bigtravelbuzzRaleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and is known for its southern charm, history, and cultural attractions. Here are some things to do and see in Raleigh:
Visit the North Carolina State Capitol – The State Capitol is a historic building that dates back to the 1840s and is open for tours.
Explore the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – This museum is the largest of its kind in the Southeast and features exhibits on dinosaurs, the human body, and North Carolina’s natural history.
Stroll through the North Carolina Museum of Art – This museum features a diverse collection of art, including European masterpieces, contemporary art, and outdoor sculptures.
Tour the historic neighborhoods – Raleigh has several historic neighborhoods, including Oakwood and Boylan Heights, that feature beautiful homes and architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visit the North Carolina State Fairgrounds – The fairgrounds host the North Carolina State Fair in October and other events throughout the year, including concerts, car shows, and flea markets.
Explore the Raleigh Farmers Market – This market features fresh produce, local crafts, and specialty foods from across the state.
Attend a sporting event – Raleigh is home to several sports teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) and the NC State Wolfpack (NCAA).
Enjoy the outdoors – Raleigh has many parks and green spaces, including Umstead State Park and Pullen Park, which features a carousel and paddle boats.
Experience the local cuisine – Raleigh has a vibrant food scene, with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine and southern specialties like fried chicken, barbecue, and sweet tea.
Attend a festival – Raleigh has many festivals throughout the year, including the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Festival and the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.
Places to Visit in Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some places to visit in Raleigh:
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, live animals, and North Carolina’s natural history.
North Carolina Museum of Art – This museum features a diverse collection of art, including European masterpieces, contemporary art, and outdoor sculptures.
North Carolina State Capitol – The historic building dates back to the 1840s and is open for tours.
Pullen Park – The park features a carousel, pedal boats, mini train, and picnic areas.
North Carolina Museum of History – The museum features exhibits on the state’s history, including the Civil War and civil rights movement.
Marbles Kids Museum – The museum offers interactive exhibits and activities for children.
Umstead State Park – The park features hiking trails, fishing, and a lake for canoeing and kayaking.
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts – The center hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other cultural events.
Historic Oakwood – The neighborhood features restored homes from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Neuse River Trail – The trail offers 27 miles of hiking and biking paths along the Neuse River.
Joel Lane Museum House – The house is a historic landmark and museum that offers tours and educational programs.
PNC Arena – The arena hosts sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment.
Raleigh Little Theatre – The theatre offers performances and educational programs for children and adults.
Yates Mill County Park – The park features a restored gristmill and offers hiking trails and fishing.
William B. Umstead State Park – The park offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Best Time To Visit Raleigh
The best time to visit Raleigh is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the city is bustling with events and festivals. During these seasons, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the 60s to the 70s, and the city is at its most vibrant.
In the spring, visitors can enjoy the blooming of flowers, such as the cherry blossoms in the Raleigh Rose Garden and the azaleas at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Spring also brings outdoor events and festivals, such as the Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival and the Raleigh Food and Wine Festival.
In the fall, visitors can enjoy the changing of the leaves and cooler temperatures, making it a great time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. The fall also brings events and festivals, such as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Festival and the North Carolina State Fair.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the 90s, but it is also a popular time for outdoor concerts, festivals, and water activities. Winter (December to February) can be chilly, with occasional snow and ice storms, but it is also a great time to experience holiday festivities and indoor attractions, such as museums and theaters.
Things to Do in Raleigh
Raleigh is a vibrant city with plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Raleigh:
Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – The museum is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast and features exhibits on dinosaurs, live animals, and North Carolina’s natural history.
Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art – The museum features a diverse collection of art, including European masterpieces, contemporary art, and outdoor sculptures.
Take a tour of the North Carolina State Capitol – The historic building dates back to the 1840s and offers tours for visitors.
Visit Pullen Park – The park features a carousel, pedal boats, mini train, and picnic areas.
Explore the North Carolina Museum of History – The museum features exhibits on the state’s history, including the Civil War and civil rights movement.
Check out Marbles Kids Museum – The museum offers interactive exhibits and activities for children.
Take a hike at Umstead State Park – The park features hiking trails, fishing, and a lake for canoeing and kayaking.
Catch a show at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts – The center hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other cultural events.
Visit Historic Oakwood – The neighborhood features restored homes from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Take a bike ride on the Neuse River Trail – The trail offers 27 miles of hiking and biking paths along the Neuse River.
Visit the Joel Lane Museum House – The house is a historic landmark and museum that offers tours and educational programs.
Catch a game or concert at PNC Arena – The arena hosts sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment.
See a play at Raleigh Little Theatre – The theatre offers performances and educational programs for children and adults.
Explore Yates Mill County Park – The park features a restored gristmill and offers hiking trails and fishing.
Take a camping trip at William B. Umstead State Park – The park offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
How to get around in Raleigh
Raleigh has several options for getting around the city:
Bus: Raleigh has a public bus system called GoRaleigh that provides service throughout the city and surrounding areas. The buses run on a regular schedule, and fares are affordable.
