Richmond Travel Guide

Let us take you around Richmond.
Last Updated
:
September 8, 2024
Richmond,Virginia night city skyline along the James River
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This James River city has it all: knockout museums, boundary-pushing restaurants, enough craft beer to float a battleship, and open doors to some of the South’s most fascinating history. We’re talking the former capital of the Confederacy…not to scare you off, but simply to say that Richmond remembers the old days. Sometimes fondly when it comes to dressing up in hoop skirts.

And if you happen to be an outdoorsy type who likes breaking a sweat – hey, no judgement! Richmond can kick it with the adventure crowd too. Shoot rapids right through downtown or hop on the Virginia Capital Trail to pedal off pounds to America’s colonial capital, Williamsburg.

So whether you’re still rocking a Man Bun and crafting the perfect Instagram selfie, or you just want to geek out on battlefields and seminal moments in American history over a local brew, Richmond’s blend of sleepy Southern charm and new school food, art and culture make it a delightfully tasty destination. And we wanna make sure you dive in mouth first!

So keep reading our Richmond travel guide to plot your adventure through this vibrant river city, which some might say is Richmond itself. (See what we did there?) No matter what brings you to town, we promise Rich City will leave you believing in Southern hospitality.

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About Richmond

Aerial view of Richmond, Virginia
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Whether you’re looking for history, culture or food, Richmond has something for everyone. The city has a unique personality and a diverse nightlife. There are also a number of outdoor activities to enjoy, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.

For history buffs, the Valentine Museum, which opened in 1898, has a fascinating collection of costumes, architecture and decorative arts. It is a great place for kids, too. Its gift shop is filled with local and handmade jewelry and stationary.

The Science Museum of Virginia is a great family destination. It features over 100 interactive exhibits, including a 76-foot dome theater. It also has the largest film screen in Virginia.

Other sites to check out are the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and the Virginia Holocaust Museum. These museums are located near one another. You can also visit Colonial Williamsburg, a replica of Virginia’s 18th century capital.

Richmond is also known for its vibrant arts scene. In fact, it has more than 100 murals. You can also catch free, half-hour gallery tours on Fridays.

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Why Go to Richmond

Richmond, Virginia
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Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend escape or an adventure-filled vacation, Richmond has something for you. With a rich cultural history, an ever-expanding food scene, and a growing brewing scene, this city has something to offer everyone.

Richmond has several interesting sites, including the Virginia State Capitol. This historic building features unique architecture designed by Thomas Jefferson. It is also home to works by Cezanne, Renoir, and Degas.

The city also boasts several art galleries, including the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Richmond has a surprisingly extensive foodie scene, with restaurants and cafes serving up Asian street food nightly. The city is also home to several boutique-y shopping areas.

Richmond is also home to a few breweries, including the Veil Brewing Company and Vasen Brewing. Getting to one of these establishments is easy thanks to a bike-sharing program.

The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is home to several impressive works, including a nifty exhibit on Renoir.

Richmond has a burgeoning brewing scene, with several breweries located throughout the city. If you’re looking to try out some of the city’s best beers, start with Scott’s Addition.

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Best Time to Go

Richmond, Virginia cityscape
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Known as the cultural hub of Virginia, Richmond is a must-see destination. It has a variety of seasons and festivals that happen throughout the year. Richmond offers plenty to see and do for travelers of all ages.

Spring is a great time to visit Richmond. You’ll find a number of festivals, concerts, outdoor brunches, and rooftop drinks. You can also tour local breweries and cideries. Richmond is home to internationally renowned craft beer.

Summer is a bit hot, but not as hot as in some southern states. Richmond is known for its spectacular James River. You can also cool off by hiking in shady parks.

Richmond’s fall foliage is spectacular. This is the perfect time to see the foliage change colors. Richmond’s climate can be unpredictable, but the city usually sees fewer rainy days. Typically, the foliage hangs around through Thanksgiving.

Richmond’s weather can be cold in the winter. The city can see up to 1.5 inches of snow a month. However, you can still enjoy warm temperatures through the end of October.

