Things to do in Richmond, Virginia (VA): The Best Sights & Landmarks

June 2, 2021 Frederic Celentano

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. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

823 Cathedral Pl, Richmond, VA 23220-4749 +1 804-359-5651 http://www.richmondcathedral.org/
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

2. Executive Mansion

Capitol Square, Richmond, VA 23224 +1 804-358-5511
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Executive Mansion

This historic home, an excellent example of Federal style architecture, has been the residence of Virginia's governors since 1813, making it the longest occupied governor's living quarters in the U.S.

Reviewed By jmpjmp13 - Wheaton, United States

Capitol Square is outstanding well protected in on damage from the recent unrest which is unjustified. The guard at the gate for the executive mansion was spontaneously helpful and answered a lot of questions and gave information.

3. Carytown

3166 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221-3504 +1 804-422-8066 http://carytownrva.org
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,153 reviews

Carytown

Section of Richmond that is great for walking, shopping or touring museums and galleries.

Reviewed By 278kentm

great shopping,many small shops--great food, very good variety of types of restaurants--th Byrd theater is being restored and it is beautiful!! $4.00 admission!!! I frequently visit Carytown!!

4. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

110 1/2 E Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23219-1308 +1 804-771-2017 http://www.nps.gov/malw/home.htm
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

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

5. Virginia Capitol Building

9th & Grace Sts, Richmond, VA 23219 +1 804-698-1788 http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/capitol-visitors-guide/
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,060 reviews

Virginia Capitol Building

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.

6. Tuckahoe Plantation

12601 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238-6169 +1 804-784-5736 [email protected] http://www.tuckahoeplantation.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Tuckahoe Plantation

Tuckahoe Plantation, circa 1733, the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson is situated on the James River just ten miles west of Richmond, Virginia. Tuckahoe was made a National Historic Landmark in 1969 for it's connection to Jefferson, important examples of early American architecture and the completeness of the plantation setting with over ten restored outbuildings on site. Rambling gardens and vistas make Tuckahoe a beautiful step back in history.

Reviewed By 300rachelp - Las Vegas, United States

Went to see this hidden gem of Virginia. Was not disappointed at all. We went and didn't call for a tour but the owners found us wondering and offered to give us a private tour because we had traveled from so far (Las Vegas) . We were so grateful and loved the home/plantation it was like taking a walk back into time when looking at all the hidden gems in this property. The brick kitchen little house was so interesting too! It was used by the slaves and it still had the smell of wood in the air...you could just feel the history of the entire property. Loved it and a special thanks to the owners and caregivers for allowing us to visit even when they were not open. Thank you!

7. Maymont

1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220-6899 +1 804-358-7166 [email protected] http://www.maymont.org
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,022 reviews

Maymont

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.

Reviewed By S9815TAcherylb

Maymont is a beautiful Gilded Age mansion that is very well kept up the architecture is absolutely beautiful along with all the paintings and the grounds it has a nice museum downstairs in the basement that tells some of the history of the mansion in the living quarters of the servants beautifully kept up would highly recommend this is a place where you could spend just a few hours or the entire day exploring the Hundred Acres

8. Richmond National Battlefield Park

3215 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223-7517 +1 804-226-1981 http://www.nps.gov/rich/index.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

Richmond National Battlefield Park

Reviewed By hoef972 - Manhattan, United States

Richmond was a series of battles fought over several months. To see the entire battlefield will require at least a full day. So plan accordingly. Start off by visiting the visitor center set in the old Tredegar Iron Works and take in the short film telling of the battles. As you set out to see the battlefields, keep in mind that some of the areas have been developed. Respect private lands. In connection to Richmond I would highly recommend visiting Petersburg Battlefield.

9. Monument Avenue

Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 951 reviews

Monument Avenue

Reviewed By fearlessfrog48 - Richmond, United States

What can I say about Monument Avenue. Blocks and blocks of stately homes. Every Medwedew blocks there is a Monument dedicated to a famous Civil War Generals and in one case a prominent CSN Navy Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury. There is also a recent addition dedicated to a famous Richmonder and tennis great, Arthur Ashe. Monument Avenue is to me a place of history that can never be duplicated. It reminds us of who we were at one time, and who we are now as a nation, and the sacrifices that were made by individuals to bring us together as one people and one nation. You can draw tor own conclusions but don’t pass up this amazing tree lined avenue.

10. Fan District

West Main St and North Boulevard, Richmond, VA
Excellent
60%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Fan District

Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles predominate along this 85-block-long Victorian historic district.

Reviewed By 29MC - Newport News, United States

This residential area running on the east from VCU main campus to the blvd on the west. Narrower on the east and fans out as you head west. The homes are mainly 1880's to 1920's. We often walk through area after being at VMFA or VHS. It is 90% private homes but there are some eclectic restaurants/bars sprinkled throughout. Residents generally take very nice care of their homes, small front yards show individual taste. You see very little litter an no graffiti. Lovely area to walk through anytime of year but especially in spring and summer.

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