Recommended tourist spots in Alexandria, an ancient city located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Alexandria, located about 20 minutes by subway from Washington, D.C., is a historic town founded by Scotsmen in 1749 as a port city, long before the founding of the United States. In the relatively young country of the United States, Alexandria is a rare area with many brick buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a different kind of sightseeing experience compared to the nation's capital. From King Street Station, the nearest station to Alexandria, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to Old Town, the main tourist area of Alexandria. A retro trolley car runs between the station and Old Town, so be sure to use it while sightseeing. In this article, we will introduce the main tourist spots of Alexandria.

1. Alexandria City Hall

The Alexandria City Hall, with its impressive Victorian-style architecture and a large American flag on display, is located at the heart of Old Town, Alexandria. There is also a tourist information center nearby, making it a great starting point for sightseeing in Alexandria. Built in 1749 when Alexandria was established as a city, the city hall was originally constructed alongside a market. Over the years, additions such as a school, prison, and clock tower were added, but it was destroyed in 1871. After renovations and extensions, it was rebuilt to its current form in 1962.
Every Saturday morning, the oldest market in America operates in front of Alexandria's City Hall. It is said that vegetables and fruits from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate were once sold at this market. Today, there are about 70 shops offering farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, and more. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs.

2. Gadsby's Tavern

Gadsby’s Tavern is made up of two buildings: a Georgian-style bar built in 1770 and a Federal-style hotel built in 1792. The tavern was once run by John Gadsby during its heyday in the 18th century and was a central gathering place for political and cultural events in Alexandria. However, it fell into disrepair in the 20th century before being donated to the city of Alexandria. Since 1976, it has been open as a museum and attracts many tourists today as a place that tells the story of America's founding.
You can take a guided tour, where you’ll see demonstrations by guides dressed in period costumes. The tavern has also been converted into a restaurant, and they still use recipes from the original era. It’s a must-visit spot to experience history while dining during your time in Alexandria.

3. Christ Church

The towering spire of Christ Church, made of brick, is an impressive sight and a must-visit church for tourists. It is located near the beginning of Old Town, the heart of Alexandria's sightseeing area. Designated as a national landmark in 1970, it is one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in the United States.
Built in 1773 as an Anglican church, it served as the parish church for George Washington, the first President of the United States, and Robert E. Lee, a prominent figure in the Civil War. It is a small church where Alexandria's faithful attend Sunday services, and tourists also visit. The pew used by Washington is still preserved, and it is a tradition for U.S. presidents to attend a service at this pew on the Sunday closest to Washington’s birthday. Because of this, the church is well-known not only in Alexandria but across the United States.

4. The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum

The Lyceum, with its Greek temple-style columns, was once a cultural hall and is now a museum where tourists can learn about the history of Alexandria in depth. It was built in 1839 as the first cultural hall, then served as a hospital during the Civil War, and later as a residence and chamber of commerce, with its purpose changing throughout history.
This museum features exhibits with panels and photographs, providing an easy-to-understand overview of Alexandria during America's founding, the Civil War era, and the city's development over time. It’s a great stop early in your sightseeing to get an overview of Alexandria's history. The museum also hosts many events that are enjoyable for tourists, such as lectures about local spirits and handbell concerts, continuing its legacy as a cultural hall.

5. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was once frequented by notable figures in American history, including President George Washington and General Robert E. Lee of the Civil War. It was the first pharmacy established in Alexandria in 1792 and has been preserved as a museum. The museum allows visitors to explore the interior of one of America's oldest pharmacies, including the compounding room in the back. Exhibits feature medical instruments from the era, mortar and pestles used for compounding medicines, antique glass bottles, and much more, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time. There are also fascinating historical documents on display, such as order forms from President Washington's wife, Martha, prescription books, and customer lists.
The pharmacy is located near the Alexandria Visitor Center. Its charming brick exterior with soft cream-colored doors is typical of many buildings in Old Town Alexandria, so even if you're short on time, be sure to stop and admire the exterior.

6. Lee-Fendall House

The Lee-Fendall House, located just four blocks from Alexandria's King Street, is a beautiful white-walled building with dark green shutters. It was built in 1785 by Lee Fendall, an attorney and banker during the early years of America’s founding.
This home, where the prominent Lee family—who played a significant role in Alexandria’s history—lived, is now open to the public. Visitors can see the Lee family's historical background, valuable documents, and furniture that has been passed down through generations. Don’t miss the lovely garden surrounding the house, which is also a popular rental space for events like weddings and garden parties. The garden is occasionally closed for private events, so it’s a good idea to check availability at the visitor center before your visit.

