Best Things to Do, Eat & Explore in Richmond, Virginia
Looking for a city break packed with history, craft beer, trendy food joints, and real outdoor adventure? Richmond, Virginia offers all of that in one walkable and exciting destination. From Civil War landmarks to colorful street art and thrilling James River activities, Weekend Guide will help you make the most of two to three days in the city — while soaking in its authentic charm.
Day 1 in Richmond: History, Culture & Stunning Murals
Begin your weekend right in the heart of Richmond at Capitol Square. The iconic Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is a must-visit to understand the city’s deep historical roots.
📌 Top Historic Stops on Day 1
✔ American Civil War Museum — interactive exhibits and rare artifacts
✔ Richmond National Battlefield Park — key Civil War sites across the city
✔ Hollywood Cemetery — breathtaking views + resting place of U.S. presidents
➡ Amazing Fact: More U.S. presidents are buried in Richmond than in any other city except Washington, D.C.!
🎨 Explore Richmond’s Famous Art Scene
After history, shift into the city’s modern creative pulse.
📍 Don’t miss:
- Jackson Ward — known as the “Harlem of the South”, full of Black history
- Arts District — street murals, indie galleries, and boutiques
- Annual Richmond Mural Project works covering full building walls
This area is perfect for photography lovers — every corner has Insta-worthy art!
🍴 End Day 1 with Richmond Nightlife
As the sun sets, make your way to:
✨ Shockoe Bottom — cozy restaurants inside historic architecture
🍸 Scott’s Addition — breweries, rooftop bars, cocktail lounges
Top dining picks:
- Soul Taco — fusion bites with bold Southern flavor
- Lemaire — upscale Virginia cuisine
- ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque — meat lover’s paradise
Richmond’s food has seen a huge boost in the last decade.
Read also: Bremen City Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Things to Do
Day 2 in Richmond: Craft Beer & Amazing Local Food
Start your day with brunch
😋 Popular Choices:
- Millie’s Diner — Richmond classic
- The Daily Kitchen & Bar — seasonal + fresh
- Cafe 521 — river views + comfort food
Then, one of the best ways to taste in a weekend is booking a:
✔ Food walking tour
✔ Trolley food tour
✔ Cocktail + snack nightlife tour
These give you a bite of multiple restaurants without wasting time deciding where to go!
🍻 Beer Trail — A Must for Beer Lovers
Richmond is now a national craft-beer capital. The Beer Trail highlights the best breweries — and many are concentrated in Scott’s Addition, so you can walk between them!
🔥 Top Breweries to Visit
- Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
- The Veil Brewing Co.
- Triple Crossing Beer
- Ardent Craft Ales
Try a beer passport — collect brewery stamps and win prizes!
➡ Pro Tip: Join a “Drink Richmond” guided tour for tastings + transport + behind-the-scenes access.
Day 3 in Richmond: James River & Outdoor Thrills (Optional)
If you have a third day — this is where Richmond truly surprises travelers!
🏞️ The James River flows right through downtown, offering:
✔ Kayaking, rafting & paddleboarding
✔ Rock-hopping & sunbathing in summer
✔ Canal Walk — street art + skyline views
✔ Belle Isle — nature meets history
➡ Amazing Fact: Richmond is the only U.S. city with Class II–IV whitewater rapids within its downtown!
Cyclists & runners will love the Virginia Capital Trail, starting in the city and stretching all the way to Williamsburg.
Families? Choose easy riverside parks and picnic spots with calm currents.
Travel Tips
| Category | Best Choices / Notes |
|---|---|
| Where to Stay | Downtown, Shockoe Slip/Bottom, Scott’s Addition |
| Best Seasons | Spring & Fall: events + pleasant weather |
| Book in Advance | Brewery tours + James River adventures |
| Getting Around | Walkable areas + rideshare + scooters |
🎉 Summer weekends bring river festivals, concerts & pop-up beer events — the excitement never slows down!
⭐ Fun & Surprising Amazing Facts
- First American canned beer launched here in 1935 🍺
- Edgar Allan Poe lived in Richmond — his museum remains a fan favorite
- Richmond once had the largest electric streetcar system in the U.S.
- The Hollywood Cemetery pyramid is believed to be haunted 👻
Your weekend might turn into a spooky history adventure too!
FAQs
2–3 days is ideal to mix history, food, beer, and nature.
Not at all — it’s a more budget-friendly U.S. city.
Yes! Guided tours are safe and available for all levels.
Civil War history, murals, and nationally recognized craft beer.
Yes — especially downtown and Scott’s Addition.