Getting to Know the DMV: Old Town Alexandria

November 10, 2025

Authored by:

Brook Endale

Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia, is a picturesque neighborhood with lots of historical landmarks set alongside the Potomac River. You'll find red brick sidewalks and rows of shops that offer everything from local art to antiques and rare finds. It's the perfect destination to take in colonial-era architecture and visit the sites once patronized by figures from the early republic, including George Washington.

The free Old Town Trolley makes it easy to explore the neighborhood. You can hop on and off as you go, all while listening to a narrated tour about the area's rich history.

Things to Do

Take in Art
What was once a World War II torpedo factory is now an art center featuring the nation's largest collection of working-artists' open studios under one roof. Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, located at 105 N. Union St., to browse exhibitions, purchase local art and even meet artists as they work.

Enjoy the Parks
Relax along the waterfront at Founders Park, at 351 N. Union St. The park is a great place to enjoy sights of the riverfront while taking a stroll, enjoying a picnic, walking your dogs or playing a game of volleyball.

Visit a Historic Apothecary
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, located at 105-107 S. Fairfax St., has more than 15,000 objects, including herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass and antique medical equipment. The family-owned pharmacy operated from 1792 to 1933 and once served George and Martha Washington. Now a National Historic Landmark, the museum also preserves journals, formula books and invoices that reveal early medical practice in America.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum has historical medicinal materials in its collection.

See the Sights from a Water Taxi
Enjoy an afternoon out on the water by taking a ride on the Potomac Water Taxi, which you can catch at 3 Cameron St. You can choose from different tours, including a narrated, sightseeing cruise that will take you on a scenic route from Alexandria to Georgetown with a view of the monuments.

See the Narrowest House in America
Taking the title of the narrowest home in the country is Hollensbury Spite House, located at 523 Queen St. It is only seven feet and six inches wide! As the story goes, the historic home was built in 1830 to block alley loiterers by the building's namesake, John Hollensbury.

Tour Historic Homes
If you fancy a tour of an 18th-century mansion, stop by the Carlyle House, located at 121 N. Fairfax St. Now a museum, you can take a guided tour of the home and enjoy a walk through the beautiful garden located outside the residence.

The Lee-Fendall House, located at 614 Oronoco St., was construction in 1785, and now offers guided tours, featuring the experiences of the people who lived and worked on the property for almost two centuries.

The Carlyle House is a historic mansion in Old Town.

Where to Eat

Gadsby's Tavern at 138 N. Royal St.

Dine at the historic Gadsby's Tavern, which has been offering fine dining since 1770. In its time, the tavern hosted figures of the early Republic. Stop by for lunch and enjoy their popular selections of soups and salads or sandwiches, ranging from $12 to $16.

Don Taco at 808 King St.

This popular taco and tequila barserves Mexican favorites with a unique twist. Their tacos, costing about $5 each, range from the fried avocado filled with breaded avocado, pico de gallo and roasted corn, to the beef birria, topped with melted mozzarella and served with consommé on the side. The menu also features quesadillas, empanadas and burritos, while the weekend brunch offerings include breakfast tacos and huevos rancheros.

Lavender Moon Cupcakery at 116 S. Royal St.

You may have heard Georgetown has the best cupcakes in the DMV but this bakerytucked away in Old Town might just change your mind. The menu features organic cupcakes baked fresh daily. Flavors change daily, and you'll find unique and delicious options like chocolate cherry Pinot Noir and lemon blackberry.

Sisters Thai + Magnolia Cafe & Bistro at 503 Montgomery St.

This Thai restaurantwith its eye-catching and fun decor is a destination for delicious Pad Thai, curries and satay, with most entrees priced around $20. Inside, you'll also find Magnolia Café, which features classic dessert favorites with a Thai twist, like the lychee raspberry cheesecake or magnolia cream crepe. Desserts are priced around $13.

Wooboi Hot Chicken

This casual restaurantserves up delicious chicken sandwiches and tenders seasoned with a blend inspired by Nashville hot chicken, with hints of Korean and Ethiopian spices. You can choose your heat level, from mild to code blue if you're feeling brave. The sandwiches are topped with cider slaw, pickles and tangy comeback sauce. Entrees, including sandwiches or tenders, are priced around $13.

Adas on the River

Take in scenic views of the Potomac while dining at this Old Town favorite. Stop by for lunch and enjoy their wide selection of sandwiches served with thick-cut fries, like the shaved New York strip, which is topped with charred onions and garlic labneh. Lunch entrees range from $18 to $36.

How to get there:

From Foggy Bottom:

• Metrorail: Take the Blue line train toward Franconia-Springfield to King Street Station. Then, either walk one mile along King Street or hop on the free King Street Trolley, which runs from the metro station to the Potomac River waterfront with stops every two to three blocks.
• Bicycle: Ride your bike-or rent one from the multiple Capital Bikeshare locations around campus-and take the Mount Vernon Trail for a scenic journey to Old Town.

From Mount Vernon:

• Campus Shuttles- Take the Vern Express from the Mount Vernon campus to the Foggy Bottom campus. Then, use the Metrorail method mentioned above.