Old Town Alexandria
A historic gem with cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and a vibrant waterfront along the Potomac River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed exploration
Old Town Alexandria
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic gem with cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and a vibrant waterfront along the Potomac River.
"Old Town Alexandria offers a delightful blend of history, shopping, and dining with a picturesque waterfront."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and lots of walking! Pack comfy shoes for exploring Old Town Alexandria.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is limited. Consider garages or using ride-shares for easier access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King Street Stroll
King Street
Wander this charming mile-long avenue, discovering unique boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options.
Old Town Waterfront
Waterfront Park
Enjoy scenic views, public art, and a refreshing breeze along the Potomac River. A perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
African American Heritage Trail
Various locations
Discover the pivotal role of Black history in Alexandria through informative signs and historic sites.
Captain's Row
Prince Street
Experience the cobblestone charm and historic ambiance of this picturesque street, especially enchanting during Halloween.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of King Street
Waterfront Wonders & Historic Echoes
This historic district is best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and lots of walking! Pack comfy shoes for exploring Old Town Alexandria.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is limited. Consider garages or using ride-shares for easier access.
🎨 Unleash Your Inner Artist
Try a pottery painting session at Paint This for a fun, creative activity. +1
🍸 Discover Hidden Speakeasies
Seek out speakeasies like King's Ransom for unique cocktail experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and lots of walking! Pack comfy shoes for exploring Old Town Alexandria.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is limited. Consider garages or using ride-shares for easier access.
🎨 Unleash Your Inner Artist
Try a pottery painting session at Paint This for a fun, creative activity. +1
🍸 Discover Hidden Speakeasies
Seek out speakeasies like King's Ransom for unique cocktail experiences.
🛍️ Thrifting Adventures
Explore consignment stores for unique finds and sustainable shopping.
☕ Support Local Cafes
Discover charming spots like LaPluma Coffee & Wine for delicious drinks and local flavor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Town Alexandria for its charming historic atmosphere, picturesque streets, and vibrant King Street shopping and dining scene. The waterfront offers beautiful views, and the African American Heritage Trail provides valuable historical insights. Some find parking challenging and certain areas can get crowded on weekends.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Town Alexandria is easily accessible from D.C. You can take the Metro (Blue Line to King Street-Old Town station), a water taxi from The Wharf for a scenic journey, or drive. It's about a 10-mile drive from downtown D.C.
Yes, Old Town Alexandria is highly walkable! The historic district is compact, and many attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
Walking is the best way to experience Old Town Alexandria. For longer distances or to explore beyond the immediate area, consider the DASH bus system or ride-sharing services.
Yes, there are several parking garages available, such as the Market Square Garage and the Waterfront Garage. Street parking can be challenging to find, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! You can take a water taxi from The Wharf in D.C. to Old Town Alexandria, offering a unique and scenic way to arrive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Old Town Alexandria itself is a historic district and generally free to explore. Specific attractions within Old Town, like museums or tours, may require tickets.
Old Town Alexandria is always open as a public district. Individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening.
Yes! Walking along King Street, exploring the waterfront, and visiting the African American Heritage Trail are all free activities.
Check the official Visit Alexandria website or local event listings for information on festivals, markets, and other happenings.
The Old Town Farmers' Market is free to enter. You pay for any produce or goods you wish to purchase.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
King Street offers a wide variety of shops, from boutiques like Crème de la Creme to classic children's wear at Monday's Child. You can also find unique items at Marmara, a Syrian-owned shop. +1
Old Town Alexandria boasts numerous dining options. For waterfront dining, consider Barca. For a cozy atmosphere, Mia's is a popular choice.
Yes, King's Ransom is a well-hidden speakeasy in Old Town Alexandria, offering a unique cocktail experience.
You'll find a diverse culinary scene, including Italian, Latin American, and Mediterranean options. +2
Lady Camellia is a highly recommended spot for an adorable afternoon tea experience in Old Town Alexandria.
📸 📸 Photography & Activities
Captain's Row (Prince Street) is incredibly picturesque, especially with its Halloween decorations. The waterfront and charming King Street shops also make for great photos.
Yes, you can enjoy a creative session at Paint This, where you can paint pottery. It's a fun activity for a rainy day or a unique date night. +1
On a rainy day, consider visiting a museum, exploring the shops along King Street, or enjoying a pottery painting session at Paint This.
Beyond the African American Heritage Trail, you can explore sites like the Carlyle House, which offers a glimpse into colonial life.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, rent a bike to explore the Mount Vernon Trail, or take a water taxi for a different perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
The African American Heritage Trail is also a free and educational experience. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, or seek out affordable eats at the farmers' market. 💖 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring King Street: The Heartbeat of Old Town
Beyond shopping and dining, King Street is a visual treat. The well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture transports you back in time. During certain seasons, like Halloween, streets like Prince Street (often referred to as Captain's Row) are adorned with elaborate decorations, adding an extra layer of charm and photogenic appeal.
A Taste of Old Town: Culinary Delights and Hidden Sips
Beyond traditional dining, Old Town Alexandria is also home to a burgeoning bar scene, including hidden speakeasies that offer a unique night out. King's Ransom, for instance, is a speakeasy tucked away, promising craft cocktails and an exclusive ambiance.
Uncovering Alexandria's Rich History: Trails and Tales
Informative signs along the path provide context and stories, making it an enriching and educational experience. The trail is a relatively flat and scenic walk, taking about 45 minutes to complete. Beyond the heritage trail, the entire district is a living museum. The well-preserved architecture speaks volumes about its colonial and early American past. While specific museums like the Carlyle House offer in-depth historical insights, simply wandering through the cobblestone streets, particularly areas like Captain's Row, provides a tangible connection to bygone eras.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit