The Ultimate 4-Day Adventure in Richmond, USA
Discover the history and charm of Richmond, Virginia.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
As a tourist, a trip to Richmond in the United States offers a fascinating combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Virginia State Capitol, catch a show at the historic Hippodrome Theater, and take in the stunning sights of the James River. Additionally, the city is known for its vibrant food scene, ranging from classic Southern cuisine to international flavors.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Stay at: Quirk Hotel, a boutique hotel with art-filled rooms and a rooftop bar.
- 1. Begin the day with breakfast at Perly's, a retro-style diner serving Jewish deli classics.
- 2. See the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to explore the 5000 years of art, including the ancient world, Islamic, and African.
- 3. Take a tour of the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson and located in Capitol Square.
- 4. Enjoy the lush beauty of Maymont, the Victorian-style estate, and gardens with a Black bear exhibit and Japanese Garden.
- 5. End the day with dinner at L'Opossum, with a menu of French-inspired dishes and quirky decor.
- Stay at: Graduate Richmond, a retro-chic hotel with playful touches and a rooftop bar overlooking the river.
- 1. Head to the James River for a scenic rafting trip, a popular river adventure for locals and visitors.
- 2. Relax at the beach at Belle Isle, an island in the middle of the river.
- 3. Enjoy a scenic hike through the James River Park System, the downtown park with rock formations, river views, and local flora and fauna.
- 4. Visit the Virginia Holocaust Museum for a historical and educational exhibit about the Holocaust.
- 5. Get dinner at The Roosevelt, a Southern eatery with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and locally-sourced products.
- Stay at: The Jefferson Hotel, an iconic hotel with neoclassical architecture.
- 1. Learn about the history of Richmond and its African American community at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
- 2. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, documenting the life and work of this American writer.
- 3. Explore the American Civil War Museum that recounts the story of the Civil War.
- 4. Visit St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech.
- 5. End the day with dinner at Comfort, a restaurant that serves southern cuisine with a modern touch.
- Stay at: The Berkeley Hotel, a historic hotel with bespoke furnishings.
- 1. Experience one of the largest arts venues for musical performances, Virginia Opera, which features an eclectic schedule of operas and other musical performances.
- 2. Admire the murals and street art around the city, such as the popular "Greetings from Richmond" mural.
- 3. Visit the cultural institution Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, which showcases artifacts and documents on the city's African-American heritage.
- 4. Attend a performance of the Richmond Ballet, which puts on a dozen productions each year.
- 5. Finish at Mekong, a popular Vietnamese restaurant that has won national awards for its cuisine.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Richmond by plane is to fly into Richmond International Airport (RIC). From there, you can take public transportation or rent a car to reach your final destination.
Car
Driving is a popular way to get to Richmond, especially if you're coming from nearby cities like Washington D.C. or Virginia Beach. Major highways like I-95 and I-64 connect Richmond to other cities in the region.
Train
Although there aren't any direct trains to Richmond, you can take the Amtrak train to nearby cities like Washington D.C. or Williamsburg and then take a bus or rental car to reach Richmond.
Boat
While there aren't any direct boat routes to Richmond, you can take a scenic cruise along the James River to reach the city. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is also a unique way to reach Richmond, as it crosses the James River and connects with nearby towns in Virginia.
Bus
Taking a bus to Richmond is a convenient and affordable option, with companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus offering routes to and from the city. The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Richmond, while the Megabus and BoltBus stations are located just outside the city center.