The 4 Best Walking Tours in Alexandria Virginia
Walking through Alexandria, Virginia, offers an authentic way to soak in the city’s American roots, haunted legends, and Washington connections. Unlike bus tours or museum visits, these walks put you right in the middle of the action—on cobblestone streets, in historic taverns, and beneath the shadows of old buildings. Alexandria’s compact, walkable layout makes it perfect for exploring on foot, and the variety of tours means there’s something for every interest—whether you’re fascinated by the American Revolution, ghost stories, or George Washington himself. Plus, with tours priced between $27 and $30, you can experience history or thrills without breaking the bank.
The city is full of surprises, from the Revolutionary landmarks to ghostly tales that chill the spine. Each tour offers a different taste of Alexandria’s past, whether it’s uncovering the birthplace of the American Revolution or wandering at night among spirits and legends. We’ve tested and compared the top options so you can choose the perfect walk for your trip. From detailed historical insights to spine-tingling ghost stories, these tours will make your visit memorable.
Quick Overview
This list features four top-rated walking tours in Alexandria, each with its own unique focus. For history lovers, the Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour dives into the city’s Revolutionary roots. If you’re after a spooky night, the Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour offers ghostly tales and haunted sites. For those eager to walk in George Washington’s footsteps, the Walking Through George Washington’s Alexandria provides a close-up look at his neighborhood. Lastly, the Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour explores Alexandria’s darker legends, including spirits and monsters.
Below, we’ll explore each tour in detail to help you decide which fits your interests—and your schedule.
1. Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour
This American Revolution guided tour takes you to the very spots where patriots planned, fought, and declared independence. For $30 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours walking through Old Town, uncovering where George Washington and other founders made pivotal decisions. Your guide will show you the house where the Revolution was “born,” just before the first shots at Lexington and Concord. You’ll visit sites where Washington announced his opposition to British rule and learn about Alexandria’s own revolutionary document.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local revolutionary history. The guides—like Eileen, Tim, and Wayne—are passionate and knowledgeable, ensuring you see the city’s role in shaping America. Reviewers praise the ability of the guides to make history engaging and personal, with one mentioning the “priceless” conversation at St. Mary’s Museum. The tour also offers a good mix of walking and storytelling—perfect if you want a meaningful, compact history lesson.
Bottom line: Ideal for history fans eager for a focused, well-paced look at Alexandria’s role in the American Revolution. It’s excellent value for a deep dive into revolutionary sites with lively guides.
2. Alexandria: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour
For those who love a good scare, the Ultimate Dead of Night Ghost Tour offers a 75-minute walk through Alexandria’s haunted spots. Priced at $30 per person, this tour is a spirited (pun intended) way to experience the city after dark, exploring tales of spectral figures and haunted buildings like Gadsby’s Tavern. You’ll learn about the mysterious Female Stranger, whose ghostly presence is said to linger at Gadsby’s, and hear spine-tingling stories about Wilkes Tunnel’s spirits.
The tour’s strength lies in its entertainment value and storytelling flair. The guide’s ability to bring legends like La Llorona to life makes this a fun, atmospheric experience—especially for fans of ghost stories. While reviews highlight the tour’s fun and engaging nature, some mention it’s a shorter walk, but packed with enough spooky tales to satisfy thrill-seekers.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous spirits wanting a fun, spooky evening that balances history with ghostly lore. Not ideal if you want a detailed history but great for a quick, atmospheric adventure.
3. Alexandria: Walking Through George Washington’s Alexandria
This Washington-focused tour is a walk through the neighborhood where George Washington made his home and socialized. For $30, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring the streets and taverns where Washington ate, slept, and worshipped, discovering key milestones of his life in Alexandria. The tour highlights Washington’s close ties to the city, including visits to historic taverns and homes, as well as insights into his relationships with neighbors.
Guide Kelly, with her 25 years of experience, makes this tour especially engaging. Reviewers note her passion and depth of knowledge, making history come alive. The tour is especially suited for those interested in Washington’s personal history and the city’s role in his life. It’s a walk packed with anecdotes and sites that connect directly to America’s first president.
Bottom line: Ideal for history enthusiasts interested in Washington’s local story. It’s a well-paced, intimate walk through Alexandria’s Washington history, offering a personal touch.
4. Alexandria: Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour
If you’re drawn to haunted legends and darker stories, the Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour is a 1-hour stroll for $27. It takes you through Old Town’s haunted sites, including tales of confederate spirits, local monsters, and historical ghost stories. Highlights include the bones-chilling stories of La Llorona (“The Weeping Woman”) and spirits that supposedly haunt the streets and buildings of Alexandria.
While the tour has a lower rating (3.6/5) due to mixed reviews, it remains popular for its entertaining storytelling and spooky atmosphere. Reviewers mention it’s a “super fun” experience and appreciate guides like Nicole, who keeps it interesting and packed with historical facts. However, it’s a shorter, more entertainment-focused tour that might not appeal if you’re seeking detailed history.
Bottom line: Best suited for thrill-seekers and those looking for a fun, spooky experience. It’s a lively, spirited way to explore Alexandria’s darker side.
How to Choose
When picking the best walking tour, consider your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re a history lover wanting a detailed account of Alexandria’s role in the American Revolution, the Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour offers an in-depth experience. For a more personal look at Washington’s life, the Walking Through George Washington’s Alexandria is perfect.
Craving spooky stories and ghostly legends? The Ultimate Dead of Night Ghost Tour provides a lively, atmospheric ghost walk. Prefer something with a darker, creepy twist? The Phantoms of the Potomac offers a shorter, more entertaining horror-themed experience.
Consider your fitness level for walking, as all these tours are on foot, and check the tour times that fit your schedule. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Final Thoughts
Alexandria’s walking tours provide a true taste of its history and legends. For a deep dive into the American Revolution, the first tour is hard to beat. If you’re fascinated by America’s founding father, Washington’s neighborhood walk will give you a personal connection. Ghost enthusiasts will find the nighttime ghost tour a fun, spine-tingling option, while the darker legends tour offers a quick, lively scare.
Each of these tours offers something different, so think about what excites you most. Whether it’s history, haunted stories, or Washington’s personal story, Alexandria’s compact streets make exploring on foot a rewarding experience. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot—these tours are popular, especially during warmer months.