The 15 Most Popular Tours & Things To Do In Richmond

Richmond, Virginia, offers more than just scenic views and historic sites; it’s a city alive with activity, culture, and surprises. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich history aboard a Tuk-tuk, sampling Southern and international flavors on food tours, or uncovering its haunted past with ghost stories, Richmond has something for every curiosity.

We especially love the RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour for its open-air fun and personalized experience, as well as the Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour for a relaxed way to see legendary gravesites with great storytelling.

And if you’re a foodie, the Church Hill Food Tour and Carytown Food Tour deliver delicious bites and local insights that bring the neighborhoods alive. Each experience offers a different way to connect with Richmond’s character—whether by land, foot, or story.

Quick Overview

Richmond’s best tours include sightseeing by tuk-tuk (RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour), historic walking tours (Richmond Downtown Walking Tour), food tastings (Church Hill Food Tour), ceremonial cemetery visits (Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour), and evening ghost walks (RVA Ghosts Shockoe Bottom).

This list covers everything from soft, scenic rides to lively food explorations and spine-chilling stories—perfectly suited to different interests and travel styles.

1. RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond

Many vehicle tours in Richmond tend to obstruct views, but the RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour offers an open-air ride, making top sights easy to see and enjoy.

The tuk-tuk easily navigates streets and passes by Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Hollywood Cemetery, and the Virginia State Capitol, with stops at key landmarks. This tour is praised for its relaxed pace and knowledgeable guides—plus, it supports a woman-owned business.

The 1.5-hour ride is perfect for those who want a quick, fun overview of the city’s highlights without missing details.

Reviewers love the humor and storytelling, with one saying, “Lee, our guide, was terrific—she had wonderful stories,” which makes this tour memorable.

It’s ideal for travelers seeking a unique, small-group experience that covers a lot in a short time.
Bottom line: A lively, accessible way to see Richmond’s top spots in style.

2. Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours

For those who want to combine historic sights with local flavors, the Church Hill Food Tour is a standout. Over about three hours, you’ll visit up to five restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, sampling everything from Southern classics to Ethiopian dishes. The neighborhood itself is as historic as it is tasty, with stops at landmarks that tell Richmond’s story.

Reviewers highlight how this tour is “a highlight of our trip,” blending history and food seamlessly. Your guide shares insights into the neighborhood’s past, making each bite a window into Richmond’s culture.

It’s perfect for first-timers or locals wanting a culinary adventure. Just come hungry!
Bottom line: A delicious way to explore one of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods.

3. Richmond Downtown Walking Tour

If you prefer a more intimate, walking experience, the Richmond Downtown Walking Tour is highly recommended. In under two hours, you’ll explore Jackson Ward, John Marshall House, and the Valentine museum, all with a guide who weaves civil war, revolution, and local stories into the walk. The use of headsets ensures social distancing and clear communication.

It’s an excellent intro for newcomers wanting a broad overview of Richmond’s most iconic neighborhoods. Reviewers mention how the guide was “knowledgeable and witty,” which enhances the experience.

It’s affordable, interactive, and perfect for a quick, informative exploration of the city’s core.
Bottom line: An engaging, cost-effective way to get a feel for Richmond’s history and architecture.

4. Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond

Richmond’s Arts District pulses with creativity and great eats, making the Arts District Food Tour a flavorful journey. Traveling on foot, you’ll visit diverse eateries, sampling everything from coal-fired pizzas to Korean street eats. The 3-hour tour offers a vibrant mix of food, art, and history.

Reviewers rave about how guide Taylor “did a great job relating food to the neighborhood’s story,” making each stop educational as well as delicious. This tour is ideal for those who love exploring neighborhoods both through taste and stories.

Expect to enjoy a variety of bites in a lively, colorful setting.
Bottom line: A perfect choice for food lovers eager to discover Richmond’s creative side.

5. Richmond Landmark Segway Tour

If you’re craving a fun, fast-paced way to cover ground, the Richmond Landmark Segway Tour is a hit. It whisks you past the Canal Walk, Old City Hall, and St. Paul’s Church, with a guide providing stories along the way. The Segway makes exploring easy, especially for those who prefer not to walk long distances.

Reviewers say, “It’s not as difficult as you may think,” and the Segway allows for a broader view of the city’s highlights in less time.

Tours are customizable with multiple durations and departure times, making it flexible for various schedules.
Bottom line: A lively, efficient way to see key sights without tiring out.

6. The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours

Carytown, “the Mile of Style,” serves up a diverse culinary scene, and this food tour is a tasty way to learn about this iconic neighborhood. Over three hours, you’ll visit five or six local eateries, tasting everything from Virginia peanuts to tacos. Guide Olivia’s knowledge makes the stops pop with stories about Carytown’s history.

Reviewers note how the food was “plentiful and delicious,” and Olivia “stopped along the way to tell interesting stories.” Perfect for those wanting a laid-back, flavorful walk through a lively shopping and dining district.
Bottom line: A satisfying way to explore Richmond’s most fashionable and flavorful street.

7. Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour in Richmond

Hollywood Cemetery’s Electric Car Tour combines comfort with history. You’ll glide through the grounds of one of America’s most historic cemeteries, visiting graves of presidents like Monroe and Tyler, along with Confederate generals. The electric Gem Car allows more ground to be covered in less time, with excellent visibility and storytelling.

Reviewers praise guide Kathleen for her knowledge and passion, noting how it’s “memorable and engaging.” It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative experience without walking long distances in the heat or cold.
Bottom line: A convenient, storytelling-rich visit to a historic resting place.

