Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Richmond?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Richmond?

Many visitors spend one to two days in Richmond during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the nightlife, and the quaint shops.

Richmond is the capital city of the state of Virginia. It's one of the country's oldest major cities and it is filled with history and culture. The are historical buildings, museums, and many parks that are fun to explore. It also has a growing food scene and fun nightlife.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Richmond? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Richmond?

Three days is more than enough time to see everything that Richmond has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the nightlife, and the quaint shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 3 days in Richmond

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Richmond, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Richmond Landmark Segway Tour ($55)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond ($80)
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond ($90)
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA ($80)

Perhaps the most famous spot in Richmond is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl ($29)

Shopping in Richmond is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is 4 days enough time in Richmond?

Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Richmond, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy an evening out, and browse the shops. You could also use Richmond as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Richmond, Virginia Richmond, Virginia

How to spend 4 days in Richmond

With 4 days in Richmond, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Richmond, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 5 days enough time in Richmond?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Richmond at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the nightlife, and the quaint shops. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 5 days in Richmond

If you have more than 5 days in Richmond, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Richmond. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Richmond, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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