Richmond, Virginia, offers more than just scenic views and historic sites; it boasts a thriving arts scene, lively neighborhoods, and outdoor spaces that make exploring the city a truly rewarding experience. What makes Richmond stand out as a tour destination is its blend of cultural richness, culinary diversity, and accessible outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in sampling bites from acclaimed local restaurants, walking through historic districts, or paddling along the James River, Richmond’s tours cover a broad spectrum of interests. For example, the Richmond: Arts District Walking Food Tour offers a delicious taste of the city’s multicultural neighborhood, while the Guided Hike in James River Park reveals hidden natural gems within the city limits. These experiences are designed to give you authentic, local insights, helping you feel like a Richmond insider.
Richmond is particularly appealing because many tours are affordable and well-suited for different activity levels. The variety of experiences means you can choose a laid-back food stroll, an active bike ride, or even a spooky haunted pub crawl—all within a city’s charm that’s easy to explore. With this in mind, let’s look at the best tours on offer, highlighting what makes each one special and who they’re best suited for.
1. Richmond: Arts District Walking Food Tour
At number 1, the Richmond: Arts District Walking Food Tour earns a top spot for combining culinary exploration with cultural discovery. Priced at $99 per person and lasting about 3 hours, this tour guides you through Richmond’s most diverse neighborhood, sampling food from 5-6 local restaurants. What sets it apart is the chance to meet the chefs and owners behind these eateries, gaining insights into what makes Richmond’s food scene lively and authentic.
The tour takes you into vibrant spots where Richmond’s artistic spirit is palpable. You’ll learn about the neighborhood’s history while indulging in a range of flavors that reflect its multicultural makeup. The food stops include trendy cafes, ethnic food spots, and classic Southern-inspired kitchens, making it a well-rounded culinary experience. The guide’s local knowledge shines when explaining the neighborhood’s evolution, giving you context along with your bites. Guests consistently praise the tour for its friendly atmosphere and delicious samples, making it a good choice for food lovers eager to explore Richmond’s creative side. This tour offers excellent value for a taste of both culture and cuisine, perfect for those who want a relaxed yet engaging afternoon.
Bottom Line: For foodies who also want to learn about Richmond’s diverse arts scene, this walking tour hits all the right notes.
2. Richmond: Guided Hike in James River Park
Number 2 on our list is the Guided Hike in James River Park, priced at $35 per person for 2.5 hours. This tour is ideal for nature lovers looking to experience Richmond’s outdoor beauty firsthand. During the hike, you’ll explore 150-year-old ruins, walk the Pipeline Walk, and enjoy the roar of rapids along the James River.
What makes this walk special is its location right in downtown Richmond, offering a surprising mix of urban scenery and wild landscapes. The guide takes you past historic remnants like Belle Isle and Brown’s Island, revealing stories behind these sites. The Manchester Climbing Wall Park, built on old train bridge ruins, adds a modern twist to the adventure, while secluded vantage points along Pipeline Walk provide stunning views of the river’s power. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, with a relaxed pace that encourages taking in the scenery. Many reviews note how the tour feels like a mini escape from the city, making it perfect for visitors who want a dose of nature without leaving town.
Bottom Line: If you’re craving outdoor activity and scenic views, this hike is a rewarding and affordable way to connect with Richmond’s natural landscape.
3. Richmond: Trendy Carytown Food Tour
Coming in at number 3, the Trendy Carytown Food Tour offers a flavorful journey through one of Richmond’s most eclectic neighborhoods. For $89 per person over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit 5-6 restaurants, cafes, and shops with the chance to chat with owners and get local insights. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of foods—think international bites, regional treats, and quirky cafes.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the “Mile of Style” — a stretch packed with unique boutiques, vintage stores, and cozy cafes. Guests love the opportunity to sample everything from trendy desserts to savory bites, all while exploring the vibrant neighborhood. The guide shares stories about Carytown’s transformation from a modest shopping street to a cultural hub, making it more than just a food crawl. Reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere and the insider knowledge as valuable pluses. If you’re someone who loves to combine food tasting with neighborhood exploration, this tour offers solid bang for your buck.
Bottom Line: Best suited for curious foodies and shoppers who want a lively, colorful day in Richmond’s coolest district.
4. Richmond: Scott’s Addition Neighborhood Tour with Tastings
Number 4 is the Scott’s Addition Neighborhood Tour with Tastings, priced at $105 for 2.5 hours. This tour is a great pick for those interested in Richmond’s evolving food and beverage scene. Known for its industrial past, Scott’s Addition has transformed into a hub for craft breweries and artisanal eateries. The guide helps you understand this history while sampling some of the finest local foods.
During the tour, you’ll try craft beverages from at least one brewery or cidery, and meet the owners behind the latest culinary hotspots. The tour is praised for its engaging guides who share insights into Scott’s Addition’s days as an industrial center and its current reputation as a foodie hotspot. Guests love tasting Richmond’s culinary innovation firsthand, and the small-group setting makes for an intimate experience. One reviewer says, “It was great to learn about the neighborhood’s history while trying delicious local food.” The tour offers excellent value by combining history, food, and drink for a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer and food lovers eager to explore Richmond’s newest culinary trend.
$105 per person
5. Richmond: Church Hill Food Tour
Number 5 is the Church Hill Food Tour, priced at $89 and lasting 3 hours. This historic neighborhood tour emphasizes Richmond’s oldest area, with visits to five local establishments. It’s ideal for history buffs who love food, as the tour includes a James Beard-nominated wood-fired bakery and a 1930s theater-turned-restaurant.