7. Old Presbyterian Meeting House

The Old Presbyterian Meeting House, built in 1775 by Scottish-Irish immigrants as both a place of worship and a gathering hall, is located not far from the Alexandria City Hall, a great starting point for sightseeing. At that time, the church not only served for worship but also played an important role as a gathering place for key figures in the founding of America. George Washington frequently visited to hear sermons, and when he passed away, the bells rang for four days. After the Civil War, the meeting house declined and was briefly closed, but it was revived as a church in 1949 and still serves the community today.
It remains a beloved church for the people of Alexandria, not a typical tourist attraction. Visitors should be mindful not to disturb worshipers, especially when taking photos.

8. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Located a short walk from King Street Station, in the opposite direction of Old Town, is the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This memorial was constructed to honor George Washington, the founding father of the United States, and it rises dramatically into the sky. While it shares a similar name with the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., this one is in Alexandria, so be careful not to confuse the two during your sightseeing.
Built in 1932, the memorial houses murals, portraits, and a statue of Washington. It showcases various items related to his roles as president, plantation owner, and military leader, as well as a diorama of the former Alexandria City Hall. Guided tours are available to the observation deck, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Washington, D.C., the airport, and the Potomac River flowing behind the city of Alexandria.

9. Waterfront

At the Waterfront in front of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, there are several boat tours departing for destinations such as Mount Vernon, where George Washington’s estate is located, Georgetown in Washington, D.C., and National Harbor on the opposite shore. If you prefer to return to the same location, the Alexandria Seaboat Cruise is recommended. This 40-minute sightseeing cruise allows you to view landmarks such as the Yacht Harbor, Old Town, and the John’s Point Lighthouse while being guided by a tour guide. You’ll also learn about the history of Alexandria and the Potomac River. The view of Alexandria from the water offers a unique perspective.
Since the schedule for these sightseeing cruises changes depending on the season, it’s recommended to check the schedule in advance on the cruise company’s website or at the Alexandria Visitor Center.

10. Mount Vernon

Located southeast of Alexandria, Mount Vernon is the estate of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Far from the typical image of a politician’s home, Mount Vernon is a lush and typical 18th-century American plantation. The tour begins with the beautiful contrast of the red-roofed, white-walled mansion. The extensive grounds also include the tombs of George and Martha Washington, livestock barns, gardens, servants’ quarters, a tool shed, and a museum showcasing items related to Washington. If you plan to explore the estate, it's recommended to allocate about three hours. The gift shop is also well-stocked.
As one of the major attractions near Alexandria, Mount Vernon is always bustling with tour buses. Accessing the estate via public transportation can be difficult, so it’s advisable to use a tour bus or take the Mount Vernon Potomac River boat tour from Alexandria or Washington, D.C.

11. George Washington Distillery

Located about 5 km from Mount Vernon, just outside of Alexandria, is the George Washington Distillery. George Washington, not only the President but also a surveyor, soldier, and farmer, was involved in whiskey production while managing his plantation. You can visit the distillery via a shuttle bus from Mount Vernon.
While Alexandria's sightseeing bus tours may not have time to stop here, it’s highly recommended for those who want to take their time touring Mount Vernon. The distillery, rebuilt in 2007 on the site of the original distillery that had burned down, can be explored with a guide who will explain its history. The picturesque scene of a stone building surrounded by greenery with a stream running nearby creates a peaceful, bucolic atmosphere. Compared to the Mount Vernon estate, this site sees fewer tourists, so it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a quieter experience. Whiskey produced at the distillery is available for purchase at a boutique inside Mount Vernon, making it a perfect souvenir to take home from your Alexandria trip.

◎ Summary

How was this Alexandria sightseeing guide? In a country like the United States, which is always ahead of its time, Alexandria is a rare gem with many buildings from the 18th century still standing. Visiting Alexandria allows you to experience and understand the history of America's founding. A little outside Alexandria, you’ll find lush green landscapes. Although it’s so close to Washington, D.C., Alexandria offers a completely different atmosphere. Make sure to find your favorite tourist spot during your visit to this charming city.

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Recommended tourist spots in Alexandria, an ancient city located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.