Raleigh Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and lodging options in Raleigh, North Carolina. Read our comprehensive guide to planning your trip to this exciting city in the South.


Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is a thriving city in the Piedmont region of the southern United States. Known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and world-class universities, Raleigh is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat and drink in Raleigh.

Introduction to Raleigh

Raleigh was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer who attempted to establish the first English colony in the New World. Today, Raleigh is a vibrant city with a history that dates back to the 1700s. Visitors to Raleigh will enjoy the city’s diverse cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, theaters, and live music venues. Raleigh’s central location within the Research Triangle makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of North Carolina.

List of Places to Visit in Raleigh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  • North Carolina Museum of Art
  • North Carolina State Capitol
  • Historic Yates Mill County Park
  • Joel Lane Museum House

Natural Attractions of Raleigh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Umstead State Park
  • Neuse River Trail
  • Lake Johnson Park
  • Pullen Park
  • Walnut Creek Wetland Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Raleigh

  • Raleigh Greenway System
  • Mountains-to-Sea Trail
  • American Tobacco Trail
  • Crabtree Creek Trail
  • Capital Area Greenway

Best Things to Do in Raleigh: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the North Carolina State Fair
  • Explore the Raleigh Flea Market
  • Take a guided food tour of downtown Raleigh
  • Attend a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater
  • Attend a sporting event at PNC Arena

Week-Long Itinerary for Raleigh

Day Activity
1 Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Historic Yates Mill County Park
2 Tour the North Carolina State Capitol and North Carolina Museum of Art
3 Explore Umstead State Park and Lake Johnson Park
4 Hike the American Tobacco Trail and Crabtree Creek Trail
5 Enjoy a day at Pullen Park and Walnut Creek Wetland Park
6 Take a guided food tour of downtown Raleigh and attend a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater
7 Attend a sporting event at PNC Arena

Food and Drink Scene of Raleigh

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barbecue from The Pit
  • Chicken and Waffles from Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
  • Seafood from Locals Seafood Market & Oyster Bar
  • Burgers from Chuck’s Burger Bar
  • Biscuits from Rise Biscuits & Donuts

Local Beverages

  • Craft beers from Raleigh Brewing Company
  • Cocktails from Bittersweet
  • Coffee from Jubala Coffee

Where to Stay in Raleigh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Umstead Hotel and Spa
  • Aloft Raleigh
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh-Cary
  • Oakwood Raleigh at Brier Creek
  • Hostelworld Raleigh

What to Buy in Raleigh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
  • NC State Merchandise
  • Locally roasted coffee
  • Mordecai Candle Co. candles
  • Handmade pottery from the Raleigh Farmers Market

Local Culture and Customs of Raleigh

Raleigh is a friendly and welcoming city with a strong sense of community. Visitors should be prepared for warm Southern hospitality and a laid-back vibe. The state is known for its delicious barbecue, pulled pork, and biscuits, and visitors should try the local cuisine. Additionally, North Carolina has a rich history, and visitors should take the time to learn about the state’s role in the Civil War.

Best Time to Visit Raleigh

The best time to visit Raleigh is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summers in Raleigh can be very hot and humid, whereas winters can be chilly with occasional snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Raleigh

Do:

  • Visit the museums and galleries
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Attend a concert or sporting event
  • Explore the outdoor parks and trails

Don’t:

  • Drink in public
  • Litter or damage public property
  • Ignore the city’s rich history
  • Overpack for the mild climate

Safety and Health

Safety in Raleigh

Raleigh is a relatively safe city, but visitors should exercise caution at night and in unfamiliar areas. It is recommended that visitors use common sense and take basic safety precautions, such as locking car doors and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Raleigh

Raleigh has several reputable hospitals and healthcare providers, including Rex Hospital and WakeMed. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate travel health insurance before traveling to Raleigh.

Getting to Raleigh: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
  • Greyhound and Megabus bus stations
  • Amtrak train station

Airports Near Raleigh

  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
  • Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
  • Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY)

Bus Stations Near Raleigh

  • Greyhound Bus Station
  • Megabus Bus Station

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train Station
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport Car Rental

How to Get Around in Raleigh

Visitors to Raleigh can get around the city by car, bus, taxi, or the Raleigh bike-share program. The Capital Area Transit (CAT) operates a bus system serving Raleigh and the surrounding area. Taxis and ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in Raleigh.

Where to Go Next from Raleigh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Durham, North Carolina
  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • Asheville, North Carolina
  • Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
  • Blue Ridge Parkway

Conclusion

Whatever your interests, Raleigh is a city that has something for everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures, it’s no wonder that Raleigh is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. We hope this comprehensive tour guide has provided you with the information you need to plan your trip to this exciting Southern city.

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