Downtown Durham Travel Guide
Raleigh
Visit Downtown Durham
Popular places to visit
American Tobacco Campus
You can learn about the history of Durham with a trip to American Tobacco Campus. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
Brightleaf Square
You can do some window-shopping at Brightleaf Square during your visit to Durham. Discover the lively festivals and stunning cathedral in this family-friendly area.
Duke University
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.
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.
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 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.
Things to do
Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham
Raleigh Downtown Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Durham
Unscripted Durham, Part of JDV by Hyatt
Pleasant staff but not overly friendly. Room was spacious and clean. Pool area was cute. Hate paying to park but expected expense as we were downtown. Great location / lots of walkable fun things to do and see.
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025
21c Museum Hotel Durham
Historical Feel
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Sonesta Select Raleigh Durham Airport Morrisville
Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Raleigh Durham Intl AP
Hotel hit all points, affordable, refrigerator inside the room; microwave inside the room. continental breakfast; clean everything in the hotel was perfect. 100% will book again.
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree Valley
Excellent Room
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Raleigh-Durham Airport, NC
Clean room, not enough lightening. Little kitchen was a plus. Heater under window was tricky to use. When I pressed stop it continued to run. Took awhile to figure it out and it wasn’t consistent. Basic breakfast. Coffee not so good.
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Durham
Trinity Park
Trinity Park might not have many top sights, but Carolina Theatre and Brightleaf Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
East Durham
While East Durham isn't home to many top sights, Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus are some notable places to visit nearby.
9th Street District
The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about 9th Street District. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Northgate Mall are a few top places to visit.
Brier Creek Country Club
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Brier Creek Country Club and surrounding area, you can visit Frankie's Fun Park and Brier Creek Commons.
Northwest Raleigh
If you're spending some time in Northwest Raleigh, Crabtree Valley Mall and William B. Umstead State Park are top sights worth seeing.
North Raleigh
While visiting North Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Durant Nature Preserve and Shelley Lake Park.
