Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Richmond, Virginia (VA)

December 4, 2021 Lean Nau

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

200 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220-4007 +1 804-340-1400 [email protected] http://vmfa.museum/
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,074 reviews

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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. Virginia Capital Trail

Richmond, VA +1 804-788-6453 http://virginiacapitaltrail.org/trail/map/
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 124 reviews

Virginia Capital Trail

Reviewed By CyclingUngaros - Raleigh, United States

We had a great ride on the Virginia Capital Trail! Traffic along the way are good to give bikes the right-of-way. There are two restaurants close to half-way that are accommodating to cyclists.

3. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228-4700 +1 804-262-9887 [email protected] http://www.lewisginter.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,589 reviews

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

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 Wendybeth16 - Washington DC, United States

...and magic is in the garden during the holiday light festival. The garden is ablaze with lights during the holiday event. This is truly an event all ages can enjoy, For the children: a special garden, a lighted maze, hot chocolate, a fireplace for making s'mores, a train exhibit (look for the visiting alien space ship.) and pigs that fly. The youngsters were having a blast! The paths winding through the garden lead to lovely views whether lights reflected in the waterways or looking down on the decorations from elevated viewing spots (think a tree house of sorts for exploration) or lighted sculptures. Birds, balloons, space exploration, and, yes, even flying pigs bring the "magic in the air" theme to life. Don't forget to visit the library - home to the train exhibit, theme trees and on my visit, a holiday bell/carol program. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. Good photo opportunities abound. There is a cafe (as well as the tea house restaurant) and hot drinks and snacks in the children:s garden - and an impressive gift shop. Trails are stroller and wheelchair friendly. Lights are on from 5 to 10 pm.There is a fee; ample parking. The garden was voted the #2 holiday light display of its kind in the nation and rightly so. A magnificent display. Highly recommended - this is a holiday event the whole family will enjoy and likely will want to make a yearly tradition. Don't miss it!

4. Virginia Museum of History & Culture

428 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220-3307 +1 804-340-1800 [email protected] http://www.virginiahistory.org
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 262 reviews

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

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.

5. 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!!

6. James River

22nd Street and Riverside Drive James River Park, Richmond, VA 23223 +1 804-780-5733 http://www.jamesriverpark.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 392 reviews

James River

This river running right through downtown Richmond offers sightseeing rides on an antique paddlewheel steamer or on a raft with a trained guide, as well as wading, fishing, rafting, kayaking or simply relaxing on the river banks and gazing out at the city.

Reviewed By homeisjustastop

We drove downtown and parked at a nice parking garage that was just a short walk from the entrance to the trail. Absolutely beautiful areas to sit by the river, in the sun or shade. The river was enjoyed by a few in our group. The walk down the trail has awesome views and made for a perfect day. Parts of the trail have no rails and you are walking on a concrete covered pipeline. Everyone we met was courteous to stop as you squeeze past each other.(not very wide). The only other issue is to get down to the trail, at least at that end of the trail, you have to climb down a wire rung ladder, which could make it difficult for older folks or really young children.

7. White House of the Confederacy

1201 E Clay St, Richmond, VA 23219-1615 +1 804-649-1861 [email protected] http://www.acwm.org
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,239 reviews

White House of the Confederacy

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.

8. 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

9. Virginia Holocaust Museum

2000 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223-7032 +1 804-257-5400 http://www.vaholocaust.org
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 408 reviews

Virginia Holocaust Museum

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. 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.

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