Nestled on an expansive waterfront, Old Town Alexandria is a vibrant destination for any traveler, from outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers to history buffs or those on the search for a wide range of shopping options. From family-friendly festivals and activities to date-night worthy spots for drinks and meals, Old Town offers a multitude of ways to enjoy a few days away.
Stay
For a sophisticated stay with impeccable hospitality that’s also walkable to all that Old Town has to offer, Hotel AKA Alexandria checks all of the boxes. Stylishly renovated by the renowned designer and architect Piero Lissoni, the hotel is a serene getaway appointed with playful artwork and sleek yet comfortable furnishings, all with an eye on modern minimalism. Rooms and suites are quiet but boast views that range from the terrace to a shop-lined street and are fitted with simple yet elegant decor. Some rooms also feature Juliet balconies, as well.
For the fitness-minded, the hotel does offer a range of top-notch equipment in its gym as well as outdoor fitness classes on its thoughtfully designed terrace. E-bikes are available as well, and make for a quick way to explore the city or the Mount Vernon Trail. For film enthusiasts, the hotel also offers a private cinema with comfortable reclining seats. Meanwhile, if simply relaxing is the goal on your trip, Hotel AKA has that covered, too, with plenty of spots to settle in indoors or outside as well as its a.lounge+bar, serving a wide range of food and drinks for any palate.
Larger events like weddings, parties, and conferences can be accommodated at the hotel, too. With multiple ballrooms and breakout rooms, and updated technology, it’s an ideal venue for hosting large groups.
Food and Drink
Old Town Alexandria boasts a wide array of cuisines at its numerous restaurants. One standout is James Beard Award-nominated Thompson Italian, which boasts a kitchen helmed by Chef Lucy Dakwar, who was recently recognized as one of the Alexandria Chamber’s 40 Under 40. The cozy restaurant’s menu is a carefully curated combination of handmade pasta dishes as well as other Mediterranean-inspired options like lamb meatballs with Aleppo and herb-infused yogurt, and a bright, refreshing melon salad with mint, basil, walnut dukkah, and a burnt honey vinaigrette, all resting on creamy labneh. Drinks from the bar are equally creative, with both sweet and savory options, including a cacio e pepe cocktail that channels the flavors of the classic dish.
Also impressive is Josephine, a French-inspired spot with impressive service and an upscale yet comfortable ambience. Here, the menu leans into classics like escargot and pâté for starters, while entrees range from steak frites and boeuf bourguignon to trout amandine. The restaurant’s extensive wine list is sure to please any oenophile, while the spirit-curious crowd may enjoy trying the traditional absinthe service, complete with a fountain brought straight to the table. And for an intimate experience, guests can wind their way to the top floor to try for a seat at the hidden eight-seat bar.
The number of dining options in Old Town feels nearly infinite. To explore a variety of cuisines in a relatively short span of time, visitors can opt to take a food tour. DC Metro Food Tours, part of Food Tour Corporation, offers walking tours of the city, taking guests to multiple locations while also sharing the history of the city.
Explore
Old Town’s King Street Mile is a top destination for visitors to Old Town Alexandria, thanks to its multitude of shops, dining establishments, impressive architecture, and proximity to numerous historic sites. Stroll down King Street itself or meander down side streets to find various places such as Market Square, where the oldest continuously running farmers’ market continues to operate on Saturdays, the Spite House, which is the skinniest house in the country, or Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, one of the nation’s oldest apothecaries. The Carlysle House, Captain’s Row, and Gadsby’s Tavern are also notable historic destinations in the town.
Additionally, King Street leads to the city’s Waterfront Park, home to an annually changing art installation and the two-mile Riverwalk. Art-lovers will also want to stop into the Torpedo Factory Art Center here. Previously a munitions plant during the Second World War, it now houses 10 galleries and a plethora of juried artists' studios.
Del Ray
While Old Town Alexandria boasts plenty of opportunities for exploration, the nearby dog-friendly neighborhood of Del Ray is also worth carving out time for. It, too, boasts a number of shops including The Company of Books where readers can find hidden gems on the shelves and a number of wellness-focused stores and businesses. Del Ray is also a destination for food lovers, offering a wide range of cuisines in a relatively small area. For wine and cheese enthusiasts, a visit to Cheesetique is a must. The cheese-centric restaurant and retail space, headed up by the knowledgeable Jill Erber, offers an expansive list of cheese, including its own housemade spicy pimento cheese as well as dishes that range from salads, soups, and sandwiches to a mac and cheese that Food & Wine rated one of the best in the U.S.
The cozy restaurant’s menu is a carefully curated combination of handmade pasta dishes as well as other Mediterranean-inspired options like lamb meatballs with Aleppo and herb-infused yogurt, and a bright, refreshing melon salad with mint, basil, walnut dukkah, and a burnt honey vinaigrette, all resting on creamy labneh.
From family-friendly festivals and activities to date-night worthy spots for drinks and meals, Old Town offers a multitude of ways to enjoy a few days away.