richmond historical tours

RICHMOND’S STORYTELLERS SINCE 2014

Welcome. We are the RICHMOND TOUR GUYS. Since 2014, we have presented weekly tours of Richmond. We continue to expand our offerings and in 2023 feature our two most popular Signature Walking Tours: The Downtown Tour and the popular Church Hill Tour. Additionally, we offer Private, Group, Custom, Specialty & Seasonal, and Step-On tours in Virginia’s most historic city.

You will be captivated by the colorful stories of Richmond’s past and marvel at the hip city it has become. Our tours are acclaimed by locals and visitors alike who discover fun, history-based stories and embrace ways to experience the River City like never before. the RICHMOND TOUR GUYS’ are the perfect way to discover why Frommer’s said “While you weren’t looking, Richmond got cool.”

“Took 3 tours…their guides are knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and sometimes even funny.”

“outstanding. the first thing to do in richmond.”, “we recommend these as essential, wouldn’t miss tours.”, “tour guide was amazing. don’t forget to tip the guide.”.

richmond historical tours

Public Signature Tours

Two distinct neighborhoods, each having their own story are presented as separate tours, lasting 2 hours. Available during our Public Season from Mid-March through Thanksgiving weekend.

For More Info, Tour Details Click Here

richmond historical tours

Private Signature Tours

Do you want a tour that fits your schedule? Perhaps a more one-on-one tour for you or family? Our Private Signature Tours are perfect for one to six people. These are offered year-round.

richmond historical tours

Group Tours

If you have a group of seven or more, then a tour tailored to your personal schedule is perfect. You may consider one of our two Signature Walking tours or we can plan a Custom Tour to your liking. Please plan ahead.

richmond historical tours

Specialty & Seasonal Tours

Discover fascinating aspects of Richmond such as Hollywood Cemetery, Civil War Richmond or themed subject tours like the Edgar Allan Poe story or Richmond’s famous Murals. Available year-round with advance planning.

richmond historical tours

Experience Richmond Tours

These three ride-along tours provide an overview of Richmond’s neighborhoods, driving through old and new to learn how each have helped to shape todays’ River City. Available year-round with advance planning.

richmond historical tours

Step-On Tours

For schools, associations, tour operators and bus groups, we provide Step-on Select Bus Tours for a comprehensive Richmond  experience. Available year-round with advance planning.

Signature TOURS

Whether taken as a  seasonal Public Tour or a Private Tour, our four Signature Tours each offer a distinct  story of Virginia’s past that highlight how events in Richmond played a major role in the growth of the River City and in America’s history. Each of the two tours – Downtown, Church Hill, Shockoe and Capitol – reveal the remarkable and entertaining stories unique to each district.

richmond historical tours

A stroll along the historic streets of Downtown Richmond. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers. Highlights include John Marshall’s house, The White House of the Confederacy, the Egyptian Building and beautiful Capitol Square.

richmond historical tours

Basket & Bike

Basket & Bike offers three types of downtown Richmond tours:

  • Downtown Sunset Bike Tour : This Richmond bike tour takes you along downtown streets and the Virginia Capital Trail .
  • Discover Downtown Bike Tour : Features a leisure tour of downtown RVA.
  • Richmond Art & Secret Garden Tour : In partnership with Quirk Hotel , this tour provides a co-branded custom route that showcases some of RVA’s artsy must-sees. This tour includes the history of art in the region, like murals in Jackson Ward , street art by international artists, the grounds of the Institute for Contemporary Art , Quirk Gallery and hidden pocket parks.

Every tour ends with a voucher for a free coffee, tea, wine or beer at Urban Farmhouse and Cafe .

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Elegba Folklore Society

Elegba Folklore Society’s interactive experience along the Trail of Enslaved Africans gives attendees the chance to ponder the impact of enslavement on the enslaved as shared in their own words and from their own point of view. Tour participants will walk in the footsteps of their ancestors from their arrival point at river’s edge into Shockoe Bottom , the area of Richmond that housed the holding pens, jails, blocks and burial ground. The interpreters will interweave the narratives of enslaved Africans with the historical record, characterizations of the day and music.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours

Richmond has its share of ghostly and ghastly tales, and Haunts of Richmond can't wait to share them with you on one of their downtown-focused ghost tours: Shadows of Shockoe , Haunted Capitol Hill , or Phantoms of Franklin .

