Top Richmond Historical Tours

If you think history is boring, this tour is here to prove you wrong. Offbeat History takes you on a lively, 90-minute journey through the city’s most offbeat and entertaining stories—the kind that surprise you, make you laugh, and leave you saying, “Wait… that really happened?” With a guide who knows how to bring the fun, this tour dives into the odd characters, strange moments, and head-scratching facts that make Richmond anything but ordinary. You won’t hear about battlefield strategies or memorized dates—just unforgettable stories, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of laughs.

Explore the haunted history of Richmond on this captivating walking tour led by Strange RVA. Wander through the eerie cobblestone streets of Shockoe Bottom, where you’ll hear chilling tales of real hauntings, true crime, and colonial curses. This tour includes insights into the legends surrounding The Devil’s Half Acre, the Church Hill Tunnel curse, and the Richmond Vampire lore. You'll also learn about infamous characters like the ‘Ghoul of Richmond’ and end your journey with stories of Edgar Allan Poe, who spent significant time in Richmond. - 1.5 to 2-hour walking tour through Richmond’s haunted landmarks - Discover true ghost stories and urban legends from a knowledgeable guide - Nightly tours at 8 PM, perfect for adults aged 16 and older - Uncover the chilling past of Richmond, including haunted cemeteries and more.

Explore Richmond with the aid of a professional historian guide, learning about the crucial role the city played in the foundation of American politics, culture, education, architecture, and more. Explore the city's historic businesses, government buildings, schools, and churches.

This leisurely stroll takes you through downtown Richmond with a guide who will tell you about the layers of history all around you. Talk about the town’s role in the Revolution, Civil War, and more. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your guide, but still have an intimate tour group. You’ll also be wearing a headset on tour to encourage safe distancing.

Explore the history of Richmond's black artists, business leaders, politicians, and innovators on this tour of the Jackson Ward neighborhood. Known for its charming Victorian architecture and powerful historical legacy, the Jackson Ward was long known as the "Harlem of the South" for its innovative and impactful black population. On this tour, we explore the stories of Richmond's Jackson Ward, its rise, challenges, successes, and crucial figures. Learn about black-owned banks, insurance companies, theaters, and much more.

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Virginia's Capitol grounds in Richmond on this leisurely walking tour. Led by an expert historian, the tour explores significant monuments including the Washington Statue and the Edgar Allan Poe tribute, while honoring the native Americans who once inhabited the area. Gain insights into the early history of Richmond and Virginia through engaging storytelling that brings the captivating past to life. - Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Virginia's Capitol grounds - Led by an expert historian passionate about architecture and storytelling - Visit significant sites like the Washington Statue and Edgar Allan Poe monument - Learn about the native Americans and the early history of Richmond and Virginia

Discover the haunting beauty of Richmond’s cemeteries on a guided walking tour through the historic Hollywood Cemetery. This 135-acre arboretum is home to U.S. presidents and notable figures, offering a blend of nature and history. Enjoy a 2-hour tour filled with intriguing stories and picturesque views of the James River. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in cemeteries alike, these tours promise a unique perspective on Richmond’s past. - 2-hour walking tour of Hollywood Cemetery at 2 PM daily - Small group sizes for an intimate experience with personal guides

Richmond's role as the Capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War brought more than just legislators to the city's doorstep. The many battles that occurred across the state and beyond resulted in a vast number of prisoners and wounded soldiers that needed a place to go. Many of these individuals found themselves in Richmond, particularly the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood where this tour takes place. This tour will take you to some of the notable sites in the neighborhood, and will also share with you the stories of some of the people with connections to these buildings.

Put a spin on a Richmond city tour and learn about the city’s haunted past from a guide during this Richmond Capitol Hill Haunted Ghost Tour. Perfect for history lovers and fans of the paranormal, this tour stops at the Berkeley Hotel, Virginia State Capitol Building, Virginia Executive Mansion, and the Monumental Church. Prebook your experience and get ready for some of the state’s best ghost stories.

