Things to Do in Richmond (2025)

Free every day and deeply woven into city life, VMFA pairs world-class collections with lively programs like After 5 Fridays and Dominion Energy Jazz Café. Recent buzz from national press keeps it on essential lists across the board.

Richmond’s history museum tells the city’s story through smart exhibits and guided tours of the 1812 Wickham House. Praised by local editors, it’s a clear, grounded way to understand the present through the past.

In historic Jackson Ward, BHMVA presents timely, community-driven exhibitions and programs. Recognized on UNESCO’s network tied to sites of enslavement, it’s a thoughtful stop for context and celebration.

Artifacts, gardens, and evocative rooms bring Poe’s Richmond years to life. Editors frequently recommend it as a distinctive, literary detour beyond typical museum fare.

Go rafting through downtown on genuine class III–IV whitewater—few U.S. cities offer this. Local outlets and travel editors regularly spotlight the James River as quintessential Richmond; this crew makes it accessible.

Taste the city on small-group walking tours that blend neighborhood history with bites from indie restaurants. Consistently top‑rated and cited by travel editors for showcasing real-deal Richmond flavors.

A nonprofit printmaking and art space offering hands‑on classes, markets, and community events. Frequently highlighted by local media for amplifying artists and creative advocacy across the city.

Housed in an 1883 firehouse, this nonprofit venue anchors First Fridays with exhibitions, live music, and performance. Beloved by local critics for keeping the arts scene inclusive and energetic.

Brisket, ribs, and sides that win over Texas purists—named Best Barbecue in Richmond by Richmond Magazine and repeatedly lauded statewide. Lines form early; it’s part of the ritual.

Basque-inspired plates and a standout natural wine program from Randall and Lyne Doetzer. Acclaimed by Esquire and local critics, it recently unveiled an elegant new home in the former Mamma Zu space.

A cocktail bar and listening lounge named one of Esquire’s Best New Bars in America. DJs, inventive drinks, and small plates make it a stylish nightcap after Carytown or the Arts District.

A pioneering indie brewery with national cred from BeerAdvocate and Paste. The upgraded taproom pours boundary‑pushing releases and pairs them with Nokoribi’s Japanese‑inspired plates.