Should You Visit Alexandria?

Is Alexandria worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to four days because of the many great activities. We first visited Alexandria in when we were kids and later lived in the area. During our time here, we fell in love with its beautiful character and historic atmosphere. 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.

Alexandria, VA

Reasons to Visit Alexandria

Historical Sights
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.

Museums
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.

Shopping
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.

Food
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.

Nightlife
There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Alexandria, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (88°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to soak up the small town charm, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Is Alexandria worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Alexandria. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the famous sights and museums. Also, you can take in the local charm.

Is Alexandria worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Alexandria can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (35°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Alexandria is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife.

Is Alexandria worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Alexandria. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (56°F).

The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to explore the small town, browse around the old town, and dance the night away.

Related

What is Alexandria most famous for?

Alexandria is most famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. People visit this impressive city for its great historical sights. Also, it's known for museums and shopping. Many people love the food and nightlife, too. It is often described as quaint, historic, and charming.

What is the most famous sight in Alexandria?

The most popular sight in Alexandria is Mount Vernon. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Alexandria on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Mount Vernon and other attractions here.

How touristy is Alexandria? Is it a popular city to visit?

Alexandria is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
• Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
• Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
• Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
• Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
• Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
• A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
• Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38

How long should I spend in Alexandria?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Alexandria is two to four days. Since Alexandria has a variety of activities such as historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Alexandria? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Alexandria?.