Ultimate Guide To Richmond, Virginia (Updated 2026)
Brick roads, charming cafes, an alluring history, and adorable hotels - Richmond is the perfect place for a quick USA city break. Founded in 1737, it is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has a complicated, but fascinating history from it's indigenous roots to the Civil War. Walking through this historic city I discovered cute coffee shops, hidden gems, beautiful hotels, unique shopping, and restaurants with that southern hospitality. Read on to discover the ultimate guide to Richmond, Virgina.
I visited Richmond on my USA east coast road trip and had a blast in the small city. I found that Richmond is definitely doable in 2 days, but if you want to explore more of the surrounding area or Richmond's hidden gems stay for 4-5 days.
This post is all about your ultimate guide to Richmond, Virginia.
Map Of Richmond
When To Visit Richmond, Virginia
Richmond can get extremely hot in the summer months(70 - 90 F) and chilly in the winter months(30 - 50 F).
The best months to visit Richmond is in October, November, December, April, and May. I love the spring because Virginia has lovely flowers and amazing weather during this time.
About Richmond
Plugs - type A & B
Safety - Richmond is overall a very safe city. Take normal precautions (avoid walking alone at night, keep belongings on your person, etc.)
History - Richmond was founded in 1737 by William Byrd, II. Used as a meeting place of the Southern Confederacy, Richmond is a city full of Civil War History. Read more about the history of Richmond here.
Getting Around Richmond, Virginia
Fly into Richmond Airport or you can fly into Washington D.C., rent a car and drive or take a bus to Richmond. Flights to Washington D.C. tend to be cheaper.
Richmond is a very walkable city. The city is so small you won’t have to worry too much about transportation. You may need to take a few Ubers but overall you won’t need to rent a car or take public transportation.
Best Hotels Richmond, Virginia
Budget Hotel In Richmond - Linden Row Inn - This boutique hotel is located in downtown Richmond and is adorable. Situated on First and Franklin Street, you can tell that this hotel is historic, and, it is. The Linden Row Inn was built in the mid 1800s and decorated with furniture from that time period. While historic and charming, is also modern and luxurious with modern amenities and top notch service. You will feel right at home at the Linden Row Inn!
Middle Range Hotel In Richmond - Graduate Hotel - Graduate is easily one of the best hotels in Richmond, Virginia - especially if you are looking for a good middle range option. This quirky hotel is located in downtown Richmond and offers comfortable rooms and unique decor. Graduate is unlike any hotel I have ever stayed at. You will find little details that are super interesting and charming. The room decor has a fun feel to it.
Luxury Hotel In Richmond - The Jefferson Hotel - Located just down the street from Graduation is the Jefferson Hotel. This hotel is very luxurious with elegant decor, fine dining, and a lovely spa. What I loved the most about the Jefferson was my freshly squeezed orange juice and croissant straight out of the oven in my bed with the morning room service. When you walk into the Jefferson you will be greeted with high ceilings and luxurious decor. The Jefferson is the best luxury hotel in Richmond!
🛎️Read Next - 10 Of The Coolest Hotels In Richmond, Virginia
What To Do In Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best in the country. This comprehensive art museum is one of the largest in the USA and is completely free to enter.
Opening in 1936 the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is home to some amazing exhibits including Elegance and Wonder, Conversations in Art, Gee’s Bend Quilters, The Pattern and Decoration Movement, The Eight Views of Omi, The Ludwig and Rosy Fischer collection, and more.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
If you want to relax and immerse yourself in nature the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is the place to go. Learn about different type of plants or take a class all about gardening in one of the best parks in Richmond VA!
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has exhibitions that change yearly. When I went I loved the Incanto exhibition and the butterfly exhibition.
Hollywood Cemetery
Located on the James River, The Hollywood Cemetery is huge. This cemetery is about 140 acres. The Hollywood Cemetery is different from other cemeteries because of its interesting layout. Most cemeteries has a grid layout, but the Hollywood Cemetery have built graves around trees and plants instead of cutting them down. This makes for a much more aesthetically pleasing and peaceful layout that provides Richmond’s people with a calming place to rest their loved ones.
While locals enjoy this cemetery thousands of tourists visit the Hollywood Cemetery each year to experience and learn about it.
