One of the United States’ oldest cities, Virginia’s capital has shrugged off its historical baggage to emerge as a dynamic East Coast metropolis. While founding father Patrick Henry’s stirring words "Give me liberty, or give me death!" still resonate, Richmond is today a thriving city whose diverse experiences encompass not just history but art, music, and food as well. Whether you’re in the mood for exploring the great outdoors, diving into Civil War history, checking out the art scene, or sipping craft beers, you’ll never run out of things to do in Richmond.
Spring and fall are typically the best seasons to visit Richmond. A spring visit allows you to beat the heat, humidity, and crowds of summer, while fall brings beautiful foliage and notable events, including the Richmond Folk Festival and the 2nd Street Festival. If you can stand the chill of winter—when average daily highs are below 55°F (13°C)—you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with.
While locals tend to get around the sprawling metropolis by car, Richmond’s downtown core is fairly compact and can be navigated via walking, public transit, or bike. Leading to most major landmarks is the GRTC Pulse bus system, which runs along Broad Street and Main Street. The city also has dedicated bike lanes in the downtown area, made even easier to traverse thanks to Richmond's new bike-share program.
From Missy Elliott, Pharrell Williams, and Timbaland to Dave Matthews and Jason Mraz, Virginia has produced a number of popular artists. Visitors to Richmond can experience the region’s rich musical heritage and take the pulse of its contemporary scene by attending the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival in August or the Richmond Folk Festival in October. You can also explore the Richmond Music Trail, which leads to notable live music venues, record stores, and recording studios.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EST (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 2 | Tours 39 | Reviews 1,515 |
Some of the top attractions in Richmond, Virginia, include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, home to treasures such as the Fabergé Russian imperial Jewels; the Virginia State Capitol; and the bohemian Carytown neighborhood, known for its independent boutiques, bars, restaurants, and colorful murals.
...MoreThe best way to explore Richmond’s attractions is by taking a guided tour by foot, bike, or vehicle. In the company of a guide, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city's rich and complex heritage. Whether you're a history buff or foodie, you’ll find a guided tour of Richmond that suits your interests.
...MoreExplore Richmond’s arts and culture scene by visiting the Arts District along Broad Street, where you'll find art galleries, street art, and the RVA First Fridays art walk on the first Friday of the month. Check out the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and dig deeper by joining an art-focused guided tour.
...MoreYes, Richmond can be safe, but it also depends on the neighborhood. The city has a high crime rate, but visitors are unlikely to be aware of this while walking around downtown during the day. There are certain safety precautions that you should follow, including taking taxis rather than walking after dark.
...MoreOutdoor activities in Richmond include kayaking and rafting on the James River’s class III and IV rapids and exploring the park island of Belle Isle, where you can hike, go fishing, rock climb, and bike. You can also walk or bike the Virginia Capital Trail, which connects Virginia’s past and current capitals of Jamestown and Richmond.
...MoreHistory buffs can visit St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry gave his “Give me liberty” speech in 1775. Richmond’s numerous Civil War sites include the American Civil War Museum and historic battlefields such as Gaines' Mill, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg National Battlefield. You can also visit the Virginia State Capitol, the former home of the Confederate States Capitol.
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