Alexandria

Things to do in Alexandria

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Alexandria

View all Attractions
Washington Monument
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Washington Monument

7.5
4.5/5
794 reviews
The Washington Monument stands in the center of the National Mall. Built to commemorate George Washington, the first president of the United States, it is an obelisk approximately 169 meters tall, standing out prominently in the predominantly low-rise urban landscape of Washington, D.C. Construction began in 1848, but was halted for over twenty years due to funding shortages. The federal government then took over the project, and construction was finally completed in 1884. Because the two sections of stone were sourced from different periods and locations, their varying degrees of weathering have resulted in a distinct color dividing line on the monument, a clear marker of this turbulent construction history. The monument is entirely simple, devoid of elaborate carvings, and tapers to a four-sided pyramidal apex at the top. The tower is hollow inside, with nearly two hundred commemorative stones embedded in its inner walls, donated by various states, cities, organizations, and countries across the United States. One particularly special stone is a Chinese inscription donated by a person from Ningbo during the Qing Dynasty. The inscription is taken from a passage praising Washington in *Yinghuan Zhilue*, a work by Xu Jiyu, a renowned official of the late Qing Dynasty, and is the only Chinese inscription among these commemorative stones. Inside the tower, there are nearly nine hundred spiral steps, but these are not open to visitors. The only way to reach the top is by elevator, which takes about 70 seconds to reach the observation deck at a height of approximately 150 meters. While downhill ride the elevator, pay attention to the commemorative stones flashing by on the inner walls. The observation deck has two viewing windows in each of the four directions: east to the U.S. Capitol Building, west to the Lincoln Memorial, south to the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin, and north to the White House. Daily access to the tower is limited, so advance reservations are recommended.Washington D.C. · 9.5 km from Alexandria
United States Capitol
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

United States Capitol

7.4
4.5/5
591 reviews
United States Capitol is an iconic building in Washington D.C. The iconic cast-iron dome was designed by architect Thomas U. Walter, and is topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom created by Thomas Crawford. The entire building features a neoclassical style. Its core interior spaces include the Rotunda, the Crypt, and the National Statuary Hall. The Rotunda is located directly beneath the dome. At the center of the dome is the fresco "The Apotheosis of Washington," painted by Italian-born artist Constantino Brumidi in 1865. The painting hangs approx. 55 m above the floor, featuring a grand composition of allegorical figures surrounding George Washington. Above the walls of the hall is a "Frieze of American History," which depicts important historical scenes in a continuous sequence, from Columbus's arrival in America to the Wright brothers' first flight. Directly beneath the Rotunda is the Crypt, which displays a portion of the statue collection from various states. Next is the National Statuary Hall, a semicircular hall that once served as the meeting place for the House of Representatives. Its curved ceiling once caused a significant whispering gallery effect, where a whisper on one side could be clearly heard on the other, though this was later reduced through renovations. Today, the hall displays statues of historical figures contributed by each state. The entire collection consists of two statues per state, but as they are distributed throughout the building, only a portion is displayed here. The visitor entrance is located at The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Emancipation Hall, located within, displays the original plaster model of the Statue of Freedom, and the exhibition hall features interactive exhibits that tell the history of Congress and the building.Washington D.C. · 9.9 km from Alexandria
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

