Visit Old Town

Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

One of America's most beautifully preserved historic districts, Old Town Alexandria packs cobblestone streets, a lively riverfront, world-class art, and centuries of history into one very walkable mile. Here's everything worth doing — whether you have an afternoon or a long weekend.

Top Experiences

Don't-miss highlights

Start here if it's your first visit.

Stroll King Street

The mile-long heart of Old Town — independent shops, restaurants, and 18th-century architecture from the King St-Old Town Metro down to the river. Hop the free King Street Trolley if your feet get tired.

The Potomac Waterfront

Waterfront Park and Founders Park, public art, boat cruises, and the seasonal water taxi to The Wharf, Georgetown, and National Harbor — plus al-fresco dining with river views.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

A WWII munitions plant turned art center with 80+ working artist studios and galleries you can wander for free — right on the waterfront.

Explore

What to see & do

Old Town packs centuries of history, world-class art, and riverfront fun into one walkable mile. Here are the places worth your time.

Museums & Historic Sites

Waterfront · Free

Torpedo Factory Art Center

A WWII munitions plant on the waterfront, now home to 80+ working artist studios and galleries you can browse for free.

N. Royal St

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Step into the 18th-century tavern and ballroom where George Washington celebrated his birthday.

N. Fairfax St

Carlyle House Historic Park

A grand 1753 Georgian-Palladian mansion with guided tours and a quiet garden off Market Square.

S. Fairfax St

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

An apothecary frozen in time, with original 1792–1933 fixtures, hand-blown bottles, and Washington-era ledgers.

Cameron St

Christ Church

The 1773 brick church where Washington kept a pew, set in a peaceful colonial churchyard.

Oronoco St

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden

A handsome 1785 home that hosted the Lee family, with an award-winning period garden.

Parker-Gray

Alexandria Black History Museum

Exhibits tracing the history and contributions of Alexandria's African American community.

King St Metro

George Washington Masonic Memorial

A towering landmark with guided tours and the best panoramic view of Old Town, the Potomac, and DC.

S. Alfred St

Friendship Firehouse Museum

A restored 1855 firehouse showcasing antique hand-pumpers and early firefighting gear.

Prince St

The Athenaeum

Rotating contemporary art exhibitions inside a striking Greek Revival landmark.

On the Water

Free

Waterfront & Founders Park

Grassy riverside parks for picnics, public art, and people-watching where King Street meets the Potomac.

Marina

Potomac Riverboat Cruises

Sightseeing, sunset, and historian-led cruises departing from the Old Town marina.

Seasonal

Seasonal Water Taxi

Hop a boat to The Wharf, Georgetown, or National Harbor straight from the waterfront.

Outdoors

Mount Vernon Trail

A scenic paved trail for biking, running, and walking along the river toward Washington's estate.

Waterfront

Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center

Hands-on maritime history and seasonal weekend sunset sails near the marina.

Tours & Experiences

Evenings

Ghost & Graveyard Tour

A lantern-lit, costumed walk through Old Town's haunted history and old burial grounds.

Walking

History & Food Walking Tours

Guided strolls covering colonial history, hidden alleys, and King Street's best bites.

Free

Free King Street Trolley

Ride free up and down King Street between the Metro and the waterfront, every day.

Saturdays

Old Town Farmers' Market

One of America's oldest markets (since 1753) — Saturday mornings at Market Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free things to do in Old Town Alexandria?

Strolling King Street, walking the waterfront parks, riding the free King Street Trolley, and exploring the Torpedo Factory Art Center's studios are all free. Many historic churches and the waterfront public art cost nothing to enjoy.

How much time should I spend in Old Town?

A half-day covers the highlights, but Old Town rewards a full day or a weekend — especially if you add a Potomac cruise, a few museums, and a leisurely dinner on the waterfront.

Is Old Town Alexandria good for families?

Very. Families love the waterfront, boat rides, the Torpedo Factory, ghost tours, ice cream on King Street, and easy access via the Metro and free trolley.

Plan the perfect Old Town day

See what's happening this week, then map out where to eat and how to get around.

See What's OnWhere to Eat