Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
Countries
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Richmond That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover an essential chapter of America's history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia's capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Explore Civil War history at the Museum of the Confederacy, stroll along the canal downtown or test your nerve whitewater rafting on the James River. With lively neighborhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, Richmond is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway.
Restaurants in Richmond
1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,074 reviews
VMFA Arts is a top comprehensive US art museum with more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. The Wall Street Journal recently stated that VMFA is now a "two day museum."
Reviewed By W2125VMdeborahg
This is a great way to spend some free time. The building is amazing, entrance is free unless you want in a special exhibit and there’s loads to see for free. The surrounding gardens are very pretty with lots of water features. I highly recommend the Furniture and Tiffany collection as well as the Faberge collection, as well as the multiple other different types of art collections. Even the food in the cafe is reasonable and tasty. We did pay for the Napoleon Exhibit and it was definitely worth the price of admission $12 per person. Only negative was poor signage for parking, we never did find the on site parking, ended up parking on street a few blocks away both times we visited.
2. Library of Virginia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Harry42532
This is the Library which contains many records for various counties that helps with your Genealogy Research. I have found many of my families names from the various counties of Virginia. They have microfilm copies of the records and you can spend many hours and days researching. They have the viewing machines and you are free to use them while there. You can also make copies. There is a parking garage under the building where you can park and it's free with the stamping of your parking ticket before leaving the library. You can obtain a Library Permit for use while visiting the Library.
3. Virginia Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By CapnSteve - Richmond, United States
I've been to November Theater several times and it never disappoints. This time was West Side Story with Virginia Rep and it was great. I love the theater - old but not dated. Quaint. Every seat is close to the stage. Excellent performance and excellend experience!
4. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
5. Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
A history museum and research library, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture has been connecting people to America's past through the unparalleled story of Virginia for more than 180 years. T Visit today to view our award winning exhibitions that are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. We are the only museum with all of Virginia's history under one roof — all centuries, all regions, and all topics are covered. Although designated the Official State Historical Society, we are a privately funded non-profit organization that relies on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to sustain its operations. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is located at 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220 in Richmond's Museum District. Currently Closed for Construction: Regular hours resume July 1. Galleries and museum shop open every day: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Library open Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reviewed By ActiveLife4Me - Richmond, United States
This is a fabulous museum! I learn something new each time I visit. It has helped me gain a better understanding of Virginia’s past and all of the people who have lived here and the cultures they represent. The museum is privately funded and on the cutting edge of technology. This was the first museum in the area to post exhibits for adults online during the pandemic. The Banner lectures connect people with authors of new books with fascinating true stories. (These are better than fiction, because you can’t make this stuff up.) The gift shop offers an interesting assortment of books and gifts for all ages. Researchers find a treasure trove at this museum. The museum is taking advantage of the challenges brought by the pandemic to remodel, so it’s closed now. I’ll be excited to visit it again when it re-opens.
6. White House of the Confederacy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,239 reviews
To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and staff, masks are required & the majority of the tour will take place outside the House. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the rooms on the first floor with a trained guide and take pictures. The walkthrough will conclude in the basement with a Q&A session. The White House of the Confederacy is located in downtown Richmond's historic Court End neighborhood, just a few blocks from Capitol Square. Guided tours of Jefferson Davis' executive mansion leave from the Museum lobby throughout the day and typically last around 45 minutes. The American Civil War Museum owns and maintains the White House of the Confederacy. You can visit their other Richmond location at Historic Tredegar. The Museum of the Confederacy is no longer open. It closed September 30, 2018 as we prepare to move the collection to its new home at the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar. The new museum building will open in the spring of 2019.
Reviewed By LisaAP6 - Charlottesville, United States
Highly recommend a visit here for any lover of American history. Our guide, Ana, was extremely knowledgeable about the Civil War era, as well as the Jefferson Davis family. She was also able to answer all of our questions. Felt as if we’d stepped back in time.
7. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
The remarkable life and achievements of this famous early 1900s African-American entrepreneur, first woman bank president in the U.S. and social activist are celebrated here with artifacts, photographs and memorabilia.
Reviewed By PhyllisASears
I'm so glad I made this part of my visit to Richmond. You can get a real sense of a person by visiting their home. The rangers fill in her life story while you're looking at the artifacts of her real life. A must see for a visit to Richmond. #womenshistory
8. Virginia Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,060 reviews
Inside the white, columned state capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson to resemble a first-century Roman temple in France, is the only sculpture of George Washington produced in his lifetime.
Reviewed By ReviewerHS - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This free tour was really interesting and you’re allowed to have a wander round afterwards too! The air con is quite vicious upstairs so be sure to take a jacket or something. Food in cafe very reasonable and my sandwich was great. More of a sit down lunch place for employees though.
9. Virginia Holocaust Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Founded to educate the community about the tragedies of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum strives to memorialize and document the atrocities of World War II. Through exhibits, programming, and outreach, the Museum uses the history of genocide to teach the dangers of prejudice and indifference.
Reviewed By sheamtravels - Richmond, United States
I visited with my family this past summer. It's something I think everyone should do once...I probably would not want to go back, it's really hard to take in. It's so well done and I really liked the beginning with the rise of the Nazi party, and how that happened in a western democracy. The forces that came together can happen again and it makes you think about how far we have come (and not come) and at least we can look at this and hope to never ever repeat anything about it. The museum takes you through the life of one family in particular and what they went through. It also highlights resistance and how people came together for good. If I go back with out of town guests, which I would do, I'd just stay on the main hall and look at the wonderful art of area students that is on display there, art that is about positive themes of healing and love. The museum is also free (they take donations) and there is a train car outside which makes it even more real. I like how it is smaller than the museum in DC. It is just as educational and powerful as the larger museum in DC. The people at the front desk are very friendly and welcoming and while it's a really difficult place to experience in a lot of ways, it's very worthwhile and well put together. Parking is pretty easily available too.
10. Tredegar Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderer28655283519 - Takoma Park, United States
This provides a wonderful peek at the role of the Tredegar facility in the history of Richmond and the nation. The staff are knowledgeable, and for the most part know about the many ways Richmond is embracing the James River as it sits on its banks.
