Although construction continues, the businesses surrounding Market Square are open and ready to welcome you. Make a plan to visit and show your support for storied independent shops, bustling restaurants and deeply historic museums that define Old Town’s independent spirit.
Navigate the Renovation & Discover What’s Nearby
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As the Alexandria City Hall Renovation Project progresses, the nearby businesses and museums, contributing to the city’s historic, but never static presence, including popular dining spots, cafes, ice cream shops, independent boutiques, and museums remain open for business. Despite ongoing renovations, local businesses continue to welcome visitors to shop, explore, and discover what our community has to offer.
Alexandria City Hall, built in 1871, is a source of community pride and workplace for over 200 employees. Market Square, the historic plaza located within City Hall, has served as a gathering space for Alexandrians since the City’s founding in 1749. Over the next two to three years, both spaces are receiving operational updates to modernize the facilities and improve technological systems, security, and accessibility.
The Market Square Garage is currently closed to the public during the City Hall renovation project. While this means one less parking option in the immediate area, there are plenty of convenient parking alternatives nearby and easy ways to get to and around Old Town without a car.
Discover the Stories Around Market Square
Shop
- Today’s Cargo— A curated gift and home goods shop with a knack for finding things you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for picking up something memorable to bring home.
- Arielle Shoshana Perfume — A boutique fragrance shop and one of Old Town’s most distinctive independent retailers. Owner Arielle Shoshana curates a thoughtful collection of niche and independent perfumes in a space that feels more like a salon than a store.— A boutique fragrance shop and one of Old Town’s most distinctive independent retailers. Owner Arielle Shoshana curates a thoughtful collection of niche and independent perfumes in a space that feels more like a salon than a store.
- Friends to Lovers — Alexandria’s beloved romance bookshop is as warm, welcoming and inclusive as the stories inside. Stop in to browse or get a personalized recommendation from the staff.— Alexandria’s beloved romance bookshop is as warm, welcoming and inclusive as the stories inside. Stop in to browse or get a personalized recommendation from the staff.
- The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria — Hundreds of spices, teas, seasonings and blends from around the world, all available to smell, taste and explore before you buy.
- Donna Lewis — A curated women’s fashion boutique with an expertly edited selection of clothing and accessories for every occasion. A longtime favorite among Alexandria shoppers.
- Made in ALX — A shop dedicated entirely to locally-made goods, from art and accessories to food and gifts. Everything here was made by someone who calls Alexandria or the surrounding region home. Find the perfect Alexandria keepsake to remember your visit.
Dine
- Dolci Gelati — Artisan gelato and coffee made fresh daily from high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re starting your morning or taking an afternoon break, the seasonal menu changes often so there’s always something new to try.
- Kisso Asian Bistro — Modern Asian cuisine in the heart of Old Town, known for its inventive menu, warm atmosphere and loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
- Life Alive Organic Cafe — New to King Street, Life Alive brings vibrant, plant-forward dining with a menu built around fresh, organic ingredients. A great stop for a healthy, nourishing lunch or a cold-pressed juice on a warm afternoon.
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — A beloved artisan ice cream brand, now on King Street, serves creative, ever-changing flavors made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Insider trip: try the fro-yo!
Explore
- Carlyle House — One of Alexandria’s finest Georgian manor houses and a window into colonial life. Built in 1753 by one of Alexandria’s co-founders, Scottish merchant John Carlyle, the house served as a military headquarters during the French and Indian War and is open for tours year-round.
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum — A landmark where George Washington, John Adams and other Founding Fathers once gathered, the museum offers a window into early American life across race, gender and social status. Explore the historic rooms and exhibits at your own pace or join a guided tour through two of the most storied tavern buildings in the country.
- Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant — Housed within the same historic complex, Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant has been serving fine dining since 1770, making it one of the longest-running dining experiences in America. Settle into one of the elegant Colonial dining rooms for lunch or dinner and experience a meal that feels unlike anything else in Old Town.
- American Legion Post 24 — A historic gathering place honoring Alexandria’s veteran community and founded by World War I veterans. The Legion is housed in a historic building the founders were instrumental in saving; this carefully preserved space is now available to rent. Legion members, other veterans, Active-duty and Reserve service members, and their families are welcome
Support Locals
During construction impacts to Market Square, explore one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, the Old Town Farmer’s market, now temporarily relocated to the 100 block of North Royal Street. Alexandria’s fall festivities stem into its thriving neighborhoods like Del Ray and Old Town North enjoy other farmers’ markets across the city.
Planning to Drive? Here’s Where to Park
With the Market Square Garage temporarily closed, here are your best nearby options:
- Courthouse Garage — 111 S. Pitt Street. Free parking available for Farmers’ Market visitors on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Tavern Square Garage — 418 Cameron Street. Also offering free parking for Farmers’ Market visitors on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- On-street parking — Metered parking is available along King Street and surrounding side streets at $2.75 per hour, payable by meter or via the Parkmobile app.
- Parking Pay-by-Phone — Such as SpotHero, Parkopedia, and Parkwhiz also provide parking information and options to reserve parking for a short-term visit.
For a full map of parking options during construction, visit the City of Alexandria’s parking page.
Getting Here Car-Free
Alexandria is one of the most accessible communities in the D.C. region, and there are plenty of ways to arrive without a car.
- Metro — Take the Yellow or Blue line to the King Street-Old Town station for a quick, easy trip from anywhere in the region.
- Amtrak — Alexandria’s King Street Station is served by several Amtrak routes, making it easy to arrive by train from cities up and down the East Coast. The station sits just steps from the King Street-Old Town station is the free King Street Trolley.
- Trolley — Hop on the free King Street Trolley that runs along King Street, connecting the Metro station to Old Town’s boutiques, restaurants and attractions.
- Bus — The free DASH bus provides additional service throughout Alexandria. Visit dashbus.com for schedules and routes.
- Bike — Several Capital Bikeshare stations are located throughout Old Town, making it easy to ride in or grab a bike once you arrive.
- Water Taxi —Opt for the scenic route. City Cruises operates the Potomac Water Taxi, providing service between Alexandria’s waterfront, Washington, D.C., National Harbor, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Departures run seasonally from the Alexandria City Marina.
Swing by the Visitors Center
Looking for more information regarding construction impacts? The Alexandria Visitor Center located at 221 King Street, is an information hub for distant travelers and local visitors alike, seeking information about surrounding construction impacts, and parking options. Inside, the once private home to the family of William Ramsay, Alexandria’s city founder, you’ll find brochures, maps in various international languages, an Alexandria-themed gift shop, and tickets to a variety of tours and attractions across the city. Our expert staff is available to help you locate and access places and ongoing events across the city.
The Story Continues
Construction to modernize Market Square is a temporary chapter in Alexandria’s ongoing story. The Old Town neighborhood is historic but never static, and the independent businesses surrounding Market Square are a living example of that, bringing creativity, ingenuity and fresh energy to streets that have been welcoming visitors for nearly 300 years. Come hungry, curious and ready to unlock the stories of Alexandria’s most beloved neighborhoods.
