Questioning what actions and sights you may’t miss within the River Metropolis? Our information to the perfect issues to do in Richmond is simply what you want!
A goldmine for historical past lovers, Richmond, Virginia, is overflowing with well-preserved historical past for its position within the Civil Struggle.
Discovering historic websites, museums, statues, and artwork tied to historical past shouldn’t be tough to do right here. Many come right here to study extra about Richmond natives that inspired freedom and progress in society throughout a time of slavery that resulted within the Civil Struggle.
And although Richmond is well-known for its American historical past, this metropolis is understood for different issues too, together with its tradition, meals, artwork, and nature.
The James-Beard nominated eating places, top-tier museums, ethnic festivals, white water rafting, and artwork studios create a possibility for each particular person’s tastes and passions to be catered to.
There’s no have to seek for what to do in Richmond. We’ve curated this record of the highest issues to do in Richmond, Virginia, so that you don’t need to!
The Finest Issues to Do in Richmond
Our article compiles the highest Richmond sights and actions into one must-visit record.
From smelling the roses at Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard to stepping again in time on the Richmond Historical past Middle and Museum, there are a great deal of enjoyable Richmond actions to tackle throughout your trip – proceed studying to search out out extra!
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1) Be taught About Virginia’s Historical past at The Virginia Museum of Historical past & Tradition
Based in 1831, the Virginia Museum Of Historical past and Tradition was initially named the Virginia Historic and Philosophical Society. Since its institution, the museum has grow to be a major analysis, repository and instructing heart of Virginia historical past.
Vacationers can go to the oldest cultural group in Virginia to discover one of the distinguished historical past organizations within the nation.
On this famend analysis library and state historical past museum, nearly 9 million artifacts and objects that signify the historical past and tradition of Virginia are cared for by the Virginia Historic Society.
Discover this respected museum and library honing pure historical past specimens, manuscripts, priceless books, and different noteworthy artifacts.
- Handle: 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
- Hours: 10am – 5pm
- Price: $10
2) Step Again To a Important A part of Historical past on the American Civil Struggle Museum
Devoted storytellers and educators on the Civil Struggle, the American Civil Struggle Museum explores the importance of the Civil Struggle. It connects it to the complexities we face within the current day.
This multi-site museum homes two places in Richmond, the American Civil Struggle Museum at Historic Tredegar and the White Home of the Confederacy, and one in Appomattox, Virginia, the Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox.
The American Civil Struggle Museum at Historic Tredegar has a everlasting exhibit, “A Individuals’s Contest: Struggles for Nation and Freedom in Civil Struggle America.”
This exhibit chronologically lays out the Civil Struggle by the eyes of civilians and army leaders. It makes use of completely different instruments to current this step again to a major a part of the US’ historical past.
If in case you have time, additionally head out to the White Home Confederacy. Historical past buffs may have a blast studying concerning the native historical past on the White Home Confederacy and the opposite museums.
- Handle: 480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219
- Hours: 10am – 5pm
- Price: $18
3) Store Till You Drop at Quick Pump City Middle
Quick Pump City Middle is an open-air shopping center that gives among the finest eating and buying choices in all of Richmond, Virginia. This well-known buying and eating heart boasts over 140 shops to discover!
Scour the most popular trend and wonder manufacturers. Then, get a style of Richmond’s undeniably expert native eating places and cafes.
Lastly, stroll alongside the superbly landscaped walkways lit with hanging lanterns as you peruse the various choices ready to be explored at this top-notching buying heart.
Even should you’re not that into buying, visiting Quick Pump City Middle is among the finest issues to do in Richmond.
- Handle: 11800 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233
- Hours: 10am – 8pm (Closes at 6pm on Sundays)
4) Scent The Roses at Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard
Spanning 82 acres, Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard affords year-round magnificence in additional than a dozen themed gardens that embody the Conservatory, Asian Valley, Kids’s Backyard, Cherry Tree Stroll, and Rose Backyard.
Holding quite a few awards and recognition by large names comparable to USA At the moment, guests can get a really feel for the mission of Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard to attach individuals by vegetation to enhance communities.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard’s Kroger Neighborhood Kitchen Backyard grows contemporary produce for space meals banks and welcomes greater than 450,000 guests yearly.
