Richmond is a city rich in history, with a growing food scene and riverside views that could rival many other US cities. It’s also one of the most underrated destinations in the American South. Richmond played a large role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. In the 1860s, it even served as the capital of the Confederacy. Today, you can still find traces of Virginia’s past around the city, in places like preserved battlegrounds, museums, and beautiful historic neighbourhoods. There are a lot of things to do in Richmond, Virginia, making it a great city to explore throughout the year – especially if you have an interest in history.
Richmond offers visitors a unique mix of culture, history, a vibrant local food scene, and outdoor activities. Its location also makes it ideal to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for day trips from Washington, DC, or you’re exploring historic towns in Virginia and want to add another stop along the route. Whether you’re planning a road trip in Virginia or on the hunt for destinations filled with historic charm, Richmond is definitely a city that deserves more attention.
Things to do in Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Visiting the Museum District is one of the top things to do in Richmond. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture is a great place to start learning about the state’s history. Inside, visitors can explore more than 400 years of Virginian history through photographs, stories, artifacts, and some interactive exhibitions. You can also learn more about Richmond’s development and how it became such an important city in the US.
There are lots of artifacts inside the museum that relate to the American Revolution and the Civil War, as well as items tied to the colonial past of Virginia. You may also find temporary exhibitions taking place, so there’s always something new to see, depending on the time of the year. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture is located next to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and other cultural attractions, so the area itself is perfect for a day of sightseeing.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
A must-visit for anyone spending time in Richmond is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It’s considered one of the best art museums in the southern US, and it’s located in the Museum District. It’s home to a large collection of art, including works from Africa and Europe, ancient artifacts, and one of the biggest collections of Fabergé eggs outside of Russia. So, if you’re not planning to travel to St Petersburg anytime soon for the Fabergé Museum, Richmond might be a good alternative!
Visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best free things to do in Richmond, as the permanent collections are free to the public. The reputation of the museum has helped put Richmond on the map as an emerging cultural destination, and the beautiful architecture of the building is worth admiring, too, even if you don’t have time to go inside the museum.
Learn about Edgar Allen Poe
One thing that surprised me about visiting Richmond, Virginia, is the city’s connection with Edgar Allen Poe. The famous American writer spent a large portion of his childhood in Richmond. Visitors now have the chance to explore The Poe Museum, which is dedicated to his life and works. Inside the museum, you’ll find personal belongings, manuscripts, rare editions, and unique exhibits that cover his literary legacy and the struggles he had throughout his life.
The museum is situated a short drive from other key attractions in the city, but there’s plenty of on-street parking available outside of it. Surrounding the museum are some of Richmond’s oldest streets, too, in what’s known as the Shockoe Bottom neighbourhood. Anyone with an interest in history or literature should have The Poe Museum on their list of things to do in Richmond.
Virginia State Capitol
One of the most historically important buildings in the United States is the Virginia State Capitol. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1788, in the heart of downtown Richmond on a hill overlooking the city. Today, it still stands as the seat of Virginia’s government, so only guided visits are allowed for those wanting to see the historic halls and chambers. Taking a tour of the Virginia State Capitol is one of the best free things to do in Richmond, so it’s certainly something worth looking into if you have time in your schedule.
This building has borne witness to several significant moments in American history, including debates about independence, civil rights, and the Civil War. When Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, it was at the centre of key political decisions. Even if you don’t plan to take a tour of the Virginia State Capitol, make sure you walk around the surrounding gardens and take a photo of the George Washington statue. Or, why not take a Richmond ghost walk instead?
Historic St. John’s Church
On Church Hill, overlooking downtown Richmond, is where you’ll find Historic St. John’s Church. This church was built in 1741 and is one of the most famous in the US. It’s best known for being where Patrick Henry delivered his iconic “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech in 1775. Today, you can tour the grounds and the church during opening hours and learn about Richmond’s colonial history and what led to independence from Britain. If you arrive here outside of opening hours, the gates are firmly locked, but you can still catch a glimpse of Historic St. John’s Church in the distance.
