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 Museum 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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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
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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
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria

Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria

4 out of 5
801 N Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is £109 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
£109
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay
"Spacious rooms. Easy to get around from there."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria
Comfort Inn & Suites Alexandria West

Comfort Inn & Suites Alexandria West

2.5 out of 5
5716 S Van Dorn St, Franconia, Alexandria, VA
The price is £81 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£81
24 Aug - 25 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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The accommodations were extremely comfortable. I do need to point out that there were small ants in the room, primarily on the bathroom counter. I also need to point out and congratulate the honesty and integrity of your staff. Not realizing that we left an expensive piece of jewelry in the room ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Alexandria West
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

4.5 out of 5
1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is £113 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
£113
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Experience was really nice… amenities great. Front desk was so nice the garden is gorgeous. Slippers were a nice extra! Loved it"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
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! (98 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 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
Comfort Apartments Near Capitol City

Comfort Apartments Near Capitol City

3.5 out of 5
2803 Poag St, Alexandria, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Comfortable stay
"The room was very comfortable and spacious. I loved how quiet the building was. I could not hear the neighbors at all! Everything was so clean. I will get a room here again in the future."

Reviewed on 7 May 2025

Comfort Apartments Near Capitol City
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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