Visit Alexandria, a Top 5 Small City with Big Cosmopolitan Vibes

On the Potomac River within eyesight of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA is nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S 2023 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2022, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle—a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital.

Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Alexandria is the perfect home base for your D.C. vacation and an unforgettable getaway of its own.

Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

Fall in Alexandria

Alexandria Tours

Halloween

Events

Alexandria is 5 miles south of Washington, D.C., a water taxi ride away from National Harbor and a bike ride from Mount Vernon.

: WATER TAXI DOCK

Transportation Options

Alexandria Accolades

Best Cities in the United States 2023

In 2023, Travel + Leisure readers voted for Alexandria as one of the “Best Cities in the U.S.” citing the city’s nightlife and shopping scene, along with Alexandria’s history.

Travel + Leisure

Best Places to Travel in 2023

Money ranks Alexandria, Virginia, as one of the best places to travel in 2023 if you’re looking for luxury on a budget.

Money

Best Small Cities in the U.S. 2022

See why Alexandria has ranked among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 5 “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” for five consecutive years.

Condé Nast Traveler

Best Places to Travel in 2023

Explore why Travel + Leisure listed Alexandria at the top of its “50 Best Places to Travel in 2023,” among international destinations like Cairo and the Nile, Havana, the UK, Venice and more.

Travel + Leisure

The South's Best Cities on the Rise 2022

Take a stroll down King Street and delight in a treasure trove of independent eateries and boutiques to see why Alexandria was named one of the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise” by Southern Living in 2022.

Southern Living