Shadows of Shockoe is a fascinating nighttime exploration of Shockoe Bottom , the oldest and most haunted neighborhood in Richmond. Haunted Capitol Hill finds what elected officials and security guards walk the hallowed halls of Virginia's seat of power. Phantoms of Franklin discovers the eerie beauty of Richmond's turn of the century Franklin Street.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Historic Riverfront Canal Cruises

Riverfront Canal Cruises in downtown Richmond feature historically-narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal designed by George Washington. Hear about centuries of Richmond’s history, from Powhatan’s Chiefdom to the first commercially successful electric streetcar in the world, while traveling in authentic, flat-bottomed boats. See the unique railroad Triple Crossing, tobacco warehouses that have been converted into trendy lofts, the Virginia Capital Trail, the Low Line gardens and James River wildlife.

Tours depart from the canal’s Turning Basin at 139 Virginia Street. Canal Cruise historic tours run annually from April-November. All boats are handicap accessible and covered.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

The JXN's Project Vanguard Route

We all stand on the shoulders of many notable Jackson Wardians and while the list of giants who helped future generations to see further is vast, The JXN Project hopes that the set of honorary designees for "Unveiling The Vanguard" is a representative sample of the shoulders whose stories are often overlooked and under-told. While only a few could be chosen to receive honorary street designations, the project endeavors to curate an installation to pay homage to the many others who were called to leave a mark on Jackson Ward.

Community members are invited to engage in a self-guided tour of the honorary street signs either via personal vehicle, bicycle or on foot. You'll find directional "JXN Ward" stamps installed on the sidewalks to guide tourists along the route, which starts at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia located at 122 W Leigh Street and ends at Maggie Walker Plaza located at N Adams and W Broad Street.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Richmond Food Tours

Richmond’s revitalized Arts District , spanning parts of Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward , will capture your imagination with a mix of historically-significant architecture, renowned restaurants and inspiring art galleries.

Discover Richmond Food Tours means exploring the Arts District as an insider. You will sample delicious food and snacks from 6 different restaurants like: Wong Gonzalez , Lift Coffee Shop , Mama J's , Chez Foushee , Lillie Pearl , Bar Solita , and more. You’ll meet chefs and business owners and discover their passion for their craft. You’ll hear the stories that make this one of Richmond’s most defining and vibrant neighborhoods. But most of all, Richmond Food Tours will make sure you're full and have had fun by the end of it!

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Richmond Tour Guys

Walk in the footsteps of 400 years of history with the Richmond Tour Guys while being captivated by the colorful stories of Richmond’s past and what it’s become. The Richmond Tour Guys offer walking tours of Richmond that are the perfect way to discover why Frommers said “While you weren’t looking, Richmond got cool.” Their downtown tours are acclaimed by locals and visitors who discover fun stories and ways to experience the city like they never have before; exploring and seeing Richmond through new eyes.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Riverside Outfitters

For the past 19 years, Riverside Outfitters has offered first-class outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after a thrill ride in Class III to IV whitewater or interested in a more relaxing whitewater rafting experience, the James River has what you’re looking for! Riverside Outfitters offers rafting trips on smaller rapids for ages 5+, and trips on the bigger rapids for ages 10+. They’ve got rides through the big rapids that last about 1 hour for folks with only a little free time, and adventures that last 3-4 hours with lunch out on an island for folks with more time to unplug.

  • Whitewater rafting on the James
  • Group rafting tours

Located downtown at 325 S. 14th St. Richmond, VA 23219. Google Maps . Find a "Reserved for Riverside" parking spot in their customer parking lot and check in at the front desk.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

RVA First Fridays Art Walk

The RVA First Fridays Art Walk happens on the first Friday of every month in multiple locations along and around Broad Street and commemorate's each month's newest exhibitions, collections and showcases into a night of special programming and celebration of RVA's arts and culture. Explore the Arts District and all of its shops, galleries and restaurants through this self-guided walk. RVA First Friday's activities extend from Gallery5 and Art180 in Jackson Ward all the way to the ICA at VCU .

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

RVA Historic Trolley Tours

Whether you were raised in Richmond, visiting or just passing through, you can travel by trolley through a rich narrative of 400 years of history in one of the most fascinating and oldest cities in America. See the sights and learn about Richmond’s landmarks, riverfront, architecture and history.

RVA On Wheels offers tours aboard their classic, air-conditioned trolley with cushioned seats, intricate seat frameworks and social bus seating. Their comfortable trolley will take you to many of the most historic and popular landmarks in the city, with both a driver and guide who combine the rich history of Richmond with great stories, humor and wit.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

RVA Paddlesports

RVA Paddlesports offers whitewater kayak and rafting instruction for all levels of paddlers. Whether it's your first time in a boat, or you want to paddle a multi-day trip overseas, RVA Paddlesports offers excursions and adventure programs for every step of the way. Take part in their Raft Guide Training , Sierra Rescue River Rescue Certification , and Kayaking classes !

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

RVATukTuk offers a variety of tours and rides throughout the city of Richmond on their fleet of electric-powered, three-wheeled open-air vehicles.

RVATukTuk tour options include:

  • City Tours : You will discover the River city by way of the Virginia State Capitol, St. John’s Church, site of the famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech and Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of many famous people including Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler.
  • City Lights Tours : See what Richmond is all about at night! This 1.5 hour private tour hits all the highlights of Richmond including great city and river views. They'll take you through Shockoe Slip , Shockoe Bottom , and other Richmond hot spots under the lights.
  • Civil War, Slavery & Emancipation : Experience history on a tour through the most historic parts of Richmond. Your expert guide will give you insight into the events of the Civil War and the fall and burning of the city.
  • Scavenger Hunts : The Family Fun Quest is a family-friendly, private scavenger hunt that's appropriate for all ages. Explore the city on a quest that will put a smile on everyone’s face. Designed for families or groups with children 12 and younger.

richmond historical tours

Segway of Richmond

Segways are a perfect—and fun—way to tour Richmond and are super easy to use! Cover more ground than walking, but still get up close to all the amazing things Richmond has to offer - history, street art, and more!

Segway of Richmond tour options include:

  • Views of Richmond Segway Tour : From Libby Hill to the Potterfield Bridge, guides will show you some gorgeous spots, talk about other fun things to do and point out great restaurants along the way!
  • Richmond Landmark Tour : Cruise to sites like Brown’s Island featuring rich Civil War history and beautiful views of the mighty James River, the Virginia State Capitol, and more!
  • Jackson Ward Tour : Trace the centuries long fight for racial equality in Virginia, from resistance and revolt against slavery to landmark US Supreme Court cases against segregation.
  • Women in Richmond Tour : Richmond's history abounds with amazing women who defied the repression of their times through incredible skill and indelible determination, including Elizabeth Van Lew, Maggie Lena Walker, and more.
  • Street Art Tour : Richmond has quickly grown into one of the premier destinations for street art anywhere in the US, rivaling cities like Philadelphia for murals per capita. Explore Richmond’s street art on a Segway, seeing the best murals the city has to offer.
  • Shockoe Bottom Tour : Take a tour around Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Shockoe Bottom! See the most important landmarks and sights in Shockoe, including Richmond’s Triple Crossing, the Henry “Box” Brown monument, and the oldest house in Richmond.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

The Valentine Tours

The Valentine's newest tour offering is Monument Avenue: Origins and Reverberations , a walking and augmented reality tour from ARtGlass that will lead you through the infamous sites that sparked a national discussion.

Their other tour options include:

  • Figures of Freedom Downtown Walking Tour : This tour invites attendees to tour Shockoe Bottom , one of Richmond’s oldest historic districts, while exploring the struggles for freedom that helped shape America.
  • Murals of Jackson Ward Walking Tour : Explore the diversity of one of city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Visit murals, revitalized buildings and historic homes and learn the neighborhood’s rich history. As the Valentine traces its evolution from immigrant working-class neighborhood, to the “Harlem of the South” and a modern community today, you'll explore how art is telling the story of Jackson Ward .
  • Origin Stories: Court End Walking Tour : On this downtown walking tour, you’ll visit the Valentine museum’s Court End neighborhood, uncovering surprising examples of architecture and Richmond history along the way. Join the most experienced guides in Richmond to discover architectural gems and stories of the city’s early beginnings as the Capitol of Virginia.

15 Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

Walking the Ward with Gary Flowers

Gary L. Flowers provides walking tours of Historic Jackson Ward featuring 20 stops in the downtown neighborhood of his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Tours include historic, educational, economic, religious and social institutions that inspired the name "Black Wall Street" and "The Harlem of the South."

Two tiers of tours are offered:

  • Basic : 20-stop, 75 minute tour.
  • Enhanced : 20-stop, 120 minute tour with historic videos provided by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center and the Maggie Walker National Historic Site.

richmond historical tours

Would I Lie To You? Mural Walks

Go on four walks to discover RVA's hidden street murals with storytelling fun. On each of the four fun walks around Richmond, you'll see over 25 murals and hear the captivating stories behind them. Ah, but is your host a reliable narrator? Sometimes, yes. Other times, no. Listen closely! Because everyone has to guess before the truth is revealed. By walk's end, you'll know who's a true believer – and who can be won over by a tall tale well told. Which are you? Join a tour and find out.

richmond historical tours

Let us help you keep up with the latest downtown events, news and more!

Help us build richmond to its full potential donate now.

  • Riverfront Canal Walk
  • Restaurants
  • Arts & Culture
  • Attractions
  • Parking & Transportation
  • Historic Neighborhoods
  • Residential Facts & Figures
  • Places to Live
  • Living Essentials
  • Demographics & Market Data
  • Downtown Development
  • Co-Working & Shared Office Spaces
  • Friday Cheers
  • Dominion Energy Riverrock
  • 2nd Street Festival
  • Richmond Folk Festival
  • Eerie Canal Halloween Cruises
  • Featured Downtown Events
  • Riverfront Canal Cruises
  • Downtown Marketing
  • Clean, Safe & Green
  • Placemaking
  • Brown's Island Rentals
  • Service District
  • Our Contributors
  • Reports, Publications & Plans

©2018 Venture Richmond. All Rights Reserved.

richmond historical tours

The Valentine is more than a history museum.

Discover richmond stories™ here..

richmond historical tours

Featured Events

Find yourself in the city’s past, present and future through the Valentine’s tours and programs that challenge and inspire while sparking joy and wonder!

Capturing Richmond – “Style Weekly” Photographer Panel

September 05 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Treason Trial of Aaron Burr Court End Tour

September 06 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

richmond historical tours

Teaching Resources

Let’s partner to bring history to life for your students! Explore the tools, programs and tours that create life-long memories for thousands of students and teachers each year.

Be the first to know the latest in Richmond history and culture.

Sign up to receive email updates from The Valentine!

Current Exhibitions

richmond historical tours

The Valentine First Freedom Center and Monument

richmond historical tours

The Wickham House

richmond historical tours

This Is Richmond, Virginia

richmond historical tours

Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive

The turning basin in Richmond’s canal bordered by the five-story Gallego Flour Mills building, a railroad cars, and other industrial buildings.

Turning Points: Richmond in the 1890s

richmond historical tours

An Unfinished Museum: 125 Years of the Valentine

richmond historical tours

Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth

richmond historical tours

The Hole Truth

richmond historical tours

Signs of the Times

See all exhibitions, 125 favorite objects celebrating 125 years of storytelling.

richmond historical tours

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

vguide

visitors guide

enews

Sign up for our

Enewsletter.

Main Section

richmond historical tours

John Marshall House

The mission of the John Marshall House is to engage the public about the life and legacies of the Great Chief Justice, his Richmond home, and the enslaved people who labored here through historic preservation and education.

Check out our guided and virtual tour opportunities! For our tour translated into Spanish, click here.  

John Marshall is best known as the “Great Chief Justice” for his role in creating the modern Supreme Court. He served from 1801 until 1835 and his influential decisions, such as  Marbury v. Madison , helped shape the principle of judicial review. With the largest collection of original Marshall family pieces, guided tours of his home offer an in-depth look at the formation of American government through the lens of the federal judiciary.

Marshall had his home built in Richmond’s historic Court End neighborhood in 1790 and lived there for forty-five years until his death.

The home remained in the Marshall family until the Chief Justice’s granddaughters sold the land to the City of Richmond in 1907. When the City announced plans to demolish the house to build a high school, the leadership of Preservation Virginia protested. In 1911, the house was placed in the care of Preservation Virginia to be restored and opened to the public.

African American History at the John Marshall House

richmond historical tours

The Black history connected to the John Marshall House is incredibly rich. It is filled with stories of the families that were built under enslavement, and endured in Richmond’s urban landscape. People like Robin Spurlock, enslaved valet to John Marshall saw the city grow to host the second largest domestic slave market in the country. He witnessed the development of Gabriel’s uprising, and the formation of the American judiciary while he and his wife raised their own three children in slavery.

We are fortunate to have substantial records, first-hand accounts and primary sources that provide glimpses into the lives of the individual enslaved by John Marshall. Though we have only begun to study the history of the Black presence here, we aim to continue to research and build strong relationships with descendants, collect oral histories, and present the individual stories that truly highlight the African American experience here. Moving forward, we hope to continue to be able to provide a detailed context for how these people lived and how they viewed their lives at the Marshall House.

For more in-depth information, and primary source material please email us at [email protected] .

818 East Marshall St. Richmond, VA 23219

richmond historical tours

John Marshall House Hours

Interior tours are available March- December each year:

Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plan your visit

Guided interior tour.

In a 45-minute tour guided by one of our trained educators, you’ll learn about the life and legacy of John Marshall. Engage with your guide and discuss Marshall’s impact on the federal judiciary and the ways those decisions influence us today. Purchase tickets here: TOUR.

Turn your visit into a day trip! We’re walking distance from several historic attractions in Richmond’s Court End neighborhood, including the Virginia State Capitol, the Library of Virginia and the Valentine. We also offer a block ticket to our historic site Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in nearby Hanover County.

Student and Group Tours

The John Marshall House offers students, teachers and parents the opportunity to learn history where it actually happened. To host a field trip at the John Marshall House, contact [email protected] or 804-648-7998.

We also offer educational resource packets and videos on our website that address Virginia Standards of Learning components. Click here to download and view these free materials.

See our VisitAble Advocate Certification

Hours & Directions

Interior tours are available march-december each year:.

richmond historical tours

We value the Marshall House’s African American community’s history and would love for you to be a part of the process of gathering more information about the Black presence here. If you are a descendant of the Marshall House or a member of the community and would like to share your family’s history or your knowledge of the African American history here, please contact us at [email protected] or 804.648.7998

Image: John Marshall 1835 Probate Inventory of Chickahominy Farm, Henrico, VA (Marshall Family Private Collection)

BUY TICKETS

For information on pricing and availability:

Inquire about the John Marshall House

[email protected] 804-648-7998

richmond historical tours

Donate to John Marshall House

John marshall house events, john marshall house stories, key visitor info, location & arrival.

Two hour metered street parking is available surrounding the John Marshall House first-come-first-serve, and two paid parking garages are available within walking distance: 501 N. 7th Street as well as 500 E. Marshall Street.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Preservation Virginia, 204 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220-5012

phone 804-648-1889 | fax 804-775-0802 | [email protected]

© 2024 Preservation Virginia. All Rights Reserved.

richmond historical tours

  • Testimonials

richmond historical tours

Discover Richmond Your Way

Tours, rentals, and sales.

We offer fun and exciting public and private tours of Historic Richmond, Virginia on a Segway, Trolley, Electric bike or Gemcar. We also offer wedding charters, private group tours and events, and team building tours and charters. Learn where to go, what to see and what to do while in our beautiful city!

video img

Did you know we offer service and repairs on all bikes?! Our technician is typically in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but please call or email us if you are looking for day-of service! You can also fill out the form below or give us a call to discuss before dropping yours off! Service & Repair Form Check out our RVA on Wheels YouTube page for some little videos with our tour guides telling some amazing stories from Richmond's history! You can also stay updated with us through Facebook and Instagram

Our Most Popular

Landmark Segway Tour

richmond historical tours

Discover the story of Virginia’s Capital City in dynamic close-up! The riveting stories of Richmond history include enduring icons like Washington, Lincoln and Edgar Allan Poe.

Historic Trolley Tour

richmond historical tours

Travel through 400 years of history in two hours on board one of our classic trolleys! We have incredible tour guides to tell you about everything in our gorgeous river city!

Downtown E-Bike Tour

richmond historical tours

Explore RVA and all its incredible history on an electric bike! Your ride with us includes a leisurely tour of Downtown, with references to unsung heroes of the city’s historic sites, the origins of the region, amusing trivia, street art, and an appreciation of nature.

Discover Richmond on a Segway

Fun and original way to explore Richmond! Tour guides are knowledgeable and share lots of unknown facts about the city. A great way to learn more about our river city and of course, a great way to have fun! Segways are very easy to operate, and the guides will do a safety training course before each tour. Our Segway PT guides are among the most knowledgeable in and about the city and are very good at combining stories around the rich history of Richmond with humor and wit.

See Segway Tours →

Richmond Landmark Segway Tour

Segway Landmark

Discover Richmond on an Electric Bike

Electric Bike

Pedego electric bikes are a wonderful way to see and experience Richmond regardless of age or fitness level. Our river city has so much to explore, and with five levels of pedal assist and a throttle, these e-bikes make it so easy to get around! Take them through the city or along the Virginia Capital Trail to Ronnie's BBQ or Upper Shirley Vineyards!

See e-Bike Tours →

Pedego Electric Bike

Electric Bike

Discover Richmond on a Trolley

Take in Richmond’s amazing landmarks and sites on comprehensive history tours with the RVA Trolley's great guides and expert drivers. Whether you were raised in Richmond, are visiting or just passing through, you will travel through a rich narrative of 400 years of history in one of the most fascinating and oldest cities in America.

See Trolley Tours →

Historic Trolley

Discover Richmond in a Gem Car

Private and semi-private Gem Car Tours! Join us for a 90 minute comprehensive tour of Hollywood Cemetery! As the second most-visited cemetery in the country, this is a must-see while in Richmond! Three times daily at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm - other times by appointment.

Gem Car Tours →

Hollywood Cemetery

Gem Car

Weddings and Private Events

Whether you need a Trolley for your special wedding day, a private team building event for your company or a customized private tour made just for you, we can help. Our helpful team is focused totally on you and your happiness is our number one priority.

Private Events →

Dream of your Wedding

Private Events

Richmond Historic Haunts

Sharing the offbeat, little known history of Richmond.

