Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Richmond, United States
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 based on 2 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 jennifera64 - Danville, Virginia
Tis place has it all! Paintings, sculptures, furniture, Faberge, artifacts...you name it, they have it! I was pleasantly surprised and how much I enjoyed this museum. It's a lot to take in for one visit so, I will be returning. I would describe this museum as a "mini Louvre." I just cannot say enough great things!
2. Maymont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Maymont is a 100-acre American estate, an extraordinary gift given to the community by James and Sallie Dooley who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Whether strolling in the gardens, touring the mansion, watching river otters at play, or petting a goat, there is something for everyone to enjoy. NEW! Golf cart tours are now available. Explore the rolling hills and winding path with ease with a personal tour guide!
Reviewed By Susan L - Staunton, Virginia, United States
I've had pleasant visits to Maymont in the past, but this last time will have me choosing to go elsewhere in the future. The groundskeeper kept using his bullhorn to repeatedly announce that the grounds closed at 5 and that the gates would be locked. There were only a few people left, and we did clear out by 5, but he was so aggressive it bordered on obnoxious. If he had talked to the few groups individually or even prefaced his requests with a "please" it would have been much less objectionable.
3. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
With something for all ages and interests, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a place to learn about plants, to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, to take gardening classes, or to have a wedding or a business meeting. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. No wonder Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is consistently one of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area.
Reviewed By marykarz - Bluffton, South Carolina
We had a wide range of ages in our group--67 being the oldest, and 7 being the youngest. There is a good bit of walking if you see all of the gardens. We all enjoyed it--there are a good many things the kids can do...MoreThanks for taking the time to write a review. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit.
4. Virginia Holocaust Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 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 nova654 - mclean, va
We recently visited this museum when we had a few hours to fill. Surprisingly interesting museum, especially for a free venue. One aspect I especially enjoyed was the fact that there were videos with containing stories of holocaust survivors that now live in Richmond. Many other interesting facts and pictures. One can spend 2.5 - 3 hours easily
5. Hollywood Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By FamSiam V
I went through on a chilly but sunny Sunday morning, and mostly had the place to myself. A walk would be very feasible, but because I had limited time, I drove - which was also doable. There’s no great parking near key most grave sites, but adequate room throughout to pull over and park for a few minutes. The history here is incredible, and of course complex. Take a picture of the stone map at the entrance to navigate the cemetery or use a guidebook on your smart phone. In addition to the presidential graves (ponder the fact that as of 2018, John Tyler, our 10th President, born in 1790, still has two living grandsons!), check out the memorial for the tragic Confederate figure, Major General George Pickett (of Pickett’s Charge infamy at Gettysburg); his wife was the first woman interred in the confederate section.
6. Virginia Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 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 Roy F - Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
An incredible Jefferson designed white building sitting on a hill in the middle of Richmond in a park like setting. Either guided or self guided tours are available. Very friendly and helpful staff. We went when the legislature was out of session so it wasn’t crowded and we could spend as much time as we wanted roaming around the building. Visitor entrance and center has been excavated out of the hill in front of the building, so it’s unobtrusive from the outside. It provides convenient access, a gift shop and small cafeteria. Including a bite to eat, it took about 90 minutes to see everything.
7. St. John's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Historic St. John's Church - where Patrick Henry gave his 'give me liberty or give me death' speech. We are closed to the public the month of January.
Reviewed By srcmumsey - Richmond, Virginia
Be a part of and witness Patrick Henry"s Historic "Give me liberty or give me death" speech. 4th grade and older will enjoy sitting next to the participants.
8. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 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 beth070303 - Indianapolis, Indiana
Our kids do the Junior Ranger program, and this NPS has a Junior Ranger badge. I knew nothing about Maggie Walker before coming here. This was her house...and it is frozen in time. The tour was very informative and interesting. It was especially valuable if you have daughters!! A very cool overlooked site. Highly recommended!
9. Agecroft Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Agecroft Hall is an authentic 16th century English manor house. It was was taken apart,shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled in Virginia in the 1920s. Today Agecoft Hall is open for tours, special events, educational programs, and is home of The Richmond Shakespeare Festival.
Reviewed By jehenson81
I am not sure what I was expecting when I decided to visit Agecroft but I was stunned when I arrived. This house is amazing. It is a third of the original Agecroft that was built in England and had a five hundred plus history...MoreThank you for taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you back here for another visit in the future. Our gardens will be in bloom soon! Regards, Manager of Tour Services
10. Tredegar Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 401 reviews
Reviewed By actranslation - Redmond, Washington
The parking lot here is shared by both the NPS Site (free) and a paid Museum. Both are excellent in their own right, and worth the visit.
The NPS exhibits are very well down, and include an entire room of mapping the battle and seeing how the heavy artillery worked--since it was made in the iron works.
The paid Civil War mMseum used to be called the Museum of the Confederacy, and that perspective is evident in its exhibits. Some exhibits were in poor condition (buttons missing, broken answer flaps, vandalized paint), but we assume that will be remedied when the newer museum opens.
Note that the paid Museum is expanding, so there is a great deal of construction noise and dirt.
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