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 Atlanta and takes around 1h 45m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Alexandria, followed by Acela. The train journey from Alexandria to Philadelphia takes 2h 01m and costs around $17 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 2h 57m 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 National, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alexandria, including OurBus, Washington Deluxe and CoachRun. From Richmond, the bus ride to Alexandria takes 225 km and will cost you around $38. From New York, the ticket costs about $48 for a journey of 418 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 Atlanta and takes around 1h 45m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Alexandria, followed by Acela. The train journey from Alexandria to Philadelphia takes 2h 01m and costs around $17 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $22 for a 2h 57m 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 National, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alexandria, including OurBus, Washington Deluxe and CoachRun. From Richmond, the bus ride to Alexandria takes 225 km and will cost you around $38. From New York, the ticket costs about $48 for a journey of 418 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 (1,470 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,781 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,280 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,252 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,133 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,742 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,415 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,543 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,540 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,710 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,800 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,426 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,183 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,371 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,202 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (12,027 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,162 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,900 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (198 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (294 reviews)
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Where to stay in Alexandria

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Comfort Inn and Suites Alexandria West and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alexandria West/Mark Center. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Alexandria, with prices from $79 to $454 per night. Old Town is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Alexandria are about 44% 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 - Holiday Inn Alexandria - Carlyle By IHG, Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle and The Westin Alexandria Old Town have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Eisenhower East will cost you about $146 per night.

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 - Holiday Inn Alexandria - Carlyle By IHG, Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle and The Westin Alexandria Old Town have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Eisenhower East will cost you about $146 per night.
Most popular hotel in Alexandria by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Alexandria

Most booked hotels in Alexandria

See all
citizenM Washington, DC NOMA
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1650 reviews)
$155+
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The Westin Alexandria Old Town
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 596 reviews)
$190+
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Hyatt Centric Arlington
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 2705 reviews)
$192+
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Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 843 reviews)
$200+
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Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1545 reviews)
$285+
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Washington Plaza Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 5682 reviews)
$126+
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Renting a car in Alexandria

Renting a car in Alexandria costs $41 per day, on average, or $124 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.37 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 $40.43 and $53.90. Intermediate (Tesla Model 3 or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Alexandria, while also 69% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Alexandria costs $41 per day, on average, or $124 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.37 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 $40.43 and $53.90. Intermediate (Tesla Model 3 or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Alexandria, while also 69% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Alexandria

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$34/day

Intermediate

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$36/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Alexandria