City

Richmond

United States. Richmond (RVA) is a city of layers. It was the capital of the Confederacy, but now it's a progressive hub of art, craft beer, and river sports. The James River runs right through downtown with class IV rapids.

Country guide: United States
Vibe: History • River • Craft Beer
Richmond — city view
Photo: Diego Delso · license
In Short: History and hipsters
  • The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is world-class and open 365 days a year (free general admission).
  • Walk the Pipeline Trail or cross the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge for river views.
  • Carytown is the 'Mile of Style' with quirky shops, vintage stores, and the Byrd Theatre.
  • Scott's Addition is the brewery district—hop from one craft brewery to another.
  • Hollywood Cemetery is a gothic garden where two presidents are buried—great views.

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When to go: Spring or Fall

Spring is beautiful (gardens). Fall is perfect for river walks.

Summer is hot and humid. Winter is mild.

  • Best: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov.
  • Summer: River sports.
  • Winter: Quiet.

Getting there: Car or RIC

Richmond International (RIC) is 15 mins away. Uber/Lyft is easy.

Amtrak has two stations (Staples Mill is the main one, Main Street is downtown but fewer trains).

  • Airport: RIC.
  • Train: Staples Mill.
  • Car: I-95.

Where to stay: Downtown or Museum District

Downtown/Broad Street is central (The Jefferson Hotel is iconic).

Museum District/Fan is charming and residential. Scott's Addition for beer lovers.

  • Downtown: The Jefferson.
  • The Fan: Historic.
  • Scott's Addition: Trendy.

What to see: Art and River

Visit the VMFA. Walk around Maymont Park. See the Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Explore the James River Park System (Belle Isle).

  • VMFA: Art.
  • Maymont: Estate/Zoo.
  • Belle Isle: River rocks.
  • Capitol: History.
Richmond — travel photo
Photo: Diego Delso · license

Food: Southern and Beer

Richmond is a foodie city. Try Southern biscuits, pimento cheese, and oysters.

The Veil, Triple Crossing, and Hardywood are top breweries.

  • Beer: Huge scene.
  • Biscuits: Early Bird.
  • Pie: Proper Pie Co.
  • Oysters: Rappahannock.

Getting around: Car or Pulse

The Pulse (BRT bus) runs down Broad Street. It's fast and free (for now).

A car is useful for outer neighborhoods. Uber is everywhere.

  • Pulse: Rapid Bus.
  • Car: Helpful.
  • Bike: Capital Trail.

Budget: Affordable

Cheaper than DC. Many museums (VMFA) are free.

Food and beer are reasonably priced.

  • VMFA: Free.
  • River: Free.
  • Food: Good value.

1 Day in Richmond

Morning: Belle Isle or Potterfield Bridge walk. Coffee in Shockoe Bottom.

Lunch: Carytown (Burger Bach or similar).

Afternoon: VMFA museum. Walk down Monument Avenue.

Evening: Brewery hopping in Scott's Addition.

  • Morning: River.
  • Lunch: Shopping.
  • Afternoon: Art.
  • Evening: Beer.

FAQ

Can I swim in the river?

Yes, people swim at Belle Isle and Pony Pasture. Check water levels.

Is it safe?

Generally yes. Some areas can be sketchy, but tourist zones are fine.

What is RVA?

The nickname for Richmond, VA. You'll see the sticker everywhere.

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