What to do in Durham, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour

Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour

฿624
per adult
Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Durham African American History Tour

Durham African American History Tour

฿624
per adult
Durham African American History Tour
Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours

Raleigh Downtown Historian-Guided Walking Tour

฿624
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Raleigh Downtown Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Raleigh True Crime Tour

Raleigh True Crime Tour

฿624
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Raleigh True Crime Tour
Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour

Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour

฿654
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour
Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham

Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham

฿624
per adult
Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham
Durham: True Crime Tour

Durham: True Crime Tour

฿624
per adult
Durham: True Crime Tour
See all activities in Durham
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What to do in Durham

Stay near popular Durham attractions

A tall, Gothic-style church with intricate stonework and pointed arches.
Photo by Mandy Shaw
Open Photo by Mandy Shaw

Duke University Chapel

9.2/10 (433 reviews)
Duke Chapel's soaring Gothic tower and stained-glass windows create a spiritual sanctuary on Duke's campus. Visit mid-morning when sunlight transforms the interior into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colour.
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Where to stay in Durham

Find the best Durham areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A large, beige building with multiple windows and a curved corner design.
Photo by Phil Vignola Jr.
Open Photo by Phil Vignola Jr.

Downtown Durham

If you're spending some time in Downtown Durham, Carolina Theatre and Durham Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

A water tower, a brick building, and a small waterfall.
Photo by Martin Humpherson
Open Photo by Martin Humpherson

American Tobacco District

If you're spending some time in American Tobacco District, American Tobacco Campus and Durham Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

A metal bridge with a curved design, surrounded by lush greenery and a grassy field.

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.

An industrial area with large buildings, a prominent smokestack, and a stadium in the background.

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 Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University are a few top places to visit.

Golden Belt Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in Golden Belt Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus.

Day trip destinations from Durham

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Raleigh

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Chapel Hill

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.