Alexandria Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Alexandria featuring café lifestyle, street scenes and a small town or village
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon featuring a garden

Located across the river from Washington, D.C, this Virginia city offers a charming atmosphere, historical attractions and easy access to the nation's capital.

Alexandria's history is deeply ingrained in the founding of the United States. The Lyceum offers a glimpse into life as it was in the nineteenth century and engages visitors with lectures and tours. Learn about the role that Alexandria played in the Civil War at the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. The museum's interactive exhibits provide an ideal way to engage young children. Carlyle House is another destination where history comes to life explore a day in the life of a colonial American on one of their costumed interpretive tours.

Shopping and dining await in Old Town, a neighbourhood that looks much as it did in the 19th century. Explore this historic district aboard the King Street Trolley, a free transport system that runs from the waterfront to the Metro Station. From the Metro station, Washington, D.C. is just a 45-minute subway ride away.

Take in the local flavour at Torpedo Factory Art Centre, a World War II torpedo manufacturing plant which is now populated by shops, galleries and restaurants. Located on the waterfront, this is an ideal place to admire views of the D.C. skyline in the distance. Explore the Potomac River from another perspective aboard a river cruise.

Dinner and a live performance are all on the menu at Birchmere Music Hall, a venue that hosts some of the biggest musicians. Take a Ghost & Graveyard tour for a spooky and entertaining look into the region’s history that will appeal to children and adults alike.

Alexandria's bike share system offers rental stations throughout the city. Ride along the Mount Vernon Trail, which weaves along the banks of the Potomac River. The trail extends all the way to Washington, D.C.

The city is just 7 miles (11.3 kilometres) east of Washington, D.C., providing you with a central location and refuge from the activity of the nation's capital. Washington Dulles International Airport is 33 miles (53.1 kilometres) east of Alexandria.

Visit the landmarks in Washington, D.C., then head across the Potomac River to enjoy the historical and cultural delights that make Alexandria such a popular destination.

Where to stay in Alexandria

Alexandria showing heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

5/5(5 area reviews)

Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Market Square and Alexandria City Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

Old Town Alexandria
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Old Town West

While you're in Old Town West, take in top sights like Alexandria Black History Resource Center and jump on the metro at Braddock Rd Station to see more of the city.

Old Town West
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Southwest Quadrant

Southwest Quadrant might not have many top sights, but United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum and Market Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Southwest Quadrant
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Potomac West

While you're in Potomac West, take in top sights like Mt Vernon Ave and jump on the metro at Braddock Rd Station to see more of the city.

Potomac West
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Groveton

Groveton is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Huntley Meadows Park and Greendale Golf Course.

Groveton
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National Landing

While you're in National Landing, take in top sights like Fashion Center at Pentagon City or Pentagon Row, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Crystal City Station or Potomac Yard Station.

National Landing
Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
4 out of 5
699 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is £111 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£111
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and Arlington ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (375 reviews)
"Food and service at the restaurant was excellant, but the main entree portions were more like an appietizer size."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South
3 out of 5
4641 Kenmore Ave, Alexandria, VA
The price is £88 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£88
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Great accomodation with guests."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South
Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria Old Town Area South
Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria Old Town Area South
2.5 out of 5
5821 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA
The price is £106 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£106
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,567 reviews)
"I have always have a great experience with Hilton. At this particular Hampton facility, as we arrived at the location, the toilet does not flush. The maintenance guy was to repair. It was still doing the same thing. Two nights later, it happened again, this time it over flowed the whole bathroom. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria Old Town Area South
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Del Ray Alexandria
Kasa Del Ray Alexandria
4 out of 5
2415 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (95 reviews)
"Kasa Del Ray was a perfect selection! They were very accommodating and prompt. The location was close to so much plus a cool restaurant right next door. The parking was great! Just an overall enjoyable stay. I plan to stay there again when I visit the DMV."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Kasa Del Ray Alexandria
Kasa Alexandria Washington
Kasa Alexandria Washington
4 out of 5
3110 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Arlington National ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"The beds were extremely comfortable. The facilities were beyond our expectations! I was concerned about the parking at first since it’s run through Park mobile and not the hotel but there were plenty of spaces and it wa easy to arrange for parking. Every time I reached out for assistance or with ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Kasa Alexandria Washington
West Taylor Run Hotel
West Taylor Run Hotel
4 out of 5
100 W Taylor Run Pkwy, Alexandria, VA
Stay at this 4-star condo in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and Arlington ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
"We had a great stay. The property manager replied very quickly."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

West Taylor Run Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Alexandria

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 55%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The boat ride into DC was a great way to explore the city.

5/5 - Excellent

Nick

Historic Alexandria is a viable alternative to staying in DC itself

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really lovely town, plenty to see and do and nice and quiet and restful after the hustle of New York and Washington. The town was very clean and well maintained. Nice to have the free trolley bus along King Street although I didn't use it.

Cities near Alexandria