Alexandria, VA

Travel Guide

Alexandria showing street scenes, cafe 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 which includes 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 neighborhood 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 flavor at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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 featuring heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

4.5/5(580 area reviews)

Discover well-preserved late-18th and early-19th century urban architecture in this National Historic Landmark District. Explore the commercial center around S. Washington Street and King Street, featuring notable buildings like the Art Deco Virginia Public Service building.

Old Town Alexandria
I love that to live💋

Old Town West

4/5(6 area reviews)

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
Red rocks pizza is a awesome classy little pizza joint in Alexandria VA old town located on King street. Pizza come close to the Italian cuisine but still holds true to the American pizza lovers. Good prices and light cheerful atmosphere.
#foodiefinds
#food
#pizza
#italian

Southwest Quadrant

While Southwest Quadrant isn't home to many top sights, United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum and Market Square are some notable places to visit nearby.

Southwest Quadrant
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
This great eatery does the best brunch! A smokehouse doing brunch!?!? Yes! What better way to dip that toe into smoked meat heaven than breakfast on a Sunday. Fresh sauteed veggies smoked, pork, eggs, hollandaise and potatoes. Your mouth and stomach will thank you! #trovember!

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 the city at Crystal City Station or Potomac Yard Station.

National Landing
Holiday Inn Alexandria at Carlyle by IHG

Holiday Inn Alexandria at Carlyle by IHG

3 out of 5
2460 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA
$96 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$112 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Nice place to come back"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Holiday Inn Alexandria at Carlyle by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites Alexandria West

Comfort Inn & Suites Alexandria West

2.5 out of 5
5716 S Van Dorn St, Franconia, Alexandria, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$97 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
$111 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Alexandria West
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria

Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria

4 out of 5
801 N Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA
$128 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
$149 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"I loved the stay. Rooms were a little small. However the hotel staff was friendly and helpful. I was supposed to get a room with a balcony, however, when we arrived. I was told bookings from Expedia were 3 days behind with their system and couldn't give me a room with a balcony. However, the staff ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Sheraton Suites 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 coffeemaker. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (97 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 Jun 11, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Arlington National ...
9/10 Wonderful! (75 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 Jun 26, 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 WiFi, 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 Jun 14, 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
826
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
664
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
172
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
24
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 1%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

I hated it. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It’s ok

5/5 - Excellent

Nina

Beautiful city ..

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Had one issue at the hotel but they really rectified it for us

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was ok

4/5 - Good

Beth

Cool downtown area.

Cities near Alexandria