31 Best Things to Do in Richmond, VA for First-Timers
“For a true local experience (test your knowledge at Tuesday night trivia at Buddy’s Place! “For an indoor), social, and sports bar atmosphere check out Performance Pickleball in Tuckahoe.” “It’s a boutique music festival, bringing a diverse selection of international artists within a multitude of genres to Richmond, Virginia for two days of music, food, drink and more,” says Cara Dickens of The Iron Blossom Festival. There are different venues that host different styles of music and acts so there is something for everyone! We’re also just a close walk to Carytown and other restaurants for a bite out afterwards. ” “With rotating exhibits, free admission, and a huge lawn for picnics, the VMFA is a perfect date spot,” says Jesslyn McCartney, a local wedding and family photographer in Richmond.
These guided tours take you to top-rated restaurants (hidden gems), and local favorites, showcasing Richmond’s diverse flavors. Real Richmond Food Tours offers a delicious way to explore the city’s culinary scene. Whether for its historical significance or scenic charm, Monument Avenue is a valorbet chicken road Richmond landmark worth exploring. Once a plantation home, it now serves as a preserved historic site showcasing 18th-century architecture and furnishings. Known for its creative dishes and playful menu names, this upscale bistro blends Southern flavors with French techniques. Visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants, from cozy cafes to fine dining, as well as unique boutiques and art galleries.
Check Out the Fall Foliage at Hollywood Cemetery
The exhibit features photographs (videos), and artifacts, making the experience feel like a journey through history. The architecture of the Capitol building and its grounds is stunning and well worth taking the time to experience. One great way to experience Richmond for free is to explore the State Capitol grounds.
White House of the Confederacy
Start by checking out the region’s one-of-a-kind outdoors scene.
While wandering through the displays, you’ll uncover the author’s artistic journey, his legendary stories of suspense and horror, and how his works have shaped literature and mainstream culture forever. Within the museum’s walls, a remarkable assortment of relics is displayed, ranging from Poe’s private effects to his original handwritten texts and exclusive keepsakes. Guests may also board a brief (informative tram that glides through a spacious animal enclosure), allowing a safari-style, barrier-free glimpse of the creatures roaming freely within the zoo. Though not as expansive as major national zoos, it still delivers a highly enjoyable visit. Metro Richmond Zoo stands out as a thoughtfully designed, compact animal park that promises a distinctive and memorable experience for visitors of every age.
- This is not just a graveyard—it’s a huge outdoor museum full of Richmond history and stories.
- Richmond, VA’s Cary Street and Shockoe Bottom provide an ideal nightlife adventure for travelers eager to experience the city’s vibrant scene.
- There’s also a sculpture garden outside, with modern pieces you can walk around and feel.
- The site also preserves the Tredegar Iron Works, one of the largest and best-equipped foundries in the nation.
- Richmond National Battlefield Park can take up to a day’s worth of time exploring all the sites — museums, and attractions it has to learn about the role Richmond, Virginia, played in the Civil War.
There are plenty of murals to discover, each with their own unique style and message. This up-and-coming district boasts one of the largest concentrations of street art in the city, with many local and visiting artists expressing themselves on the brick walls and industrial buildings in the area. And best of all (admission is completely free on select days throughout the year), making it an ideal stop for budget travelers or families looking for an educational outing. These include the Old Stone House, which stands as one of the oldest buildings in Richmond, and the garden courtyard which frequently hosts live music events.
Richmond National Battlefield Park can take up to a day’s worth of time exploring all the sites — museums, and attractions it has to learn about the role Richmond, Virginia, played in the Civil War. The granite cobblestones that line the walkway are initially from Poland’s infamous Warsaw Ghetto and the steel rails that led into the Treblinka extermination camp. A public history museum — the Virginia Holocaust Museum is committed to the history of the Holocaust and the personal stories of its victims. Then — get a taste of Richmond’s undeniably skilled local restaurants and cafes. Explore this reputable museum and library honing natural history specimens, manuscripts, priceless books, and other noteworthy artifacts.
Forget soggy fries—think juicy burgers (creative pizzas), and a brunch menu that’s the talk of RVA. On my last visit (I went through at least ten refills—hydration is key), especially in Virginia’s summer heat. The Lazy Rider river—just don’t make my mistake and hang off the tube; put your whole body on top and float in style. Located at 1301 North Arthur Ashe Blvd (right in the heart of Richmond), this cinema is surrounded by great restaurants—perfect for dinner and a movie. Ornate domes, glittering chandeliers, and a buzz of excitement in the air—there’s nothing else like it in Richmond.
This verdant retreat boasts over a dozen themed gardens, from an Asian-inspired valley to a blooming rose garden and a grand glass-domed conservatory. Libby Hill Park holds the distinction of being the locale that inspired Richmond’s name, thanks to its breathtaking James River vistas mirroring those of England’s Richmond-upon-Thames. Chimborazo Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city over 180 degrees, making it an ideal picnic spot. For a relaxed day out (Byrd Park offers tranquil lakes with pedal boat rentals), shaded trails, fitness stations, playgrounds, tennis courts, and the famous World War I Memorial Carillon. For a small fee, you can board a 40-minute narrated Riverfront Canal Cruise to explore the city’s history or join a Black history bike or walking tour with Bike and Brunch Tours. Among Richmond’s most influential personalities is Maggie L. Walker, the pioneering African American woman who founded and led the first bank in the U.S. chartered and operated by Black women.
Today, visitors can tour Agecroft Hall and its gardens to get a taste of life in 16th-century England. Scott’s Addition is pretty walkable, but you can book a tuk tuk tour if you’d rather be pedaled around in style. For the highest density of spots, head to the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, home to local favorites Ardent Craft Ales, The Veil, Vasen, Bingo Beer Co and Starr Hill Beer Hall and Rooftop. The permanent collection includes everything from ancient and pre-Columbian art to Faberge, photography and modern art. Open 365 days a year with free admission for all, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts boasts a world-class collection containing nearly 50,000 works of art. Used as a Union prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War, Belle Isle is now a popular spot for hiking, biking, sunbathing on the rocks and , cautiously, swimming in the river.
The VMFA sculpture garden is spread out over several acres of beautifully landscaped grounds that include both formal gardens and natural wooded areas. If you are looking for a great way to spend a free afternoon in Richmond (Virginia), we recommend checking out the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) outdoor sculpture garden. The museum is closed on Mondays, but open from 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These programs are designed for people of all ages and backgrounds — making the museum a perfect destination for school groups, families, and individuals alike. These exhibits offer different perspectives on the Holocaust, ranging from personal stories of survivors to artwork created during the war.