Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples 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 Museum of Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,074 reviews
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 Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By CapnSteve - Richmond, United States
I've been to November Theater several times and it never disappoints. This time was West Side Story with Virginia Rep and it was great. I love the theater - old but not dated. Quaint. Every seat is close to the stage. Excellent performance and excellend experience!
3. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
4. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,589 reviews
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!
5. 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!!
6. James River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,239 reviews
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. Virginia Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,060 reviews
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.
9. Virginia Holocaust Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
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. Tredegar Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderer28655283519 - Takoma Park, United States
This provides a wonderful peek at the role of the Tredegar facility in the history of Richmond and the nation. The staff are knowledgeable, and for the most part know about the many ways Richmond is embracing the James River as it sits on its banks.
