Things to Do

Free (or Almost Free) Things to do in Alexandria

Alexandria has many attractions and points of interest that are totally FREE or not far from it! From historic sites to walking tours, seasonal events and parades, you can fill your day with fun while exploring all that Alexandria has to offer 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 -or little to no- charge!

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Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House

221 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 746-3301

FREE! Named for William Ramsay, Scottish merchant and city founder. Stop by for sightseeing brochures, maps, etc. Gift shop. Save 50% when you purchase a Key to the City with admission to nine

Athenaeum

201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 548-0035
Fax: (703) 548-0456
Visit Website

FREE! A Greek Revival building built in 1851, it was home to the Bank of the Old Dominion, where Robert E. Lee did his banking. Today it is an art gallery and home of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts

Christ Church

118 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-1450
Visit Website

FREE! This beautiful English country-style church was built between 1767-1773 and was attended by George Washington & Robert E. Lee. Tours available Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 2-4 p.m., with Sun.

Freedom House

1315 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 836-2858
Visit Website

FREE! Donations accepted. Once headquarters for the slave-trade operation of Franklin, Armfield & Co., this historic building now houses the Northern Virginia Urban League's newly opened museum.

Ivy Hill Cemetery Historical Preservation Society

2823 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: (703) 626-4837
Visit Website

FREE! Ivy Hill is one of Alexandria's largest and most historic cemeteries, with a wealth of protected flora and fauna. Educational and cultural programs as well as lectures and tours available.

National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum

600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (571) 272-0095
Fax: (703) 706-0484
Visit Website

FREE! Visit the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum located in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and marvel at the ingenuity of mankind! To honor the Inductees, their names are

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

323 S. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-6670
Fax: (703) 549-9425
Visit Website

FREE! 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

Soldiers Cemetery / Alexandria National Cemetery

Wilkes & Payne sts.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 221-2183
Visit Website

FREE! First known as Soldiers' Cemetery, this sacred military burial ground was designated by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. The first burials were soldiers who died in and around Alexandria. By

Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4565
Visit Website

FREE! Constructed in 1918 for the manufacturing of torpedoes, the Torpedo Factory now features 82 working artists' studios, six galleries, the Art League School, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, and a

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).

Explore Civil War Alexandria Free iPhone App
On May 24, 1861, 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!