Where to Stay in Richmond – A Guide to the Capital of Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located on the James River, in the east of the state, Richmond is famous for its American Revolution and Civil War sites, historic architecture, and as an important financial and commercial hub in the US Southeast. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Richmond, VA.
Some of the most visited attractions in central Richmond include the Virginia State Capitol, The Poe Museum, Historic Tredegar, and Hollywood Cemetery. See accommodation in Downtown Richmond.
Considered one of the most important cultural hubs on the Atlantic Coast, Richmond’s Museum District is home to several world-class and local institutions focusing on art, history, and science such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, and Robinson House. See accommodation in the Museum District.
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center celebrates the rich heritage of Black people in Virginia. Other Richmond sights focusing on African-American history and culture include Jackson Ward, the Richmond Slave Trail, the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar, the L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Center, and the Jackson Blacksmith Shop.
Other important attractions in Richmond include the White House of the Confederacy, Agecroft Hall & Gardens, the Maggie L Walker National Historic Site, or the VCU Institute for Contemporary Art.
Outdoorsy types and those traveling with kids will also enjoy attractions like the Children’s Museum of Richmond, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Forest Hill Park, Three Lakes Park & Nature Center, Belle Isle, and the Maymont estate.
Due to its location, Richmond has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures typically range between 28 and 47 ºF (-2 to 9 °C). Meanwhile, in the summer, average temperatures hover between 69 – 90 °F (19 – 32 °C). The best time to visit Richmond is from late spring through early fall (April through October); temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing during this time.
To get to Richmond by air, the city is served by Richmond International Airport. Located 7 miles southeast of Downtown Richmond, this airport offers domestic connections to several destinations in the US, including Orlando, NYC, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago.
Richmond is also connected by train. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line provides intercity connections between Richmond Main Street Station and the main cities in the US Atlantic Coast like Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. Additionally, Richmond Staples Mill Road Station, 5 miles north of downtown Richmond, offers a wider range of services to cities in the US South. See train routes, schedules & fares.
When it comes to moving around the city, Richmond’s public transportation system consists of a bus rapid transit line (The Pulse), and several regular bus lines. The city’s riverside and downtown districts are easy to explore on foot, but the car is still the best way to reach the outlying areas. Additionally, Richmond has Uber and Lyft services, and you can always choose to rent a car for your trip.
The best area to stay in Richmond, VA, is Downtown. This central area near the riverfront is home to the city’s main historical and cultural attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and some of the best hotels in town. Downtown Richmond is also the best-connected district. See accommodation in Downtown Richmond.
Another great area to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Richmond is the Museum District.
Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in Richmond, VA.
Located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, this hotel features an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi access. The Virginia State Capitol is a 5-minute walk away. The guest rooms at The Berkeley Hotel all feature a flat-screen TV, a sitting area with a sofa, and a coffee maker.
The Best Areas to Stay in Richmond, Virginia
1. Recommended Area: Richmond City Center
Richmond’s City Center is located on the north bank of the James River.
This lively area is famous for its mix of historic architecture, shopping strips, and office towers.
Centered around Main Street, the City Center is where several of the main Richmond attractions are located.
The Grace Street Commercial Historic District displays a collection of 19th and early-20th-century architecture and is home to Southern cuisine restaurants and cocktail bars.
The grand neoclassical-style Virginia State Capitol is the seat of the state government of the Commonwealth of Virginia and houses the oldest elected legislative body in the United States.
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, located on Leigh St, offers great insights into Richmond’s very rich African-American heritage and culture.
Just south of Downtown Richmond lies the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar, with an impressive collection of objects, manuscripts, imprints, and photographs surrounding this important historic episode.
Other important attractions in Downtown Richmond include The Valentine Museum, The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, The John Marshall House, and Monroe Park.
The Greater Richmond Convention Center, the largest event center in Virginia, is also located in the City Center.
Richmond City Center is the best-connected area in town. Other than the many bus lines crossing the districts north to south and east to west, the GRTC Pulse runs along Broad Street and Main Street.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Richmond, VA:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Good transport connections
- Best area for business travelers
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hampton Inn & Suites – Richmond – Downtown, VA
Featuring an on-site restaurant, Hampton Inn & Suites – Richmond – Downtown, VA is located in Richmond, Virginia, 600 meters from Greater Richmond Convention Center.
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Budget
HI Richmond Hostel
Offering a patio and views of the city, HI Richmond Hostel is located in Richmond, 400 meters from Greater Richmond Convention Center.
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Luxury
The Berkeley Hotel
Located in Downtown Richmond, Virginia, this hotel features a restaurant and offers free Wi-Fi. The Virginia State Capitol is a 5-minute walk away.
2. Museum District
The Museum District is not far from Downtown Richmond and, as its name implies, it is an area full of museums.
This lovely arts quarter includes important cultural and historical centers such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
Other important institutions in this area include The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, the Children’s Museum of Richmond, and Robinson House.
The Museum District is just a short walk from the city’s main shopping areas, making it a good area to stay in Richmond for shopping.
Richmond’s Museum Quarter is also home to upscale restaurants and cocktail bars.
The Museum District is just a 20-minute drive from the airport and is connected to the City Center via buses.
This is one of the best areas to stay in Richmond to discover the cultural life of this Virginia city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Richmond, VA:
- Museums and cultural attractions
- Good area for shopping
- 20 minutes by car from the airport
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