Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
What to do and see in Richmond, Virginia (VA): The Best Free Things to do
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. Library of Virginia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Harry42532
This is the Library which contains many records for various counties that helps with your Genealogy Research. I have found many of my families names from the various counties of Virginia. They have microfilm copies of the records and you can spend many hours and days researching. They have the viewing machines and you are free to use them while there. You can also make copies. There is a parking garage under the building where you can park and it's free with the stamping of your parking ticket before leaving the library. You can obtain a Library Permit for use while visiting the Library.
3. Virginia Capital Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By CyclingUngaros - Raleigh, United States
We had a great ride on the Virginia Capital Trail! Traffic along the way are good to give bikes the right-of-way. There are two restaurants close to half-way that are accommodating to cyclists.
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. 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.
6. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
The remarkable life and achievements of this famous early 1900s African-American entrepreneur, first woman bank president in the U.S. and social activist are celebrated here with artifacts, photographs and memorabilia.
Reviewed By PhyllisASears
I'm so glad I made this part of my visit to Richmond. You can get a real sense of a person by visiting their home. The rangers fill in her life story while you're looking at the artifacts of her real life. A must see for a visit to Richmond. #womenshistory
7. 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.
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. 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.
10. 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
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