Anyone interested in early American history shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Historic St. John’s Church, especially if re-enactments are being performed. The area surrounding the church is worth walking around, too. There are plenty of historic homes, scenic viewpoints, and picturesque streets to admire.
Agecroft Hall
Driving to Agecroft Hall is one of the most unique things to do in Richmond for history enthusiasts. This beautifully preserved Tudor manor house actually originates from England, which is why it looks so out of place in Virginia. The hall was built in the 15th century near the city of Manchester. It was later completely dismantled and shipped to Virginia, where it was reconstructed in the 1920s. It offers a very different historical experience from the Civil War landmarks, with visitors being able to go inside and walk through Tudor-period rooms filled with decorative objects from the Elizabethan era.
During spring and summer, it’s recommended to stroll through the riverside gardens, which offer scenic river views. I visited Agecroft Hall on a Sunday in April, and people were setting up market stalls in front of the building. Agecroft Hall often hosts artisan markets at different times of the year, so I would recommend checking online to see if you can link your trip with one.
Discover more museums in Richmond
If museums are your thing, Richmond is the perfect city in Virginia to visit. Situated inside a restored railway station is the Science Museum of Virginia, where you’ll find exhibits focused on engineering, space, and technology. Close by is the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, where visitors can enjoy looking at experimental and modern art. These are just two examples outside of the ones I’ve already mentioned.
The museums in Richmond are spread across several neighbourhoods, so hopping between them is a nice way to see different parts of the city. The Museum District is a great place to start, but don’t forget to look beyond this area so you can get an even better understanding of how the city has evolved from a colonial capital to a modern hub that still preserves its past. I’d recommend adding at least one museum to your list of things to do in Richmond.
Visit Richmond’s most historic sites
Richmond was one of the most important cities during the Civil War, and many key historic landmarks can still be visited. Places such as Richmond National Battlefield Park, the American Civil War Museum, and the White House of the Confederacy are all fantastic things to do in Richmond to help you learn more about the history of Virginia’s capital.
Don’t forget to take a walk through Maymont, either. This part of the city will give you a glimpse into Richmond’s Gilded Age history, with grand mansions, landscaped gardens, and a small nature centre, only some of the things to see here. There are a lot of unique historic places to visit in Richmond, so do some research beforehand to make sure you don’t miss out.
Stroll around downtown Richmond
If you’re looking for free things to do in Richmond, taking a walk through the downtown core is never a bad idea. Grace Street, for example, is filled with restaurants and local shops, so it’s a good place to start. Areas like Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip will also transport you back in time and are where you can see the city’s transformation from an industrial centre to a creative destination in Virginia. From here, you can explore the James River waterfront, where scenic trails and outdoor spaces are easy to reach from the main downtown attractions.
Spending more than a day in Richmond will give you enough time to visit Carytown as well. This is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Richmond, known for its unique dining experiences, boutique stores, and colourful storefronts. It has a completely different vibe than the rest of the city, so it’s a great way to experience Richmond beyond its historic attractions and museums. I sadly didn’t have time to visit Carytown, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.
Where to eat in Richmond, Virginia
Big Bamboo
Looking for fusion food in Richmond? Then head over to Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen. It’s located on Grace Street and combines Asian and Latin-inspired flavours in its dishes, with a tequila bar atmosphere. This restaurant in Richmond has quickly become a favourite with the locals, and it’s a nice spot for visitors looking for something other than Southern comfort food. It sits close to Richmond’s theatre district as well as the Virginia State Capitol, making it a convenient stop while sightseeing.
I would recommend ordering one of their noodle dishes if you’re feeling very hungry. The portion is generous and very flavourful. They even have tofu as an alternative to chicken or beef, and the noodles are packed with fresh ingredients and spices. Don’t be afraid to dine here solo either – the bar is the perfect place to sit without feeling out of place in such a busy restaurant.
