Arlington, Virginia Travel Guide

Discover Arlington, Virginia: A harmonious blend of American history, scenic beauty, and vibrant urban life, just a stone's throw from Washington, D.C.

Nestled on the banks of the Potomac River, Arlington, Virginia, is a picturesque destination that seamlessly blends rich American history with modern urban charm. Home to the iconic Arlington National Cemetery, the city offers visitors a profound and moving experience. This hallowed ground honors the sacrifices of countless soldiers and is the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy, marked by the Eternal Flame. A visit here is a journey through time, reflecting on the nation's storied past. Just across the river from Washington, D.C., Arlington also boasts stunning views of the nation's capital. The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, is another must-see landmark. While public tours are limited, the nearby Pentagon Memorial provides a solemn tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and is open to all visitors. Beyond its historical significance, Arlington is a vibrant, contemporary city. With numerous parks, trails, and green spaces, it's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The lively neighborhoods of Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn offer an array of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. From trendy cafes to gourmet restaurants, the culinary scene in Arlington is diverse and exciting. Art lovers will enjoy the various galleries and public art installations scattered throughout the city, adding to its cultural appeal.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Arlington.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience a more serene atmosphere.
Take advantage of Arlington’s extensive bike trails for a scenic and active way to explore the area.
Check out the local farmers' markets, especially the one in Courthouse, for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Use the Metro to travel easily between Arlington and Washington, D.C. The system is efficient and cost-effective.
Don’t miss the view of the D.C. skyline from the Rosslyn area, especially at sunset.

Explore Arlington: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Arlington

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Explore the solemn beauty of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a poignant tribute to the sacrifices of unidentified American heroes.

4.9

US Marine Corps War Memorial

Experience the profound honor of the US Marine Corps War Memorial, a majestic tribute to bravery and sacrifice in Arlington, Virginia.

4.9

President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

Explore the historic and serene President John F. Kennedy Gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery, a poignant tribute to a visionary leader.

4.8

Arlington National Cemetery

Explore the rich history and solemn beauty of Arlington National Cemetery, a military cemetery honoring America's heroes and their sacrifices.

4.8

Best landmarks in Arlington

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Bonds Escape Room - Arlington

Experience the ultimate thrill at Bonds Escape Room in Arlington, where every puzzle leads to adventure and every escape story becomes a memory.

5.0

US Marine Corps War Memorial

Explore the US Marine Corps War Memorial, a poignant tribute to American bravery and sacrifice in Arlington, Virginia.

4.9

Arlington National Cemetery

Visit Arlington National Cemetery to honor the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans and immerse yourself in a rich historical narrative of bravery and valor.

4.8

Air Force Memorial

Explore the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, VA – a stunning tribute to bravery and sacrifice, offering serene views and rich history.

4.8

Best restaurants in Arlington

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Experience authentic Asian street food in Arlington at Hawkers, where every dish is a flavorful adventure waiting to be savored.

4.7

Salt

Discover the perfect blend of innovative cuisine and vibrant atmosphere at Salt in Rosslyn - where every meal is a celebration.

4.7

Guerra Steakhouse

Discover the art of steak at Guerra Steakhouse in Arlington – where quality meets flavor in every bite.

4.7

Ruthie's All-Day

Experience the heart of Southern cuisine at Ruthie's All-Day in Arlington Heights – where comfort food meets warm hospitality.

4.6

Best bars in Arlington

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Screwtop Wine Bar

Discover Screwtop Wine Bar in Arlington, Virginia – a charming destination for wine lovers with a curated selection and delightful small plates.

4.7

Salt

Discover the vibrant cocktail culture at Salt in Rosslyn, where innovative drinks and exquisite dishes await in a lively atmosphere.

4.7

Galaxy Hut

Discover the unique vibe of Galaxy Hut, Arlington's cosmic-themed bar with an impressive selection of craft beers and a lively atmosphere.

4.6

Verre Wine Bar

Discover a sophisticated wine experience at Verre Wine Bar in Arlington, VA, where exquisite wines and culinary delights await.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Arlington

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Ms. Peacock's Champagne Lounge

Experience the elegance of Ms. Peacock's Champagne Lounge, a premier cocktail bar in Arlington, VA, offering an exquisite selection of champagne and craft cocktails.

4.5

Cloud Lounge

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Cloud Lounge, a premier hookah bar in Arlington, VA, offering exquisite flavors and a lively atmosphere.

