Marriott Downtown (Richmond, Cana: safe area, theater, restaurants)

[CGtoRaleigh]

I am visiting Richmond and will be staying at the Marriot Downtown. Is this a safe area?
Can anyone recommend some restuarants and some fun things to do?

Thanks!

[RVA-Jsn20]

The National theater is literally 1 block away if you're interested in seeing music. As far as restaurants go there's T-Millers right under the Marriott, Gibson's Grill right next to the National, Shockoe Bottom is a few blocks away with lots of great restaurants and bars and quite a few clubs/music venues. the area is safe just be careful at night. oh and there are a ton of art galleries along broad st to the west of the Marriott if you're interested in that

[540_804]

Yeah, I work about a block from the Marriott and its pretty safe.

Generally, the blocks heading East from the Marriott are safer than those west and the blocks south are safer than those to the north. Also within safe walking distance is the Carpenter Theater and Richmond CenterStage. There are quite a few nice restaurants lining Broad Street to the west but I would probably recommend taking a cab ($5 tops) over walking just for safety. Don't get me wrong, I walk that stretch every day and have never had a problem, but for a visitor its probably better to be safe than sorry.

[vman650]

Like any big city, it pays to be cautious. I go down to that part of town frequently and have never had a problem. It is very busy during working hours Monday through Friday. Broad street is crowded with people walking and waiting for buses. A few blocks over on Main street is the financial district and once again there are hundreds of people in the streets. I enjoy the canal walk and if walking is your thing you will have panoramic views of the James River. At one end is Shockow Slip and the other end has the civil war museum. Shockow Slip has great restaurants and near the museum there is a walking bridge going to Browns Island. The Canal walk is several miles long, so make sure you can handle a fairly long walk. At 5PM, someone blows a whistle and the central city empties out. It really pays to use common sense at night. I dress down and try to avoid areas without much lighting. It is no different than any other big city and common sense rules the night. Weekends also are far less crowded than weekdays and sometimes Richmond can look like a ghost town. There are lots of entertainment venues in the area close to the Marriot. You will find an events calendar at Events, Concerts, Movies and Festivals - Richmond.com. The local paper is the Richmond Times Dispatch Richmond Times Dispatch News, Sports, and Business | Richmond Times-Dispatch. Puplic transportation is poor, but there are buses running up and down Broad Street. You can consult the GRTC website for times and bus routes Schedules & Routes. Richmond is a really nice city with lots of fun and interesting things for visitors to do. Have a great time and enjoy our city.

[TRELL804]

just make sure u dont make the wrong turn, u might end up in JACKSON WARD(gilpin court).. just be safe.. some good places you can go to is, Belles isle,and alot of other places

[richmondpics]

Jackson Ward south of I-95, while still transitioning is much better than "North Jackson Ward"

[RVA-Jsn20]

Originally Posted by richmondpics

Jackson Ward south of I-95, while still transitioning is much better than "North Jackson Ward"

yes it is. jackson ward south of i95 is relatively safe, especially on marshall st. Clay and Leigh have substantially less lighting for some reason, however