Destination guideVirginia · United States
35 Things to Do in Richmond (2026)
Richmond, Virginia, established in 1737 and incorporated as a city in 1782, serves as the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Located at the fall line of the James River, the city’s historical development is linked to its role as a colonial trading hub and its later status as a center of the American Revolution and the Civil War. The city’s built environment includes a variety of architectural styles spanning four centuries.
- 35 spots
- 7 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Richmond7 dishes
Cevapi and Balkan Specialties Where to order it in Richmond
Pimento Cheese Croquettes Where to order it in Richmond
Texas-Style Brisket Where to order it in Richmond
Nico Sandwich Where to order it in Richmond
Sourdough and Pastries Where to order it in Richmond
Duck Confit and Seasonal Small Plates Where to order it in Richmond
Oversized Cake Slices Where to order it in Richmond
The short answer
- The top things to do in Richmond, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Virginia State Capitol (Downtown)
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Museum District)
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Museum District)
- Maymont (Maymont)
- Libby Hill Park (Church Hill)
- 7 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
35 places worth your time in Richmond
Things to see and do
Virginia State Capitol
Why it’s on the map
Designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau, this 1788 landmark is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture modeled after the Maison Carrée in France.
1000 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23218, USA
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Why it’s on the map
As one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, this institution houses an expansive collection of over 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years.
200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Why it’s on the map
This newly renovated museum serves as the primary repository for Virginia’s 16,000-year history, featuring immersive galleries that cover everything from Indigenous culture to the Civil Rights movement.
428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Maymont
Why it’s on the map
A sprawling 100-acre Victorian estate and public park that offers a unique blend of manicured gardens, native wildlife exhibits, and historic architecture.
1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Libby Hill Park
Why it’s on the map
Widely considered the spot that gave Richmond its name for its resemblance to Richmond Hill in London, this park offers the most iconic panoramic vista of the city skyline and the James River.
2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
Island
Place to see
Hotel · Monroe Ward
Art Museum · The Fan District
Corporate Office · Gambles Hill
Tourist Attraction
Place to see
Museum · The Fan District
Movie Theater · Carytown
Neighborhood
Event Venue
Where to eat
See the full Richmond food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Bakery
Coffee Shop · Museum District
Seafood Restaurant · Scott's Addition Historic District
Eastern European Restaurant
Bakery · Church Hill
Bakery · Shockoe Slip
Bakery
American Restaurant · Church Hill
Barbecue Restaurant · Scott's Addition Historic District
Deli · Museum District
French Restaurant · Church Hill
Dessert Restaurant
American Restaurant · Malvern Gardens
Mexican Restaurant
American Restaurant · Scott's Addition Historic District
Italian Restaurant · Scott's Addition Historic District
Latin American Restaurant · Oregon Hill
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall
Clothing Store · Stony Point
30 more places on the map
17 to eat · 11 to see and do · 2 to shop · 7 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Richmond?
- The best time to visit Richmond is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city’s gardens and riverfront are most vibrant. Summers can be oppressively hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winters are generally chilly but rarely see heavy snow. Peak tourist season aligns with the pleasant spring blooms and fall foliage, so consider visiting in late winter or early spring for lower rates and fewer crowds.
How do I get around Richmond?
- Air and Rail Access Richmond International Airport (RIC) serves major airlines, while Amtrak provides frequent rail service via the Staples Mill Road and Main Street stations, connecting the city to the Northeast Corridor and Southern destinations.
- GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit The GRTC Pulse is a modern high-capacity bus system that serves a 7.6-mile route along Broad and Main Streets, providing frequent and reliable transit between Willow Lawn and Rocketts Landing.
- Interstate Highways and Driving Richmond is a major East Coast hub situated at the intersection of I-95 and I-64, making it easily accessible by car or bus lines like Greyhound and Megabus for regional travel.
What should I know before visiting Richmond?
- Utilize the GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit system for efficient travel along the Broad Street corridor, as parking in historic neighborhoods like the Fan or Carytown can be extremely limited.
- Expect to tip between 18% and 22% at local restaurants, as Richmond has a highly competitive and service-oriented culinary scene.
- Exercise caution and stick to well-lit, populated areas at night, particularly when moving between downtown and the surrounding nightlife districts.
- Check the James River water levels and safety advisories before swimming or kayaking, as the river's rapids and currents can change rapidly after heavy rainfall.
- Adopt a casual but respectful social tone, as the city blends Southern hospitality with a modern, creative energy that values local authenticity.
What’s new in Richmond in October 2026?
- Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention: A high-profile gathering celebrating the city's status as a top-tattooed hub, featuring world-class artists and live exhibitions (October 23–25, 2026).
Research receipt
How this Richmond guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Richmond replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Richmond?
Start with Virginia State Capitol, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Maymont, and Libby Hill Park: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 35 places are pinned on the Richmond map.