Old Town is the historic downtown district of Alexandria, Virginia. Located near the Potomac River, it’s a place known for its 18th century townhouses, cobblestone streets, and historical museums. With easy access parking and so many sites to see on foot, Old Town is a destination that will capture your heart. Because it’s about 20 minutes away from the busy streets of Washington DC, Old Town is the perfect place to visit for the day (or even a few days) if you want to get away, slow down, and recharge.
Denis, my mom, and I visited Old Town earlier this summer and because we enjoyed it so much I wanted to share 5 reasons I think you should spend the day in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Enjoy & Appreciate the Colorful Surroundings
The architecture of Old Town will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s so many brick buildings that are colorfully painted and little shops and boutiques that are easy to dip in and out of. Also, the front doors are the best – there’s so many of them that have been painted bright colors. Honestly, you could make a game out of seeing how many colorful doors you can spot.
Grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee (or both)
There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops to choose from so you never have to worry about getting hungry. I highly recommend stopping by La Madeleine Country French Cafe and grabbing a box of their fresh baked goods. Located at 500 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, this cafe is perfect if you’re craving a Parisian vibe. Plus, everything we tried from there was delicious. We also checked out Misha’s Coffee (located at 6 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314) and let me tell you – the iced latte was Chef’s kiss.
Take a Picture in front of the Spite House
The Spite House is the skinniest historic house in the United States. At just seven feet wide, you can blink and almost miss it. Found at 523 Queen Street, this private residence is the perfect place to take a picture in front of. Because the house is in a private neighborhood I recommend parking on the street and walking to the house.
Stroll around Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is the perfect place to explore if you’re looking for a place to sit and people watch. Since it’s right by the Potomac River, it offers tranquil views of the water and plenty of spots to snap a great picture. Definitely check out the “I Love You” art installation. It’s the perfect place for a photo-op.
Check Out the Murals & Restaurants of Del Ray Neighborhood
If you’re looking for a really cool and laid-back place to grab lunch, dinner, or dessert definitely check out Del Ray neighborhood. It’s full of independently owned cafes and restaurants, but the coolest part of this area is the murals. There are murals painted everywhere and each one is unique and beautiful. Located about 9 minutes away from Old Town, it won’t take you long to get there and see all of what Del Ray has to offer.
I hope you found this post helpful and please feel free to pin or share any of the pictures. If you have any travel recommendations or tips for visiting Old Town or Del Ray Alexandria, Virginia let me know in the comments. Happy travels!
Verse of the Day: The He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” – Matthew 9:37-38
