I went to college at Virginia Commonwealth University and spent all four years exploring this great city. Every weekend I was out trying a new restaurant or going to a different part of town. It is in my nature to explore, and luckily for me, Richmond is a place worth seeing. Over the last four years, I’ve seen the city transform in many ways. There’s a new transportation system called The Pulse. This is a bus route that goes from one end of Broad St to the other. Monroe Park was remodeled and looks like a miniature central park and the ICA was built. Which is a free art museum with rotating exhibits. Richmond has so much to offer and I can’t wait to tell you why. But first, let’s dive into some of my favorite parts of town.
My favorite neighborhoods
Scotts Addition~ I put this one first because it is my absolute FAVORITE place to spend an evening in RVA. Scott’s Addition is becoming the new hip and best place to relax with friends or have social gatherings. They house most of Richmond’s breweries and cideries, the baseball stadium, the movie theater, a bowling alley, and more.
Shockoe Bottom~ This is where you’ll find most of the nightlife happening in Richmond. It’s the vibrant part of town with great food spots like The Whisk, Bottoms up, Havana 59, and more. It also has Libby Hill Park, a perfect spot to go for a run and watch the sunset over the city.
Carytown~ Are we talking fine dining or just casual burgers? Well, you can find both here. Carytown is lined with multiple boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores. All of the shops are painted different colors and it makes it the most colorful street to walk down and window shop.
Museum District~ This is the go-to neighboorhood for happy hour. You can walk from restaurant to restaurant to take advantage of their different deals.
Where to stay
Quirk Hotel- This is one of the most popular places people choose to stay in. They have a great restaurant in the lobby, a rooftop bar, and modern interior decorations.
The Graduate- This place is cool because it’s based on the movie, The Graduate. It is such a smart concept. It also has an amazing rooftop bar and pool that has a great view of the city.
Hi Hostel- I’ve never been here but I’ve heard great things. It’s a great option if you’re looking to stay somewhere less expensive.
Gimme the Food
If you are to learn one thing about me, it is that I LOVE food. I have by no means been to all of the best food spots in Richmond, but I have hit a lot of them. Every single place on this list is worth trying and trust me, they will please your taste buds.
Where to Have Fun
There are so many things to do in RVA you just have to know where to look. Anything from salsa dancing to going to see a play there’s definitely something for everybody. What’s not mentioned below are the festivals that happen almost every weekend. This is where Facebook becomes your new hippest friend. Go to the events section on Facebook and type in the dates your visiting and scroll through the events going on until you land on something you like. If that doesn’t work for you, take a look at my list below.
Night Life
If you’re here for the weekend you might as well enjoy yourself. Here are some popular spots to have fun for the night:
- The Tabacco Company Restaurant– Okay this is hands down the best happy hour I have ever been to. From 8pm to 9pm they have $1 rails downstairs in their club. It’s very popular on Thursdays and Fridays and you usually have to fight your way to the bar.
- Taphouse- Taphouse is a bar that turns into a club on Friday and Saturdays nights. The bottom floor is where the dancing happens and upstairs there is an arcade. Be careful though, because the last thing a drunk hates is to lose.
- Cha-Chas- Right across the street from Taphouse is Chas. So if Taphouse is dead you can come here, or vice versa. Cha’s usually has a younger crowd and is always popular. However, they have a very strict dress code and will not let you in if you don’t meet their standards. Men cannot wear basketball or cotton shorts, joggers, tank tops, or boots.
- District 5- This a bar that turns into a club scene at night. Popular on Friday and Saturday nights. The music is a mixture of pop and electric.
- Mainstage- A popular club to go on Friday nights. They have a really cool interior and sometimes good drink specials. Get there early because there’s a cover charge after 11pm.
- Shiplock Brewery- This place is always popular on Thursday nights, the music is rap, hip-hop, and R &B. There is usually a cover charge after 11pm.
Instagrammable Spots
Let everyone know you went to Richmond by hitting up some popular photogenic spots. Check out this post to see where to go.
Day Trips
- Charlottesville, VA is just a quick 1-hour drive away and offers tons of breweries and wineries to explore. Read about it here.
- Spend the day eating your way through Williamsburg’s top-rated restaurants and shopping in their outlets.
- Go see Natural Bridge
- Take a 2-hour drive to Virginia Beach and soak up some sun and enjoy the boardwalk
- Visit Washington, DC and take a stroll through national mall and see all of the monuments and cool museums