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How to Get Around

Richmond on USA map
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Whether you are in Richmond for business or pleasure, there are plenty of things to see and do. It’s also a city with a rich history and culture. From the Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team to the American Civil War Center, there is something for everyone.

The Virginia Capital Trail is a 52-mile multi-use trail that connects Richmond with Williamsburg. There are many types of events and activities along this trail, such as kayaking and rafting. You can also take an electric bike that can reach top speeds of 15 mph.

The American Civil War Center in Tredegar Ironworks is a great way to learn about Richmond’s history. It’s also the largest indoor aquarium in the world. This free park also has a petting zoo.

The Richmond International Airport serves national and international flights. You can book flights with Delta, American, and Allegiant.

The Fan District is one of Richmond’s most walkable neighborhoods. It features tree-shaded streets and charming local businesses. The area is also home to many of the city’s historic sites.

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Best Restaurants

New York Deli Richmond  exterior
New York Deli

Whether you are in the mood for a Southern staple like catfish or you want to savor a gourmet meal, Richmond, Virginia has a restaurant to fit your tastes. These restaurants have all the ingredients to make your food-filled night a memorable one.

For instance, one of Richmond’s oldest restaurants, the New York Deli, has a full bar with an insane selection of booze. You can take advantage of their late-night happenings or enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner.

The Lemaire Restaurant is another Richmond restaurant that serves a well-thought-out cocktail list. They even have $5 specialty cocktails. Their cocktails feature a modern twist. They also have over 200 wines to choose from.

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Things to Do

Carpenter Center, Richmond, Virginia by Carol M. Highsmith, between 1980 and 2006Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-12845.
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Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just a person who wants to experience the great outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Richmond, VA. The city is home to a number of parks and museums, and is also a hot spot for brewery hopping.

For a unique way to experience Richmond, try the Richmond Heritage Trail. This walking path passes over 400 years of Richmond’s history. You’ll see historical markers, statues, and other important sites. There are also 40-minute historical cruise tours.

Another great activity in Richmond is the Poe Museum. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Poe artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy Poe-themed pop-ups, lite bites, and live music. You can also enjoy a free Poe-themed family fun event.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located in Richmond, VA. This 50-acre garden features more than a dozen themed gardens, a tea house, and a shop. The garden also hosts a number of events, including the Gardenfest of Lights. The park is open year-round.

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Neighborhoods to Know

Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Whether you are visiting Richmond for the first time or you are a local looking to explore, there are a lot of fun things to do and see in Richmond’s neighborhoods. From great food to fun activities, Richmond has everything you need to make your visit a memorable one.

The Southside of Richmond is a peaceful, quiet area. This area is primarily residential, but you can also find many parks and shops. There is a lot to do here, including hiking and biking trails. The Richmond Metro Zoo and Chesterfield Berry Farm are also great attractions. You can even take a Treetop Zoofari Zip Line.

If you are looking for a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of Richmond, the Glen Allen neighborhood may be for you. Glen Allen is located between Interstates 95 and 295, making it easy to get to anywhere in Richmond. You can find lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and even breweries here.

One of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods, Church Hill is a wonderful place to walk around and see beautiful, historic homes. There are also some of the best restaurants in the city. The neighborhood is also known for its parks and historic sites.

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Weather

Richmond, Virgina night skyline
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Located between Arlington and Virginia Beach, Richmond has a climate that is conducive to outdoor activities. It has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The weather in Richmond is characterized by daytime highs in the 70s, and nighttime lows in the mid-20s.

Richmond has four distinct seasons, with a notable absence of rain during the dry months. The best time to visit Richmond is in the spring. This is the time of year when the trees start to bloom, and the city is awash in colour. The springtime weather also brings the first of several festivals. These festivals are often held on weekends, allowing for some fun in the sun.

There are many ways to enjoy Richmond’s weather, but a little advance planning can go a long way in ensuring that you have a memorable stay. Make sure you check the weather before you leave home. This may help you save money on your travels. Having a few light weight, breathable materials on hand will help you stay cool and dry.

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