Bike: Raleigh has a bike-share program called Citrix Cycle that provides bicycles for rent at stations throughout the city. There are also several bike-friendly routes and trails in the area.
Car: Raleigh has several car rental agencies, and there are many parking options throughout the city, including street parking and parking garages.
Uber/Lyft: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Raleigh and can be a convenient option for getting around the city.
Walking: Raleigh has several walkable neighborhoods, and many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance of each other.
Where to eat in Raleigh
Raleigh has a thriving food scene with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Here are some popular dining options:
Bida Manda – A critically acclaimed restaurant featuring Laotian cuisine, including noodle dishes, curries, and crispy rice salad.
Brewery Bhavana – A unique combination of a brewery, bookstore, flower shop, and dim sum restaurant.
Death & Taxes – A modern steakhouse featuring wood-fired meats and seasonal sides.
Garland – A restaurant specializing in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, including curries, noodle dishes, and dumplings.
Poole’s Diner – A Southern-inspired restaurant with a focus on comfort food, including fried chicken and mac and cheese.
The Pit – A popular BBQ restaurant serving North Carolina-style pork, beef, and chicken.
Beasley’s Chicken & Honey – A casual eatery serving fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern sides.
State Farmers Market Restaurant – A farm-to-table restaurant located at the State Farmers Market, serving breakfast and lunch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Sitti – A Lebanese restaurant offering mezze plates, kebabs, and house-made pita bread.
The Fiction Kitchen – A vegetarian and vegan restaurant offering creative dishes inspired by global cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Raleigh
While Raleigh has a diverse food scene, it doesn’t have as many street stalls as some other cities. However, there are a few notable options:
The Wandering Moose – This food truck specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Big Mike’s BBQ – This food truck offers a variety of barbecue dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
Cousins Maine Lobster – A popular food truck that offers lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and other seafood dishes.
Chirba Chirba Dumpling – This food truck serves a variety of dumplings, including pork, chicken, and vegetable options.
Baguetteaboutit – A food truck that offers a variety of Vietnamese-inspired banh mi sandwiches, as well as other Asian-inspired dishes.
Cockadoodlemoo – This food truck specializes in BBQ chicken and other chicken dishes, as well as sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
American Meltdown – This food truck serves a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, including options with bacon, tomato, and pesto.
Note that street stalls and food trucks can be mobile, so it’s best to check their social media pages or websites to see where they will be located on a given day.
Where to stay in Raleigh
Luxury accommodation
Raleigh has a few options for luxury accommodations:
The Umstead Hotel and Spa – A five-star hotel located in nearby Cary, featuring a full-service spa, outdoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
The Mayton Inn – A boutique hotel located in downtown Cary, featuring a rooftop terrace, on-site restaurant, and luxury amenities.
The Stateview Hotel – A four-star hotel located on the North Carolina State University campus, featuring modern design, an outdoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel – A four-star hotel located in the North Hills area, featuring modern design, a fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills – A four-star hotel located in the North Hills area, featuring modern design, a rooftop terrace, and on-site restaurant.
The Raleigh Marriott City Center – A four-star hotel located in downtown Raleigh, featuring an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
All of these luxury accommodations offer high-end amenities, luxurious rooms and suites, and convenient access to Raleigh’s top attractions.
Where to stay in Raleigh
Budget accommodation
Raleigh has several options for budget accommodations:
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Raleigh NCSU – A budget-friendly hotel located near North Carolina State University, featuring free Wi-Fi and a fitness center.
Super 8 by Wyndham Raleigh Downtown South – A budget-friendly hotel located near downtown Raleigh, featuring free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Motel 6 Raleigh – A budget-friendly hotel located near Crabtree Valley Mall, featuring free Wi-Fi and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Days Inn by Wyndham Raleigh Glenwood-Crabtree – A budget-friendly hotel located near Crabtree Valley Mall, featuring free breakfast and a fitness center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Raleigh Crabtree – A budget-friendly hotel located near Crabtree Valley Mall, featuring free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Quality Inn Raleigh near Walnut Creek Amphitheatre – A budget-friendly hotel located near the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, featuring free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
All of these budget accommodations offer affordable rates, clean and comfortable rooms, and convenient access to Raleigh’s top attractions.
Travel Tips Raleigh
Here are some travel tips for visiting Raleigh:
Visit in the Spring or Fall: The best times to visit Raleigh are in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor festivals and events.
Explore downtown Raleigh: The downtown area is home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops. Make sure to check out the Raleigh Convention Center, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Museum of History.
Use public transportation: Raleigh has a bus system, as well as a free downtown circulator, called the R-Line. Using public transportation is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Try local cuisine: Raleigh is known for its southern cuisine, including BBQ, fried chicken, and biscuits. Be sure to try local favorites such as Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, The Pit Authentic BBQ, and Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant.
Visit nearby parks: Raleigh is surrounded by beautiful parks, including William B. Umstead State Park and Lake Johnson Park. These parks offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views.
Take advantage of free attractions: Many of Raleigh’s top attractions are free to visit, such as the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina State Capitol.
Stay hydrated: Raleigh can get hot and humid, especially in the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen to protect your skin.