A generous invitation brought us to Richmond, but the city’s walkable streets, phenomenal food scene, and remarkable cultural opportunities made me never want to leave.
Richmond has been on my list for a long time – it was even on the short list of cities I considered moving to before I landed in Charlotte – mostly thanks to nearly always landing on best restaurants lists, but also because of the amazing art scene.
The one thing that held me back from making the permanent move was the smaller airport – but I know that my moving decisions aren’t the reason you’re reading this post today.
Portions of this trip were generously hosted, but as always, all opinions are my own.
If you’re reading this, chances are Richmond has been on your list to visit for a long time, too. Like me, you’ve seen it pop up in travel magazines or on websites (like this one, maybe?) and are curious if it’s worth the trip. Or perhaps you’ve made a goal to visit the capital city of each and every state, and you’re merely coming to check a box.
No matter the reason for your visit, I know there’s something for you in Richmond that will make you want to return.
But before you make your first visit, let’s zoom out for a general overview:
ABOUT RICHMOND
Richmond is one of the country's oldest cities, and its history hasn't always been honorable. But today's Richmond owns up to its past and seeks to engage with all visitors, providing them with a modern and captivating travel destination.
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is a city steeped in history and culture. As the former capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, Richmond played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. But thankfully, Richmond is not a city stuck in the past; today it is a vibrant, modern city with a thriving arts and culinary scene, beautiful parks, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Set on the banks of the James River, Richmond’s downtown core is ready to welcome visitors with ample accommodation options. Just beyond, the city’s charming neighborhoods provide incredible dining and shopping options. Beyond that? Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will find watersport activities and miles of trails. With its combination of rich history, beautiful scenery, and modern amenities, Richmond is a must-visit destination.
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Five Fun Facts: Richmond, Virginia
- Richmond predates the United States by several decades – it was founded in 1737, and named for the town of the same name in England.
- Patrick Henry delivered his famous, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech in Richmond in 1775 at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
- The 17th Street Farmer’s Market has been continuously operating in Richmond for over 275 years, making it one of the oldest markets in the country.
- The country’s first electric streetcar system began operating in Richmond in 1888, connecting the city’s downtown area to its suburbs.
- NASCAR is a Big Deal in Richmond. The city hosts multiple NASCAR Cup Series races at Richmond Raceway.
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Ready to spend a weekend in Richmond? I’m going to break it to you now: a weekend isn’t long enough.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to see and do as much as you can. Today’s travel guide leans heavily into Richmond’s culinary scene and indoor activities, based on the tempestuous early spring weather experienced during the visit – but I’m also sharing my list of must-dos for next time at the bottom of this post. Stay tuned for a follow-up, because I already know I want to return; for now, let’s dive into the first of many weekends in Richmond:
WHAT TO SEE + DO IN RICHMOND
Richmond offers visitors a range of activities for all ages and interests - from history to culture to nature to shopping, there's something for everyone.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
What do impressionist paintings, mid-century furnishings, and FabergΓ© eggs have in common? They can all be found at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
A couple of hours isn’t long enough to do this vast museum justice, but even if that’s all you have, I highly recommend squeezing a visit in. Admission is free, a fact that still boggles my mind (note: parking is $6). Free public places are growing rarer by the day, and this one houses quite an impressive collection of works from all over the globe.
As always when approaching a large museum, I recommend heading to their website beforehand to plan out your visit. It can be overwhelming at times, and I find that having a plan in place helps keep you relaxed and ready to explore.
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Maymont
Maymont | 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220
Full disclosure: I may be an unreliable judge of the worthiness of a visit to Maymont, but after a weekend of chilly rain came the most glorious Sunday – and I chose to spend the afternoon strolling its gardens in splendid sunshine.
Just outside of the city, a once-private residence is now a sprawling estate open to the public. Visitors can explore the Maymont Mansion and The Robins Nature Center for a small fee, or simply wander the gardens at no charge (donations encouraged). We opted for the latter, exploring the meticulously maintained gardens.
The gardens at Maymont include two themed gardens: the Italian Garden, with classical sculptures, and the peaceful Japanese Garden, with a tranquil pond. After taking in the blooms, the lush lawn would make a perfect picnic spot. Parking is a bit of a headache at peak times, but a visit is worth your trouble.
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Science Museum of Virginia
Science Museum of Virginia | 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
The Science Museum of Virginia is the perfect activity for a group that varies in age, as it has something to interest everyone. It’s also the perfect way to escape the rain in Richmond, which is how we found ourselves there one wet Saturday morning.
Set in an old train station, the museum is spacious and comprehensive. Though it was very busy during our visit, we could occasionally find quieter pockets to relax and explore as two adults. That being said, adults and older teens may appreciate visiting the museum during off-peak hours more. With so many young children running around and cutting in, there were many exhibits we missed the chance to experience. Still, the wellness, space, and technology displays were enough to hold my interest until the rain let up.