The Conservatory is called the “Jewel of the Backyard”. The 11,000-square-foot advanced is topped by a 63-foot tall dome and options distinctive vegetation from throughout the globe.
After exploring the Conservatory, step over to the Rose Backyard. The 9,000-square-foot hillside rose backyard is dwelling to over 1,500 rose bushes and 125 sorts of blooming roses.
- Handle: 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228
- Hours: 9am – 5pm
- Price: $17
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5) Take up The Sobering Tales on the Virginia Holocaust Museum
A public historical past museum, the Virginia Holocaust Museum is dedicated to the historical past of the Holocaust and the private tales of its victims.
On the Virginia Holocaust Museum, the recollections of the Holocaust victims are honored each day, and the survivors are celebrated. The museum has dedicated its institution to resist the promise of “by no means once more.”
Strolling by the museum’s entrance door, you’ll discover shattered glass. This can be a nod to Kristallnacht (Night time of Damaged Glass), which foreshadowed the destiny of German Jews.
The granite cobblestones that line the walkway are initially from Poland’s notorious Warsaw Ghetto and the metal rails that led into the Treblinka extermination camp.
Within the Virginia Holocaust Museum, friends will have the ability to meet the Ipson household, that lived by the horrors of the Holocaust and ultimately relocated to Richmond, Virginia, to restart their lives.
- Handle: 2000 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Hours: 9am – 5pm (Opens at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Price: Free
6) Spend a Day at Richmond Nationwide Battlefield Park
Honing historic significance, Richmond Nationwide Battlefield Park spreads throughout a big space of 12 websites that embody historic battlefield websites, Chimborazo Medical Museum, and Tredegar Iron Works.
Richmond performed a substantial position within the Civil Struggle because the manufacturing, political, and provide heart for the South, and due to that, Richmond, Virginia, was a extremely priceless goal. In complete, there have been seven offensives in opposition to Richmond, two of which precipitated the autumn of Richmond after which the top of the Civil Struggle.
Chimborazo Medical Museum was the prime location to deal with Southern casualties, treating round 75,000 sufferers. The hospital was staffed by wounded troopers, although a fleet of surgeons additionally staffed the hospital.
Tredegar Iron Works, a delegated Nationwide Historic Landmark, is the principle customer heart of Richmond Nationwide Battlefield Park. The mortar that fired the primary Civil Struggle shot at Fort Sumter was manufactured on this advanced.
Richmond Nationwide Battlefield Park can take as much as a day’s value of time exploring all of the websites, museums, and sights it has to study concerning the position Richmond, Virginia, performed within the Civil Struggle.
- Handle: 470 Tredegar St, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
- Hours: 10am – 4pm (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Price: Free
7) Discover the Most-Visited Richmond Attraction on the James River Park System
The James River Park System is a 600-acre oasis in Richmond stuffed with nature-filled options like forests, rapids, meadows, and out of doors leisure alternatives.
As America’s “founding river,” the James River is the house to Virginia’s first colonial capital, Williamsburg.
Filled with historical past, the James was additionally the location of the primary everlasting English colony at Jamestown in 1607. This historic website can now be loved for years as a result of it’s preserved, protected, and well-maintained.
The park is a wilderness gem settled within the coronary heart of Richmond. It welcomes over two million guests yearly. Its 40+ miles of trails permit loads of invigorating and refreshing alternatives to discover the vibrancy of Virginia’s nice outside.
The park is a must-see as essentially the most visited attraction in Richmond, Virginia. And on this guided hike, you will discover hidden gems, uncover 150-year-old ruins, enjoy roaring rapids, and extra!
8) Bike Via Downtown Richmond
That includes its landmark state home and the Capital District, downtown Richmond is a hub spot for historical past, upscale motels, indie boutiques, artwork galleries, and Southern-style eating places.
Downtown Richmond hosts over 300 eating places, 150 murals, and 70 historic sights, all ready to be explored! Richmond’s downtown holds an beautiful stability of historical past, tradition, and different actions, like self-guided trails and excursions, canal cruises, meals excursions, and extra!
