Old Town Alexandria Travel Guide

Washington
Alexandria showing heritage elements
This well-preserved historic district a short drive from Washington D.C. has modern art and designer fashions lining 18th-century cobblestone streets.

One of the oldest historic districts in the United States is a collection of Colonial houses, antique shops, old churches and 18th-century cobblestone streets along the banks of the Potomac River. The town revels in its past, but it’s not stuck there. You will also find fashion boutiques, handmade jewellery stores and live music and theatre events.

Old Town Alexandria was where Alexandria began. The city was founded in 1749 and during its long history has served as a tobacco trading post and an important seaport during Colonial and Civil War periods. It was also the hometown of the first President of the United States, George Washington.

Make your way around on foot and stop by some of the historic homes and buildings. Many are open to visitors. Look out for the plaques that mark some of these properties and indicate the building is more than 100 years old. 

Learn about the story of Alexandria from its founding up to the present day at The Lyceum. This mid-19th-century Greek revival building has been a Civil War hospital and private home and is now the city’s history museum. 

Check out the antique stores, boutiques, cafés and restaurants of King Street, the old town’s main thoroughfare. If you don’t want to pound the pavement, hop aboard the Free King Street Trolley that travels along the main street from morning until late at night.

Spend time by the old town’s waterfront. Walk along its scenic paths and stop to take in views of the National Harbour and Washington D.C. Board a cruise ship for a ride along the Potomac.

Pick up an original piece of artwork at the Torpedo Factory Art Centre. The building was once used to manufacture missiles for submarines. Today, its three floors are occupied by more than 100 visual artists and their studios. 

The old town district is located 10 miles (16 kilometres) from Washington D.C. To get there, catch the metro or drive. Old Town Alexandria is compact and easy to get around on foot. Explore the area on a rented bike from Capital Bikeshare, the public bicycle sharing scheme, to soak up the atmosphere of the old town streets.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town Alexandria

Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
4 out of 5
1767 King St, Alexandria, VA
The price is Rp1.990.609 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
Rp1.990.609
Rp2.318.784 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Just wanted to give a big thumbs up to the manager/front-desk personel who was working the Tuesday afternoon shift around 1:00. She handled a very tough customer who was demanding to be checked in early, to his wheelchair accessible room. He ranted and raved about his "ill treatment", but what I ..."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
4.5 out of 5
1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is Rp2.149.858 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
Rp2.149.858
Rp2.502.718 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"The customer service was excellent. We had a fun girls weekend. The location of the hotel was perfect for walking old town Alexandria and I would highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor
Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor
3 out of 5
1620 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is Rp1.855.546 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
Rp1.855.546
Rp2.162.788 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor
Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
3.5 out of 5
1900 Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.989.038 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
Rp1.989.038
Rp2.316.970 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Good size room"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
4 out of 5
699 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is Rp2.374.596 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
Rp2.374.596
Rp3.372.743 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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! (71 reviews)
"The room was close to the roof I’m assuming so every night we heard the party up there which wasn’t too bad because it ended at a decent time but still a little loud. The area is great it is a perfect location. The food at the restaurant was great and the room itself was pleasant. Wish the water ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
220 S Union St, Alexandria, VA
The price is Rp2.497.095 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
Rp2.497.095
Rp3.357.336 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"We loved the location of the hotel, when we walked in early to drop our bags off, we were warmly welcomed by the manager and front desk staff. Conversation was great and we received our room early. Can not say enough about the hotel, restaurant and how welcoming it was."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, an IHG 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Alexandria

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Crystal City

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

If you're looking to experience the neighbourhood, Crystal City is well-known for its popular shops. Explore top sights in the area like Synetic Theater and get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
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Pentagon City

If you're spending time in Pentagon City, you might enjoy attractions like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and Pentagon Row. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Pentagon City Station to see more of the city.

Pentagon City
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Southwest

5/5(19 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Southwest. Check out top attractions like National Mall and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station or L'Enfant Plaza Station to see more of the city.

Southwest
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The Wharf

You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or Gangplank Marina.

The Wharf
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Navy Yard

While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Washington Navy Yard and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.

Navy Yard
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like National Mall or Smithsonian Institution, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center

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