10 Best Things to Do in Richmond

Looking for what to do in Richmond? As Virginia’s capital and one of America’s oldest cities, Richmond offers a profoundly rich and layered experience where history is not just preserved but palpably alive, interwoven with a dynamic contemporary culture. This is a city where the rushing rapids of the James River carve through its heart, where Civil War-era architecture stands alongside vibrant murals and world-class museums, and where a deeply rooted food and craft beer scene pulses with creative energy. Richmond seamlessly blends historic gravity with riverfront adventure, lush gardens, and thriving, walkable neighborhoods, creating a destination that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable.

From exploring world-class art collections and poignant historical museums to biking urban whitewater trails and savoring acclaimed local brews, Richmond invites deep engagement. To help you discover the best of the River City, here are the 10 best things to do in Richmond to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is not just a regional treasure but a museum of national and international significance, distinguished by its encyclopedic collections and free general admission. Its galleries house an astonishing range of art, from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Himalayan gold to one of the finest public collections of Fabergé eggs outside Russia, including the exquisite Imperial Pelican Egg. The museum boasts outstanding holdings in American art, Art Nouveau, and modern and contemporary works.

Beyond the art, the experience is enhanced by its beautiful E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden, a serene space for reflection amidst works by artists like Deborah Butterfield. The museum’s architecture, particularly the recent McGlothlin Wing, is a work of art in itself. With an excellent on-site restaurant, frequent evening events, and a robust calendar of major traveling exhibitions, the VMFA is a cultural cornerstone that demands and rewards multiple visits.

2. Wander through Maymont

Maymont is a 100-acre Gilded Age estate bequeathed to the city, offering a magical escape that blends history, horticulture, and wildlife. The centerpiece is the lavish Maymont Mansion, a meticulously preserved 1893 Romanesque Revival home where guided tours reveal the opulent lifestyle of the Dooley family. The true glory of Maymont, however, lies in its spectacular grounds. You can wander from the formal, geometric beauty of the Italian Garden, complete with fountains and pergolas, to the serene, stream-fed Japanese Garden with its koi-filled ponds, moon bridge, and meticulously pruned plants.

The estate also includes a nature center housing native Virginia wildlife (including black bears and bobcats), a working historic farm with domestic animals, and sprawling lawns perfect for picnicking. With its waterfalls, arboretum, and carriage collection, Maymont is a multifaceted destination that captivates history buffs, garden lovers, and families for an entire day of leisurely exploration.

3. Walk or bike the James River Park System

Richmond’s most unique and beloved asset is the James River Park System, a wild and scenic network of parks, trails, and islands running right through the heart of downtown. This is where the city truly earns its nickname, “The River City.” You can hike or mountain bike forested trails on Belle Isle, a historic former prison island now offering up-close views of Class III-IV rapids. The Pipeline Walkway is a thrilling pedestrian path built atop an old river pipeline, while Texas Beach and Pony Pasture provide sandy spots for swimming and sunbathing.

The park system is a hub for outdoor recreation, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the rapids to trail running and rock climbing. The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge offers stunning pedestrian access and panoramic views of the city skyline against the rugged river. This seamless integration of untamed nature and urban space is what makes Richmond’s outdoor culture truly exceptional.

4. Explore Carytown

Affectionately known as Richmond’s “Mile of Style,” Carytown is a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood brimming with independent character. This nine-block stretch along Cary Street is a pedestrian-friendly paradise of locally owned boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes. You can find everything from quirky home goods and rare vinyl records to custom jewelry and gourmet foods.

The historic Byrd Theatre, a magnificently preserved 1928 movie palace that still shows films for just a few dollars, is a cultural icon. The neighborhood’s energy is lively and welcoming, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of window shopping, people-watching from a coffee shop patio, or enjoying a meal. Carytown’s distinct lack of chain stores and its celebration of local entrepreneurship make it the definitive place to experience Richmond’s creative and communal spirit.

5. Visit the American Civil War Museum

Located at the historic Tredegar Iron Works complex on the banks of the James River, the American Civil War Museum presents a powerful, nuanced, and essential exploration of the nation’s defining conflict. Unlike traditional battle-focused museums, this institution examines the war from multiple perspectives—Union, Confederate, and especially African American, both enslaved and free. Its exhibits use personal stories, artifacts, and interactive media to address the complex causes, devastating human cost, and enduring legacy of the war.