Be part of this downtown and waterfront bike tour to get a really feel of downtown Richmond’s spectacular landscapes and historic websites.
Excellent for any seeking to be lively on their trip in Richmond, this guided tour is a leisurely tour by Richmond’s thriving arts neighborhood, lush landscapes downtown, and the historic James River.
9) Uncover New Worlds At The Science Museum Of Virginia
Positioned in a constructing in-built 1917, the Science Museum Of Virginia was established in 1970.
The Science Museum Of Virginia welcomes everybody of all ages, from full-on science geeks to tinkers and thinkers. Devoted to guiding curious minds to find the connections and the limitless discoveries round us.
The museum makes use of its 223,000 sq. foot area to current countless prospects by interactive displays, thought-provoking touring exhibitions, and The Dome, a 76-foot display that imagines experiences to new planets, the deep ocean, and extra. However that’s not all!
The Science Museum Of Virginia steps outdoors its partitions to make use of its 22-acre campus for additional discoveries, together with a 29-ton granite globe, a pollinator backyard, an 80-ton aluminum submarine, and a lot extra.
- Handle: 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
- Hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Closed Mondays)
- Price: $16
10) Get a Style of Historical past at Church Hill
Generally known as St. John’s Church Historic District, Church Hill is the exact location the place Patrick Henry gave his “Give Me Liberty” speech in 1775.
Crammed with a few of Richmond’s oldest historical past, this historic district options classical architectural types, fuel avenue lamps, and crimson brick sidewalks.
As Richmond’s first historic district and the oldest intact neighborhood within the metropolis, guests can stroll by Church Hill to soak in all of the district has to supply, from native meals spots to quirky retailers and iconic views of Richmond.
Be part of a meals tour of Church Hill to get a style of Richmond’s oldest neighborhood at 5 native institutions. They embody a James Beard-nominated wood-fired bakery, a Thirties theater-turned-restaurant, worldwide delights, and extra.
11) Quench Your Thirst at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is the place to go to quench your thirst and get a style of freshly and domestically brewed beer.
Located in a 12,000-foot warehouse area, this brewery began in 2011 as one in every of two breweries in Richmond. With the brewery’s success, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery expanded to a 20-barrel brewhouse and taproom with the addition of a 60-barrel brewhouse and vacation spot brewery.
Named the most effective breweries within the nation by ESPN and USA At the moment, at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, you’re assured to sip on nice craft beer surrounded by superior vibes and even higher firm!
- Handle: 2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220
- Hours: 2pm – 9pm Tuesday – Thursday, 2pm – 10pm Fridays, 12pm – 10pm Saturdays, 11am – 7pm Sundays
READ NEXT: For extra concepts within the space, try our 7 Day West Virginia Street Journey Itinerary.
12) See Child Cheetahs at The Metro Richmond Zoo
House to over 2,000 animals, Metro Richmond Zoo, is among the finest zoos within the nation and is well-known for its profitable endangered animal breeding packages.
Dedicated to selling conservation efforts of susceptible species, the zoo serves as an academic but enjoyable, family-friendly expertise to think about throughout your time in Richmond, Virginia. Metro Richmond Zoo has over 200 distinctive species, lions, pythons, monkeys, and extra.
This yr, 2022, 19 cheetah cubs have been born, with six obtainable to be seen and adored of their native exhibit!
- Handle: 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120
- Hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Closed Sundays)
- Price: $21.95
13) Journey The Outdoor At Belle Isle
A 54-acre island inside Richmond, Belle Isle is each out of doors and lively goer’s dream!
The island was first obtained in 1676 and remained within the Byrd household for a complete century. It was additionally as soon as dwelling to the Confederacy’s largest army jail.
There are bounds of wildlife and out of doors leisure alternatives to discover on Belle Isle.
Settled alongside the James River outdoors downtown Richmond, Belle Isle options wheelchair-accessible fishing, a granite rock-climbing wall, strolling and biking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, and rather more. Take your decide!
