Visiting Richmond, Virginia for the first time? Whether you're here to explore, considering a move, or in town for work - I've got you covered! This ultimate first-timer's itinerary will help you eat, explore, and experience the best of RVA, so you can see exactly why this city is so special.
WHERE TO STAY:
First off, you're probably wondering where to stay. What's centrally located? What has the best vibe? If you are considering a particular neighborhood to move to, I recommend staying in that neighborhood to test it out.
Otherwise, here are my top picks:
Best Location:
The Fan neighborhood - centrally located, historical and has so much charm. Find an airbnb to stay in & live like a local!
Favorite B&B:
The Boulevard Inn - 4-star converted historical mansion next to the Virginia Museum of Art, such a vibe!
Favorite Historic Inn:
Linden Row Inn - seven beautifully preserved historic row houses built between 1847 and 1853. These homes were part of an upscale residential block in Richmond, known as Linden Row, and now are a boutique hotel.
Favorite Hotel:
The Jefferson Hotel - Richmond’s most iconic luxury hotel, known for its Gilded Age elegance, grand architecture, and rich history. Opened in 1895 by tobacco tycoon Lewis Ginter, with Beaux-Arts style, marble columns, and the stunning grand staircase. I have a YouTube video from when I stayed during Christmas here: Jefferson Hotel Tour Video
Favorite Boutique:
Quirk Hotel - housed in a renovated 1916 department store, the hotel keeps its original exposed brick, high ceilings, and massive windows, while adding a fresh, pink-forward aesthetic that’s both chic and playful.
Favorite Budget:
Graduate by Hilton - decor is filled with VCU and Richmond-inspired touches. Best part is the Byrd House, the rooftop bar and pool, offering stunning city views with a laid-back, atmosphere.
2-Day Itinerary:
DAY 1: RICHMOND VIBES
Morning
☕️ Start with a coffee and vintage shopping at Paix Coffee. This super trendy coffee shop roasts their own beans and is located in the Museum District neighborhood and attached to the vintage shop Rexco. This shop has tons of effortlessly cool and vintage clothing, including some of their own branded tees and jackets.
🥐 Grab breakfast with a pastry from Idle Hands Bread Company. This bakery has tons of delicious sourdough pastry options, including an entire case of vegan options. Eat your pastry as you walk through the hidden gem called Scuffletown Park.
Afternoon
🎨 Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). It is insanely surprising just how good of a collection Richmond has when it comes to art, and it's free! Famous for it's Fabergé eggs, Monet, Degas, Renoir paintings, Art Deco & Art Nouveau furniture and design and so much more! Getting lunch at the museum's restaurant Amuse is also a real treat. The views are stunning and the ambience is perfect. Vegan options available.
🛍️ Walk to Carytown and shop from local boutiques. From the VMFA it is only a few blocks to Richmond's local shopping district. Some of my favorite shops are:
Richmond Olive Oil Company - Open 10am-6pm, closed Mon, local shop selling premium olive oils and balsamics.
Blackbyrd Goods - Open 12-6pm, closed Mon-Wed, hip and cool men's clothing
Dinner Party - Open 11am-7pm, closed Mon, essentials for a dinner party including wine and snacks
Lineage - Open 11am-6pm, hipster, camping feel gift shop
Mamie's Apothecary - Open 10am-6pm, holistic goods and refillable soaps, etc
Plan 9 Music - Open10am-7pm, local record shop that also sells concert tickets
Walkabout Outfitter - Open 10am-6pm, everything you need to go hiking or camping
Ashby - Open 10am-7pm, vintage clothing shop for men and women World of Mirth - Open 10am-6pm, a huge toy story with tons to look at
Mongrel - Open 10am-6pm, highly curated gift shop
Shelf Life Books - Open 12pm-6pm, new & used books with two cats who live there
Evening
🍽️ Have Dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in Carytown.
