Things to do in Raleigh

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Raleigh

Types of activities

Where to stay

Raleigh Travel Guide

Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.

Panorama view of downtown Raleigh Skyline

Panoramic View of Downtown Raleigh During Early Sunrise

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Tours & day trips

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Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Rust, Rebels & Ruins: Raleigh Ghost Tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Downtown Raleigh Pub Crawl

What to do in Raleigh

Popular places to visit

Duke University

Walk around the campus of Duke University, a top college in Durham. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's stunning cathedral.

North Carolina State University

Explore the campus of North Carolina State University during your visit to Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Raleigh Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Raleigh Convention Center during your trip to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

The Old Well at UNC Chapel Hill during the spring with azaleas blooming

University of North Carolina

Explore the campus of University of North Carolina, during your travels in Chapel Hill. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

Not many flowers on the beach - had a bad winter I guess

Lenovo Center

Catch an event at Lenovo Center during your trip to Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

North Carolina Historic State Fairgrounds Commercial and Education Building

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to North Carolina State Fairgrounds during your stay in Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is just one of the places to see in Raleigh, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

This is a part of the blackened tuna nachos. So good! They have really unique food combining fish and beef!

North Hills Shopping Center

You can do some window-shopping at North Hills Shopping Center during your visit to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Crabtree Valley Mall

You can enjoy retail therapy at Crabtree Valley Mall during your trip to Raleigh. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Areas of Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh

While visiting Downtown Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like North Carolina Executive Mansion and Marbles Kids Museums.

North Hills

North Hills is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by North Hills Shopping Center and Lassiter Mill Historic Park while in the area.

There's a beautiful view of this lake from the top of James B. Hunt Library on Centennial Campus. They allow fishing on this lake too

Southwest Raleigh

While visiting Southwest Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Johnson and J.C. Raulston Arboretum.

Downtown Durham

While visiting Downtown Durham, you might make a stop by sights like Carolina Theatre and Durham Performing Arts Center.

Midtown Raleigh

While visiting Midtown Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like North Hills Shopping Center and Village District.

We got ice over the weekend making these puffy robins stand out against the frozen branches.

North Raleigh

While visiting North Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Durant Nature Preserve and Lafayette Village.

Durham

Chapel Hill

Morrisville

Fuquay-Varina

Frequently asked questions

Is Raleigh worth visiting?

From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are many great things to do in Raleigh. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of cool attractions, local charm and culture.

How do I spend a day in Raleigh?

Once you've visited key attractions like Triangle Town Center and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, spend some time enjoying Raleigh's retail and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Raleigh?

You can't go home without visiting Triangle Town Center, rated the top tourist attraction in Raleigh.

Is three days enough to stay in Raleigh?

You can easily enjoy leading attractions like North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Marbles Kids Museums and North Carolina Museum of History with a three-day getaway in Raleigh. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Durham.

Is Raleigh a walkable city?

That depends on what you plan to see and do in Raleigh. Several key sights, like North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Marbles Kids Museums, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Raleigh's neighborhoods, Downtown Raleigh is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Glenwood South is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Raleigh with kids?

Deciding what to do in Raleigh with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Raleigh for adults?

Bond Brothers Beer Company and Raleigh Brewing Company are just a couple of the things to do in Raleigh. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in Raleigh?

In Raleigh, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-see spot for anyone planning to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Raleigh.