Richmond, Virginia, is a city that’s thriving with art, history, and scenic river views. Its compact downtown and diverse neighborhoods make it an ideal place to explore by bike. Unlike cities that spread out or are dominated by car traffic, Richmond’s bike-friendly streets and vibrant street art scene make pedaling around both rewarding and practical. Whether you’re interested in urban art, historic sites, or just soaking in the scenery along the James River, these bike tours offer unique ways to see and experience the city. Plus, they’re a great way to get some exercise while learning about Richmond’s stories, personalities, and creative spirit.
For a city that combines creative urban murals with stories of resilience and innovation, Richmond stands out. These tours are tailored to give you an authentic look at the city’s past and present, all from the seat of a bicycle. Ready to explore? Let’s look at the two best bike tours in Richmond, Virginia, and see which one suits your interests and schedule best.
Quick Overview
We’ve rounded up two top-rated bike tours in Richmond that each offer a different experience. The Richmond Street Art Bike Tour delights art lovers with its focus on street murals, sculpture gardens, and the city’s connection to African American history. Meanwhile, the Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour takes you through historic neighborhoods, scenic river views, and the stories behind the city’s more prominent landmarks. Both tours are priced around $135-$165 per person for a 2.5-hour ride, with reviews averaging 4 out of 5 stars. Now, let’s look at each in detail.
1. Richmond Street Art Bike Tour
For those who love urban art and want to see Richmond’s colorful murals and sculptures, this tour hits the mark. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll bicycle through neighborhoods that showcase International Street Art and learn about the city’s artistic evolution. The tour also includes visits to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden, where outdoor installations add to the visual feast. Highlights include stories behind the street art, which often tie into Richmond’s African American community in Jackson Ward — an area historically known as the “Harlem of the South.”
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of art, history, and local culture, with guides who explain the meaning behind murals and how they reflect the city’s identity. It’s ideal for travelers interested in contemporary culture or who want to see how art protests and celebrates community resilience. One reviewer noted, “It’s a fantastic way to see parts of Richmond I never knew existed, all with a splash of color and stories behind every mural.”
The price of $135 offers good value considering the depth of art and history covered, plus the chance to bike through beautiful city views. Be prepared for some urban cycling, and check availability early, as spots can fill up.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for art lovers who want an active way to experience Richmond’s creative spirit and its connection to local history.
2. Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour
This tour offers a leisurely 2.5-hour ride that explores historic sites, trendy districts, and the scenic James River. Starting in downtown, you’ll cycle past landmarks that tell the story of Richmond’s founding, industrial growth, and modern revival. The tour dives into stories of the people behind the city’s development, going beyond the usual history to include local entrepreneurs, activists, and artists.
One of the highlights is the scenic views along the James River Rapids, which are perfect for photos and just enjoying the lush scenery. You’ll learn about the region’s origins and the importance of the river in shaping Richmond’s identity. The tour also covers street art, but here it’s presented in context with urban development and the city’s evolving neighborhoods.
At $165, this tour is slightly more expensive but offers a more comprehensive look at Richmond’s urban fabric. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy history, cityscapes, and scenic outdoor spaces. Many reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and engaging storytelling, with one saying, “It’s a great way to see the city without feeling rushed, and the river views are just fantastic.”
Bottom Line: Best for those interested in a broader look at Richmond’s historic and modern sides, combined with scenic views and local stories.
How to Choose
Choosing between these two Richmond bike tours depends on what interests you most. If street art, murals, and urban culture excite you, the Richmond Street Art Bike Tour offers a colorful, story-rich ride through Richmond’s creative neighborhoods. If your focus is more on historic landmarks, scenic river views, and local personalities, then the Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour provides a relaxed, comprehensive exploration.
Consider your fitness level and interests: both tours are about 2.5 hours, so good cycling skills are recommended, but they are suitable for most travelers comfortable on a bike. Book early, especially during peak seasons, as spots tend to fill.
Final Thoughts
Richmond’s bike tours offer a fantastic way to experience this varied city. For art aficionados, the street art tour immerses you in Richmond’s creative spirit. For those interested in history and scenery, the downtown tour provides a well-rounded narrative with beautiful river vistas. If time allows, doing both would give you an especially complete picture of what makes Richmond special.
No matter which tour you pick, booking ahead ensures a spot, especially during busy times. Both options deliver a mix of culture, local stories, and scenic beauty—all from the comfort of a bicycle seat. So lace up your shoes, hop on a bike, and enjoy all that Richmond has to offer.