Richmond Travelers Recommend

Three days in historic Richmond gives you enough time to tour the city’s most important historic sites, explore Civil War battlefields and antebellum plantations farther afield, and pursue your own interests—from art to food to family fun—in this city on the James River. Read on for tips on how to make the most of three days in Richmond.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

Get oriented this morning with a tour of Richmond’s landmarks, including the State Capitol, Monument Avenue, and St. John’s Church, by classic trolley car or Segway tour. Alternatively, hear stories of Richmond’s past on a walking or cycling tour through the historic city center, or head out on an app-guided scavenger hunt through town. Make your way this afternoon to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden—among the best botanical gardens in the country—to wander the 40-acre (16-hectare) grounds and have afternoon tea in the garden café. Finish off your day with drinks at Blue Bee Cider, Virginia’s first urban cidery.

Day 2: Explore Your Interests

Spend today following your own interests. Foodies can take a tasting tour of Church Hill or Carytown, while art lovers might take a walking tour of the Museum District or a street-art Segway tour. Other options include a day at Kings Dominion amusement park or a tour of Hollywood Cemetery, the serene final resting place of past presidents and fallen soldiers. In the evening, take a walk on Richmond’s paranormal side with an after-dark ghost tour to supposedly haunted neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill or Shockoe Bottom.

Day 3: Battlefields & Plantations

Start your day with a morning tour to one of the area’s many Civil War battlefields to learn more about Richmond’s key role as a capital of the Confederacy. Step back into the siege of 1864 at Petersburg National Battlefield Park, or learn about the soldiers who experienced it at the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitor Center. Continue your historical explorations in the afternoon by visiting one or more of the area’s historic mansions and plantations. Tour President John Tyler’s home at Sherwood Forest, walk the grounds of Shirley Plantation (Virginia’s oldest), or learn about the secret passages and impressive gardens of Westover Plantation. For an active afternoon, take an electric-bike ride through the Virginia countryside along the Virginia Capital Trail to historic Berkeley Plantation.

Richmond, capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a former capital of the Confederacy, is dotted with historic sites. A vibrant arts community and up-and-coming food-and-drink scene add to the appeal of this city on the James River. If you only have 24 hours to spend in Richmond, here’s how to make the most of your time.  

Morning: City Sightseeing

Much of Richmond’s appeal lies in its long and storied history, so start your day with a tour to some of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Make your way around by classic trolley car, bike, Segway, or on foot as you visit points of interest such as the State Capitol, Monument Avenue, St. John’s Church, Canal Walk, and the Broad Street Historic Shopping District. If you’d prefer to explore on your own, opt for a self-guided scavenger hunt that takes you to Richmond’s must-see sights with the help of a smartphone app.

Afternoon: Taste of Richmond

Richmond enjoys a burgeoning food scene, so treat your tastebuds to some local flavors this afternoon on a food tour. Hit the pavement on a walking tour of Carytown to sample the best bites—including seafood, tacos, and Virginia peanuts—from several local shops and restaurants, or stroll the recently established Arts District, known for its diverse array of international eateries. Wine enthusiasts can spend the afternoon sipping at some of Virginia’s local wineries during a tasting tour by trolley.

Night: Local Spirits

Richmond is a town that knows how to drink, and it takes its craft beers, wines, and spirits seriously. Indulge in a night out and leave the driving to someone else during a tasting tour to some of the city’s top craft breweries and distilleries. Alternatively, head to Virginia’s first urban cidery, located within a historic stable in the Scott’s Addition district, to taste what’s on tap. There’s plenty of alfresco seating at this Richmond hot spot. 

Two days in Richmond gives you plenty of time to step back into the storied past of this historic city on the James River and find out what makes it such a compelling modern destination. Read on for suggestions on how to spend your 48 hours in Richmond.

Day 1: Richmond History

**Morning:**To understand Richmond’s present, look to its past. Start your trip off with a sightseeing tour around town to some of the most important landmarks, including the State Capitol, Monument Avenue, and St. John’s Church. Explore on foot or by bike, Segway, or classic trolley car, depending on your interests.

**Afternoon:**As the capital of the Confederacy, Richmond played a key role in the Civil War. This afternoon, learn more about this turbulent time with a visit to either Richmond National Battlefield Park or Petersburg National Battlefield Park on the southeastern edge of the city.

**Night:**Many of America’s oldest cities are also considered the most haunted, and Richmond is no exception. Once the sun goes down, set out on an after-dark stroll through Shockoe Bottom or Capitol Hill to hear stories of Richmond’s best-known ghosts and paranormal occurrences.

Day 2: Modern Hot Spots

**Morning:**Modern-day Richmond is home to one of the nation’s best botanical gardens. Take these cool morning hours to tour the grounds of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, with its classic domed conservatory, and stop for lunch in the garden café. 

**Afternoon:**This afternoon, spend some time in one of Richmond’s quirkiest neighborhoods, Carytown. Do some shopping at the boutiques along Cary Street, or join a guided food tour to eat your way around this foodie haven like an insider. 

**Night:**Polish off your time in Richmond at a historic neighborhood turned nightlife hot spot: Scott’s Addition Historic District. Take an early evening tour of Blue Bee Cider, the first urban cidery in Virginia, before sitting down for some drinks on the outdoor patio.