Old Town Alexandria

Washington

Alexandria which includes heritage elements
Alexandria which includes heritage elements
Alexandria showing heritage elements
Alexandria which includes street scenes and vehicle touring
Alexandria featuring heritage elements and a house

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

Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
4 out of 5
699 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is S$196 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$196
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions MGM National Harbor Casino and Arlington ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (381 reviews)
"Third time staying her for a work trip to my Old Town office. It's a walking distance and has all the commodities I need to spend a week in Alexandria."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
4.5 out of 5
1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is S$204 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
S$204
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"The staff were exceptionally polite and helpful. The hotel was very clean and in a great location to sightsee."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
4 out of 5
1767 King St, Alexandria, VA
The price is S$225 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$225
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The property was convenient for me"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria by IHG
Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria by IHG
4 out of 5
220 S Union St, Alexandria, VA
The price is S$244 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$244
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Good choice
"Nice place . Nice people. Good choice for sure. Excellent location"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria by IHG
Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
3.5 out of 5
1900 Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, VA
The price is S$239 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$239
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent everything"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria
Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria
4 out of 5
1625 King Street, Alexandria, VA
The price is S$213 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
S$213
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Alexandria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (927 reviews)
"Excellent staff"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Hyatt Centric 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Alexandria

Default Image

Crystal City

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Synetic Theater. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
Default Image

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 Smithsonian Institution and Fort Lesley J McNair, and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station or L'Enfant Plaza Station to see more of the city.

Southwest
Default Image

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
Default Image

Southwest Waterfront

While you're in Southwest Waterfront, take in top sights like Arena Stage and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station to see more of the city.

Southwest Waterfront
Default Image

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 Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center

Old Town Alexandria