Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Alexandria travel guide

Alexandria Tourism | Alexandria Guide

You're Going to Love Alexandria

With a population of 139,966, Alexandria is a must-see destination in Virginia, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Alexandria has to offer.

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Where to Eat in Alexandria

Old Town is the neighborhood with the most restaurants in Alexandria. These include popular favorites such as Mia's Italian Kitchen (100 King St.), Ada's on the River (3 Pioneer Mill Way) and The Warehouse (214 King St). If you’re looking for affordable options, Josephine - Old Town (109 S St Asaph St) and Matt and Tony's All Day Kitchen + Bar (1501 Mt Vernon Ave) are great picks.

When to visit Alexandria

Alexandria in November
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel
Alexandria in November
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Alexandria in July, when the average temperature is 78.8 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 28.4 °F, with an average temperature of 35.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 3.8″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Alexandria, with an average rainfall of 2.6″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Alexandria

Plane

When flying to Alexandria, you’ll arrive at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located 5 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Alexandria departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 2h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Alexandria, followed by Acela. The train journey from Alexandria to Philadelphia takes 1h 43m and costs around $39 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 2h 53m trip. The train station in Alexandria is called Alexandria, and is located 1.6 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Alexandria is to pick up a car rental from Washington, D.C., which is about 11 km from Alexandria. You’ll find branches of Turo and Movly, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alexandria, including Washington Deluxe, Bus and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Alexandria takes 177 km and will cost you around $54. From Charlottesville, the ticket costs about $53 for a journey of 298 km. Alexandria’s bus station is located 2.4 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Alexandria, you’ll arrive at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located 5 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Alexandria departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 2h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Alexandria, followed by Acela. The train journey from Alexandria to Philadelphia takes 1h 43m and costs around $39 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 2h 53m trip. The train station in Alexandria is called Alexandria, and is located 1.6 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Alexandria is to pick up a car rental from Washington, D.C., which is about 11 km from Alexandria. You’ll find branches of Turo and Movly, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alexandria, including Washington Deluxe, Bus and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Alexandria takes 177 km and will cost you around $54. From Charlottesville, the ticket costs about $53 for a journey of 298 km. Alexandria’s bus station is located 2.4 km from the city center.

Airports near Alexandria

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Alexandria

KLM
Good (1,443 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,704 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,125 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,209 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,099 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,213 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,528 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,488 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,666 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,672 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,376 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,176 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,356 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,147 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,130 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,801 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (191 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (290 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,891 reviews)
Show more
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Where to stay in Alexandria

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Fort Belvoir Alexandria South and Comfort Inn and Suites Alexandria West. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Alexandria, with prices from $61 to $1,675 per night. Old Town is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Alexandria are about 6% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Old Town - In Alexandria’s most popular neighborhood to stay, recommended hotels include Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor and Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection.

Eisenhower East - Here you’ll find travelers’ favorites such as Holiday Inn Alexandria - Carlyle By IHG, Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle and The Westin Alexandria Old Town. The average nightly price for a double room in Eisenhower East is $115.

Old Town - In Alexandria’s most popular neighborhood to stay, recommended hotels include Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor and Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection.
Eisenhower East - Here you’ll find travelers’ favorites such as Holiday Inn Alexandria - Carlyle By IHG, Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle and The Westin Alexandria Old Town. The average nightly price for a double room in Eisenhower East is $115.
Most popular hotel in Alexandria by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Alexandria

Most booked hotels in Alexandria

See all
citizenM Washington Capitol
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 2018 reviews)
$108+
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1269 reviews)
$139+
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Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 841 reviews)
$153+
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Hyatt Centric Arlington
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 2647 reviews)
$138+
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Washington Plaza Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 4773 reviews)
$106+
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Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 510 reviews)
$157+
View

Renting a car in Alexandria

Renting a car in Alexandria costs $49 per day, on average, or $148 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.14 per gallon in Alexandria (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $37.70 and $50.27. The most frequently booked car type in Alexandria is Compact (Nissan Sentra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 66% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Alexandria costs $49 per day, on average, or $148 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.14 per gallon in Alexandria (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $37.70 and $50.27. The most frequently booked car type in Alexandria is Compact (Nissan Sentra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 66% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Alexandria

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$29/day

Supplier choice

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$30/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Alexandria