8. RVA Ghosts Shockoe Bottom Sinister Scares by US Ghost Adventures

For fans of the spooky and unexplained, the RVA Ghosts Shockoe Bottom tour offers a frightful adventure. Walking at night, your guide recounts documented hauntings and morbid stories from sites like the Jefferson Park and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. The tour covers up to 12 locations, blending Richmond’s dark past with chilling tales.

Reviewers highlight how the guide Bryce “balanced spooky stories with historical details,” making it both fun and informative.

It’s best suited for night owls and those unafraid of a scare—an ideal activity for a different kind of evening in Richmond.
Bottom line: A spine-tingling way to explore Richmond’s ghostly legends.

9. Hiking the James River in Richmond, VA

For active travelers, Hiking along the James River provides a scenic, laid-back experience. Led by a local guide, this two-hour walk takes you past landmarks like Belle Isle and Civil War ruins. It combines light exercise with storytelling about Richmond’s river history.

Reviewers appreciate how Lori “learned some history and enjoyed the walk,” making it a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Remember to wear suitable footwear.

If you prefer a more relaxed, nature-focused activity, this tour offers both exercise and insight into the city’s natural side.
Bottom line: An easy, scenic hike for those who want to combine activity and learning.

10. Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond

For a laid-back, tasty afternoon, the Pizza & Ice Cream Tour takes you to three pizza spots and three ice cream shops. It’s a fun, filling experience on a 14-passenger bus, with stops at places serving sourdough crust pizza and award-winning ice cream flavors. Reviewers rave about the “fantastic pizza” and “amazing ice cream,” making this a must for families or anyone craving comfort food.

The tour offers plenty of variety, and you’ll leave full and happy.
Bottom line: A delicious, casual way to indulge in Richmond’s comfort food scene.

11. Scott’s Addition Brews & Bites Tour

If craft beer and casual bites are your thing, the Scott’s Addition Brews & Bites Tour is for you. In 2.5 hours, you’ll visit several breweries, cideries, and eateries, sampling local beers and snacks.

The neighborhood’s industrial charm makes for a lively atmosphere, and your guide shares insights into Richmond’s thriving beer scene. Reviewers highlight how the tour is “fabulous,” with tasty stops at spots like ZZQ and local sushi.

It’s perfect for fans of craft brews and social atmospheres.
Bottom line: A fun, flavorful way to discover one of Richmond’s hottest neighborhoods.

12. Historic Trolley Tour

Experience Richmond’s past aboard a vintage streetcar on the Historic Trolley Tour. Covering iconic neighborhoods like Main Street Station and Jackson Ward, the two-hour ride features live narration about the city’s 20th-century development and landmarks. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broader overview without much walking.

Reviewers mention how informative and engaging the guide was, with one noting it’s “a great way to learn about the city.” The trolley provides a comfortable, nostalgic ride through Richmond’s streets.
Bottom line: An easy, scenic introduction to Richmond’s key districts.

13. Scavenger Hunt Experience in Church Hill

For families or groups seeking interactive fun, the Church Hill Scavenger Hunt offers a playful way to discover Richmond’s oldest neighborhood. Using a smartphone app, you solve clues and explore landmarks like Patrick Henry’s Pub and historic tobacco warehouses.

It’s flexible, allowing you to go at your own pace, and the questions keep the experience engaging for kids and adults alike. Reviewers call it a “great time exploring,” with fun questions that keep everyone involved.

Perfect if you want a family-friendly, self-guided adventure.
Bottom line: An engaging, tech-savvy way to explore Church Hill’s stories.

14. Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond

A Segway tour of Hollywood Cemetery offers a unique way to see this beautiful resting place. You’ll glide past tombs of Confederate generals, U.S. Presidents, and other notable figures, enjoying the scenery and stories shared by your guide.

The Segway makes covering more ground comfortable, especially in the hot or cold weather. Reviewers mention how “Andrew was fantastic,” making it easy for first-timers to get comfortable on the Segway.

It’s a laid-back, fun way to learn about Richmond’s notable figures without a lot of walking.
Bottom line: An enjoyable, efficient way to experience one of Richmond’s most visited cemeteries.

15. Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour

For a slightly lighter but still spooky experience, the Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour takes you through Richmond’s historic neighborhoods in search of ghosts. Visiting sites like Patrick Henry’s Pub and Bellevue Elementary School, you’ll hear stories of hauntings and eerie legends. The small group setting makes it intimate, and the hour-and-a-half tour is perfect for an evening adventure.

Reviewers appreciate how their guide combined history with ghost stories, making the experience both fun and educational.

It’s a great option for those interested in the supernatural without a full night commitment.
Bottom line: A fun, spooky way to discover Richmond’s haunted past.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Picking from Richmond’s many tours depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a quick overview, the RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour or Downtown Walking Tour are excellent. For food lovers, the Church Hill or Carytown food tours deliver local flavors and stories.

History enthusiasts should consider the Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour or the Historic Trolley. Want a thrill? The Ghost Tours are a fun, spine-tingling option.

And for a relaxed, active experience, the James River hike or Segway tours offer unique perspectives of Richmond. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the Food Tours and Segway experiences.

Richmond’s array of tours covers every interest—from lively food explorations and scenic rides to historical and spooky discoveries. Whether you prefer a speedy tuk-tuk ride, a leisurely cemetery visit, or a ghost hunt, there’s something here to make your visit memorable. For first-timers, starting with the Downtown Walking Tour or the Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour can set a solid foundation.

For the adventurous, the Segway and hiking tours add a bit of fun. Whatever your style, planning ahead and booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these great experiences.