Located under 5 miles from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is a popular destination for day trippers as well as those who want to enjoy a longer stay. If you’re heading to the city on a tight budget, here are six tips to help you discover local attractions without having to worry about the cost.
Book a Cheap Alexandria Hotel
Alexandria is not without its fair share of luxury hotels, but if you’re hoping to spend less on accommodation for your trip, you’ll find an excellent choice of cheap hotels in the area too. Book an affordable hotel in the Historic District, such as Courtyard by Marriott, to stay near attractions such as King Street and the Potomac waterfront.
Use Free Local Transportation
Image via Flickr by cliff1066
The free King Street Trolley is a fun and convenient way to explore Old Town Alexandria. It runs between the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the waterfront every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. until 10:15 p.m. on Sunday through Wednesday, and until midnight on Thursday through Saturday. Hop on and off as much as you like to visit attractions such as Christ Church and the Alexandria Court House.
Feed Your Inner Culture Vulture
One of Alexandria’s major appeals is its history, and it’s easy to discover more about the city’s past while parting with very little of your budget. It’s free to look around the iconic Torpedo Factory Arts Center and the Athenaeum, while adult tickets to attractions such as Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Carlyle House cost just $5 each. Children aged five and up pay just $3.
Enjoy Self-Guided Walking Tours
The Visit Alexandria website lists several self-guided walking tours. You might choose to discover Alexandria Architecture, African-American Historic sites, or perhaps visit the city’s abundance of historic breweries. If you would prefer the services of a guide, you can book tours such as the Footsteps to the Past ghost tours for $15 per adult.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Image via Flickr by sabreguy29
You’ll find plenty of fine dining opportunities in Alexandria, but if you’re after something to satisfy your hunger without denting your budget, you’ll need to eat where the locals eat. Try local eateries such as Red Mei, the Bittersweet Bakery, and Bugsy’s Pizza in the Old Town area, or head off the beaten track for gems like St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub and Bruscato’s Deli.
Discover Potomac Waterfront Parks
Enjoy a sunny day in Alexandria by setting out to discover some of the city’s waterfront parks. Popular destinations include the Harborside/Shipyard Park, Jones Point Park, and Oronoco Bay Park. If you can’t choose, rent a bicycle for around $35 a day and see them all. If you do decide to rent a bike, make the most of it and cycle the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail.
You don’t need a huge budget to discover Alexandria’s appeal. Check out cheap Alexandria hotels on Hipmunk.com, and put these tips into practice to enjoy a big break for little money.
Linda Forshaw likes to write about local haunts and far-flung places. She lives in Liverpool, England, and spends her free time exploring new places, going to live gigs, and planning her next adventure.