Here are a few of my favorites:
🍜 Pho Luca's (Vietnamese)
💚 Favs: Veggie Pho, Tofu Nuggets & Tofu Banh Mi, Vegan options available.
⏰ 12-9pm daily, Tues closed
🥘 Carytown Indian (Indian)
💚 Favs: Chana Masala, Samosas, Vegan options available.
⏰ 12-9pm daily, Tues closed
🌱 Tiny Vegan (100% Vegan, American)
💚 Favs: Cashwrap, Breakfast Burrito, Vegan options available.
⏰ Thurs-Sun 9am-3pm, Wed 12-3pm
🍕 Zorch Pizza (NY-style Pizza)
💚 Favs: Vegan Grandma-style pizza, Vegan options available.
⏰ Tues-Thurs 4-9pm, 12-9pm Fri-Sun, Mon closed
🌮 Lolita's (Mexican)
💚 Favs: Mushroom Taco, Guac & Chips, Vegan options available.
⏰ 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-10pm
🍿 See a movie at the Historic Byrd Theater. The Byrd Theater is Richmond’s most iconic and historic movie palace, known for its grand architecture, vintage charm, and affordable showings. Opened in 1928 and has been continuously operating for nearly a century. Bob Gulledge plays the Wurlitzer pipe organ before showings. Open Wed-Sun.
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DAY 2: HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE & RIVER VIEWS
Morning
☕ Start with coffee & breakfast at Sefton Coffee Co. Great vibes, interesting latte options, and locally roasted coffee.
🏛 Explore the Virginia State Capitol. This building was designed by Thomas Jefferson and opened in 1792. The tours are free, and it's super historical and has great architecture. Afterwards admire the architecture of the Old City Hall building and Virginia Executive Mansion.
Afternoon
🥢 Get lunch at Native Plate. This is a cool spot offering elevated takes on Southeast Asian classics, plus a full bar. Vegan options available.
🛶 Take a trip down the canal with Riverfront Canal Cruises. This tour is a crash course in Richmond history and an interesting perspective of Richmond from the water.
🚂 Drive by the Main Street Station and admire the Beaux-Arts architecture. Opened in 1901, this grand train station is known for its iconic clock tower, massive arched windows, and intricate detailing, making it one of the most beautiful rail stations in the country.
⛪️ Visit Historic St Johns Church. This is one of the most significant landmarks in American history. Built in 1741, it is Richmond’s oldest church and the site of Patrick Henry’s legendary “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech in 1775, which helped ignite the American Revolution.
🥧 Grab a snack at the unique Proper Pie Co. This is a New Zealand hand pie spot offering sweet and savory pies. This is my partner Lukas' favorite place in all of Richmond. 💚 Fav: Chili Bean & Cheese. Vegan options available.
Evening
🌅 Watch the sunset at Libby Hill Park. This is hands down the best view of Richmond in my opinion. On one side you will see downtown Richmond and on the other you will see the James River. It can literally take your breath away, especially during a sunset.
🍝 Have Dinner at The Roosevelt. Reservations recommended, but they do accept walk-ins. This spot has great vibes and ambience as well as a fresh seasonal menu and full bar. Vegan options available.
🍦 Get dessert at Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co. Specializes in New England-style ice cream, known for its high butterfat content and dense, creamy texture. Vegan options available.
This jam-packed 2-day itinerary highlights some of the absolute best that Richmond has to offer. Want to take it slower? Stretch it into a 3 or even 4 day adventure and soak in the city at your own pace. And trust me, there’s so much more to discover beyond what I’ve included here. But if you don’t fall in love with Richmond after these two days... well, let’s just say, this city might not be for you. That’s how confident I am that this itinerary showcases the very best of RVA!
I hope you found this itinerary helpful! There are more blogs on my website about Richmond travel tips.
You can also follow me on YouTube for my lifestyle vlogs & travel videos in Richmond or Instagram for daily updates.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to DM me on Instagram any time.
💚 Lauren