Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Alexandria?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Alexandria?

Many travelers spend two to four days in Alexandria during their visit. After all, the historic city has plenty to explore such as the historic old town, the famous sights and museums, and the restaurant scene.

Alexandria is a historic city that's located on the Potomac River near Washington D.C. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is lined with historic homes and interesting landmarks. King Street is the main street through town and it's filled with local shops. There's also a beautiful waterfront and many good restaurants.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Alexandria? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Alexandria?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Alexandria. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities such as the historic old town, the famous sights and museums, and the restaurant scene. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the historic destination.

How to spend 3 days in Alexandria

When visiting Alexandria, you absolutely can't miss Mount Vernon as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Alexandria is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Alexandria is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

The public transit in Alexandria is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Alexandria, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is 4 days enough time in Alexandria?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Alexandria, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Admire the historic sights, wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and take in the beautiful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Alexandria as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

Alexandria, VA

How to spend 4 days in Alexandria

With 4 days in Alexandria, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Shopping in Alexandria is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Alexandria.

Is 5 days enough time in Alexandria?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Alexandria has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the historic old town, the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Alexandria

If you have more than 5 days in Alexandria, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

The small-town atmosphere of Alexandria is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. Because it's located in such a prominent metropolitan area, people often forget that it's still a small town, with all of its classic charm and history.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Alexandria, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.