Essential Notice: Although Belle Isle is nice for households, it’s vital to be cautious because the waters are tough for swimming as they’re close to the rapids. Kids needs to be supervised for security precautions.
14) Wander the Grounds of Hollywood Cemetery
Established in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery was designed by famend architect John Notman. This design and the grounds upkeep have gone on to have the cemetery well-known as a landscape-style backyard cemetery with a pure and architectural magnificence that expands throughout 135 acres.
Because of its institution as a famend pure magnificence, Hollywood Cemetery achieved recognition as a registered arboretum. And that’s not all.
Within the cemetery, guests can tour President’s Circle. This remaining resting place entombs the fifth President of the US, James Monroe, and the tenth President of the US, John Tyler.
In 1968, James Monroe’s Gothic Revival forged iron cover, referred to as “the Birdcage,” obtained recognition as a Nationwide Historic Landmark. Extra notable names have since joined.
On this guided tour, hear little-known tales behind Richmond’s most notable gravesites and journey again in time to the Civil Struggle by tragic and heartwarming tales.
- Handle: 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220
- Hours: 8am – 6pm
- Price: Free
15) Stroll Down Riverfront Canal Stroll
Meandering 1.25 miles, the Riverfront Canal Stroll travels by downtown Richmond and alongside the banks of the James River, Haxall Canal, and Kanawha Canal.
With over 4 centuries of historical past, guests can discover Richmond’s historical past by ornamental displays, medallions and monuments.
Whether or not strolling, biking, or taking a drip down the canal, Richmond’s Canal Stroll is a shocking attraction that deserves to be skilled. Together with enriching historic buildings, the stroll additionally hosts public artwork, displays, and statues.
And should you discover you’ve labored up an urge for food on the Canal Stroll, step inside domestically favored eating places like Casa del Barco, Southern Railway Taphouse, and Backside’s Up Pizza!
16) Step Again in Time at The Maggie L. Walker Nationwide Historic Web site
Designated a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1975, then a Nationwide Historic Web site, the Maggie L. Walker Nationwide Historic Web site is the house of Maggie Lena Walker.
A fraternal chief, financial institution president, and newspaper editor, Walker was dedicated to financial empowerment, civil rights development, and training alternatives for girls and Jim Crow-era African Individuals.
Maggie L. Walker was the primary African American lady to discovered a financial institution in the US. She continued her dedication to her neighborhood by serving her dwelling as a social hub and household sanctuary for generations.
The Nationwide Historic Web site is a tribute to her legacy and the endurance of her imaginative and prescient.
- Handle: 600 N 2nd St, Richmond, VA 23219
- Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
- Price: Free
17) Step Into The Well-known Author’s Sneakers At The Edgar Allan Poe Museum
The Poe Museum commemorates Edgar Allan Poe, the well-known American author, and his time dwelling in Richmond, Virginia. And although he by no means lived within the constructing, the museum’s mission to light up Poe for everybody evermore continues by its displays.
Having begun its institution greater than a century in the past, The Poe Museum grew to become Virginia’s first monument to a author when a bunch of literary lovers and one Edgar Allen Poe collector collided with mutual passions.
The museum is at The Previous Stone Home, the oldest residential constructing in Richmond. Inside is an exhibit that discusses and personifies Poe’s childhood. Although Poe didn’t stay within the constructing, he was linked to the house and surrounding neighborhood.
- Handle: 1914 E Fundamental St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Hours: 10am – 5pm (Opens at 11am on Sundays, Closed Mondays)
- Price: $10
18) Bask In Creativity & Historical past At The Virginia Museum Of Wonderful Arts
First opened in 1936, amid the Nice Melancholy, the Virginia Museum Of Wonderful Arts settled inside an English Renaissance-style constructing to reinforce its imaginative and prescient of mixing artwork in all varieties, together with structure.
Because the state’s flagship artwork museum and one of many largest complete artwork museums in the US, the Virginia Museum Of Wonderful Arts collects, preserves, displays, interprets, and encourages the examine of the humanities.
Providing a wide range of exhibitions, guests can discover arts-related audiovisual packages, workshops, lectures, symposia, and greater than 40,000 artworks.
That features essentially the most intensive public assortment of Fabergé (outdoors of Russia) and extra respected collections.
- Handle: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
- Hours: 10am – 5pm (Closes at 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays)
- Price: Free
READ NEXT: Heading additional south? Try our record of the finest issues to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
19) Grasp With The Locals on the Fan District
Usually referred to as “The Fan,” the Fan District is an 85-block Victorian neighborhood named after the “fan” form of the streets. As one in every of Richmond’s hottest neighborhoods, visiting the Fan District is a must-do!
Set on the outskirts of the city and creative VCU, or Virginia Commonwealth College, the Fan District is stuffed with enjoyable actions and sights to discover.
Bountiful with historical past within the many homes ranging over 100 years, the neighborhood district has an enchantment that units you barely again in historical past with its historic structure styled in elegant houses that date again to the Nineteenth century.
The social vibe within the Fan District can also be hopping with basement bars, stay music, mom-and-pop eating places, espresso retailers, and old-school barbershops. Get a style of this enigmatic neighborhood’s vibes and grasp with locals on the Fan District!
20) Hike The Richmond Slave Path
The Richmond Slave Path is a self-guided tour of great historic websites linked to Virginia’s slave commerce.
The path chronicles the historical past of the slave commerce from Africa to Virginia and vice versa, which lasted till 1775, after which to different places within the Americas till 1865.
Richmond performed a lead position within the slave commerce. Richmond was the most important supply of enslaved Africans on America’s east coast, courting from 1830-1860.
The Richmond Slave Path self-guided strolling tour begins at Manchester Docks, one of many main ports as soon as used for the slave commerce.
Then, the strolling trails proceed on the route by what as soon as had been slave markets, previous the Reconciliation Statue, Lumpkin’s Slave Jail, and the Negro Burial Floor to First African Baptist Church, what as soon as was the middle of African-American life in pre-Civil Struggle Richmond.
- Handle: 1200 Brander St, Richmond, VA 23224
- Hours: 7am – 6pm
- Price: Free
21) Sink Into Skillful Works on the Valentine Sculpture Studio
The primary museum in Richmond, Virginia, The Valentine Sculpture Studio and museum depicts, preserves, collects, and interprets Richmond’s historical past by the works of Edward Virginius Valentine (1838-1930).
Valentine is known for works such because the sculpted work of the Robert E. Lee memorial, sometimes called the “Recumbent Lee,” and the statue of Thomas Jefferson within the Jefferson Lodge.
His creative profession prolonged for half a century, throughout which he produced many works of superb figures, public sculptures, and portrait busts.
The Valentine Sculpture Studio constructing is one in every of solely 4 remaining Nineteenth-century sculptors’ studios left in the US open to the general public.
Because of this, guests can take the uncommon alternative to witness the mastered abilities of Valentine’s creative works and different historic memorabilia.
- Handle: 1015 E. Clay Avenue, Richmond, VA
- Hours: 10am – 5pm
- Price: $10
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The place to Keep in Richmond, Virginia
Now that we all know the perfect issues to do in Richmond, let’s discover the perfect locations to remain throughout your trip!
Finest Hostel in Richmond
Within the historic Otis Elevator Constructing, HI Richmond affords a major downtown close to all of Richmond’s high sights. The hostel has been utterly renovated to retain the charming element of the unique constructing whereas offering trendy options and facilities.
Friends have a choice of non-public rooms, four-bed dorms, and six-bed dorms, and all friends get free Wi-Fi, espresso, tea, and breakfast to begin the day!
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Richmond
Home2 Suites By Hilton Richmond Quick Pump is a brand new lodge solely minutes from dozens of in style eating places and Richmond’s high buying heart full of quirky native cafes and retailers.
The lodge’s indoor pool makes it straightforward to go for a fast night dip to calm down and supplies free parking, Wi-Fi, and a scorching breakfast for a cushty keep.
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Richmond
At Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown, friends embark on a historic getaway within the core of Richmond, Virginia.
Centered among the many hustle and bustle of Richmond’s high sights, friends have quick access to a great deal of actions and adventures earlier than returning to this luxurious lodge to calm down and recharge.
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