This well-preserved historic district a short drive from Washington D.C. has modern art and designer fashions lining 18th-century cobblestone streets.

One of the oldest historic districts in the United States is a collection of Colonial houses, antique shops, old churches and 18th-century cobblestone streets along the banks of the Potomac River. The town revels in its past, but it’s not stuck there. You will also find fashion boutiques, handmade jewellery stores and live music and theatre events.

Old Town Alexandria was where Alexandria began. The city was founded in 1749 and during its long history has served as a tobacco trading post and an important seaport during Colonial and Civil War periods. It was also the hometown of the first President of the United States, George Washington.

Make your way around on foot and stop by some of the historic homes and buildings. Many are open to visitors. Look out for the plaques that mark some of these properties and indicate the building is more than 100 years old.

Learn about the story of Alexandria from its founding up to the present day at The Lyceum. This mid-19th-century Greek revival building has been a Civil War hospital and private home and is now the city’s history museum.

Check out the antique stores, boutiques, cafés and restaurants of King Street, the old town’s main thoroughfare. If you don’t want to pound the pavement, hop aboard the Free King Street Trolley that travels along the main street from morning until late at night.

Spend time by the old town’s waterfront. Walk along its scenic paths and stop to take in views of the National Harbour and Washington D.C. Board a cruise ship for a ride along the Potomac.

Pick up an original piece of artwork at the Torpedo Factory Art Centre. The building was once used to manufacture missiles for submarines. Today, its three floors are occupied by more than 100 visual artists and their studios.

The old town district is located 10 miles (16 kilometres) from Washington D.C. To get there, catch the metro or drive. Old Town Alexandria is compact and easy to get around on foot. Explore the area on a rented bike from Capital Bikeshare, the public bicycle sharing scheme, to soak up the atmosphere of the old town streets.