4.0

Darna

Experience the vibrant culture of Arlington at Darna, a unique lounge offering delicious cuisine and a lively nightlife atmosphere.

3.7

Clarendon Ballroom

Discover the lively Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, VA, where nightlife comes alive with music, dancing, and unforgettable events.

2.8

Best shops in Arlington

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

The Italian Store at Lyon Village

Explore The Italian Store at Lyon Village for authentic Italian groceries, deli delights, and delicious pizza takeout in Arlington, Virginia.

4.6

Trade Roots, Fair Trade Gift Shop, Coffee House, & Wine Bar

Discover the charm of fair trade at Trade Roots, where unique gifts meet artisanal coffee in a cozy atmosphere.

4.6

The Golden Fox Boutique

Explore The Golden Fox Boutique in Arlington for unique clothing, accessories, and home decor that celebrate individuality and style.

5.0

The Crossing Clarendon

Discover The Crossing Clarendon, your ultimate shopping and dining destination in Arlington, Virginia, featuring diverse stores and delightful eateries.

4.4

Explore Arlington on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Arlington, mapped for you.

Arlington Essentials

Arlington, Virginia, is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest major airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located just a few miles away. Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are also options, albeit farther away. By train, Amtrak serves nearby Union Station in Washington, D.C. For those driving, major highways such as Interstate 66 and Interstate 395 provide direct access to Arlington.
Arlington has an excellent public transportation system, including the Washington Metro, which has multiple stops in Arlington on the Orange, Blue, Silver, and Yellow lines. Additionally, Metrobus and Arlington Transit (ART) buses cover the area extensively. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. For those preferring to bike, Arlington has a robust network of bike trails and Capital Bikeshare stations.
The currency used in Arlington is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. Digital payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and other contactless payments are also commonly used. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit smaller establishments.
Arlington is generally considered a safe place to visit. However, as with any urban area, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and always be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, neighborhoods like Nauck and parts of Columbia Pike have higher crime rates compared to other areas.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Arlington has several medical facilities, including Virginia Hospital Center. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather; casual attire is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting historical sites or government buildings. Religion: Do respect religious practices and ceremonies if you happen to visit places of worship. Public Transport: Do stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to pass on the left. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Hello' or 'Good morning/afternoon.' A firm handshake is customary in professional settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local and international cuisine available in Arlington. Don’t forget to tip around 15-20% in restaurants unless the service was unsatisfactory.
To experience Arlington like a local, visit the farmers markets, especially the one in Courthouse on Saturdays. Take a walk or bike ride along the scenic Mount Vernon Trail. Explore the diverse culinary scene in neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston. Attend local events and festivals, such as the Arlington County Fair. Lastly, don’t miss visiting the historical Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

When is the best time to visit Arlington?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Arlington

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Arlington. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [hey]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see ya]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [please/no problem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/My bad
  [excuse me/my bad]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [how you doin']
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. you?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [you speak English?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [can I see the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [I'm vegetarian]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [check, please]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just browsing]
- How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
- That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [can you do better?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [what time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thirty]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [tomorrow]
- 1One
  [one]
- 2Two
  [two]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [what's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Show me on the map?
  [show me on the map?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [when's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

History of Arlington

Arlington's history dates back to the Native American tribes that once roamed the region. Originally part of the Ten Miles Square surveyed in 1791 to be the United States capital, the area now known as Arlington was ceded back to Virginia by the federal government in 1846.
During the Civil War, Arlington was strategically important due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. The Arlington House, once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, was seized by Union forces and transformed into a military headquarters and burial ground, which would later become Arlington National Cemetery.
Established during the Civil War on the grounds of the confiscated Arlington House, Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most hallowed military cemeteries in the United States. It is the final resting place for over 400,000 military personnel and notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy.
Completed in 1943, The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and one of the world's largest office buildings by floor area. It was designed to consolidate the various offices of the War Department and has been a critical hub for military operations ever since.
Arlington played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement with events like the 1960 sit-ins at the lunch counter of the Drug Fair store in the Cherrydale neighborhood. These protests were part of a larger effort to desegregate public spaces in the area.
Over the past few decades, Arlington has seen significant urban development, especially in areas like Crystal City and Rosslyn. The arrival of major corporations, including the future headquarters of Amazon's HQ2, has transformed Arlington into a bustling urban hub with a vibrant cultural scene.