Richmond is the capital of the state of Virginia and one of the oldest cities in the USA. Steeped in history, its red brick-terraced streets and rows tell tales of liberty and civil war battles. Proudly rooted in America's beginnings, today Richmond has developed an independent arts and culinary culture all of its own. With a thriving craft beer scene, farm-to-table brunch spots and live music you'll find it easy to make yourself at home in Richmond.
Hostels in Richmond range from upscale accommodation with an outdoor pool, to a refurbished heritage building with a spacious lounge area. Expect free Wi-Fi and free breakfast in a Richmond hostel, and most also have a 24-hour reception so you can check in whenever you like. Look out for luxurious touches such as an in-room fridge. Friendly staff can tell you about local activities and events – some Richmond hostels even run volunteer-led walking tours to help you get your bearings in the city.
Downtown is where you'll find Richmond's business district for City Hall, fine dining and upscale bars. Colourful Carytown has fun independent shops and restaurants, as well as the restored Byrd Theatre "movie palace". The neighbouring Museum District is home to six blocks of art, history and culture. Scott's Addition is a former manufacturing hub now known for craft breweries, southern cooking and lively nightlife. Across the James River, Belle Isle's grass-capped, rocky shore overlooks the busiest part of town.
To cover the many sights of Richmond, take one of the many established city trails covering history, food, craft beer, gardens street art and more. Foodies will revel in the southern home-cooking take on creamy cheesecakes, oysters, ribs and Chinese food. Richmond's revolutionary past provides much of the cities monuments; highlights include the majestic Virginia State Capitol building, and the Historic Tredegar for its Civil War story experience theatre. You don't have to go far for outdoor space here – get your fix with kayaking or white-water rafting down the city's James River.
From Richmond International Airport, you can catch a public bus into town (around 40 minutes' ride). The city has two train stations (Staples Mill Road and Main Street) with fast connections to other US cities. Amtrak trains to Washington D.C. take around 2.5 hours. Richmond Bus Station is served by Greyhound routes around the region, and there's an extensive local bus network around the city too. It's worth picking up an unlimited day pass beforehand, as otherwise you'll need exact change for each journey.
