Washington, D.C., draws millions of tourists annually, but the charming city of Alexandria, Virginia, is a quick drive across the Potomac River. Often overlooked or simply included as a day trip in a D.C. itinerary, Old Town Alexandria is full of history, character, and charm, making it a stand-out destination. There’s plenty to see and do in the heart of this historic neighborhood. Whether you have one day to explore while visiting the larger DMV area or plan to book a long weekend getaway, soak up every bit of this delightful Virginian city.

From one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country to lively restaurants and historical mansions, Alexandria has something spectacular to fill every moment. Old Town, in particular, is a nationally designated historic district known for its cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses along the Potomac River. There are several small museums, the King Street Mile full of restaurants and boutiques, and a peaceful waterfront for quiet moments away from the bustle of everyday life.

*Brick paved sidewalk and townhouses in Old Town Alexandria*

Brunch at Jula’s on the Potomac

Get fueled up and start with brunch at Jula’s on the Potomac. Jula’s Terrace features panoramic views of the Potomac River, offering a peaceful dining experience by the water. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas while savoring dishes like Chicken & Waffles served with a dulce de leche drizzle, Short Rib Eggs Benedict with six-hour braised short ribs, or French Toast Bread Pudding with whipped maple butter and berries. Grab a brunch cocktail to complete the experience and toast to a beautiful day in Alexandria.

Walk along the Potomac to the Alexandria Waterfront

With a striking waterfront, the day wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the river. After brunch, work the meal off (so you can make room for dinner later!) with a stroll. It’s about one mile, or a twenty minute walk, from Jula’s to the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront if you follow the walking trails along the river. This route takes you by Canal Center, Promenade Classique Sculpture Garden, Rivergate City Park, Oronoco Bay Park, Founder’s Park, and Waterfront Park.

*Walking along the Potomac River in Alexandria*

Explore the King Street Mile, Prince Street, & Everything Inbetween

Quick History of King Street

King Street is the heart of Old Town. One of the earliest successful commercial centers in the American Colonies, King Street has over 200 independent businesses operating on or around it today. The street is known for its vibrant colors, making it one of Alexandria's most picturesque spots. Market Square, also on King Street, is home to the Old Town Farmer’s Market and City Hall, which are not to be overlooked. The market has been running since 1753, making it one of the country's oldest (if not the oldest) operating farmer’s markets. City Hall isn’t a spring chicken either, built in the late 19th century. Market Square hosts many festivals throughout the year and is also where Alexandria hosts its Christmas Tree lighting every holiday season.

Route Suggestion

Start by walking up Prince Street from the waterfront. You’ll quickly run into Captain’s Row, the oldest cobblestone street in Alexandria. Captain’s Row is one of those places that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The street is named after Captain John Harper, who built many of the homes that line Captain’s Row in the 18th century. Boston has a similar spot in the Beacon Hill neighborhood called Acorn Street. Continuing up Prince Street from Captain’s Row, Old Town Books is a charming independent bookstore on the corner of Prince and Royal Streets. It has a collection of bestsellers, new releases, and various genres, from fantasy to cookbooks. Browse at leisure or ask the friendly staff for a recommendation. Keep strolling up Prince Street from Old Town Books as far as you’d like before taking a detour to King Street.

Once at King Street, grab a pick-me-up coffee and pastry at Misha’s, or veer off onto Asaph Street to visit Boston’s famous Tatte Bakery & Cafe. Keep heading back towards the river to check out Market Square, where, on weekends, you can stroll through the centuries-old farmer’s market. Make a pit stop at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, located on Fairfax Street. The business operated as a traditional apothecary from 1792 until 1933. Today, guests can enjoy guided and self-led tours to learn about the history, collection of herbal botanicals, medical equipment, and more. Continue walking along King Street, dipping in and out of businesses and side streets while exploring, and end with a treat at Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream.

Other Places to Eat & Drink

Step into an 18th-century granary for elevated pub fare at Virtue Feed & Grain, a two-story restaurant promising locally sourced ingredients and an extensive whiskey collection. Come full circle with another riverside meal at The Chart House, a classic seafood and steakhouse restaurant. Indulge in German cuisine at Old House Cosmopolitan, which serves authentic dishes with local ingredients like Cevapcici, Schnitzel, Bratwurst, and Apfelstrudel. For mid-Atlantic dining, head to Vermilion, where Chef Anthony Chittum puts the region at the menu's center. Enjoy farm-to-table, seasonally driven dishes in the dining room for a more elevated experience or keep it casual in the tavern with bites like Lobster Hushpuppies and Bison Flank Steak. Before calling it a day, head to Old Hat Bar for a nightcap. The cocktail bar has a gorgeous art deco design, giving it a sophisticated vibe. Old Hat is mixing some of the best cocktails in Alexandria with a comprehensive spirits program and menu of drinks constantly pushing the limits of what’s expected.

More Historical Sites

Gadsby’s Tavern has been in business since the late 1700s and is known for serving influential figures in American history, most notably George Washington. The restaurant has been operating since 1785 and has served most, if not all, of the founding fathers. Other political figures who have passed through Gadsby’s include the Marquis de Lafayette. The restaurant still operates today, so you can dine as Washington did or simply visit the museum to walk through the business’s history.

Visit the Freedom House Museum located in “what remains of a large complex dedicated to trafficking thousands of Black men, women, and children from 1828 - 1861.” The building in which the museum is located is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized for its particularly sordid history as a jail for enslaved people and later as a prison for military deserters during the Civil War. Its mission is to share America’s Black history and the Black experience in America through everything from documentation to photography and, most importantly, the stories of individuals who lived through these moments in time.

Alexandria has dozens of other historical sites to visit. Carlyle House is an 18th-century Georgian manor that showcases what life was like in early Virginia. Christ Church opened in 1773 and has been the place of worship for many notable figures, including George Washington. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, built during World War I, was meant to be used as a torpedo station but is now the “largest collection of publicly accessible working artist studios in the country,” according to Washington.org. Regardless of what you’re interested in, Alexandria has plenty to see and do.

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