Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Richmond, Virginia (VA)
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 Civil Rights Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By RobertP120 - Chesterfield, United States
I grew up during the height of the civil rights movement in America and appreciate the efforts of some very special people who wo led the way to educational freedom. This monument recognizes and honors Barbara Johns, the sixteen-year-old teenager who stood up for the rights of her fellow students against segregated schools in Virginia and the ministers, lawyers, and others who fought segregation and won. The monument is in the Capital Square Park. The capital staff immaculately maintains the grounds. It is a perfect place to sit and relax on the many benches, read a book, or enjoy a lunch-time break. Street parking is a big issue. I parked at a public parking garage and walked the short distance to the park.
2. Shockoe Hill Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By urbanguy - Richmond, United States
I always thought that Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery was "the" oldest cemetery in Richmond. No, Hollywood was established in 1847, whereas Shockoe Hill dates from 1822. Hollywood certainly has more notable figures buried there and a greater diversity of cemetery architecture. But, Shockoe Hill being only 12.7 acres (compared to Hollywood's 135 acres) is easily walked in a short amount of time. The more historic figures to be buried at Shockoe Hill, I believe, are Chief Justice John Marshall, Peter Francisco, a Revolutionary War hero, and Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmonder who was famous for being a spy for the Union Army.
3. Virginia State Capitol
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By dad19622016 - Brisbane Region, Australia
The guided tour was great and the whole capitol area is free to explore. The governor’s mansion is open 2-4 pm in the afternoon
4. Carytown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,153 reviews
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!!
5. Maymont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,022 reviews
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
6. Monument Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
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.
7. The John Marshall House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
John Marshall is best known as the “Great Chief Justice” for his role in creating the modern Supreme Court. He served from 1801 until 1835 and his influential decisions, such as Marbury v. Madison, helped shape the principle of judicial review. With the largest collection of original Marshall family pieces, guided tours of his home offer an in-depth look at the formation of American government through the lens of the federal judiciary. Marshall built his home in Richmond’s historic Court End neighborhood in 1790 and lived there for forty-five years until his death. It is a Federal-style brick building that originally included several outbuildings, including his law office.
Reviewed By uebelher - Wrightstown, United States
I was so impressed with the quality of the tour guide at this house. I’m a lawyer so I generally know about John Marshall. But I was amazed at how much more I learned. Our guide Ethan was a wealth of knowledge and had a detailed answer for every question we had for him. It was a highlight of my Richmond trip.
8. Browns Island
9. Confederate War Memorial Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By jehenson81 - Washington DC, United States
This chapel sits on the grounds of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts which itself is on the grounds of the old Confederate Soldiers Home. This chapel was built as part of the Soldiers home. Their are seven stained glass windows that were paid for by the families of Co federate soldiers and another one that was made to commemorate a particular unit. The chapel is gorgeous with lots of hand carved wood and the windows are all original. There is a little information sheet when you walk in as well as a gentleman to answer questions you might have. It was a fast visit but some wonderful.
10. African Burial Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By edwardjJ7296BT
This is a sacred place that should be preserved and appreciated. I'm grateful to have gotten to learn about this via the Elegba Folklore Society of Richmond. More people need to understand the significance of this part of RVR history.
