RVA Tourism & Culture
Richmond: Virginia's Cultural Capital
The city of Richmond is one of the most rich and diverse cultural and tourist destinations in the country. First explored in 1607, Richmond has been at the epicenter of major colonial and American historical events, from the American Revolution, the Civil War to World War II and beyond.
In addition, Richmond has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene with unique, world-class entertainment venues, museums, and art galleries. And Richmond has become the RVA region and Virginia's hot spot for festivals and sporting events, drawing record-making attendance levels for its marathons, festivals and other special events unique to Richmond.
Click on the links below to explore Richmond’s history, culture, arts, and recreational opportunities. We think you’ll love what you discover:
Historic Sites & Landmarks
First discovered by English explorers in 1607, Richmond is one of the most historic cities in the U.S.. This is where Patrick Henry said, "Give me liberty or give me death," and where George Washington built the first canal system. From battlefields to slave trails, Richmond is where you can learn the full expanse and depth of American history. Discover more.
Museums
Richmond is home to about 40 museums, ranging from the 10th largest art museum in the country, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, to the American Civil War Center, the nation's first museum to interpret the Civil War from Union, Confederate and African American perspectives. Discover more.
Art Galleries
RVA is Virginia's creative capital and is home to more than 100 art venues. Monthly events such as First Fridays highlight the vibrant downtown art scene. From modern art to photography, the quality and range is what sets the Richmond art scene apart. And RVA celebrates art beyond four walls - explore Richmond's burgeoning mural scene. Discover more.
Entertainment Venues
From historic theater venues that have been restored to their orginal beauty to new, state-of-the-art facilities, the city offers some of the best entertainment facilities in the country. These venues are able to book top talent throughout the year and the variety, from classical to underground, is what makes RVA a live entertainment hub. Discover more.
Recreation & Sports
Richmond is home to professional sports teams such as the Flying Squirrels, Richmond Kickers and the Washington Redskins summer training program, but the city is also one of the top participatory cities in the country. Residents take full advantage the 550-acre James River Park System and the nation's only urban river with Class IV & V white water rapids right in the middle of downtown. Discover more.
Festivals
Richmond celebrates its historical, religious and cultural diversity with more than 35 festivals throughout the year. The Carytown Watermelon Festival is the largest one-day festival in Virginia and the Richmond Folk Festival is RVA's most popular outdoor festival drawing more than 200,000 visitors every year. Discover more.
Outdoor Markets
Richmond's 17th Street Farmers' Market in Shockoe Bottom is the nation's oldest outdoor market in the country, and the city offers many newer outdoor markets such as South of the James Farmers' Market, Monument Avenue Market, and the Manchester Market. Discover more.
Shopping Destinations
The city offers some of the most unique shopping destinations in the country. Carytown has been named one of the best places to shop in the country while Stony Point Fashion Park offers some of the finest high-end stores in the region. Througout the city, there are specialty commercial corridors where you can find one-of-a-kind items. Discover more.
Dining Scene
With over 150 restaurants in the city, you will undoubtedly find dining choices that please your palate. As a hub for unique, award-winning restaurants, gleaning accolades and praise from The Food Network, New York Times, Richmond is quickly gaining attention as a foodie mecca. Discover more.
Neighborhood Profiles
Richmond offers some of the most historic and architecturally significant neighborhoods in Virginia, including The Fan, which is the largest collection of Victorian homes in the country. From brick row houses to warehouses converted into condos, RVA offers a wide variety of housing styles and neighborhoods from which to choose. Discover more.
Calendars of Events
Newcomers are often surprised by how much there is to do in Richmond. You will be amazed at how much you can see and do in Richmond in just one day or a weekend. Between all the festivals, walking tours, exhibits, lectures and everything in between, it is hard to choose but at least we have calendars that show you all your options. Discover more.