6 Things to Do in Beautiful Richmond, British Columbia

Richmond, BC, is a city bursting with life and culture as the highly-Asian-influenced city incorporates the best of luxury and farm life. Minutes from both the US border and downtown Vancouver, you can take full advantage of the temperate climate while eating locally sourced cuisine and the best of the sea and the city.

I’ve recently returned from a memorable trip to Richmond, and this post includes a handful of my favorites.

Versante Hotel

One of the highlights of my recent trip was my stay at the hottest new luxury hotel in the Greater Vancouver Area, Versante. Forbes calls it the new “it” hotel of Vancouver! Located minutes away from the Vancouver airport and downtown Vancouver, the hotel is easily reachable either by the train or the hotel’s complimentary shuttle via luxury car.

The hotel’s design highlights Chinese culture with beautiful, vibrant artwork. The hotel is also home to the incredible Bruno Restaurant, where Chef William Lew takes advantage of the local farm industry to incorporate the freshest ingredients into an artistically designed menu. You can read my full review of Versante Hotel here.

McArthurGlen Outlet Vancouver

While much of Richmond is heavily influenced by the Asian population, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet feels like stepping into European fashion districts. You’ll find all your favorite luxury brands, like Versace, Jimmy Choo, and more. I snagged a pair of Hugo Boos sneakers and a Movado watch on my most recent trip.

It’s not just the availability of designer brands that whisk you away– it’s the design of the outlet mall. With a Victorianesque design, cobbled interior streets lined with trees, and a wide variety of food, you can take a mini-European getaway while staying in Richmond.

Take a look at their Instagram to better plan your day of shopping!

Hugo’s Churros & Tacos

One of my favorite food stops was while shopping at the McArthurGlen Outlet. The mall is filled with quality eateries, with ranges in food and beverage to match the luxury of the surrounding designer brands.

I stopped at Hugo’s Churros & Tacos, a high-quality Mexican-inspired restaurant with incredible food and beverage. They offer authentic street-style Mexican cuisine, like burritos, tacos, and churros, with other fusion twists like their famous churro gelato sandwich.

Follow Hugo’s on Instagram to see what is next on the menu!

Steveston Village

Since Richmond covers a collection of several islands, no trip would be complete without a jaunt to the riverside. Steveston Village was a memorable part of my last trip.

The area incorporates many historical design elements, with restaurants situated directly on the water for an alfresco experience. It is a gorgeous quaint area next to the water with tons of eateries and a romantic outing.

The Story Cafe

The Story Cafe is a remarkable restaurant housed in a refurbished warehouse. It’s a romantic place for brunch within walking distance of the Hotel Versante and hosts incredible music several nights a week. With local beer and wine, you’ll enjoy a visit any time of day.

The Story Cafe also partners with DoorDash, UberEats, and SkipTheDishes for COVID-19 friendly delivery options.

Support this locally-owned restaurant by following them on Instagram.

Uncles Snack Shop

I really enjoyed the food from Uncle’s Snack Shop on my last trip to Richmond. With various Asian-inspired snack-style boxes, it was a perfect way to unwind in my hotel room via UberEats delivery.

Plan your snack box with Uncle’s Snack Shop on Instagram!