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Boutique Shopping in Richmond
Addison Vintage | 103 S Addison St, Richmond, VA 23220 Ashby | 3010 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221 Blackbyrd Goods | 3439 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221 Clementine | 3118 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221 Lineage | 3106 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221 Na Nin | 101 S Addison St, Richmond, VA 23220 Rosewood Clothing Co. | 106 S Robinson St, Richmond, VA 23220 The Someday Shop | 22 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219 Stella's Grocery | 109 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219 The Wild Heart | 105 S Addison St, Richmond, VA 23220
Richmond is home to a number of incredible boutiques that stock locally-made, vintage, and highly-curated wares. In downtown, those looking to stock their homes with unique finds will appreciate The Someday Shop’s collection of vintage decor and Stella’s Grocery’s fun pantry finds.
For everything else, you’ll want to head over to Carytown. This hip neighborhood is perfect for shop-hopping – find a spot to park your car, and make your way down Cary St. and surrounding blocks on foot. Here you’ll find so many beautiful unique or artisan-made products at places like Blackbyrd Goods, Na Nin, and Lineage.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the thrill of the hunt, you’ll love shopping secondhand and vintage at Ashby, Clementine, and Addison Vintage. Each specializes in a slightly different aesthetic, but I found something to love at each (and for those shopping on a budget, I’ve listed them in order of ascending price).
Are you somewhere in the middle, looking for a mix of new and old? Rosewood Clothing Co. and The Wild Heart both carry a mix of vintage and new finds and are just blocks apart.
RICHMOND FOOD + DRINK
Richmond is arguably one of the country's best food cities - and its food scene is finally starting to get the praise it deserves.Β
Perly’s
Perly's | 111 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Perly’s is the hottest spot in town for the breakfast crowd, with a line forming before the Jewish delicatessen even opens on the weekends. But go ahead and brave the wait, adding your name to the list if necessary (make sure you hang out within shouting distance while you wait, or you might miss your table!).
Once inside, you might be surprised you’re not currently in NYC – the menu alone is enough to evoke that sentiment but add in the subway tiles and art deco elements and bada bing, bada boom you might just feel tempted to change your accent, or start using phrases you’ve never uttered before.
Ordering at Perly’s is a delightfully impossible task. I think we had to ask our server to give us a few more minutes four or five times – and in the end, we ended up deferring to her to choose our meals. I mean, everything looks good – but I have faith in you (or, at least, the restaurant staff). Don’t forget to order some treats to go!
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Alewife
Alewife | 3120 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23223
Alewife has appeared on several “Best New Restaurants” lists since 2019, so I figured it might be worth a visit to see what the fuss is about.
Well, friends, the fuss is well-deserved. Alewife’s take on the mid-Atlantic’s best seafood and produce is a delight. Dishes are elevated yet approachable, and an absolute steal at brunch time. The menu is small and changes frequently (here’s the menu from our visit, for the curious), so the Arctic char and brunch burger above may not be available during your visit. But judging from the looks of all the other dishes that made their way out of the kitchen during brunch service, I’m pretty confident that each and every entree is sure to be a hit (the one miss for us was the chocolate milk panna cotta – but thankfully we had plenty of other treats from this trip to satisfy my sweet tooth). Though the restaurant was fairly empty during our early brunch reservation, I understand it can get busy. Book a spot just in case!
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Sub Rosa Bakery
Sub Rosa Bakery | 620 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223
There was really only one Richmond spot that I insisted we must visit over the weekend, and I made sure to save it until our last day, and that was Sub Rosa Bakery.
Why wait? Well, because I knew I’d want to bring home oodles of bread loaves and pastries, and I wanted them to be as fresh as possible. And after reading online that items tend to sell out, I made sure to place an order in advance so I could enjoy every single loaf and pastry that caught my eye – all painstakingly milled, leavened, and then baked in Sub Rosa’s wood-burning oven. Was it worth dropping $60 on bread and pastries? Absolutely, yes. If I lived closer I’d be a regular, but for now, I’ll have to just stick to my favorite North Carolina bakeries.
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ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque | 3201 W Moore St, Richmond, VA 23230
A little bit of Texas in Virginia, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is a solid choice for Texans missing brisket, links, and Texas sheet cake. All the familiar tropes are here, like the line that forms well before opening, the butcher paper plates, ordering by the pound, and plenty of stickers and memorabilia from other Texas-style joints (I spotted stickers from Jon G’s and Interstellar – let me know if you spot any of your faves!). You know the drill: order your favorite side of the brisket and find a table to indulge. It takes hours to make but disappears in moments.
