How to Explore Richmond on a Budget

Richmond is more than just the state capital of Virginia. The city is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. You want to see it all, but you also want to act frugally with your money. Here's a guide on how to explore Richmond on a budget.

Relish the History

Image via Flickr by jasonwoodhead23

Almost all the historical landmarks in Richmond are free. You can learn about some of the most important events in American history and even a few that came before the American Revolution. For example, St. John's Church is a magnificent building. It's also the location where Patrick Henry once proclaimed, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" The church is a national historical landmark; it's also in pristine condition.

Richmond was also a key part of the Civil War. Several monuments and battle sites honor the fallen. The most famous one is the Richmond National Battlefield Park Civil War Visitor's Center. Some businesses offer inexpensive tours of the various landmarks. Many of them use trolleys, adding a second entertaining aspect to the tour.

The Hollywood Cemetery is also a great place to tour. You can choose a smartphone-guided tour; you can pull up the route via an app. You can also enjoy a walking tour or, if you're feeling ambitious, a Segway tour. These three options will cater to any travel budget, with Segway rentals being the most expensive choice.

Cheer the Local College

The city is home to the University of Richmond, a private school founded in 1830. It has 4,000 students and many loyal alumni. The college football program is particularly popular, having developed several NFL players. If you want to stay here on football weekend, you can find cheap hotel rooms near campus. You should book early, though. Hotel occupancy rates are extremely high during football season.

Enjoy the Museums

The city of Richmond has 24 museums in the area. Even the National Battlefield Park offers one, so you can enjoy history and a museum in one place there. Other great options include the Maymont Mansion, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

The Maymont Mansion isn't a single facility. You can visit the Maymont to see all the stately rooms and era-appropriate furnishings. You'll discover a lot more in the area, though. You can walk the grounds outside the mansion to see the various gardens. The campus also includes a wildlife center and a children's farm, making it a family-friendly outing.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best art museums in the country. It has almost 4 acres worth of galleries. Another section includes 13 acres of sculptures and gardens. A single admission price grants access to all works of art.

Travelers looking to learn more about the Holocaust should visit the Virginia Holocaust Museum. This facility humanizes the plight of the victims by telling personal stories about the events. Founded in 1997, the building hosts 42,000 guests annually, making it one of the most popular museums in the state. Admission is free.

Richmond is a lovely place to visit. You can always do a lot of inexpensive tourist activities. Simply follow the suggestions here to have a great trip!