Alexandria, VA

Travel Guide

Alexandria showing street scenes, cafe scenes and a small town or village
Alexandria showing street scenes, cafe scenes and a small town or village
Alexandria showing heritage elements, a house and a garden
Alexandria showing heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
Alexandria which includes a city, street scenes and night scenes

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

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
Default Image

Rose Hill

Golf courses and sporting events are just a few things travelers like about Rose Hill. A stop by Greendale Golf Course is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Rose Hill
Default Image

Lincolnia

The restaurants and gardens are a few reasons travelers visit Lincolnia. Want to see more of the surrounding area? The St. James Sports Complex and Signature Theatre are a few top sights nearby.

Lincolnia
Default Image

Franconia

While visiting Franconia, you might make a stop by sights like TopGolf Alexandria and Hayfield Plaza Shopping Center.

Franconia
Default Image

Landmark

4/5(2 area reviews)

Even though there aren't top sights in Landmark, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like The St. James Sports Complex. Jump on the metro at Van Dorn Station to see more of the city.

Landmark
Default Image

West End

West End might not have many top sights, but Signature Theatre and The St. James Sports Complex are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West End
Hotel AKA Alexandria

Hotel AKA Alexandria

4 out of 5
625 First St Alexandria VA
$189 nightly
The price is $220 total per night from Feb 21 to Feb 22
$220 total
Feb 21 - Feb 22
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (637 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Hotel AKA Alexandria
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South

Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South

3 out of 5
4641 Kenmore Ave Alexandria VA
$83 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
$98 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
as always all very good !

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

4.5 out of 5
1600 King Street Alexandria VA
$161 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
$187 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,115 reviews)
Great room great service nice area and atmosphere

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

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 aparthotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (111 reviews)
Great location, comfortable room, thoughtful design. Appreciated having ice in the freezer. Enjoyed our stay. Thank you.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Kasa Del Ray Alexandria
Contemporary, Cozy, & Convenient in Old Town Alexandria

Contemporary, Cozy, & Convenient in Old Town Alexandria

Alexandria VA
Stay at this vacation home in Alexandria. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino ...
10/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
The host was very communicative, provided a great deal of relevant information beforehand, and had a lot of nice amenities in the home. He also seemed very nice.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Contemporary, Cozy, & Convenient in Old Town 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 WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and National Mall are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (101 reviews)
The room was very clean and convenient and

Reviewed on Dec 16, 2025

The King Street House by Kasa
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia