Things to do in Durham

Activities, attractions and tours

The Revitalized Retail and Office Center of The American Tobacco Historical District, Durham, North Carolina, USA
The Revitalized Retail and Office Center of The American Tobacco Historical District, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Idyllic scene of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush trees at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC
Duke Gardens in Durham , North Carolina
Durham, North Carolina, USA Skyline.
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What to do in Durham

Popular places to visit

durham north carolina

Duke University

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Duke University, a top university in Durham. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's stunning cathedral.

Duke University
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North Carolina State University

Walk around the campus at North Carolina State University as part of your travels around Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

North Carolina State University
Not many flowers on the beach - had a bad winter I guess

Lenovo Center

4/5(1 review)

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

Lenovo Center
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.

North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh Convention Center

3/5(1 review)

Learn about the events happening in Raleigh Convention Center during your trip to Raleigh. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

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

University of North Carolina

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

University of North Carolina
Early morning sun peeks through the blooms in a field of daffodils at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh North Carolina.

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?

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

North Hills Shopping Center

5/5(2 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at North Hills Shopping Center during your stay in Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

North Hills Shopping Center

Crabtree Valley Mall

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Crabtree Valley Mall during your stay in Raleigh. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

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

Raleigh

This free botanical garden is on the UNC campus although you would not know it as a visitor. The gardens are beautiful and have a huge assortment of sculptures. I was impressed with the amount of information the garden had on the plants as well as the art. A great activity to do if you are in the area! Peaceful, natural, beautiful, and full of inspiring art! There is a free parking area and an information center with everything you could need.

Chapel Hill

Pond with a farm with a barn and silo in the background

Butner

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Durham.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Museum of Life and Science and Duke Lemur Centre are two awesome places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Durham while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
You can't go home without checking out Carolina Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Carolina Theatre, Museum of Life and Science and American Tobacco Campus. The average stay in Durham is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Raleigh isn't far away.
Is Durham a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to see and do in Durham. Several key attractions, such as Carolina Theatre and Museum of Life and Science, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Durham is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Duke Park is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Durham for adults including Fullsteam Brewery and Honey Girl Meadery.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Durham. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. American Tobacco Campus is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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