Discover the Haunted Side of Old Town Alexandria with the Booze and Boos Tour

If you’re looking for a nighttime adventure that mixes history, ghost stories, and local pub culture, the Alexandria Haunted Booze and Boos Tour offers a unique, spirited experience. Starting at the elegant Alexandrian Hotel, this 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through cobblestone streets and historic bars, where tales of civil war apparitions, murder, and tragic love stories come alive. Led by guides dressed in Colonial or pirate costumes, you’ll explore Old Town Alexandria’s darker corners, all while enjoying a drink at some of the city’s oldest taverns.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the expert storytelling keeps the spooky atmosphere engaging without feeling overdone—our guide, for example, was praised as “an excellent storyteller with good humor and patience.” Second, the blend of historical sites and haunted pubs makes for an experience that’s both informative and fun. It’s a great way to see a different side of Alexandria after dark.

One potential consideration? Since drinks are not included in the price, you should budget extra for beverages, which are available at each pub stop. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is a must, as the tour involves walking along cobblestone streets in all weather conditions.

This experience is best suited for travelers over 21 who enjoy ghost stories, historical ambiance, and lively pub atmospheres. It’s especially perfect for those curious about Alexandria’s spooky past but who want a relaxed, social vibe rather than a serious ghost-hunting expedition.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Historic Alexandria at Night: Experience the city’s charming streets after dark, illuminated and lively.
Haunted Tales & History: Learn about spirits and stories rooted in Alexandria’s Civil War era and older.
Historic Pubs & Bars: Visit 3-4 iconic venues, each with its own story and atmosphere.
Guided by Costumed Experts: Guides dressed in Colonial or pirate attire add flavor and authenticity.
Flexible & Social: Each pub stop offers approximately 25 minutes to enjoy a drink or mingle.
Weather-Resilient: Tour runs in all weather, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.

Planning more time in Alexandria Virginia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

An In-Depth Look at the Alexandria Haunted Booze and Boos Tour

The Itinerary: A Mix of Ghostly Tales and Historic Pubs

Your adventure begins inside the lobby of The Alexandrian Hotel, where your guide—dressed in Colonial or pirate costume—will greet you. This meeting point is central, with easy access and a welcoming vibe. The guide, often praised as “good with stories, funny, and patient,” sets the tone for an engaging evening rooted in Alexandria’s storied past.

From there, the tour winds through the cobbled streets of Old Town Alexandria, a place rich with colonial charm. As you walk, your guide will share ghostly stories rooted in Civil War-era spirits, tragic loves, and mysterious deaths that still resonate in the town’s very fabric. Listening to tales of murder and death, you’ll start to see the town’s haunted reputation through a more vivid lens.

Visiting the Carlyle House and Other Haunted Spots

A highlight is the visit to Carlyle House, one of the town’s oldest and grandest mansions. Here, you might just feel the presence of those who still linger in garden shadows and haunted halls. The guide’s storytelling makes you imagine the lives that once occupied these historic buildings, many of which are believed to be haunted by civil war soldiers or tragic lovers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pub Stops: Sipping with Spirits from the Past

The tour stops at three to four historic bars along the way, each with its own character. The first stop, King & Rye at The Alexandrian Hotel, is not just the meeting point but also the first pub where you can get a drink (not included in the tour price). The approximately 25-minute stops at each venue are perfect for soaking in the atmosphere, chatting with locals, or simply enjoying a beverage.

These venues are carefully chosen for their historical significance and ambiance, making your experience more than just a ghost story. For example, one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide shared stories and kept everyone engaged even when some attendees were a bit loud.” It’s clear that these pubs are part of the charm, adding a lively, community feel to the spooky tales.

While you're exploring Alexandria Virginia, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Balance of Entertainment and Education

What sets this tour apart is its ability to blend fun and fact. The storytelling is lively without feeling like a gimmick, and the historical context adds depth. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making the stories vivid and memorable.

Practical Details: Cost, Duration, and Group Size

Pricing is reasonable for a guided, 2.5-hour experience that includes multiple stops and storytelling. While drinks are not included, the freedom to choose your own beverage at each pub ensures flexibility—some prefer a craft beer, while others might opt for a soft drink or cocktail. The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for interaction with the guide but not feeling crowded, which is great for conversations and questions.

Weather and Dress

Since the tour runs in all weather, packing a raincoat or umbrella might be wise, depending on the forecast. Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are cobblestoned and uneven—and dress appropriately for the season, especially if the evenings tend to get cooler.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to history buffs who enjoy spooky stories, pub lovers interested in Alexandria’s historic bars, and ghost enthusiasts eager to hear about local legends. It’s also suitable for groups of friends wanting a relaxed, entertaining night out, or couples seeking a different way to explore Alexandria after dark.

Because the tour is designed to be both informative and social, it’s perfect for those who like storytelling, engaging guides, and a lively atmosphere. However, it’s not suitable for people under 21 or those who prefer a quiet, ghost-hunting-only experience.

Final Thoughts: Is the Alexandria Haunted Booze and Boos Tour Worth It?

In a nutshell, this tour delivers a well-balanced mix of history, storytelling, and pub culture. It provides a chance to experience Old Town Alexandria from a different perspective—by night, with some ghostly intrigue woven into the narrative. The knowledgeable guides, combined with authentic historic venues, create an immersive experience that feels both educational and fun.

For those who love a good story with a local flavor, this tour offers a memorable, atmospheric evening. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting an easy, social way to discover Alexandria’s darker tales without the intensity of serious ghost hunting. Plus, the flexible format allows you to enjoy a drink or two while soaking in the storytelling.

If you’re in Alexandria and curious about its ghostly past or simply looking for a lively, atmospheric evening, this tour is a solid pick. It combines storytelling, history, and a taste of local nightlife into a genuinely enjoyable experience.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, while drinks are available at each pub stop, they are not included in the ticket price. If you prefer not to drink, you can still enjoy the stories and atmosphere, or simply observe and listen.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours, covering several historic sites and pub stops.

Where does the tour meet?
You meet your guide inside the lobby of The Alexandrian Hotel at 480 King Street. The first stop, King & Rye, will serve as the starting point.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for last-minute plans.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Absolutely, the tour runs rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially for cobblestone walking.

What ages can participate?
This tour is only for those aged 21 and over, so it’s best for adult travelers who enjoy a lively pub atmosphere.

Are the guides knowledgeable about Alexandria’s history?
Yes, guests frequently praise guides for their storytelling skills and historical knowledge, making the experience both entertaining and educational.

To sum it up, the Alexandria Haunted Booze and Boos Tour is a lively, authentic way to explore the city’s darker history while enjoying some of its most historic pubs. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun night out, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into Alexandria’s haunted past.