6.4
4.7/5
369 reviews
The National Museum of Natural History is located on the north side of the National Mall. It is one of the 16 museums in the Smithsonian museum system. Since its opening in 1910, it has collected more than 120 million exhibits, ranging from primitive dinosaur fossils to early human origins. Cultural relics, rare animal specimens and precious mineral gems around the world have well preserved the heritage of natural science and human culture. 1. The symbol of the museum - The African Wild Elephant Museum collects and exhibits various and precious animal specimens. The layout is so careful that even the living environment of the animals is truly reproduced, trying to restore the lifelike natural biological chain. Among them, the African wild elephant specimen in the center of the hall on the first floor is very large. This specimen vividly restores its original appearance on the African grassland, and is regarded as the symbol of the National Museum of Natural History. There are also separate themed pavilions for mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and marine life. 2. The treasure of the town hall - the blue diamond "Hope Star" is located in the mine and gemstone exhibition hall on the second floor. It is famous for the blue diamond "Hope Star", which flashed by in the movie "Titanic" But left an indelible impression on the world. Rough diamonds that once weighed more than 112 carats were cut into blue diamonds that now weigh 45 carats. Once this so-called "cursed diamond" has been around the world for nearly 300 years, now it brings more than 100 million visits to the museum every year.Washington D.C. · 9.7 km from Alexandria
Library of Congress
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Library of Congress

6.4
4.8/5
128 reviews
The Library of Congress is one of the four official national libraries of the United States. It is a federal cultural institution with a very long history in the United States. It has become the largest treasure house of knowledge in the world. It is an important symbol of American knowledge and democracy and occupies an important position in American culture. . It consists of three parts: Thomas Jefferson Building, John Adams Building, and James Madison Building. 1. Rich collections There are more than 30 million books, covering 470 languages, and more than 58 million manuscripts, including the manuscript of President Lincoln's important speech at Gettysburg, which can be said to be a very large collection of rare books in the United States The place, the world's first letterpress "Gutenberg Bible" is the treasure of the town hall. In addition, there are millions of U.S. government publications, newspapers from around the world, microfilm reels, legal documents, maps, music, and more, making it the world's largest repository of knowledge. 2. Stunning architectural art The Library of Congress consists of three buildings named after the president: the Thomas Jefferson Building completed in 1897, the John Adams Building completed in 1939, and the James Madison Building completed in 1983 building. Among them, the Thomas Jefferson Building is in Italian Renaissance style, which stands out from many Greek colonnades or Victorian Gothic designs. With civilization and thinking, there is also a statue of the goddess of wisdom in the corridor.Washington D.C. · 9.9 km from Alexandria

Traveler favorites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Alexandria

Featured Food & drink in Alexandria

View all Food & drink
Old Town Alexandria: Southern Comfort Food & History Tour
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 3,931TWD 4,138
Washington DC: Best Donuts & Sweet Treats in DC Walking Tour
󱌍
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 2,317TWD 2,439
Washington DC: Food Tour with 6+ Local Favorite Bites
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 3,090TWD 3,253
DC's Original Food & History Neighborhood Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 3,466TWD 3,649
DC: Evening Local Neighborhood Food Tour with DrinkEatWalk
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 5,219TWD 5,494

Featured Day tours in Alexandria

View all Day tours
Alexandria: Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 927TWD 976
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!
󱌍
5.0/5
· 20 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 929TWD 978
Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 927TWD 976
Alexandria: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour
󱌍
Duration: 75 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 927TWD 976
DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise
󱌍
4.5/5
· 105 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 2,844TWD 2,994
Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC
󱌍
4.2/5
· 299 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromTWD 3,221
Washington, DC: Weekend Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 772TWD 813

Featured Culture & history in Alexandria

View all Culture & history

More things to do

Alexandria cruises

View all cruises

Private Tours in Alexandria

View More Private Tours in Alexandria

Group Tours in Alexandria

View More Group Tours in Alexandria
Alexandria Today's weatherClear 8-26℃
Alexandria weather for the next 2 days10/31: 9-18℃, 11/1: 8-19℃

Free things to do in Alexandria

What travelers say about Alexandria

user-avatar
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OJuly 1, 2026
5.0
The Washington Monument looked like a giant pencil stuck in the ground, blindingly white. We queued to go in and take the elevator; my ears were ringing as I went up. Looking out the window, the plaza's pool and Lincoln Hall looked like tiny squares. An old lady pointed into the distance, saying that was her state, but I couldn't really see anything. My legs were a little weak as I came down; walking around the base, I noticed the stone's color varied from top to bottom, darker above the waist. People were lying on the lawn sunbathing, and kites floated gently in the sky.

