Visit Alexandria, a Top 3 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 a Travel + Leisure Top 5 Best City in the U.S 2025 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2025, Alexandria is a welcoming 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. Explore vibrant neighborhoods beyond Old Town, trace George Washington and the Founding Fathers’ footsteps and follow the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history of Alexandria and the United States.
Explore Alexandria
Alexandria is Open
Alexandria is highlighting open museums and things to do during the federal government shutdown. Find the most up-to-date information on D.C.’s status here. We remain fully open for business with more than a dozen historic attractions and museums, walking tours, waterfront parks and events alongside shopping and dining. Plus, federal government employees and D.C.-area hotel guests can receive free Key to the City Attractions Passes at the Alexandria Visitor Center.
Alexandria’s Neighborhoods
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Old Town
America’s third-oldest historic district along the Potomac River waterfront.
- 18th and 19th-century architecture
- Historic museums and attractions
- 200+ local boutiques and restaurants
Del Ray
Alexandria’s modern-day Main Street that marches to the beat of its own drum.
- Wellness District
- Outdoor dining and beer gardens
- Arts community and festivals
Carlyle & Eisenhower
An economic engine that celebrates the spirit of innovation and local culture.
- National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Black history sites
- The region’s first urban cidery
West End
Expansive stretch of the city featuring green spaces and global dining.
- Award-winning craft breweries
- Parks, paths and nature preserves
- Top Ethiopian restaurants
Arlandria-Chirilagua
A bustling community representing Central American culture.
- The Birchmere: America’s Legendary Music Hall
- Salvadoran, Peruvian and Nepalese dining
- Meaningful murals
Potomac Yard
Alexandria’s emerging vibrant, diverse and sustainable mixed-use community.
- Potomac Yard Metro
- Virginia Tech campus
- Founding Farmers
Alexandria’s Accolades
From Travel + Leisure to Southern Living to Condé Nast Traveler, everybody is buzzing about Alexandria, Virginia.
Discover seasonal events, where to shop, sip and savor and more insider intel in “The Best Of” series.
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Events & Festivals
