20 things you can eat, drink & do in Richmond for $5 or less
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I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for fun things to do that won’t break the bank. Luckily, Richmond has plenty of activities and events that will run you less than $5, so you can keep your budget in check without total FOMO.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience the best RIchmond has to offer for $5 or less!
by Alicia Valenski
Get Outside & Explore
Image Source: @hollywoodcem
Hollywood Cemetery
Aside from being an active cemetery (be respectful when visiting!), Hollywood Cemetery is a registered arboretum with over 2,000 trees on the ground. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler are both buried here, along with Richmond legends like Lewis Ginter. Don’t miss the Richmond Vampire Mausoleum!
In addition to offering a spectacular view of downtown and the James River, Hollywood Cemetery also boasts plenty of hills that are great for running and biking without fear of cars.
Cost: Free
Location: 412 S Cherry St
Image Source: @maymontrva
Maymont
Chances are you’ve at least been to one part of this 100-acre historic estate and park, whether you simply strolled through the gardens or visited the Maymont Mansion, arboretum, carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, nature center, or Children's Farm. However you spend your time there, it’s sure to be a peaceful experience in nature!
Cost: Free to visit the grounds and gardens, as well as the farms and wildlife habitats
Location: 1700 Hampton St
Image Source: @virginiacapitaltrail
The Virginia Capital Trail
Ideal for walkers, bikers, hikers, dog walkers, skateboarders, and beyond! This 51.7 mile stretch of newly paved trail runs from Great Shiplock Park, which runs from the flood wall doors (across Dock St. from Bottom’s Up Pizza) all the way to all the way to Williamsburg with plenty to see along the way!
In Richmond, the popular stretch between Great Shiplock Park and Rockett’s Landing has been much busier than other areas so if you are looking for a calmer area try starting from a entrance point in Varina. Dorey Park and Four Mile Creek Trailhead are both great options.
Cost: Free
Location: Great Shiplock Park, 2803 Dock St
Image Source: @cageyk_g
Byrd Park
Can you believe this park is over 250 acres!? If you’ve lived in the city for an extended period of time then you’ve probably been here before, but it’s so big there is plenty to explore! It’s a great spot for a picnic since you can spread out and the large, mature trees provide delicious shade. Typically, you’d have use of the tennis courts, softball fields, pedal boat rentals at Fountain Lake, a concession stand, public restrooms, and picnic shelters with outdoor grills but these amenities are closed for the time being. However, you can take advantage of the Vitacourse, an exercise trail that spans the park!
Cost: Free
Location: 600 S Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Image Source: @kathleenmduffy
James River Park System
This unique Richmond park system includes acres of shoreline, trails, and islands extending from the Huguenot Bridge in the west to a half mile beyond the I-95 Bridge in the east. It encompasses most of the fall line of the James River in 14 different sections, but a few local favorites would be:
T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge
Cost: Free
Learn Something New
Image Source: @vmfamuseum
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
This state-operated art museum opened in 1936, featuring both permanent collections as well as special exhibitions that rotate regularly. Beyond the art museum itself, you can also visit the VMFA’s E. Claiborne & Lora Robins Sculpture Garden, Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library, the VMFA Shop, Best Café, Amuse Restaurant, the Art Education Center, and the conservation center.
Cost: Free
Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd
Image Source: @thevalentinerva
The Valentine
One of the oldest museums in Richmond, the Valentine is located in the heart of downtown and has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting Richmond’s history for more than a century. Here’s a handy guide on what to expect when visiting the Valentine.
Cost: Free
Location: 1015 E Clay St
Get Some Good, Cheap Eats
Image Source: @bennyventanos
Benny Ventano’s
Known for their massive 28” pies, the “Virginia Slice” at this pizza joint in The Fan is shockingly affordable for how large it is!
Cost: You can get a slice of cheese pizza for $4, or you can add pepperoni, sausage, or garlic mushrooms for $1 more.