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Grisette
Grisette | 3119 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23223
Somehow, Grisette manages to merge chic and cozy into one. This small spot in the Church Hill neighborhood (across the street from Alewife) rotates its menu weekly, but always keeps its gaze on fresh, local, and house-made items.
The smorgasbord is the way to go, with three meats and three cheeses accompanied by an impressive assortment of spreads and breads. And though the beverage list is small, it is quite mighty. The vermouth offerings are the sleeper hit here, so don’t pass one up if you’re planning to imbibe.
The dining room is small, and you’ll find yourself convivially elbow-to-elbow with your neighbors – as a result, reservations are essential.
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Restaurant Adarra
Restaurant Adarra | 618 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219
While you will find several larger dishes on the menu at Restaurant Adarra, the beauty in this Spanish-inspired restaurant lies in its small plates – wonderfully composed dishes of tinned seafood, preserved meats, and briny olives and peppers. That’s not to say you shouldn’t consider ordering a larger entree (and if you see gnocchi on the menu, do yourself a favor and order it), but don’t miss the chance to order some expertly prepared tinned fish dishes. Especially if you’re thinking to yourself right now, “Canned seafood?”
Reservations are trickier to come by as your dinner date appears, so book in advance or call ahead to find out if seating is available. We lucked into the last two seats at the bar after days of watching the website, wondering if we’d get a spot.
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Richmond Coffee Shops
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters | 116 S Addison St, Richmond, VA 23220 Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe | 218 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 Roastology | 2701 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220
Impressively, we managed to navigate a weekend in Richmond with fewer coffee shop visits than usual. But of the ones we did visit, three stuck out: Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe on Broad Street for a solid cup of coffee and for being open early on a Sunday morning. Lamplighter Coffee Roasters for living up to the numerous recommendations it received on Reddit. And Roastology, both for its coffee and for one of the best oatmeal cookies in recent memory.
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Richmond Bars
The Jasper | 3113 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221 Quirk Hotel Richmond | 201 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Richmond is an ideal city for grabbing a great cocktail in a beautiful space. The Jasper is a must-visit for its expertly-crafted drink menu and fantastic happy hour specials – as long as you can get in the door. We popped in within five minutes after opening and were seated at the last available space. Our happy hour cocktails were a steal for an unheard-of $6. I’d have loved to stay for a second, but more of Richmond beckoned.
Before arriving in Richmond, I caught an announcement on the Quirk Hotel’s Instagram sharing that the rooftop would open during our visit and it felt like a sign. But while the rooftop was indeed open, the rooftop bar was not; instead, patrons were instructed to order a drink at the Lobby Bar. This caused quite a traffic jam, and it took thirty minutes to be served our beers (frustratingly, the bartenders continued to serve people who had arrived after us, serving us very last). While the views over Richmond are lovely, it might be best to make sure the Q Rooftop Bar is open for your visit.
WHERE TO STAY IN RICHMOND
For a first-time visit to Richmond, it only makes sense to stay somewhere embedded in the city's history...
Linden Row Inn
Linden Row Inn | 100 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219
Richmond’s Linden Row Inn is a historic, seventy-room boutique hotel in downtown Richmond – and is the perfect place to get acquainted with the city’s rich (and yes, tumultuous) history. The hotel is comprised of seven row houses that date back to the mid-1800s, and the hotel honors its origins by using period and reproduction furnishings throughout.
For those truly looking for an escape, I recommend booking one of the seven spacious Parlour Suites. Each is uniquely decorated throughout the separate parlor and sleeping spaces, and named for a notable local. From there, it’s just steps to the delightful courtyard where you may sit and enjoy a cup of coffee (and perhaps catch a glimpse of the sweet inn kitty, Annabelle).
With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, as well as its impeccable location, the Linden Row Inn is the perfect place to stay for anyone looking for an authentic Richmond experience. You can find a full review of my stay at the inn right here.
WITH MORE TIME IN RICHMOND
Richmond offers visitors far too many activities, and a weekend is only enough time to scratch the surface. Here are a few suggestions for visitors with more time on their hands (lucky you!):
With more time in Richmond, there’s a chance to dive deeper and visit dedicated museums and sights like The Poe Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia State Capitol, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, or the Children’s Museum of Richmond. It’s also the perfect chance to get to know the city’s individual neighborhoods a little more intimately and learn what distinguishes Shockoe Bottom from Scott’s Addition from the Fan District.
More time (and frankly, better weather) gives you the chance to explore the city center and beyond, taking advantage of outdoor activities at places like Pocahontas State Park, Virginia Capital Trail, Belle Isle, and along the James River.
I’ve saved my favorite category for last: food and drink! There are so many places still on my list, from bars and breweries (Little Nickel, Strangeways Brewing, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub) to coffee (Afterglow Coffee Cooperative, Sugar & Twine, Alchemy Coffee, and Ironclad Coffee) to of course, food (The Roosevelt, Cobra Cabana, Brenner Pass, and Lost Letter).
