Alexandra, VA - Pearl of the Potomac

Alexandria, VA

It's time for a confession: we had never even heard of this place. It just wasn't on our agenda at all. But when our relatives tipped us off that they felt it was nicer than Georgetown, we felt that it was worth a look. 

And it did not disappoint.

Alexandria is a deeply historical city in an area that once belonged to Native Americans. Colonised by the British and formerly named ‘Belhaven’ after a heroic Scottish Lord, the city still has an air of gentry about it.

The waterfront on the Potomac River is chic and very attractive. Nearby is a working art gallery in an old torpedo factory - a truly unique place. Just a little walk from the waterfront is a very attractive, almost continental European, street with some quite exquisite places to eat and drink.

Alexandria is a very attractive bonus to any East Coast travel schedule. What’s more, it's relatively unknown, so the volume of tourists is very low. It's only a short, and cheap, metro ride from Washington DC and worth every second of the trip.

How to get there

Alexandria, VA

Take the blue or the yellow metro lines from Washington DC in the direction of Franconia- Springfield (blue) or Huntington (yellow) and get off at King St-Old Town. Take the free trolley or the gentle walk down towards the waterfront for a splendid view.

On the way you will pass some spectacularly photogenic restaurants, cafes and shops.

Alexandria, VA

How we did it

We got a great price on an Uber from Georgetown, Washington DC thanks to the clever booking of one of our relatives. This dropped us right at the waterfront. On the way back, we took the trolley and the yellow line metro over the Potomac River.

Alexandria is a little way outside of Washington DC but it's a beautiful side-trip and a wonderful break from the big city hustle and bustle.

Our top tips

Alexandria, VA

• This is a beautiful place. It's easy to spend a day here. Make sure you leave sufficient time to explore the waterfront, the Torpedo art gallery and the museums.

• All the buses and trolleys are free here, but the trolleys are a lot more fun.

• Don’t expect to see big American chain restaurants here. It’s just not that kind of a place.