Location: 2501 W Main St
Image Source: @moorestreetcafe
Moore Street Cafe
Voted “Best Breakfast Restaurant” by the readers of Richmond Magazine, Moore Street Cafe is a delightfully affordable place to grab a morning bite.
Cost: For just $4.95 you can get either a stack of 4 pancakes; 3 slices of French toast; or a small Squirrel’s Nest Breakfast Bowl ft. bacon, egg, cheese, and tater tots smothered with homemade sausage gravy.
Location: 2904 W Moore St
Image Source: @natesbagels
Nate’s Bagels
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast or lunch option, this staple restaurant in The Fan Historic District is the spot for you.
Cost: You can get a bagel and a schmear (your choice of bagel, your choice of schmear!) for just $3.
Location: 21 S Allen Ave
Image Source: @dontlookback.co
Don’t Look Back
In the mood for something spicy? Then you should visit Don’t Look Back to fill up on some affordable and tasty tacos, chips and salsa, and more.
Cost: Every taco on the menu is under $5 — and their famous Frito Pie (a bag of Fritos stuffed with beans, red chile sauce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and an optional protein) is $5 on the nose.
Location: 3306 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition) or 7524 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
Image Source: @charmschoolrva
Charm School
We all scream for ice cream, that much has always been true. But we scream even louder knowing that Charm School’s ice cream (both dairy and vegan) is as affordable as it is delicious.
Cost: You can get a scoop in a dish or on a handmade cone for just $4.
Location: 311 W Broad St
Hit Up Happy Hour
Image Source: @3monkeysfan
3 Monkeys Bar & Grill
This spot in The Fan is known for its incredible happy hour offerings in a casual atmosphere, perfect for college students and recent grads alike who are looking to catch a buzz on a budget. Don’t miss it Tuesday - Sunday from 4 - 8 pm.
Cost: You can order specialty cocktails for $5 or bottled beer for $3.50 during happy hour.
Location: 2525 W Main St
Image Source: @pizzbeerrva
Pizza & Beer of Richmond
Yes, the folks at Pizza & Beer of Richmond are aware that the acronym for their restaurant and bar is “PBR” — which is why the popular domestic beer is on special all day, every day. But the happy hour specials on other drinks are pretty spectacular too, Monday - Friday from 3 - 6 pm.
Cost: Pabst Blue Ribbon is $3 all day, every day. During happy hour, you can also get $1 off all draft beers, beer cans and bottles, house cocktails, and canned cocktails; as well as $2 off of select appetizers.
Location: 2553 W Cary St
Image Source: @wonggonzalezrva
Wong Gonzalez
It’s not all pizza and beer when we’re talking about budget bites and beverages. Playfully referred to as “Mexinese,” Wong Gonzalez is a unique restaurant blending Mexican cuisine with Chinese dishes — and their happy hour is out of this world! Stop by Tuesday - Saturday, 4 - 7 pm and Sunday, 4 - 9 pm to try it for yourself.
Cost: During happy hour, enjoy $5 margaritas, $3 highballs, $2 off draft beer, and $1 off glasses of wine.
Location: 412 E Grace St
Image Source: @maxsonbroad
Max’s On Broad
Looking for something that feels fancy without costing an arm and a leg? Look no further than Max’s On Broad, offering French-Belgian cuisine, craft cocktails, fine wines, and local beers in a beautiful Brasserie in the Arts District. The daily happy hour from 4 - 7 pm offers some excellent deals.
Cost: During happy hour, you can get house highballs for $4; your choice of red, white, or sparkling house wine for $3 - $5; Stella Artois for $3; Belgian beers for $5; craft beers for $5; pimento cheese and chips for $5; French Onion dip and chips for $4; a BLT (with or without Duke's mayo) for $5; a pimento grilled cheese for $5; or pommes frites for $3.
Location: 305 Brook Rd
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