If you make it to any of these spots before I do, please leave a comment and let us know how it was!
TRAVEL TIPS FOR RICHMOND
Those who've visited other destinations in the South or Mid-Atlantic will find many things about Richmond familiar, but there are a few city-specific quirks you should know:
Living in Charlotte means that Richmond is just close enough for a weekend visit (though at 4.5 hours by car, better suited for a long weekend). Visitors from further afield will likely arrive by plane at Richmond International Airport (code RIC, and a twenty-minute drive from downtown), or by train to Main Street Station (code RVM, and right in the heart of the city).
Once you’ve arrived in the city, access to a vehicle is handy, but you could easily navigate your trip by using rideshare services, too. Richmond is a city of many neighborhoods and few parking lots, at least in the “traditional” sense for the area. Most businesses will not have a dedicated parking area, so you’ll likely spend a few minutes searching for a free street space (check the signs – parking laws are strictly enforced) or paying at a parking deck. During my weekend in Richmond, I only paid for parking once, at the museum. My advice? Don’t jaunt all over town; pick a neighborhood to explore for a while before moving along to the next. And wear comfortable shoes – the city is hillier than it appears on the map!
And yes, let’s chat about the weather (so dull, but so necessary). Precipitation levels stay fairly steady throughout the year (on average, the city sees 6-8 days of precipitation each month). This means summers are hot and humid, and winters can be cold with snow. And the times between? Well, don’t forget your umbrella for those random rainy days, and embrace the sunshine.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING RICHMOND
Writing this guide has me ready to return to Richmond!
My experience was overwhelmingly positive, from a wonderful stay at Linden Row Inn to checking out all of the great local businesses, I felt like I have finally been properly introduced to Richmond and I only want to get to know it more. The locals are friendly, the architecture makes the city feel so interesting and inviting, and the food is astoundingly good. At this point, I think I’ve exhausted every other phrase to encourage you to visit, so I’ll just say it once more: Richmond absolutely needs to be on your travel list, preferably right now.
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Questions for you:
If you’ve never visited, what are you most looking forward to seeing, doing, and eating in Richmond?
And if you’re a Richmond local reading this post, what hidden gems do you wish more visitors knew about?
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One of my best friends live just outside Richmond but I have still never really been to the actual city. Maybe one year I’ll take a long visit so I can check some of this out! (we normally meet at Disney or other vacation destinations, haha!)
I love the idea of meeting up with long-distance friends at destinations – that’s such a great excuse to get away!
But perhaps it’s time to do a home visit, because Richmond has so much to offer!
Richmond is one of my favorite cities!
I’ve only visited once, but I think I can say the same!
They destroyed most of the history in Richmond. My family has been here a long time. The heart and soul of Richmond has been stripped away .Its not Richmond anymore. It’s a bland modern city . I don’t want to go into the politics, but it’s painfully obvious why.
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Actualmente resido en Richmond Viriginia, quiero explorarlo todo, alguien podria ayudarme o brindarme algunos tips
I am a Charlotte native and my husband and I are spending a week in Richmond for our anniversary next week (Sept 16-22) and I have an entire itinerary planned out for us. It’s not set in stone but it’s simply a guide to help us make sure we get out and explore instead of giving into being lazy. We are staying in the Fan District but we plan on doing trails – hike Belle Isle, ride bikes down Virginia Capitol Trail, walk Texas Beach Trail and do a Canal Walk. Since the river is so close by, we are doing a rafting trip on one of the days and another day we will spend exploring museums. There are a couple of places we are going to check out to feel like some of the locals like Bingo night at Bingo Beer Co and playing indoor mini golf and games at Hotel Greene and The Park. I’m big into thrifting so we’ll check out some of the thrift stores – Buffalo Exchange, Fan Tastic Thrift, The Clothes Rack and Asby as well as check out Rest in Pieces (a very eclectic shop). The restaurant scene appears to be very diverse and not just a bunch of chains or places with bar food. We love a good rooftop restaurant so we plan on eating at Byrdhouse in the hopes of a sunset dinner for our anniversary. Some other restaurants I’m excited to check out: The Daily Kitchen & Bar, Fresca on Addison, Roots Natural Kitchen, The Fancy Biscuit, Beauvine Burger Concept and Lamplighter Coffee.
So great to hear from a fellow Charlottean!
What a delight to be able to spend a week in Richmond! There’s so much to do to fill your time in the city, and it sounds like you’ve assembled a stellar itinerary for your visit. Happy Anniversary – and happy exploring!
Dragged my feet on booking the conference hotel and the price jumped out of my allocated university budget- found your post – booked the Row House and jotted down your recommendations — Now I am actually excited to give a lecture and go to Richmond. Thanks for turning this all around for me.