Richmond City Guide

Try Virginia ham biscuits and Brunswick stew. International options include Italian, Mexican, and Vietnamese. Vegetarian and vegan choices are widely available. Late-night food exists but thins after midnight.

Rich nightlife with craft breweries, music venues, bars, and clubs. Popular areas include Scott's Addition and Carytown.

Strong coffee scene with specialty cafes and local roasters. Often tied to local arts and music.

Tipping is expected for table service, delivery, personal care, and rideshares. Standard amounts are 15-20%.

You can buy SIM cards at Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile stores or Best Buy. Coverage and speeds are strong. eSIM is supported by major carriers. No special ID needed for prepaid.

Mostly clean streets with regular waste and recycling services.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores. Emergency rooms open all day. Limited late-night food.

Supermarkets like Kroger, Publix, and Whole Foods stock international goods. Fresh markets open regularly. Stores usually run 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM, including Sundays.

Most places accept credit and debit cards. You rarely need cash for daily use.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery stores, and convenience shops. Out-of-network withdrawals cost $2.50 to $5 plus bank fees.

Local public and private schools teach mainly in English. No major international schools. Private schools often have diverse students.

Small but growing community with meetups and startup events. Co-working and cafés support remote work.

Excellent parks and riverside trails with shaded walking and running paths.

Popular running on trails and parks with groups and races. Runs are generally safe during the day.

Several gyms available for different workout styles and budgets.

Public tennis courts in parks; some private clubs offer memberships and coaching.

Padel is less common but slowly growing in the area.

Many studios offer different yoga styles and drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors are standard.

Several dojos offer styles like BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, and more with English-speaking coaches.

No skiing in Richmond; nearest resorts about 1.5-2 hours away.

James River offers kayaking and paddleboarding with rentals and guided tours.

No surfing in Richmond; closest spots at Virginia Beach 1.5-2 hours away.

No notable diving sites nearby.

Good-quality public and private hospitals with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common, some open 24/7. Prescriptions need doctors.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks have playgrounds and many restaurants are kid-friendly. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include museums and botanical gardens.

LGBTQ+ friendly city with protections, community centers, and events like PrideFest.

Richmond is pet-friendly with dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and vets widely available.