Richmond’s role as the capital of the Confederacy adds profound context to the visit. The museum’s location within the ruins of a major Confederate ironworks, which produced artillery and ammunition, grounds the narrative in a tangible historic site. A visit here is a challenging but crucial experience for understanding not only Richmond’s past but also the ongoing national dialogue about race, freedom, and memory.

6. Tour the historic State Capitol

Designed by Thomas Jefferson in collaboration with French architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau, the Virginia State Capitol is a masterpiece of American civic architecture and a building of immense historical significance. Completed in 1788, it is the first state capitol built after the Revolutionary War and served as the Capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Guided tours lead you through the stunning, skylit Rotunda, centered on Houdon’s famous marble statue of George Washington, and into the restored legislative chambers of the Senate and House of Delegates.

The building is a working seat of government, adding a layer of living history to the visit. The surrounding Capitol Square is a beautifully landscaped park dotted with monuments to Virginia’s notable figures. Touring the Capitol provides a direct connection to the foundational debates of American democracy and the complex political history that unfolded in this very room.

7. Explore Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

A short drive from downtown, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a 50-acre oasis of horticultural excellence and beauty. Ranked among the top botanical gardens in the United States, it features themed gardens that bloom in succession throughout the year. The iconic Conservatory, with its classic domed glasshouse, showcases tropical plants, orchids, and a stunning seasonal butterfly exhibit. Outside, explore the tranquil Asian Valley, the fragrant Rose Garden, and the innovative Children’s Garden with its interactive treehouse and water play areas.

The garden is a year-round destination, famously transforming for holidays like GardenFest of Lights in winter, when the grounds become a magical wonderland of light displays. With its serene lakes, beautiful walking paths, and excellent on-site dining, Lewis Ginter offers a peaceful and inspiring retreat for nature lovers and families.

8. Visit Hollywood Cemetery

Overlooking the James River, Hollywood Cemetery is one of the most scenic and historically significant cemeteries in America. More than a burial ground, it is a 135-acre Victorian garden cemetery and an outdoor museum of sculpture and architecture. Its rolling hills and winding paths are the final resting place of two U.S. Presidents (James Monroe and John Tyler), Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and thousands of Confederate soldiers, including 18,000 in a haunting, pyramid-marked mass grave.

Notable monuments include the 90-foot granite Pyramid and the cast-iron “Dead Confederate” statue. Guided tours provide fascinating insight into the symbolism and stories, but it’s equally rewarding to wander independently, enjoying the beautiful river views and the peaceful, park-like atmosphere that makes this a unique and contemplative Richmond landmark.

9. Walk along the Canal Walk

Stretching for 1.25 miles through downtown, the Canal Walk traces the historic Haxall and James River & Kanawha Canals, which were crucial to Richmond’s early industrial growth. Today, it’s a beautifully landscaped urban promenade that connects many of the city’s key attractions. As you walk, you’ll pass interpretive markers explaining the area’s history, from its Native American roots and role in the slave trade to its industrial boom.

The path is lined with public art, including the powerful “Reconciliation” statues, and offers access to riverfront restaurants, the American Civil War Museum, and Brown’s Island, a venue for major festivals and concerts. You can also take a narrated canal boat cruise for a different perspective. Particularly enchanting at dusk when the city lights reflect on the water, the Canal Walk is a lovely way to experience Richmond’s layered history in a scenic, accessible setting.

10. Enjoy Richmond’s food and craft beer scene

Richmond has firmly established itself as a culinary and brewing powerhouse. Its craft beer scene is legendary, consistently ranked among the best in the world, with breweries like The Veil Brewing Co., Triple Crossing Beer, and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery pushing the boundaries of hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The Scott’s Addition neighborhood is a particular hotspot, packed with breweries, cideries, and a meadery within walking distance.

The food scene is equally exciting, celebrated for its innovative takes on Southern cuisine, exceptional barbecue, and a wealth of global flavors. From upscale farm-to-table dining in the Fan District to authentic Vietnamese pho and fresh oyster bars, Richmond’s eateries reflect its creative and unpretentious soul. Exploring the city’s food and drink offerings—whether on a dedicated brewery crawl in Scott’s Addition or a food tour in Carytown—is a delicious and essential part of the Richmond experience.