Alexandria Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Outdoor cafe seating with tables and chairs, a storefront with a sign, and a brick building in the background.
A large white building with a red roof surrounded by lush greenery and a lake.
A classical building with columns and a pediment.
A historic brick building with arched windows and a street intersection.
A brick wall with a garden in front.

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

Find the best Alexandria areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Alexandria
Learn more about Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria

Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Alexandria City Hall and Market Square. 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.

Del Ray

If you're spending some time in Del Ray, Mt Vernon Ave and Del Ray Farmers Market are top sights worth seeing.

Eisenhower East

While you're in Eisenhower East, take in top sights like United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum and jump on the metro at Eisenhower Ave. Station to see more of the city.

National Landing

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

Old Town West

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

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

4.5 out of 5
1600 King Street Alexandria VA
The price is £154 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£154
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
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 £84 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£84
29 Jul - 30 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,853 reviews)
"Our visit was for 2 nights and the price of the room made me wonder why it was as inexpensive as it was. The lobby was nice and the staff available and friendly. The breakfast had a full selection of egg dish, meat and potatoes, waffles and oatmeal. Cold infused water was in the lobby at times. The ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria Old Town Area South
Quality Inn Mt. Vernon

Quality Inn Mt. Vernon

2.5 out of 5
7212 Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA
The price is £62 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
£62
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"what I liked about the Property our first glance, the Property was clean and inviting the grounds and particular the lobby was very acceptable and clean, but when I got to the room, there was a older and it just didn’t look a lot inviting furniture was dirty. Mattresses weren’t up to par and it wasn’t ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

Quality Inn Mt. Vernon
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 aparthotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and Arlington National ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (138 reviews)
"Nice little studio. This was in a fun location in Del-ray with little shops and restaurants near by. Best for me was that the A11 bus goes right from this place to the conference hotels and metro stop in Crystal City. No need to Uber."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2026

Kasa Del Ray Alexandria
The King Street House by Kasa

The King Street House by Kasa

3.5 out of 5
805 King Street Alexandria VA
Stay at this aparthotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and Arlington National Cemetery ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (134 reviews)
"The room was clean and quaint. I love the clean white look, very nice! I did have a problem finding the light switch, it was a hidden a little deep behind the head of the bed, I had to move the bed to get to the switch. Otherwise it was awesome!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026

The King Street House by Kasa
Washington Family Property, Upper Carriage House in Old Town on 107 S Lee Street

Washington Family Property, Upper Carriage House in Old Town on 107 S Lee Street

Alexandria VA
Stay at this villa in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and Nationals ...
10/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"While our visit was short it was a great base of operations for exploring Mount Vernon. And Old Town Alexandria. Bed was comfy and cozy"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

Washington Family Property, Upper Carriage House in Old Town on 107 S Lee Street
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.

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