With centuries of history and hospitality, Alexandria offers plenty of historic and cultural attractions. The city's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums let residents and visitors experience the history that makes our city the charming town it is today. Walk down brick-lined streets in the footsteps of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Explore elegant Federal homes and picturesque cobblestone alleyways. From Colonial times through the Civil War, Alexandria has been the scene of many "firsts" in American history. Here are a few examples:
These tours start at the Lyceum, which offers free parking, so park your car and get ready to tour the town!
* Historical Overview (approximately 75 minutes)
* George Washington (approximately 30 minutes)
* Alexandria Architecture (approximately 60 minutes)
The following tours begin in other locations:
King Street Tours - King Street is Old Town Alexandria's main street. It offers a full day's sightseeing in just one mile! Find some comfy shoes and take the tour from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial all the way to the Torpedo Factory Art Center on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River!
Ask Alex - Cell Phone Tours - Experience history using the modern-day convenience of your cell phone!
Alexandria is surrounded by beautiful neighborhoods, diverse culture, and some of the United States' most famous historical sites. One of the best ways to learn about Alexandria's history is through a guided tour. Here is a list of some of the unique guided tours Alexandria offers to its visitors. Be sure to ask your chosen Tour Company which ones they specialize in!
Follow a guide in 18th-century costume through the haunted streets of Old Town. Listen to ghost stories, legends and folklore as you tour the city by the light of your guide's lantern! Hear about unsolved mysteries, tales of romance, and angry ghosts looking for revenge.
Explore Alexandria's Civil War history with a guided walking tour. One guide is a descendant of Confederate soldiers from the 14th & 28th Virginia Infantry. He knows the history of the city and the many camps in Alexandria and Virginia. Learn about events leading to the Union occupation of Alexandria and life in the city during the Civil War.
Discover Alexandria's African American history with several walking tours. Walk through several African American neighborhoods, including one founded to celebrate Haitian independence, and one featured in the movie "Remember the Titans." Learn about many memorable Alexandrians, including a woman who bought freedom for herself and her husband with money she earned selling vegetables at the city market.