Welcome to Richmond Historic Haunts

Thank you for visiting Richmond Historic Haunts! We are the parent company of Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours, RVA Hidden History Storytellers & Richmond Haunts Media. If you’re looking for services related to ghost tours or history tours in Richmond, Virginia, you’ve come to the right place. Checkout our tour companies below for more information and to reserve your Richmond tour experience!

richmond historical tours

Founded in 2004, Haunts of Richmond is the city’s original ghost tour company, featuring the most experienced and knowledgeable ghost guides in Richmond. Starting with a single tour in historic Shockoe Bottom, Haunts of Richmond has grown to include six unique tour routes across Downtown Richmond, including Church Hill, Capitol Hill, Monroe Park & Court End. They also offer special events, including Haunted Dinner events, Pub Crawls, on-site professional storytelling services, and more. Public and private tours are available all year round.

Visit Haunts of Richmond Online

richmond historical tours

RVA Hidden History Storytellers was founded in 2018 to help bring forth some of the overshadowed aspects of Richmond’s past. It sprung forth from a desire to share fascinating details that came to light while conducting research for Haunts of Richmond. While those details didn’t quite fit into the paranormal realm, they found a home with RVA Hidden History Storytellers. RHH has grown to include four unique themed tours, special history dinner events and professional city guide services. Public and private tours are available all year round.

Visit RVA Hidden History Storytellers Online

Additional services.

We can also assist with services related to historical research and paranormal lore. Richmond Historic Haunts is led by experienced researchers who can help you find the information you are looking for. Please contact us to inquire about these services.

richmond historical tours

Questions? Call or text us at (804) 213-2330

Discover Richmond Tours

Discover the best of Richmond’s restaurants, breweries, and more with the city’s top-rated, most delicious food and brewery tours!

richmond historical tours

VIEW CALENDAR

BUY GIFT CARDS

SCHEDULE A GROUP TOUR

— OR —

SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR

Most popular tours

These are our top picks – find all our offerings a bit further down!

Church Hill Food Tour - Kahlo's

  • Church Hill Food Tour

Discover the amazing restaurants and bakeries of Church Hill, and hear the  stories of Richmond’s oldest neighborhood.

Sat – Sun

Image Credit: Heather Michelle Photography for Discover Richmond Tours

  • Arts District Food Tour

Explore the diverse culinary scene of the Arts District and learn why it’s Richmond’s most interesting neighborhood!

Fri – Sat

richmond historical tours

Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Discover fascinating little-known sites and Civil War-era stories around Capitol Square and Shockoe Slip!

Any time, self-guided

So many ways to Discover Richmond

We offer food tours, brewery tours, hiking tours, self-guided tours, and scavenger hunts that let you feel like an insider in RVA. Discover Richmond with us!

richmond historical tours

Discover the food behind Richmond’s unique neighborhoods, including Carytown, Church Hill, Scott’s Addition, and the Arts District.

Friday – Sunday

Discover Richmond Brewery Tours

  • Brewery Tours

Grab your friends – we’re going brewery hopping! Ride in our climate-controlled bus to discover some of Richmond’s top breweries.

Saturday & Sunday

Discover Richmond Tours Scavenger Hunts

Self-Guided Tours

Our self-guided tours are perfect for discovering Richmond’s many interesting neighborhoods. Or check out downtown’s amazing murals!

richmond historical tours

  • Hiking Tours

Discover the best of Richmond’s James River Park System on a moderate, guided hike that highlights some of the park’s greatest hidden gems!

Guests rave about Discover Richmond Tours!

Read more reviews on TripAdvisor and Google .

richmond historical tours

Connects tour-goers with people and soul of Richmond. Do it, you’ll love it!”

– Seamus, Arlington, VA

Church Hill Food Tour - Spotty Dog

“A great way to get to know some of Richmond’s best kept restaurant secrets.”

– Marsha, Richmond, VA

Tour Calendar

Book Online

Purchase tickets online with our real-time, secure online booking system. You’ll receive a confirmation immediately!

View Calendar

A great gift for any occasion, and our gift cards never expire. Great for holidays, weddings, birthdays, and more!

Private Tours

Available every day of the week, our food tours, brewery tours, and scavenger hunts are a perfect team outing or get-together.

Get In Touch

Why choose Discover Richmond Tours? We’ve hosted 18,000+ guests to date!

