize with friends while enjoying Charlottesville historic scenery. Most of the shops are outside unlike a traditional mall. Parking can be a hassle at busy times. The mall is pet friendly. If you're looking for something to do in Charlottesville, Downtown Mall is a cool place to check out. I give Downtown Mall a 4.5 rating. read more

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. read more

Nothing like being accosted by belligerent panhandlers while you are walking with the kids to get you in the shopping mood. Apparently on a Sunday they can out number the actual shoppers. read more

The Historic Downtown Mall is considered one of the finest urban parks in the country. This pedestrian mall is home to a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants located in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street Charlottesville. In the summer months "Friday After Five" provides live entertainment each Friday evening. read more

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! read more

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

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 read more

I liked this. What it is, it like a city center. The word mall is deceiving. It's shopping but outside. It's like going downtown shopping in an older city. However, they block off the street and there are no cars or bicycles allowed. It's pedestrian only. There are shops on both sides of the street and in the middle, a couple vendors selling say scarves, purses, homemade jewelry etc. Plus a ton of restaurants have seating. The cool part though of this place is there aren't any chain stores except two: Hallmark and CVS. The rest of the stores are very small businesses and most of them are home made items. Here are some interesting stores: Used bookstore (for this you have to go IN a building... in fact, several stores are located in building and up stairs and I didn't go to any because I didn't know about them; they're not advertised well. But I saw a sign when we were leaving talking about a store I wanted to find and couldn't called "Cat corner" I think that was the name. Anyway, found out if was off the main street, on the side of a building and up stairs! LOL How some of these businesses stay in business I don't know. Hard to get to and not obvious at all. There was a unique antique store (but what was unique is it was Asian antiques only!). a couple "co-op" stores/galleries selling artwork/photos/ceramics/jewelry, handmade clothing. There was a store where the owner crochets/knits everything.... a thrift like shop (consignment) of some mid century materials. Roller derby rink! array of differernt restaurants. Thai, diner, couple taco places, italian, couple bistro/bakery type places and couple lounge places (tavern types). One place I don't know WHAT is was because I don't read the language... It's a nice place to walk. A couple people were sitting there homeless asking for money and a couple musicians playing for donations. People walking their dogs, yuppies drinking coffee strolling hand in hand... nice little place. read more

Here's the truth. If you go downtown you are either going to enjoy a show, have a very expensive meal, or you are just down there to get plastered. most people under 30 I would say go downtown to smoke any substance known to man, or to go to one of the many bars, or just panhandling to get alcohol. Seriously If you don't want to be around crazy drunken teenagers or crackheads asking for some change, don't go downtown. otherwise enjoy! Other than great food and mudhouse coffee the children's discovery museum is pretty awesome, just go during daylight-before they all wake up. As for parking-it sucks. Park at staples or if you are willing to pay the water street garage. read more

We were visiting Virginia for the week and decided to spend the afternoon here. At first, we were not impressed. High parking fees, confusing, and their was construction all around so many sidewalks were closed. Once we got in, the maps located throughout the mall were confusing. However, there were many unique shops with a wide variety of items. Many places to eat as well. Overall a good experience. read more

This is the place to hang out as a teen in Charlottesville. After school me and my friends will walk down to the mall and hang out in stores like Urban Outfitters, Cha Cha's, etc. You can get a drink at Mudhouse, or ice cream at SweetFrog, Chap's or Spendora's. You can go ice skating, watch a movie or hang out by the Pavillion. It's also fun just to walk up and down the mall. There are a lot of dogs and street performers so it has a great atmosphere. It's also super close to the park and if it's late enough and there are no kids/parents around (anytime after 7, especially in the winter) you can go smoke weed in the park and do some streetskating. Oh and for food there are lots of good options.. The Nook makes a mean pancake, Five Guys is great for your standard burger and fries. Marco and Luca's dumplings are to die for, and Christian's Pizza is a charlottesville favorite. Ten is a bit more fancy but great Japanese cuisine. There are a few more places but those are just my personal favorites. read more

I love the Downtown Mall. Was just there for Fridays after 5 and had some delicious meat pies from an Australian Food Vendor. So good, I bought two more to take home. My 13 year old picked up some Van's at Urban Outfitters and loves the frozen yogurt shop. When we stay at the Omni, it's great that the mall is dog friendly. He enjoys sitting outside with us for lunch and dinner. If the kids get bored at night, there is a movie theater. I lived downtown for years, before moving to the beach, I've always enjoyed the mall - a book lovers dream come true. read more

This place is a great example of how you shouldn't judge yelp pictures upon first glance. Granted, there are some good restaurants here (TEN sushi, Fitzroy's) with outdoor seating great for sipping wine on a breezy day. The problem is, your view can be easily obstructed by the abundance of "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS" signs that litter the the entire mall. There are so many failing businesses I saw in this area that I'm not sure you can count them with two hands any longer. The stores that don't appear to be going out of business reek of corruption a mile away. Take Oyster Antique House for instance; their storefront display ceramic statues of chinese men and gods in mandarin gowns that I could find in Chinatown for less than $5. These things look like dust collectors and whoever owns that store should be ashamed for calling them "antiques". Another toy store I went to had toys littered all over the ground and I didn't think they were in the best conditions to be sold. They were discounted at most 70% off and I felt the way this manager displayed merchandise was rather unprofessional. This is the downtown center of the city and compared to the grandeur of UVA and Monticello, I don't think this area represents the Charlottesville well. With the City Hall located so close to the Downtown Mall, I find it hard to believe that the city officials aren't aware of this problem. Its no wonder the statues of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe have their backs turned again the Downtown Mall. In spite of this accidental symbolism, I don't blame them. If I were them I'd roll in my grave. read more

Much more than I expected! My wife has been here several times, but I finally decided to tag along this past Sunday. I honestly expected the place to be fairly dead given that it was a Sunday afternoon, but I was very pleasantly surprised by how lively the whole place was! We stopped in several of the art and antique shoppes, and as we were walking along I was surprised yet again by a live string ensemble playing patriotic music in the street. The entire atmosphere was awesome. I'd absolutely recommend vising here if you haven't yet, and my wife and I will be regulars ourselves in the future. There are so many shops and restaurants around, it'll take a while to get the full experience. awesome! read more

This is my favorite mall of all time. I miss it a lot. Lots of coffee shops, little indie stores, and book shops, with a historic feel to it. It's perfect. read more

The shops, eateries and bars were great! We dropped some serious cash but were happy with our purchases. However, I caution people: do not park at the Market Street Parking Garage. We missed the small sign that said it locked at midnight, and when arriving to claim it at 2:00am (technically Sunday morning) found that we had to pay $50 for its release "after hours." We couldn't wait until it reopened at noon on Sunday because of our outgoing flight. We weren't the only ones, two other groups of people had suffered as well. Plus on Friday (same garage), even though I spent over $25 at a "participating" vendor who was able to validate parking passes (for free parking), and I showed my sales receipt to the parking attendant, she wouldn't allow the free parking just because i had failed to have my parking pass stamped. And that wasn't the only place I had shopped. Overall a nice experience, but the ending was tainted. read more

No true local (i.e., born; raised; attended the public school system,) would ever recommend this place to friends, so have at it tourists---it's all yours! read more