The Hollywood Cemetery has headstones of past presidents as well. Consider doing a tour of the Hollywood Cemetery to learn more about its history.
James River
James River is so gorgeous! You will find relaxing trails, fishing spots, kayaking, and amazing biking paths all around the James River.
If you are into fishing - there are tons of cool spots to do it (Ancarrow’s Landing, Pony Pasture, Belle Isle, and Huguenot Flatwater).
Some awesome trails on the James River to run, walk, or bike on are Ancarrow’s Landing, Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, the Historic Slave Trail, the Huguenot Flatwater, the North Bank Trail, Pony Pasture, and The Wetlands.
Go On a Tuk Tuk Tour
If you don’t have a ton of time in Richmond or just hate to walk - a tuk tuk tour may be for you.
On this tuk tuk tour you will see tons of popular sights in Richmond in a short period of time. The tuk tuk tours usually include stops at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Monument Avenue, Hollywood Cemetery, Virginia State Capitol, St. Episcopal Church, Shockoe Slip, and Carytown.
Carytown
Carytown is home to Richmonds hidden gems - boutiques, cool cafes, alluring streets, and trendy restaurants.
Other then exploring the shops - a great thing to do in Carytown is to stop by the Byrd Theater and see a show. This is a great thing to do with kids or on a rainy day in Richmond.
Be sure to stop Clementine, a lovely thrift store in Carytown. Consider doing a food tour in Carytown as they have the best food in the city.
Maymont
Maymont is Richmonds Central Park. If you are sick of the city and need a break from the crowds hop over to Maymont and enjoy the lush green grass, many fountains, and beautiful trees.
Maymont is an astounding 100 acres of gardens and wildlife. There is so much to do in Maymont Park including feeding goats, exploring the Maymont Mansion, and visiting The Robins Nature Center.
Maymont is a great place to visit with kids. They will love learning all about the wildlife and animals that live in Maymont Park.
Downtown Richmond
This guide to Richmond would not be complete without downtown Richmond. Downtown Richmond is home to adorable shops, cool restaurants ,and trendy cafes. You will also notice amazing graffiti art.
While in Downtown Richmond be sure to visit Jackson Ward, Court End, The John Marshall House, The Egyptian Building, The White House of the Confederacy, The Monumental Church, The Virginia Capitol Building, The Virginia Executive Mansion, Capital Square, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and the Virginia Washington Monument.
Best Tours To Take In Richmond
Historic Trolly Tour - This historic trolly tour in Richmond will take you to all of the historical landmarks in the city. You will see the James River, The Virginia State Capitol, The Libby Hill Park, The Church Hill Neighborhood, The Museum District, and Jackson Ward.
Food Tour - There is no better way to explore a city than doing a food tour. On this Richmond food tour you will visit the best the city has to offer with a local guide and other travelers.
Richmond Walking Tour - Walking tours are a great way to see a new city. On this highly rated Richmond walking tour you will see The Virginia Washington Monument, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, The Virginia Executive Mansion, and much more!
Best Richmond Restaurants
Best Coffee Shops In Richmond
Ironclad Coffee - Ironclad Coffee serves insanely good lattes, breakfast and has a lovely environment that is perfect if you need to get some work done.
Rostov’s Coffee - Rostov’s is a perfect place for an early morning cup of coffee. They serve delicious Ethiopian coffee.
Roastology - Roastology is a modern cafe with lovely coffee and breakfast. This is also a great place to get work done.
Best Restaurants In Richmond
Stella’s - Located on Lafayette Street, Stellas is a local favorite that serves huge portions of tasty greek food.
Julep’s - If you are looking to experience southern hospitality head over to Julep’s. Julep’s, located on Grace Street, will require a reservation.
L’Opossum - L’Opossum is a modern French restaurant that offers a fine dining experience. L’Opossum, located on China Street, requires a reservation.
Ultimate Guide To Richmond Wrap Up
Richmond is a fascinating city full of so much history and beauty. We hope that this guide to Richmond, Virginia helps you plan the best trip ever. If you like this post we think you will love our USA East Coast Road Trip and our Complete Guide To Savannah, Georgia.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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