Cobblestone streets, specialty shops and the Riverfront Canal Walk make up the picturesque neighborhood of Shockoe Slip and it is home to attractions like The First Freedom Center, Canal Walk and Riverfront Canal Cruises.
Where is Shockoe Slip in Richmond, VA?
Downtown Richmond’s Shockoe Slip neighborhood is located in the south-eastern portion of downtown bordered between 12th Street on the west, E. Main Street to the north, 16th Street to the east and the James River to the south.
History of Shockoe Slip in Downtown Richmond
Built at the crossroads of Native trade routes, Shockoe Slip’s name is derived from the former Shockoe Creek, an homage to the Powhatan/Algonquian phrase “Shacahocan.” Downtown Richmond has always been a place where people, languages and goods have mingled. In 19th Century Shockoe Slip, Richmond's original Great Basin stood between 8th and 11th, and Cary and Canal Streets, and was connected by a series of locks to the Richmond dock, making the neighborhood a center for commerce and shipping.
Now known for its scenic, cobblestone streets, Shockoe Slip is still home to some of Richmond’s most beloved and long-standing Shockoe Slip restaurants and small businesses, the Kanawha Canal, creative businesses like the Martin Agency and many of downtown RVA’s hotels. Shockoe Slip is a must-see part of downtown Richmond for locals and visitors to see all of the best that Richmond has to offer.
Shockoe Slip is one of Richmond’s first neighborhoods to transform historic buildings into modern lofts and apartments, creating a unique blend of old and new. With direct access to the James River, the Riverfront Canal Walk, and a walkable commute to downtown, it’s an ideal neighborhood for young professionals and outdoor enthusiasts seeking balance between city living and natural beauty.
The neighborhood brings together the best of downtown RVA—history, art, culture, and recreation. Residents and visitors can explore public art, stroll the Canal Walk, or take on the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved path that begins in Shockoe Slip. Its shops and restaurants, many of which have been community staples for years, offer an intimate and authentic feel with diverse cuisines and specialty finds. Add in the cozy hotels within the neighborhood, and Shockoe Slip becomes not just a great place to live, but also a destination for experiencing the true character of Richmond.
