Virginia’s capital is one of the oldest major cities in the country. Beloved by natives, Richmond seems to have it all. An exquisite riverfront with so much to do outside. A food scene like you won’t believe. Boutiques and gourmet shops to boot. The city’s rich history and lively culture represent the people who make up the city. From off-the-beaten-path gems to world-class museums, here’s how to spend a weekend in Richmond, Virginia.
What to Do in Richmond, VA: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Friday Afternoon and Evening
Richmond’s got a lot of fabulous hotels, but none quite like The Jefferson. It’s been welcoming travelers and locals alike since 1895, and for plenty of five-starred reasons. It’s lavishly adorned with marble columns and main-character-energy staircases, but it’s also staffed with the most accommodating and welcoming people at every corner. There are many suites to stay in, but a room of any kind gets 24-7 room service, and you’ll want to stop by the bar at Lemaire for snacks and cocktails before dinner. The hotel’s shuttle service will take you AND pick you up from anywhere within five miles of the hotel for free.
Few places are as magical during the holidays as The Jefferson lobby. They also serve a famous all-you-can-eat chef-driven Sunday brunch in this space. Image: The Jefferson Hotel
Book The Quirk hotel just a few blocks away for a more modern and lively option. For a small, luxury B&B stay, The Boulevard Inn in the fan district is getting a lot of buzz. If you have daylight left, Broad Street has many shops, hotel lobbies, and cafes. Stop into Birdie’s for cocktails and oysters to kick off the night. For dinner, walk to the stylishly adorned L’Opposum for out-of-this-world and deliciously playful French cuisine.
Cuddle up in your dimly-lit, cozy booth, and get ready for a wild culinary ride at L’Opposum. Image: L’Opposum via Facebook
Saturday: Art, Culture, and Shopping
Fuel up on Saturday morning with coffee and a breakfast bagel at Lift, a locally loved downtown spot. While energy is high, meander towards Richmond’s robust Museum District (also known as the Upper Fan neighborhood). You’ll pass rows of colorful colonial homes, cute eateries, and interesting shops along the way. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a must for art lovers. It’s free, open every day of the year, and filled with paintings, mixed media, and sculpture spanning genres, continents, and eras.
VMFA has an amazing gift shop and a five-star restaurant, Amuse, to fill retail and actual appetites. Your table overlooks a stunning Chihuly in the sculpture garden. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
After an art and history fill, you’re ready to hit Carytown. This unique shopping, dining, and entertainment district is filled with colorful and quirky second-hand bookshops, irreverent curios stores, and upscale boutiques. It’s about a mile, but it’s walkable and truly has something for everyone.
Carytown is also home to Virginia’s grand movie palace, the Byrd Theater, a good spot to have in the back pocket if the weather gets yucky. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
If you’re ready for lunch in Carytown, get a table at Can Can Brasserie for boozy brunch food with a fun French vibe. If you’re ready to head back toward the hotel, go to Mama J’s Kitchen. In the heart of historic Jackson Ward, this James-Bearded soul food mecca is the place for fried catfish, rotating specials, and all the sides.
Can Can Brasserie is a Carytown classic. The patio is perfect for people-watching and pretending you’re in Paris! Image: Richmond Region Tourism
Saturday: Outdoor Adventure
If you want to soak up some outdoor scenery, the James River has it all. Richmond’s middle-of-the-city outdoor oasis is 550+ acres of award-winning trails, water, bridges, and other sites like rock climbing walls and historic ruins. Unlike many urban river spots, you can run the river rapids and hop out for a delicious beer in the same breath. Head to the North Bank trail and turn left to get to a few main footbridges that cross the river to a network of islands.
For more action, you can book a kayak, paddle board, or rafting trip. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
The Belle Isle Suspension Bridge takes you to Belle Isle, where you can relax on the giant smooth rock, see the rapids from afar, and explore the now colorfully graffitied ruins of the Belle Isle Hydroelectric Plant. From Belle, return to the trail and head to Brown’s Island, a lively green space with lots of events and music. You can cross the river via the Manchester Bridge to the Southside or stick to the Canal Walk, Shockoe Bottoms, and the State Capitol — all just north of the river.
You can hike, bike, (or unicycle?) an eight-mile loop along the park’s North Bank and Buttermilk trails using the Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Belle Isle Pedestrian bridges. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
Once you’re back on the North Bank, walk over to Maymont. What was once a 100-acre Victorian estate of the Dooley family, you can still see the Gilded Age splendor reflected in the Maymont Mansion and magnificent gardens.
Maymont is the oldest Japanese garden on the East Coast. This stunning network of bridges, waterways, and gardens boasts many florae and photo ops. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
Saturday Afternoon and Dinner
No matter how you spent the first half of the day, the afternoon calls for exploring Richmond’s hottest neighborhood, Scott’s Addition. If you’re with a group, book a Richmond Brewery Tour to see the best of this funky neighborhood. Aside from lots of breweries (try The Veil and Ardent Craft Ales), there are a few cideries (try Buskey) and even a winery (Brambley Park). If caffeine trumps alcohol, go to Afterglow for some of the RVA’s best coffee and nicest people.
Brambley Park is like a giant grown-up playground with a winery, live music, forest-side seating, fires, and an extensive menu of eats and sips. Image: Brambley Park
You can find some friendly competition at the world’s largest indoor shuffleboard center, Tang & Biscuit, upscale bowling (and neon “hyperbowling”) at River City Roll, and dozens of arcade games at The Circuit. Once you’ve had some afternoon fun, it’s time for a pre-dinner siesta.
It’s hard to pick the perfect Saturday night dinner spot, so here are two. The romantic, chic ambiance at Stella’s sets the stage for a tablescape of rustic, modern Mediterranean fare. From fresh dolmades to comforting moussaka, you will want to lick every plate. If Italian suits your fancy, head to Edo’s Squid. Its unassuming, cramped upstairs locale doesn’t match up with the magic of the food.
Sunday: Church Hill Lunch and Checkout
On Sunday, slowly make your way to the Church Hill neighborhood, where you’ll start with some espresso and a delicious baked good at Whisk. Church Hill is home to the historic St. John’s Church. Built in 1741, this is where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. After walking through Church Hill, grab a casual lunch at Union Market or a more scene-y brunch at Millie’s (consistently voted the best brunch in Richmond).
St. John’s Church is one of the oldest wooden churches in the state and offers tours and reenactments throughout the week. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
From lunch, walk to Libbie Hill Park. This hilltop vista overlooking the James River was supposed to historically resemble Richmond-upon-Thames in England. With the city’s most fantastic views, it’s a great place to finish your weekend in Richmond.
If there’s time …
It’s hard to see all of Richmond in one weekend, so here are some more ideas for your next trip or the extra day you’ll want to tack on. The science-minded should pop into the Science Museum of Virginia near the VMFA. On the other side of the museum district, The Valentine focuses only on Richmond’s speckled 400-year history but is a must for history buffs. They also offer a variety of walking tours based on your interests if you want a more professionally led tour of the city.
The Black History Museum and The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar are both worthwhile. The Poe Museum celebrates Edgar Allen Poe. Agecroft Hall is a 16th-century English tutor manor house that was dismantled and brought to Richmond piece by piece in 1926. Embark on a self-guided tour to see the interior decor and outdoor gardens.
The Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center puts on a variety of plays, ballets, concerts, and more. Image: Richmond Region Tourism
If you love live music and events, always check the calendars of Dominion Energy Center, Hippodrome, and The National to see who and what is headed to Richmond’s fabulous stages. Make a trip — or a return trip — out of it!
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