Richmond

Richmond is the capital of Virginia with a population of 227,000 (2020) and the adjacent counties of Henrico and Chesterfield combining to create a local population of more than 1.3 million. The city has been called a city of neighborhoods, each with a distinct look, flavor, and identity — The Fan, Museum District & Carytown, Downtown (including Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip), West End, Southside, Northside, and East End.

Richmond is one of the oldest American cities, settled in 1607 by Capt. Christopher Newport and Capt. John Smith. Named after the London suburb of Richmond-upon-Thames by William Byrd II, it became the state capital in 1782. Despite serving as the Confederate capital during the Civil War, Richmond is not a typical Southern town — it was and still is an industrialized urban center with strong economic ties to the North and West as well as the South.

The climate is humid subtropical with moderately cold winters and hot, humid summers. Daytime summer temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) on 43 days per year on average. The best time to visit is spring and fall. The James River runs through the city, offering opportunities for white water rafting and kayaking right downtown.

By Plane

Richmond International Airport (RIC IATA) in nearby Sandston is about a $20 taxi ride east of downtown, served by most major domestic carriers plus JetBlue and Southwest. Chesterfield County Airport (FCI IATA) and Hanover County Airport (OFP IATA) handle general aviation.

By Train

Two Amtrak stations serve Richmond: Staples Mill Road Station (primary, in suburban Henrico County, $20-25 taxi to downtown) and Richmond Main Street Station (historic downtown station, served by fewer trains). Northeast Corridor trains connect to Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.

By Car / Road

Richmond is on I-95 less than 2 hours south of Washington DC. I-64 runs east-west providing easy access to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Charlottesville. Other major roadways include the Powhite Parkway (Route 76), Chippenham Parkway (Route 150), and Route 288.

The easiest way to get around is by car. Roadside parking spaces are relatively easy to find. The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) operates bus service across the city — free to all users since March 2020 (through at least July 2026). The Pulse Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line runs along Broad Street. Many find it easiest to park at an all-day garage and use the bus to avoid parking hassles.

• Virginia State Capitol — Designed by Thomas Jefferson, inspired by the Maison Carrée at Nimes, France. Served as the Confederate Capitol during the Civil War.

• Museum of the Confederacy — Houses artifacts and exhibits from the Confederate States of America.

• Tredegar Iron Works — Civil War-era iron works, now a museum complex on the James River.

• Hollywood Cemetery — More than 18,000 Confederate soldiers laid to rest, plus presidents James Monroe and John Tyler.

• Science Museum of Virginia — In the Museum District, interactive exhibits for all ages.

• Richmond National Battlefield Park — Sites of Civil War battles around Richmond.

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — World-class art collection, free general admission.

• White Water Rafting on the James River — Class III rapids right downtown (may become class IV in right conditions). Guided tours recommended for downtown rapids; safer upstream options available.

• Canoeing and Kayaking — Calmer sections of the James River upstream offer lazy paddling. Requires two cars.

• Carytown Shopping — Browse boutiques, restaurants, and the historic Carytowntheatre.

• Belle Isle — Civil War prison site, now a park with hiking trails and river views.

• Maymont — 100-acre Victorian estate with gardens, nature center, and animal habitats.

Richmond has a surprisingly excellent food scene, from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.

• Budget: Casual restaurants and food trucks throughout the city, $10-18 per person.
• Mid-range: Established restaurants in Carytown, The Fan, and Shockoe Bottom, $20-40 per person.
• Upscale: Fine dining with river views and chef-driven menus, $45+ per person.

Richmond has a thriving craft brewery scene with dozens of local breweries. The Scott's Addition neighborhood is the city's brewery district. Wine bars and cocktail lounges are plentiful in The Fan and Carytown. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Hotels along the I-95 corridor and near the airport, $70-120/night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in downtown and The Fan, $130-230/night.
• Upscale / heritage: The Jefferson Hotel (historic landmark) and The Graduate Richmond, $250-450/night.

Richmond offers diverse shopping from the boutiques of Carytown to the antique shops of The Fan. The Stony Point Fashion Park and Short Pump Town Center are major shopping destinations. Local artisans sell crafts at the Richmond Farmers Market.

• Williamsburg, VA — 50 miles east (1 hour); Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.
• Charlottesville, VA — 70 miles west (1.5 hours); Monticello and University of Virginia.
• Fredericksburg, VA — 60 miles north (1 hour); Civil War battlefields and historic downtown.
• Virginia Beach, VA — 100 miles east (2 hours); resort city with beaches and Boardwalk.
• Shenandoah Valley — 2 hours west; Skyline Drive and mountain scenery.