Go beyond capital tours and explore Richmond with your crew via real-time scavenger hunt. Finding clues, snapping photos, and completing challenges, your smartphone will lead you across the city’s best landmarks, from downtown to Shockoe Slip and beyond. As you race the clock, you’ll learn all about Richmond’s 300-year history, racking up points to win it all.

Beneath the opulent veneers of Richmond's gilded age architecture and the day-to-day life of academia, bubble tales of chilling haunts, macabre murders, and bizarre paranormal activity. Join us for a spooky stroll around the Monroe Park campus as we explore stories that are often left out of your typical college brochures. Cloaked in the shadows of the beautiful and historic neighborhood, this tour includes the following spirited tales: The grim history of Monroe Park that lies hidden under the well-tended landscape of today, a hospital-turned-student dorm that still houses the spirits of long-departed patients, the ghosts of a landmark theater, and more... Your Guide will share with you the history of the neighborhood, and how it relates to the tales of the mysterious and tragic things that have led to numerous reports of paranormal activity along the tour route.

Uncover a different side of Richmond’s Franklin Street with this guided ghost-themed walking tour. Walk around to sites such as the Jefferson Hotel, Linden Row Inn, Main Street Library, and other historic locations that are said to be haunted, while listening to tales of spooky encounters and paranormal activity from your guide.

Meet your ghost guide to start your tour of Richmond’s Historic Church Hill, where you will visit several landmarks on your search for ghosts. This is a small), and will run for about an hour and a half. You’ll stop at Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille, an old tobacco warehouse, the Bellevue Elementary school, and more, learning about all the spooky haunts along the way.

One of the most-visited cemeteries in the country, the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond has a lot to see. This Segway tour lets you glide through the huge cemetery with ease so that you can make it to the gravestones you most want to pay homage to, including those of past presidents and fallen soldiers. Plus, you get unbeatable views of the city and the James River as along the way.

Discover the vibrant mural art scene of Richmond, Virginia, on an engaging guided tour through iconic neighborhoods like Jackson Ward, The Fan, & Brookland Park. Experience the city's transformation through the lens of local artists, as personal anecdotes and historical narratives illuminate the meaning behind these stunning murals. This interactive journey encourages participants to share their thoughts and connections to the artwork, fostering a deeper understanding of Richmond's cultural fabric. Enjoy a blend of art appreciation and community storytelling in an intimate group setting. - Explore the rich mural art of Jackson Ward, The Fan, & Brookland Park - Engage in discussions about the meaning and influence of murals - Learn about the difference between graffiti and mural art - Share personal insights and experiences with fellow participants

Explore the highlights of Richmond’s historic Canal District and Shockoe Bottom up close and on foot on this small-group walking tour. See highlights like the Poe Museum, Main Street Station, Canal Walk, Libby Prison, Mason’s Hall, and more. Experience Richmond’s growth first hand and through insightful narratives from your guide.

In 1870, Richmond was a powderkeg. Racial tension following the American Civil War soon boiled over into outright hatred, and a plan was hatched to reinstate a system of White Supremacy by force. However, formerly enslaved African Americans and their allies did not back down without a fight and refused to let their city be taken over. The ensuing siege and battle would leave many dead, and Richmond's history would never be the same. Join this guided historic tour of one of Richmond's darkest chapters: the Municipal War of 1870, and explore the untold history of Richmond during the Reconstruction Era.

Join us for haunting tales of Richmond's Court End neighborhood on a guided walking tour. Take in a unique urban landscape where historic and modern Richmond come together in dramatic fashion, with historic homes, medical buildings, museums, and more. See the home of America's most renowned Supreme Court Chief Justice and hear about the tragic tales that have resulted in hauntings within the historic house. Learn about a grim resurrectionist who terrified the community in the 1800s and continues to frighten medical students in an architecturally stunning Egyptian building. Move through the neighborhood and learn how the regal historic structures and gleaming veneers of modern Richmond belie the tumultuous and eerie history that remains just below the surface.