Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia (VA)

June 7, 2021 Darwin Bolte

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. Gadsby's Tavern Museum

134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3226 +1 703-746-4242 [email protected] http://www.gadsbystavern.org
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 259 reviews

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

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.

2. George Washington Masonic National Memorial

101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301-2751 +1 703-683-2007 http://gwmemorial.org
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 678 reviews

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

A very visible tribute to George Washington stands on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

Reviewed By mesmith14 - Winter Garden, United States

Lots of American history on display. $15 dollar admission gets you a tour as well - tours are very well done - informative but also give you time on your own to explore. Tours give you access to upper floors of the building... including a ride on the elevator which goes up on a 7.5 degree angle ... views from the observation deck are great and the deck goes all the way around the building. Wheel chair accessible. Kid friendly

3. Alexandria's Christ Church

118 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3023 +1 703-549-1450 http://www.historicchristchurch.org
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 404 reviews

Alexandria's Christ Church

Reviewed By 735carolynl - Seattle, United States

This stunning church has a rich history which you are able to experience first hand. Sit in George Washington or The Lee Family pews. Attend a service in this still active church, or pay respects in the cemetary.

4. Old Town

Alexandria, VA 22314 +1 703-862-5817 http://www.visitalexandriava.com/old-town-alexandria
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,765 reviews

Old Town

Quaint old seaport section of Alexandria on the National Register of Historic Places.

Reviewed By TorquayIain - Torquay, United Kingdom

we stayed at the Embassy Suites at the top of King Street near the metro station and thoroughly enjoyed our strolls down King Street with its plethora of small stores and eating establishments, very nice area and would stay again.

5. Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N Union St On the waterfront at the intersection of King and Union Streets, Alexandria, VA 22314-3217 +1 703-746-4570 [email protected] http://www.torpedofactory.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,200 reviews

Torpedo Factory Art Center

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.

6. Old Town Waterfront

Alexandria, VA +1 204-943-8701 http://www.visitalexandriava.com/about-alexandria/old-town-alexandria
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,282 reviews

Old Town Waterfront

Reviewed By Diane22309 - Alexandria, United States

You haven’t fully appreciated Alexandria if you haven’t been to its downtown Waterfront. Whether you tour the Torpedo Factory’s spaces filled with artisans, watch the coming and going of the ships, feed the sea gulls or enjoy a meal at the Chart House, there is something for everyone.

7. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

105 S Fairfax St # 107, Alexandria, VA 22314-3301 +1 703-746-3852 http://www.apothecarymuseum.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 280 reviews

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

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.

8. Old Presbyterian Meeting House

321 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3807 +1 703-549-6670 http://www.opmh.org/
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

9. Carlyle House

121 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3229 +1 703-549-2997 [email protected] http://www.novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 316 reviews

Carlyle House

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.

10. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House

9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309-1506 +1 703-780-4000 [email protected] http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 198 reviews

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House

PLEASE NOTE: Our property closes for the 2019 Season on December 13 and re-opens for 2020 Season and public tours on April 10, 2020. Woodlawn Estate and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey House are two iconic architectural sites of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, located on the same property in historic Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. Our Federal Georgian Mansion, built in 1805 for Nelly Parke Custis Lewis and Lawrence Lewis and our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian House, built in 1940 and moved to our property in the 60's both sit in a beautiful landscape. Visitors are encouraged to explore the contrasting architectural and historical stories of these two masterpiece homes, set in glorious landscape. Our site is also home to the non-profit farm, Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. We host extraordinary catered celebrations in our luxury event space with exclusive partner, Design Cuisine. Do come and visit us!

Reviewed By SGCAVER12 - Rockville, United States

We had reservations in March 2020 but they closed before we could visit. I was happy to see they are now open and we booked easily online for the combination tour of both houses. There is a limit of 6 people per tour so it was like getting our own personal tour. We visited the Pope-Leighey House first a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house that has been relocated to this spot. We have visited a few of the homes he has designed and this one did not disappoint. It is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking lot all downhill. The tour guide gave a very informative tour to the 5 of us on the tour. Everyone wore a mask and kept their distance despite it being a small house. It's an hour tour, but we were done in about 30 minutes so we were permitted to continue looking inside and outside at all of the details of this wonderful Frank Lloyd Wright designed house and ask questions. We made the 5 minute walk back up to the parking lot to start the tour of Woodlawn mansion. Again, our tour guide gave a great tour, she was engaging and answered all of our questions.She and the 5 people on the tour all kept their distance and wore their masks. They have a small gift shop attached to Woodlawn that offers items related to both houses. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday learning about the history of these 2 great houses. I'd highly recommend the tour.

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