Richmond Food Tours - pork belly

Discover the diverse flavors of Richmond’s renowned culinary scene

Richmond Food Tours - downtown Richmond

Get the inside scoop into some of Richmond’s most exciting neighborhoods

Church Hill Food Tour - Sub Rosa

Our guides and your fellow tour-goers are some of the most fun people in town

Richmond Food Tours - gelato at Stoplight

Rated the #1 tour in Richmond on TripAdvisor, with more than 700 5-star reviews

Contact: (804) 213-2330 | [email protected]

© 2024 · Discover Richmond Tours · Privacy Policy · Website by Brian W. Beard

  • Carytown Food Tour
  • Scott’s Addition Booze & Bites Tour
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour
  • Private Tours
  • Scavenger Hunts
  • Wedding Transportation
  • Corporate Event Transportation
  • Birthday and Celebration Transportation
  • Tacky Lights Tours
  • Spooky Lights Tours
  • Field Trips
  • Corporate Events
  • Science Museum of Virginia Scavenger Hunt
  • Richmond: City Guide
  • Become A Partner
  • Community Support
  • Book Tickets!

Richmond History Tours by the Valentine

Jackson Ward Walking Tour

Information

  • 1015 East Clay Street
  • Richmond, VA 23219
  • (804) 649-0711
  • Attraction Fee: Most walking tours are $15 and bus tours are $25. Some discounts may apply and other tours have special pricing. Valentine Members receive discounted tours.
  • Attraction Hours: Varies
  • Distance to Airport: 10
  • Handicapped Accessible:
  • Hours (General Information): Tours are offered at various times. Please visit www.thevalentine.org/calendar/city-tours for the complete schedule.
  • Maximum Group Size: 30
  • Motorcoach Group Friendly:
  • Motorcoach Parking on Site:
  • Parking Fee Information: On-Street or nearby parking decks
  • Pet Friendly:

Get A Visitors Guide

Sign up for our newsletter.

401 N. 3rd Street   |   Richmond, VA 23219   |   (804) 782-2777

  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner Login

© 2024 Visit Richmond VA. All Rights Reserved

Would you like to accept cookies?

COMMENTS

  1. History Tours in Richmond, Virginia

    The Richmond Region is a place with Native American history, Colonial history, African American history, Revolutionary War, Civil War and civil unrest history. Explore it with a really smart tour guide by foot, trolley, bike or Segway Tour. Get A Visitors Guide. Sign Up for Our Newsletter. 401 N. 3rd Street | Richmond, VA 23219 | (804) 782-2777.

  2. The Richmond Tour Guys

    Welcome. We are the RICHMOND TOUR GUYS. Since 2014, we have presented weekly tours of Richmond. We continue to expand our offerings and in 2023 feature our two most popular Signature Walking Tours: The Downtown Tour and the popular Church Hill Tour. Additionally, we offer Private, Group, Custom, Specialty & Seasonal, and Step-On tours in ...

  3. THE 10 BEST Richmond Historical & Heritage Tours

    1. Richmond Downtown Walking Tour. 85. Recommended by 97% of travelers. Historical Tours 100-120 minutes English. You will receive a compelling story of the origins of Richmond from small tobacco town to Capitol of the Commonwealth on a leisurely 2 hour stroll.

  4. Historic Trolley Tour

    For groups -up to 20 Guests - $650.00, call us → 804-343-1850. Book Now. Sit back, relax and enjoy the best Richmond has to offer aboard a Historic Trolley Tour! About this Tour: We have the tours available Saturdays and Sundays at 11a! You can book online or give us a call to reserve your spot! Riders are picked up at our RVA on Wheels main ...

  5. THE TOP 10 Richmond Historical Tours (Prices from $13)

    Historic Trolley Tour. 22. Richmond, as the birthplace of the United States, is rich with history and culture! Travel through 400 years of history on board our tour with a knowledgeable and engaging tour guide! 2 hours. Free Cancellation. from. $38.00.

  6. Essential Tours to Take in Downtown Richmond

    Riverfront Canal Cruises in downtown Richmond feature historically-narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal designed by George Washington. Hear about centuries of Richmond's history, from Powhatan's Chiefdom to the first commercially successful electric streetcar in the world, while traveling in authentic, flat-bottomed boats.

  7. Discover Richmond on a Trolley

    804-343-1850. Historic tours, Craft Brewery tours, Winery tours, Food tours, Street Art tours, as well as custom tours! Explore all Richmond has to offer on board one of our classic vintage trolleys! Join a public tour or rent the trolley privately for your group! RVA Historic Trolley Tour.

  8. Visit

    Virginia Museum of History & Culture. 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Richmond, Virginia 23220. Paid parking is available behind the VMHC, with an entrance from Kensington Avenue and an entrance opposite the VMFA parking garage (from N Sheppard St. or Stuart Ave). Get Directions.

  9. Historic St. John's Church, 1741

    A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK ... St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, is one of America's most important historic sites, where - swayed by Patrick Henry's powerful argument - the delegates made a decision that changed the course of history, lighting the spark of the War for Independence. ... Our Tour, led by an interpreter inside the ...

