Richmond Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Richmond
Virginia State Capitol which includes a skyscraper, city views and a city
Science Museum of Virginia showing interior views
Richmond showing central business district and a city
Richmond

Discover the rich and colourful past of this key American city, and see how historical events have shaped its vibrant culture and identity.

The city of Richmond is steeped in history. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it has witnessed countless events that have shaped the political and cultural landscape. Notable former residents include Thomas Jefferson and the author Edgar Allen Poe. Richmond also looks to the future: it is a vibrant, modern destination with many fascinating attractions, perfect for the whole family.

Past and present come together at the Virginia State Capitol building. Conceived and designed in the late 18th century by Thomas Jefferson, this impressive building is home to the longest-serving legislature in the western hemisphere. For a more personal view on history, spend a few hours wandering though the serene grounds of the Hollywood Cemetery. Amongst the elaborate mausoleums and ornate stones, you’ll find the graves of famous artists and writers, as well as Presidents and Generals.

If you have children in tow, don’t miss the Science Centre of Virginia, packed full of engaging hands-on exhibits and activities. Visitors of all ages will love the fascinating live demonstrations covering everything from planets to DNA. Take a seat in the state-of-art IMAX cinema for awe-inspiring documentary films that really bring science to life.

Maymont Park is another family-friendly attraction. This 19th-century former estate covers 40 hectares, and is home to a huge variety of native wildlife. Feed sheep, pigs, horses and donkeys at the Children’s Farm, or admire the large black bears and bison in their specially designed habitats. You can also tour the mansion house itself, a lovingly preserved example of Gilded-Age design.

Art enthusiasts will love the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The extensive collection includes Old Master paintings, ancient Chinese ceramics, 20th-century Pop Art and a variety of artefacts from Africa. Spanning 5,000 years of history and almost every culture on the globe, you will be spoilt for choice.

As Richmond is set on hilly ground and the attractions are spread throughout the city, the easiest way to travel is by hire car. You’ll find plenty of free parking available. Alternatively, there is a public bus service. You will need to purchase a Go Card and top it up to travel.

Where to stay in Richmond

Virginia showing a sunset

Downtown Richmond

4/5(1 area review)

Downtown Richmond is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shockoe Slip or Canal Walk.

Downtown Richmond
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Short Pump

Short Pump is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Short Pump Town Center, a top place to visit in the area.

Short Pump
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Fan District

You'll enjoy the live music and monuments in Fan District. You might want to make time for a stop at Monument Avenue or Jefferson Davis Monument.

Fan District
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North Chesterfield

While North Chesterfield isn't home to many top sights, Chesterfield Towne Center and River City Sportsplex are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Chesterfield
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Tuckahoe

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and gardens in Tuckahoe. You might want to make time for a stop at James River or Regency Square Mall.

Tuckahoe
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Midlothian

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midlothian and surrounding area, you can visit James River and Carytown.

Midlothian
Omni Richmond Hotel

Omni Richmond Hotel

4 out of 5
100 S 12th St, Richmond, VA
The price is NZ$313 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
NZ$313
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Richmond. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,165 reviews)
"Everything was ABSOLUTELY lovely,"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Omni Richmond Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel

5 out of 5
101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
The price is NZ$560 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$560
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Best service ever
"Incredible service. Great food in hotel bar"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

The Jefferson Hotel
Studio 6 Richmond, VA - Airport

Studio 6 Richmond, VA - Airport

2 out of 5
580 Trampton Road, Sandston, VA
The price is NZ$149 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
NZ$149
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Sandston. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Broad Street and White Oak Village are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (222 reviews)
"Nice beautiful new facility, very good value"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Studio 6 Richmond, VA - Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Landing Apartments near Virginia Union University

Landing Apartments near Virginia Union University

3.5 out of 5
2005 Brook Road, Richmond, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Broad Street and Richmond Raceway ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"The apartment is new, unfortunately the cleaning team is not good, if they continue like this, the apartment will be destroyed very quickly.L"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Landing Apartments near Virginia Union University
Charming 1-bedroom suite with WiFi and AC in Bon Air

Charming 1-bedroom suite with WiFi and AC in Bon Air

Bon Air
Stay at this vacation home in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Chesterfield Towne Center and Rockwood Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Clean and convenient
"Everything was clean. Convenient check in and good communication with the host. This was a nice option when visiting Powhatan for a graduation party."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Charming 1-bedroom suite with WiFi and AC in Bon Air
Tourist Homes of Richmond Church Hill North

Tourist Homes of Richmond Church Hill North

4 out of 5
1619 N 28th St, Richmond, VA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Broad Street and Richmond Raceway are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (18 reviews)
She need better communication.
"The trip was good after we were settled in. But getting settled in, the property manager neglected to tell us there was an extra $350 charge that needed to be on a credit card for incidentals. And we couldn’t get the codes until we paid the money. Without the knowledge of needing the money I didn’t ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Tourist Homes of Richmond Church Hill North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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