Washington Monument

user-avatar
Flora_GuSeptember 3, 2026
5.0
The Capitol Building is a magnificent structure with a massive white cast-iron dome topped by the Statue of Liberty. It houses the offices of the U.S. legislature (Senate and House of Representatives), and many laws that have influenced the United States and the world were enacted here. Visiting the interior requires advance booking through the official website. We found the visitor center; security was very strict, and liquids were prohibited, so we had to discard all the hot water in our thermos flasks. Inside, we first watched a 10-minute historical documentary in a small theater, then were divided into groups and given headphones for guided tours. The interior was filled with ornate paintings, exquisite reliefs, and numerous statues of historical figures. The guides enthusiastically explained the furnishings and stories of the historical figures, and we also toured the Senate and House meeting rooms and members' offices.

United States Capitol

user-avatar
泰迪小熊December 7, 2024
5.0
Came here on September 21, 2017. Between Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument, there is a long and narrow green space, which is the National Mall of the United States. There are many national museums and memorials around the square. Each venue is very interesting and you can spend half a day visiting a single place. If you don't have enough time, it's also good to take pictures. These buildings have different shapes, and taking pictures and checking in are very photogenic.

National Mall

user-avatar
Grace_cytAugust 14, 2024
4.0
The White House is a three-story flat-roofed house. It is called the White House because the outer walls are painted white. It is where the president of the United States works and lives. If you want to visit, you need to apply to the embassy in advance, but it is said that after the 9/11 attacks, foreigners are no longer allowed to visit. When we went there, we watched from a distance through the fence and lawn outside.

The White House

user-avatar
mrbigbearOctober 20, 2023
4.0
The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic symbol of American history and a place of profound significance. Its majestic architecture, featuring the towering statue of Abraham Lincoln, commands respect and admiration. The solemnity of the Reflecting Pool, set against the backdrop of the Washington Monument and the Capitol, creates a breathtaking vista. Visitors are immersed in the spirit of freedom, equality, and unity, making it a must-visit destination. The memorial's role in commemorating one of America's greatest leaders and his enduring message of liberty and justice for all is truly inspiring.

Lincoln Memorial

user-avatar
SamueljetmanOctober 2, 2023
5.0
i had the privilege of visiting the US Capitol in Washington DC back in 2019. the tour took us through the rotunda and crypt, as well as a history of the building. definitely highly recommended for anyone who visits DC!

Capitol Hill

user-avatar
Mushfiqur Rahman ChowdhuryNovember 20, 2023
5.0
My first Smithsonian experience. Two floors filled with various sections covering all about planes and space travel in the 20th century.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

user-avatar
AFEDecember 7, 2022
5.0
One of the most beautiful Natural History Museum. There are a lot to see.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

user-avatar
云吸猫多多December 29, 2024
5.0
It is worth a visit and highly recommended. It is a free library that must be visited in the Washington area. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It is not only the national library of the United States, but also an important global research center. It has a rich collection of documents in various forms, including books, manuscripts, maps, photos, music, movies, etc., with a total of more than 170 million items. In such an environment, time seems to stand still, and every detail can trigger infinite reverie. The Library of Congress is not only a palace of knowledge, but also a meticulously crafted work of art. Every visitor is fascinated by it and feels its unparalleled beauty.

Library of Congress

Trip Moments in Alexandria

Popular cities near Alexandria

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Alexandria?

Don't miss these attractions in Alexandria: Washington Monument, United States Capitol, and National Mall. If you like Food & drink, try Old Town Alexandria: Southern Comfort Food & History Tour. If you enjoy Day tours, try Alexandria: Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria.

You can give Old Town Alexandria: Southern Comfort Food & History Tour and Washington DC: Best Donuts & Sweet Treats in DC Walking Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Alexandria: Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria, Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!, and Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 30, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Alexandria is around TWD 772 – TWD 3,221. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.