What makes this tour distinctive is the mix of culinary delights and historical storytelling. As you sample international cuisines like Turkish, Italian, Ethiopian, and New Zealand fare, your guide shares stories about St. John’s Church and its role in the American Revolution. Many reviews mention how the stories behind the food and buildings add depth to the experience, making it more than just a tasting. It’s well-suited for travelers interested in the history and architecture of Richmond’s oldest neighborhood. The tour provides a good balance of cultural education and culinary indulgence, with the added bonus of exploring a neighborhood that’s full of character.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those interested in combining Richmond’s history with diverse food experiences.
6. Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Number 6 on our list is the Haunted Pub Crawl, costing only $30 for 2 hours of spooky fun. This tour is perfect for those who like their history with a side of ghost stories and a drink in hand. It explores the Shockoe Bottom district, known for its haunted sites and lively pubs.
The tour’s appeal lies in its storytelling—hidden tales of murder-suicides, Civil War spirits, and haunted buildings as you sip local beers or wine. One highlight includes hearing about the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe during the crawl. The tour strikes a nice balance between scares and socializing, making it a fun, casual way to learn about Richmond’s darker side. While not a lengthy experience, it’s a memorable way to combine history, ghost stories, and a few drinks.
Bottom Line: A fun, slightly spooky evening ideal for travelers wanting a different perspective on Richmond’s past.
7. Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour
At number 7, the Downtown Richmond Bike Tour promises a lively 2.5-hour ride through historic streets and scenic river views. Priced at $165, it’s a more active way to experience Richmond’s sights and stories. The tour covers both historic and trendy districts, providing a broad picture of city life.
What makes this tour appealing is the opportunity to see street art, learn about influential figures behind Richmond’s development, and enjoy the lush scenery along the James River. The guide shares engaging stories about the city’s growth and key personalities, making the ride both educational and entertaining. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable on a bike and looking for a dynamic way to explore. The tour’s value is in its combination of physical activity and cultural insight, especially for those who prefer to see more ground in less time.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a comprehensive yet energetic tour of downtown Richmond.
$165 per person
8. Richmond: Guided Tour of Local Breweries with Tastings
Number 8 features the Local Breweries Tour, offered at $89 for 2.5 hours. It’s a must for craft beer fans wanting to taste Richmond’s vibrant beer scene. The tour visits three breweries, where you’ll sample flagship and seasonal beers.
Your guide discusses the brewing process, Richmond’s beer history, and the rise of local craft beer. The highlight is the included food pairing at one brewery, which complements the beers perfectly. Reviewers appreciate the depth of knowledge and the chance to try a variety of styles. This tour is especially good for those who want an immersive beer experience with a local touch and enjoy learning about brewing techniques.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded beer tour for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
$89 per person
9. Richmond: Offbeat History Tour on a bus
Number 9 offers an Offbeat History Tour for $48, lasting 1.5 hours. This tour is designed for travelers interested in the quirky, lesser-known stories behind Richmond’s more unusual landmarks. It’s a lively, humorous experience aboard a small bus.
The guide shares stories that make you rethink what you thought you knew about Richmond. You’ll learn about bold ideas, big personalities, and moments that shaped the city in unexpected ways. The tour starts and ends at a local brewery, making it a relaxed and social experience. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick, entertaining overview of Richmond’s more offbeat side.
Bottom Line: Best suited for curious travelers who enjoy stories that challenge the typical historical narrative.
$48 per person
10. Richmond Street Art Bike Tour
Finishing our list at number 10 is the Street Art Bike Tour, priced at $135 for 2.5 hours. This tour is a hit for art lovers and urban explorers. It takes you through the city’s best street art, including murals in Jackson Ward and the Sculpture Garden at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The guide provides behind-the-scenes stories about the artists and the cultural significance of the art. Riding through beautiful city views, you’ll see how art and history intertwine in Richmond. The small group size and focus on urban art make this tour unique. It’s a good fit for travelers who appreciate contemporary art and want a more active way to see the city.
Bottom Line: An engaging, artistic experience perfect for those interested in Richmond’s modern creative expressions.
$135 per person
How to Choose the Right Richmond Tour
When picking from these options, consider your interests and fitness level. If you love food and local neighborhoods, the Arts District Walking Food Tour or Carytown Food Tour are excellent choices. For outdoor activity, the James River Park Guided Hike or Discover Downtown Bike Tour offers scenic and active options. History buffs may prefer the Church Hill Food Tour or Offbeat History Tour, while craft beer fans will appreciate the Local Breweries Tour. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Haunted Pub Crawl, which combines fun and history at an affordable price.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the food walks and bike rides, which tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons. Think about what excites you most—whether it’s tasting Richmond’s diverse flavors, exploring its art scene, or discovering its hidden history—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Richmond Virginia offers a wealth of tours to match every interest and energy level. For laid-back foodies, the Arts District Walking Food Tour or Carytown Food Tour are excellent choices. Active travelers will enjoy the James River Park Hike and Bike Tours. Those seeking nightlife and a touch of the supernatural will find the Haunted Pub Crawl a fun outing.
No matter your style, Richmond’s tours promise authentic experiences that go beyond the usual sightseeing. Book early, pick what excites you most, and prepare to enjoy a rich, diverse, and very welcoming city.