Alexandria Cold Case Self Guided City Exploration Game

Duration1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

A self-guided detective game through Old Town Alexandria, built on the city's most famous unsolved mystery: the Female Stranger, who died at Gadsby's Tavern in 1816 and was buried without a name. You reopen the case on your phone, guided by Director Zero, and each stop hides a puzzle that moves the investigation forward. Play at your own pace.

The app shares the real history behind each place: the tavern where Washington and Jefferson dined, the Georgian Carlyle House, the 1918 torpedo plant that became an art centre, the ferry landing that once shipped tobacco out of an 18th-century port, the sea captains' houses by the Athenaeum, and the apothecary that served the town for nearly 150 years. Hints are built in; chat support answers 24/7.

The route is a compact loop from Gadsby's Tavern down to the waterfront and back through Market Square, laid out in 1753. Flat, easy and 90 to 120 minutes, for history lovers, mystery fans, couples and families with older kids.

What's included

Full availability: Every day of the year.
Flexibility: start, take a break and continue at your own pace.
Access to the self-guided city exploration game in the Questo app

Live game master or physical guide
Private transportation
Meals

What to expect

Carlyle House
16m

At this stop you find out about the Georgian architecture and role in colonial life, then answer a riddle only careful observation can solve.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
15m

You discover here about adaptive reuse and artist communities in Alexandria, then work out a code from the details in front of you.
Waterfront Park
15m

This is where you learn about the waterfront's transformation from port to park, then solve a short observation puzzle.
Athenaeum
15m

Stop here to learn about Captain's Row's maritime heritage and colonial architecture, then unlock the next chapter by solving a riddle on the spot.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
14m

Here you learn about early American medical practices and apothecary history, then solve a riddle hidden in what you see around you.
Alexandria City Hall & Market Square
15m

At this stop you find out about Market Square's role as a gathering space since 1753 and its connection to City Hall, then crack a clue using details you spot on site.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The game starts in front of Gadsbys Tavern. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.

End point

The game starts in front of Gadsbys Tavern. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A charged smartphone with internet is required to play the game in the Questo app
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (1)