Paix Coffee
In the Museum District, you’ll find one of the best specialty coffee shops in Richmond. Paix Coffee is an independent cafe that’s known for its calm atmosphere, well-crafted drinks, and tasty pastries. If you have an espresso machine at home, you can grab one of their jars of coffee beans and enjoy the taste of Richmond long after your trip has finished. I’m not a big coffee drinker, so while I didn’t order a drink here, I did try a freshly made croissant instead. Paix Coffee is the perfect alternative to larger chains, and it’s a nice way to support a local business that’s not along the usual tourist route.
Buttermilk and Honey
For some of the best Southern comfort food in Richmond, Buttermilk and Honey is the place to go. Eating here is considered one of the best things to do in Richmond, thanks to their award-winning crispy chicken sandwiches paired with incredible comfort dishes like mac and cheese. They even feature gluten-free fried chicken on the menu, which can be difficult to find. This is another restaurant in Richmond located on Grace Street, so it’s easy to visit while exploring the downtown area.
First Watch
First Watch is a reliable choice for breakfast in Richmond. There are over 600 First Watch restaurants in the US, so although it isn’t a locally-owned spot, I’d still recommend it. First Watch is best known for its breakfast dishes, like Million Dollar Bacon, lemon ricotta pancakes, and avocado toast. The menu is very big, though, so you’ll most likely find a few things you want to try. The portions here are huge, and their fresh juices are decent for the price. There are also plenty of healthier brunch options available if you don’t want to load up on potatoes and bacon.
Where to stay in Richmond, Virginia
Linden Row Inn
Linden Row Inn is one of the best historic hotels in Richmond, VA, located along East Franklin Street. This boutique hotel is made up of a collection of preserved Greek Revival row houses from the 19th century, so it’s beautiful to look at from the outside as well as inside. Many of Richmond’s major attractions are located a short walk from the hotel, such as the Virginia State Capitol, making it a great base to explore the city from.
The inn also has ties to Edgar Allen Poe, who spent time in the gardens here during his childhood. Linden Row Inn is said to be where he drew inspiration for his poem To Helen.
I had the opportunity to stay in the newly renovated Charles Ellis Parlor suite, which consists of two rooms and an ensuite bathroom. The suite is named after the original owner of the property’s gardens and features antique furnishings, high ceilings, and big windows that overlook the street. There’s also a private veranda, where you can sit and enjoy the view over the courtyard gardens. Although the parlor has been modernized, the historic details have been beautifully preserved, including the marble fireplace and woodwork.
Beyond the rooms of Linden Row Inn, there is a range of amenities for guests to enjoy. The quiet garden courtyard was a highlight for me, providing a peaceful retreat from the surrounding downtown area. There’s a seating area near the entrance for guests to enjoy, too – and share with the resident cat! Although the inn doesn’t offer breakfast, the staff are more than happy to recommend cafes nearby.
Guests can park around the corner, in an affordable parking garage, and there’s space outside the inn to park while checking in and dropping off your bags. Anyone visiting Richmond for its history will enjoy staying at Linden Row Inn, especially for its architecture and literary connections. It’s easily one of the best places to stay in Virginia, and it will make your stay in Richmond even more memorable.
What’s a good amount of time to spend in Richmond, Virginia?
With its mix of historic neighbourhoods, world-class museums, unique food scene, and Civil War history, Richmond may just be one of the most underrated destinations in Virginia. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, learning about Edgar Allen Poe, or discovering the city through museums and restaurants, there’s always a lot of things to do in Richmond. For most visitors, I’d recommend staying at least one night in the city, if not two, so you have enough time to see the main attractions and experience neighbourhoods beyond the downtown core. For history lovers, though, you may want to stay even longer and explore nearby small towns in Virginia.
If you have any questions about things to do in Richmond, VA, or where to eat in the city, please reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok, too, where you’ll find more helpful travel tips and unique places to add to your bucket list.
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