Location: Old Town
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Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia (VA): The Best Museums
A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, the city retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town, Gadsby's Tavern, a restaurant serving food since 1770, and centers of learning like the Black History Museum. For a more contemporary side of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where local artists operate boutiques and studios.
Restaurants in Alexandria
1. Tall Ship Providence
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
The tall ship Providence provides a living link to our rich maritime, naval, and Revolutionary history. Our Providence is a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and John Paul Jones’ first American command. Come aboard to meet John Paul Jones, and get a taste of what life was like aboard an eighteenth-century sloop. Enjoy a guided tour, take a public cruise up the Potomac, or book your private charter.
Reviewed By MarcW38
A replica of an 18th century tall ship, The Providence gives the guest a glimpse of life on board a sailing ship when the wind was the only propulsion. Today, a very quiet Detroit diesel moves you along at a stately 4 knots. The craft beer tasting cruise included nice tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole...totally delicious. The female Captain, Sam, was a delight. My wife and I had a wonderful time.
2. Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Discover Alexandria’s five-star hotel of the 18th century! Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of the c. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. The buildings were constructed by John Wise, but made famous by John Gadsby. Mr. Gadsby’s establishment was the center of political, business, and social life in Alexandria and hosted the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today the Museum offers tours, programs and special events.
Reviewed By byteforbyte - Alexandria, United States
Gadsby’s offers self tours and staffed tours depending on what you like. During the summer on Sundays they have Jr Docents who take you through the tavern. I have been through the tavern many times for different events.
3. Torpedo Factory Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,200 reviews
Art in Person and in Progress. Located in Old Town Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to 150+ working artists, 7 galleries, The Art League, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.
Reviewed By PRGLewes - Lewes, United States
Wide variety of artwork -- pottery, painting, photography, fiber arts, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture.... It's great to be able to chat with the artists.
4. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
The Apothecary served local customers, including the Washingtons and Robert E. Lee, between 1792 and 1933. The shop was transformed into a museum shortly after its closing and visitors can still view the original ingredients, products, and documents left behind by this 141-year-old family business.
Reviewed By 433marydiannem - Alexandria, United States
The Apothecary Museum in Alexandria is like walking into a time capsule. It was family owned from Washington’s day, made it thru the Civil War as Alexandria was a Union hospital center, and thrived until the Great Depression. Alexandrians saved much of the equipment, bottles, pill rollers etc. Though this is a business, like the other 2 House museums in Alexandria ( Carlyle house and Lee-Fendall house), it is all original and well worth the visitors effort.
5. Carlyle House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
A Georgian mansion built in 1753 by merchant and City founder John Carlyle. Five governors and General Braddock met here to discuss funding the French and Indian War. This historic meeting influenced the call for American independence in the 1770s, and sparked the concept of taxation without representation. Daily tours, youth programs, special events, exhibits, and lectures offer visitors a chance to experience eighteenth century life. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday: Noon-4 p.m. (tours on the hour, last tour at 4 p.m.). Call ahead to schedule a tour!
Reviewed By coombsfamily5
We visited on a cold rainy day in January and we were so glad we did, from the informative tour to the beautifully restored house, it was a true delight. The curator was very kind to us and provided additional info and additional information about other places we could visit. There is a very steep staircase from the room where the tour begins up to the second floor.
6. Freedom House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By LisandroVoyager - Washington DC, United States
The posted info is clear and well written, and attractively displayed. There is a video and books for sale in the entrance hall. It's a good first stop to walk along a circuit of several historic attractions in Old Town Alexandria. They give a map out to orient visitors to the city. Open only Friday and Saturday afternoons. They may let groups in at other times by prior arrangement. Especially important stop for anyone wishing to understand the reasons for the Domestic Slave Trade pattern of the 19th century linking Virginia and Louisiana and the Deep South.
7. Principle Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Since opening in 1994, Principle Gallery has been dedicated to representing the highest quality of Contemporary Realism art. Focusing on paintings in oil and bronze sculpture, the gallery proudly represents emerging, mid-career, and established artists with a distinct personal approach to their work.
Reviewed By PerksAdvisor_NYC - New York City, United States
I liked for Principle Gallery for a few reasons. First, the staff were friendly without being pretentious. Secondly, the quality of the paintings was notable. Principle represents a number of artists and also has opening receptions. They let you peruse around and do not follow or bug you. It is a nice place to go if you are hanging out on King Street. The art is reasonable price and without cheap reproductions.
8. Lee-Fendall House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
The Lee-Fendall House, located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a showcase of American history. Since its construction in 1785, the house has served as home to thirty-seven members of the Lee family, hundreds of convalescing Union soldiers during the American Civil War, Alexandria’s locally prominent Downham family, and one of our nation’s most controversial and significant 20th century labor leaders, John L. Lewis.
Reviewed By GarryUK - Newbury, United Kingdom
A must do in Alexandria. The tour takes about 45 mins to a hour and is fascinating. Every room is steeped in history as were its owners. General Robert E Lee lived here as a boy, but those who lived here before and after him are very interesting in their own right. The house is spread over 3 floors of which you can visit 2 of floors. There is plenty of very interesting pieces of period furniture on display as well. We throughly enjoyed it.
9. Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By davec747 - Alexandria, United States
This is a fantastic little museum in a great setting, really a local resource. Displays are concise and informative, and they make you want to learn more. Good setting for a beginner, a casual historian, or a serious one. Wonderful setting. It's won't take you long to go through but well worth it.
10. The Lyceum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By R4741PIjoek
This is a very interesting building for visitors to stop by when in Alexandria. It is staffed by volunteers and has interesting brochures on sites to see, upcoming events in the area, a gift shop with many offerings, very clean public restrooms. and off street limited parking for use during a visit to the facility
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