Richmond, Virginia’s capital city, is a place that drips with history. From bloody Civil War battle sites and memorials to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous “Liberty or Death” speech there’s a lot to see for history buffs. The city was also the hometown of influential author, Edgar Allan Poe and now houses the Poe Museum.
1 – See great artworks at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The most comprehensive art museum in the state and one of the largest in the country, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a real treat for art lovers.
With the largest collection of Art Nouveau objects outside of Paris as well as one of the finest collections of American art, the museum is an amazing resource for visitors.
The permanent collection includes over 35,000 artworks from over 5000 years of history. The VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is free.
2 – Tour the historic Virginia State Capitol
As the second oldest active statehouse in the country, The Virginia State Capitol has witnessed some momentous and historic events.
In December 1791, the Capitol housed the assembly where the Bill of Rights was ratified to the United States Constitution.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Capitol building and visit the Rotunda, Old House and Old Senate Chambers as well as the 1906 Legislative Chambers. The Virginia State Capitol is a must-see on a trip to Richmond.
3 – Visit wonderful wildlife at the Maymont Foundation
There’s a lot to see and do at the Maymont Estate whatever the time of year. This 100-acre park estate is packed with historic buildings, beautiful gardens and native animals to discover.
The extravagant Maymont Mansion, built in the 1880s and preserved in its original condition, is open for self-guided tours.
The grounds include a number of attractive landscaped gardens, including Japanese and Italian gardens as well as an arboretum.
4 – Hit the streets on a segway tour
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Richmond and also want to explore the city, a Segway tour could be just the thing.
These two-wheeled scooters may look hard to ride but after a short introduction you’ll be speeding around like a pro.
Hit all the city’s major sites and pick up some facts from your knowledgeable tour guide. Visit the Canal Walk, Old City Hall and Monument Ave on these fun and stress-free Segway tours.
5 – Explore the Canal Walk with a Riverfront Canal Cruise
Visitors to Richmond shouldn’t miss out on the city’s iconic Canal Walk. The waterway itself is steeped in history, its construction began in 1785 which makes it one of the United States’ earliest canals.
The waterfront walkway is usually bustling with cyclists, tourists and locals out enjoying this scenic part of the city. Visitors will find some great restaurants and bars here as well as sculptures and public artworks.
6 – Attend a concert at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Built in the Italian Renaissance style, Richmond’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is one of the finest of its type in the state.
Construction of this magnificent building took only three years, the cornerstone was laid in 1903 and the church welcomed its first visitors in 1906.
The cathedral has a Museum that covers the history of Catholicism in Virginia. It also hosts a number of free concerts throughout the year including performances by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and local choral groups.
7 – Eat your way around the city on a food tour
Discover Richmond’s favorite delicacies, and some of its best-kept secrets on a guided food tour of the city.
Visit some of the city’s favorite eateries as well as up-and-coming spots that are popular with the locals.
The good news for the gastronauts among us is there are as many food tours as there are districts in the city.
Explore the different neighborhoods and their thriving food scenes including, Church Hill, Carytown, Arts District and Scott’s Addition.
8 – Meet the chimpanzees at Metro Richmond Zoo
If you’re looking for fun things to do with the whole family in Richmond, Virginia, Metro Richmond Zoo could be just what you’re looking for.
The Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and 180 different species from all over the world. See noble big cats like lions, tigers and cheetahs or feed placid giraffes and camels.
Meet Kumbali and Kago, a Cheetah and Labrador who became best friends or see amazing reptiles like the parks American Alligators and Komodo Dragon.
9 – Experiment at the Science Museum of Virginia
Located in the former Broad Street Station building, the Science Museum of Virginia is sure to inspire the creativity of tinkerers and science geeks everywhere.
With a wealth of interactive and hands-on exhibitions to explore visitors of all ages are sure to be enthralled.
Visit one of the museum’s maker spaces and build your own experiments or test your coordination by playing air hockey against a robot, a trip to the Science Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Virginia.
10 – Visit the Maggie L Walker National Historic Site
One of the leading American business women of her day, Maggie L. Walker was the first African American Women to charter and preside over a bank.
She was an outspoken activist for civil and women’s rights as well as a progressive entrepreneur.
Visitors can tour the former home of M. L Walker, which she lived in for the last 30 years of her life, and visit the Walker Memorial Plaza to see a statue of her.
11 – Discover Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Voted one of the top five gardens in the country, Lewis Ginter contains over a dozen gardens on its 50-acre grounds.
The centerpiece of the gardens is the large glass conservatory, which is the only one of its kind in this part of the country.
Visitors can follow winding paths throughout which reveal picturesque surprises around each turn. Visit the Children’s Garden for an interactive experience or learn about medicinal plants in the Healing Garden.
12 – Explore the Poe Museum
Home to the largest collection of Edgar Allan Poe artifacts and writings, The Poe Museum is dedicated to one of the country’s most influential writers and one of Richmond’s most famous sons.
The museum is located in one of the city’s oldest buildings which is thought to have been visited by Poe in his youth.
Its exhibits include furniture from the author’s childhood home as well as clothing and early and first edition prints of The Raven and Tamerlane.
