Free Things To Do in Alexandria

Alexandria has many attractions and points of interest that are totally FREE! From historic sites to walking tours, seasonal events and parades, you can SHOP, DINE & CELEBRATE in Alexandria and stay on budget. Whether you are visiting with your family or just here for a day on business travel, be sure to check out some of the wonderful places listed below - at no charge!

Alexandria National Cemetery
Alexandria National Cemetery is one of the original 14 national cemeteries established in 1862. The first burials made in the cemetery were soldiers who died during training or from disease in hospitals around Alexandria. By 1864, the cemetery was nearly filled to capacity, which eventually led to the planning, development and construction of Arlington National Cemetery. 1450 Wilkes Street, Alexandria. 703.221.2183.

The Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House
Named for William Ramsay, Scottish merchant and city founder. Stop by for sightseeing brochures, maps, etc. Gift shop. Now open daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (Handicap assistance is available at the lower King St. entrance). 221 King Street, Alexandria. 703.746.3301.

The Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association and located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The programs of the NVFAA include art exhibitions and performances in the Gallery. 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. 703.746.0035.

Christ Church
The first Episcopal Church in Alexandria and completed by John Carlyle in 1773. George Washington and Robert E. Lee worshipped here as have many other prominent persons including Sir Winston Churchill. Tours offered. 118 North Washington Street Alexandria. 703.549.1450

National Inventors Hall of Fame & Museum
The Museum currently features: Exercising Ingenuity: Inventions in Health and Fitness. This new exhibition is a tribute to the importance the health, fitness, and nutrition industries have played in American lives over the years. Exercising Ingenuity highlights the historic advances, current trends, and future technologies relating to a healthier body and mind. Visitors can browse the biographies of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees, view the Portrait Gallery, enjoy the short film Extraordinary Innovations, and shop our Gift Shop. Located on the United States Patent and Trademark Office Campus at 600 Dulany Street with easy access from both the King St and Eisenhower Metro stops. Closed on Sunday and Federal Holidays. 571.272.0095

The Old Presbyterian Meeting House
The church's history reaches back more than two hundred years. It begins with the movement of Scottish and Ulster-Scottish settlers to the Alexandria area in the eighteenth century. Soon creating positions for themselves, primarily as merchants and sea traders, they took a prominent part in founding the town of Alexandria and a leading role in forming the Presbyterian church of the new community. 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria. 703.549.6670

The Torpedo Factory Art Center
Constructed in 1918 for the manufacturing of torpedoes, the Torpedo Factory now features 82 working artists studios, six galleries, the Art League School and Archaeology Museum. 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. 703.838.4565.

FREE! Self-Guided Walking Tours of Alexandria:

Put on some comfortable shoes and explore Alexandria. Try the King Street Tour for an all day experience (in just one mile!) or choose another tour for a shorter excursion. The FREE King Street Trolley is also available to hop on and off of while you tour the town.

Alexandria Architecture (Approximately 40 minutes)
George Washington (Approximately 30 minutes)
Historical Overview (Approximately 75 minutes)

Also try:
Ask Alex - Cell Phone Tour
(Please note that while there is no charge for this tour, regular minute usage may be charged by your cellular phone service provider).

NEW! Explore Civil War Alexandria Free iPhone App
On May 24, 1861, 150 years ago, federal troops from Washington, D.C., took over Alexandria, a Union officer and Alexandria civilian were killed at the Marshall House on King Street, and hundreds of local men loyal to the South met at Prince and Washington streets to march off and fight with the Confederacy. For the next four years, Alexandria would remain occupied by Union troops, the longest occupation of the Civil War. Now "Civil War Alexandria," a new, free iPhone app from the Office of Historic Alexandria, allows users to explore Alexandria's Civil War history as they tour the city - either in person or virtually - through historic images, a stop guide, GPS map and more!

Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for many FREE seasonal activities such as these:

Year-round, Saturdays
Farmer's Market at Market Square
The nation's oldest farmers market offers a variety of vendors, including baked goods, cut flowers, live plants, and crafts. 7 a.m. - noon. Market Square | 301 King Street | Alexandria | 703.746.3301.

More Farmers Markets

Year-round, Thursdays
Second Thursday Art Night at the Torpedo Factory
Browse open studios, interact with the artists, and enjoy refreshments. Every Second Thursday of the month. More info can be found online. 6-9 p.m. Torpedo Factory Art Center | 105 N. Union Street | Alexandria | 703.838.4565

April 15 | AIA's Annual Walking Tour | Throughout Old Town, Alexandria | 1-3 p.m., reservations required | 703.549.9747

May 28 | 35th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival | Waterfront Park | 1-6 p.m. | 703.746.3301

June 16 & 17 | Old Town Arts & Crafts Festival | Market Square | Sat. 12-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 703.746.3301

June 23 | Alexandria's Food & Wine Festival | John Carlyle Square | Noon-5 p.m. | 703.746.3301

And don't forget: use the FREE King Street Trolley to get around Alexandria!