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 valor casino login 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 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.

As you explore the exhibits (you’ll gain insights into the author’s creative process), his iconic tales of mystery and the macabre, and the enduring impact of his writings on literature and popular culture. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts (including Poe’s personal belongings), original manuscripts, and rare memorabilia. Visitors can also take a short educational tram ride through an open animal enclosure where they can see some animals safely without barriers in a safari style tour of the park. It’s probably not as big as national zoos but it’s still a great experience. The Metro Richmond Zoo is a well designed and compact kind of animal park that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

• This is not just a graveyard—it’s a huge outdoor museum full of Richmond history and stories.
• Travelers seeking Richmond’s vibrant nightlife scene should absolutely visit Cary Street and Shockoe Bottom — where the city’s nocturnal energy comes alive.
• 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 demands an entire day to fully uncover the Civil War’s impact on Virginia, with its extensive museums and historical sites.

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 lush spot features more than a dozen themed gardens (including an Asian Valley), a rose garden, and a domed conservatory. Nearby (Libby Hill Park is famously the place that inspired Richmond’s name), thanks to its striking views of the James River that resemble those of Richmond-upon-Thames in England. Chimborazo Park offers sweeping 180-degree vistas of the city and is a perfect spot for a picnic. For a more laid-back outing, Byrd Park features serene lakes with pedal boat rentals, wooded trails, exercise stations, playgrounds, tennis courts, and the iconic World War I Memorial Carillon. For a modest fee — you can hop aboard a 40-minute narrated Riverfront Canal Cruise to learn more about the city’s past or take a Black history bike or walking tour with Bike and Brunch Tours. One of the city’s most inspiring figures is Maggie L. Walker, the first African American woman to charter and serve as president of a bank in the United States.

Agecroft Hall and its meticulously preserved gardens now welcome guests to step back into 16th-century England’s lifestyle. While Scott’s Addition is easily navigable on foot — those preferring a unique ride can opt for a tuk tuk tour to glide through the neighborhood. To discover the highest concentration of local hotspots (explore Scott’s Addition—home to Ardent Craft Ales), The Veil, Vasen, Bingo Beer Co., and the stylish Starr Hill Beer Hall Rooftop. The permanent collection spans from ancient and pre-Columbian treasures to Fabergé masterpieces (photography), and cutting-edge contemporary art. Open daily without charge, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses an unparalleled collection, boasting nearly 50,000 artworks from around the world. Originally serving as a Civil War-era Union prisoner-of-war camp (Belle Isle today thrives as a hub for hiking), biking, sunbathing on its rocky shores, and—with caution—river swimming.

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.