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 lively festivals 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.
Raleigh Convention Center
Learn about the events happening in Raleigh Convention Center during your trip to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
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.
Things to do
Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham
Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Durham
21c Museum Hotel Durham
Exceptional staff, very responsive. And very pet-friendly!
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Unscripted Durham, Part of JDV by Hyatt
We stayed one night Had kids with us and the place was great
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
The Durham Hotel
Funky and fun. Lots of thoughtful touches like getting to choose the time and type of coffee you’d like delivered to your room in the morning. I’d stay again for sure.
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Raleigh-Durham Airport, NC
The internet is a bit janky, but the hotel is great. The only issue I had was the complimentary airport shuttle doesn’t start until 4:30 am and I had a 5:00 am boarding time. Had to order a $38 Uber for a 2 mile ride to the airport. Ughhh!
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Sonesta Select Raleigh Durham Airport Morrisville
The included breakfast was not available on weekends. There were no blankets in the room, and the front desk clerk said she was the only staff available in the entire hotel. The bedlamps were too low for reading. Given how competitive the RDU market is, there are better options.
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Wonderful for a luxury spa getaway
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Durham
Trinity Park
Trinity Park might not have many top sights, but Brightleaf Square and Carolina Theatre 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 Carolina Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
Downtown Cary
If you're spending some time in Downtown Cary, Bond Brothers Beer Company and Cary Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.
Crabtree Valley
You'll love the popular shops in Crabtree Valley, and you might want to stick around to check out Crabtree Valley Mall, a top place to visit.
North Raleigh
While visiting North Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Durant Nature Preserve and Lafayette Village.