  10. Tours

    Tours. Experience Richmond history from its beginnings to the present day with the Valentine's guided museum and city tours. Join us to discover intriguing exhibitions, learn about life in the historic Wickham House or stroll Richmond's beautiful neighborhoods while uncovering stories and best kept secrets of the city. We offer both public ...

  11. The Valentine Museum

    The Valentine is more than a history museum. Discover Richmond Stories™ here. Menu Close. About. What We Do. Mission & History. Looking Forward. Visit. Events Calendar. Buy Tickets. The Valentine Main Campus. Hours. ... Richmond City Tours. Virtual Tours. Self-Guided Tours. Programs. Lecture Series. Community Conversations. History Talks. I ...

  12. Historic Sites in Richmond

    Stand next to Civil War cannons at Malvern Hill Battlefield , then visit the Dabbs House Museum. Walk back 400 years in time at Henricus Historical Park to see where Pocahontas lived. Walk the Richmond Slave Trail, and trace the steps of thousands who were forced to come here as enslaved workers. Tour the Jackson Ward district, known as the ...

  13. Richmond Historic Landmark Trolley 2-Hour Tour 2024

    Explore Richmond, Virginia and learn about the city's historical landmarks on a 2-hour history tour aboard a classic trolley car. Your guide shares commentary about the history of one of the oldest cities in the United States as you roll past landmarks such as the State Capitol, Monument Avenue, and St. John's Church. Choose from two departures on the weekend and one on weekdays.

  14. Richmond History Tours

    The Richmond Liberty Trail is a walking route that connects many of downtown Richmond's historic sites, attractions and neighborhoods, including 15 national historic landmarks. This 6.2 mile (10K) trail is marked with a logo painted on the sidewalk. Where the Richmond Liberty Trail meets corners or other locations where direction is needed, supplementary arrows indicate in which direction to ...

  15. John Marshall House

    Student and Group Tours. The John Marshall House offers students, teachers and parents the opportunity to learn history where it actually happened. To host a field trip at the John Marshall House, contact [email protected] or 804-648-7998. We also offer educational resource packets and videos on our website that address ...

  16. RVA Trolley

    Experience Richmond history in a classic trolley ideally suited for visitors and residents alike. Enjoy Richmond landmarks from the comfort of our enclosed, 20-person trolley. ... Public historic tours are currently running Saturdays and Sundays at 11a Price for adults is $38 each and seniors are $35 each. Children 4-14 is $25, and kids 3 and ...

  17. Discovering Richmond Your Way

    804-343-1850. Purchase a Gift Card! We offer fun and exciting public and private tours of Historic Richmond, Virginia on a Segway, Trolley, Electric bike or Gemcar. We also offer wedding charters, private group tours and events, and team building tours and charters. Learn where to go, what to see and what to do while in our beautiful city!

  18. Riverfront Canal Cruises

    The 40-minute, historically narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal operate throughout the season, seven days a week from May through September, and with varying hours in April, October, and November. The boat tours travel along downtown Richmond's historic Canal Walk and review centuries of Richmond's history, from Powhatan's Chiefdom to the first commercially successful ...

  19. Richmond Historic Haunts Tour Company

    Founded in 2004, Haunts of Richmond is the city's original ghost tour company, featuring the most experienced and knowledgeable ghost guides in Richmond. Starting with a single tour in historic Shockoe Bottom, Haunts of Richmond has grown to include six unique tour routes across Downtown Richmond, including Church Hill, Capitol Hill, Monroe ...

  20. The Valentine

    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. 78. About. Discover Richmond Stories with the Valentine's expert guides! Richmond History Tours explore the rich and diverse history of the city, including Hollywood Cemetery, Downtown, unique neighborhoods and the riverfront.

  21. Richmond, Virginia Liberty Trail

    Richmond Liberty Trail Connecting downtown Richmond's points of history. Richmond Liberty Trail is a walking route that connects many of downtown Richmond's historic sites, attractions and neighborhoods, including 15 national historic landmarks.This 6.2 mile (10K) trail is marked with a logo painted on the sidewalk, and supplementary arrows that show you which direction to walk.

  22. Richmond Food, Brewery, and History Tours

    We offer food tours, brewery tours, hiking tours, self-guided tours, and scavenger hunts that let you feel like an insider in RVA. Discover Richmond with us! Food Tours. Discover the food behind Richmond's unique neighborhoods, including Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition, and the Arts District. Friday - Sunday.

  23. Richmond History Tours by the Valentine

    Discover Richmond Stories with the Valentine! Join us on a guided tour and explore Richmond history from its beginnings to present day, discovering the sites and stories that shaped the River City! From Thomas Jefferson's State Capitol and the beautiful Hollywood Cemetery, to local Civil Rights heroes and the city's growing art and food scenes, our tours go beyond the highlights ...