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Visit Alexandria, a Top 3 Small City with Big Cosmopolitan Vibes

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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 2024 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2024, Alexandria is 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.

Summer in Alexandria

Vola-s-Dockside

Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025

A close-up of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, featuring a circular design with engraved text, set against a blurred background of lights at night.

Alexandria Tours

A group of five people walk through a brick gate with a tour guide in a white shirt at the entrance of Carlyle House, surrounded by trees and historical signage.

Shopping

Three women walk on a brick sidewalk, carrying shopping bags and smiling, in front of brick buildings and shop windows on a sunny day. A man can be seen walking in the background.

“Love, Alexandria” Hotel Package

People sit and converse in a stylish hotel lobby with elegant furniture, gold accents, and a large chandelier. A woman sits on a curved sofa in the foreground, while others relax and talk around the room.

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

Alexandria’s Accolades

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From Travel + Leisure and Money to Southern Living and Condé Nast Traveler, everybody is buzzing about Alexandria, Virginia.

Vote for Alexandria!

Help us make Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” list for the 8th year in a row and cinch the top ranking—plus, enter to win a European excursion with Viking Cruises. Voting closes June 30, 2025.

Featured

Events & Festivals

A large pink and yellow firework explodes in the night sky above a gray building with lit windows and a small illuminated clock.
June 27 - July 4, 2025
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Colorful poster for the 8th annual Alexandria Pride on June 28, 2025, 3–6 p.m. at City Hall, with activities like drag story hour, live music, and food trucks; rainbow background and cityscape illustration.
June 28, 2025
City Hall & Market Square
A diverse group of people sits outdoors, smiling and holding small American flags during a ceremony. Some women wear headscarves, and one has a flower in her hair. The background includes trees and more attendees.
July 4, 2025
George Washington's Mount Vernon

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