What should you do on a first visit to Richmond? Spend a day in the Museum District and Carytown, starting at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which is free and open 365 days a year. Spend another day on history and the James River: St. John’s Church, Hollywood Cemetery, the State Capitol, and the trails at James River Park.
by Daniel Yoon | eXp Realty | Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, often called RVA, packs history, art, food, and outdoor time into a compact city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, in town for work, or scouting a move, this 2-day plan covers the highlights and the neighborhoods worth knowing. If you’re thinking about moving here, my Richmond relocation guide covers where to live.
Day 1: art, gardens, and Carytown
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. General admission is always free, and the museum is open 365 days a year (VMFA). Its collection includes Fabergé pieces and works spanning thousands of years.
- Maymont. About 100 acres of green space in the city, and tickets aren’t required to visit the grounds (Maymont). Check hours, which change by season.
- Carytown. End the day walking Cary Street’s mix of local shops, restaurants, and the historic Byrd Theatre.
Day 2: history and the James River
- St. John’s Church. Dating to 1741 in Church Hill, it’s where Patrick Henry gave his “Liberty or Death” speech (St. John’s Church).
- Hollywood Cemetery. Established in 1847, it’s a garden-style cemetery covering 135 acres on the banks of the James River, and the burial place of presidents (Hollywood Cemetery).
- Virginia State Capitol. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and still home to the General Assembly. See virginiacapitol.gov for visitor information.
- James River Park. Walk out to Belle Isle, hike the Buttermilk or North Bank trails, or ride part of the Virginia Capital Trail (James River Park System).
More to add if you have time
| Stop | Why go | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (visit info) | Open daily with seasonal exceptions; ticketed admission | Families and garden lovers |
| Scott’s Addition | Breweries, cideries, and restaurants in old industrial buildings | Evenings out |
| The Fan | Rowhouses and tree-lined streets near VCU and the Museum District | A walking tour |
| Church Hill | Historic homes, views over the river, and local restaurants | History buffs |
Getting around
Most visitors drive or use rideshare. GRTC’s Pulse bus rapid transit runs along Broad Street between Willow Lawn and Rocketts Landing, every 10 minutes at its most frequent (GRTC), which covers downtown, the Arts District, and Scott’s Addition’s southern edge.
Neighborhoods to know
Visitors who fall for Richmond often ask where they’d live. The Fan District and Museum District suit people who love walkability and older homes. Scott’s Addition fits condo buyers who want nightlife nearby. Church Hill offers historic homes and river views.
FAQ
History, art, food, and the James River. Highlights include St. John’s Church, Hollywood Cemetery, the State Capitol, the free Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and trails along the James River.
Yes. VMFA says general admission is always free, and it’s open 365 days a year.
2 full days cover the main highlights: 1 for art, gardens, and Carytown, and 1 for history and the James River. Add a third for Lewis Ginter or a brewery evening.
Maymont says tickets aren’t required to visit its grounds. Some areas, like the mansion and nature center, have their own hours, so check before you go.
Downtown, the Fan, and the Museum District put you close to most sights. Choose based on whether you’d rather walk to restaurants or to museums.
Many visitors end up moving here for the mix of city and suburbs. My relocation guide compares neighborhoods, taxes, and schools if you’re considering it.
Thinking about more than a visit?
If Richmond feels like home, I’ll show you neighborhoods that match how you want to live. Book a time at cal.com/danielyoon or call 804-896-2694.
Hours and admission change. Check each attraction’s website before you go.