//
Town in North Carolina, United States
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hillsborough is an incredibly historic town in North Carolina, important to the history of the state. Easily accessible from nearby Durham and Chapel Hill, it has a cute historic downtown and a "small town" feel.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The Burnwell School Historic Site is the remains of what was a pre-Civil War school building. Visitors can take a tour and learn how students were educated in the 1800s. Many social events are also held there including lectures and book readings and signings. Elizabeth Hobbes Keckly was enslaved there at one point, she would later become a businesswoman, author, and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln.
An 1844 courthouse at the center of town, with lots of other historic buildings nearby.
A cemetery established in 1757, with 184 graves of many of Hillsborough's most notable individuals.
Held on the third Saturday of May, Hog Day is celebrated in Hillsborough with a festival, music, barbeque and more. More than 100 arts and crafts vendors come to show off their work. 35,000 people have attended the festival.
A pleasant walking path along the Eno River, located south of downtown Hillsborough.
Ice skating and other sports activities.
Hiking, guided events with rangers.
By car
Hillsborough is easy to get to by car, located on Interstates 40 and 85 and US Route 70.
By bus
00, late morning and early afternoon).00, early morning and late afternoon) from Durham is also an option, though it confusingly stops in different locations depending on the time of day.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Raleigh/Durham · International · RDU
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Hillsborough (North Carolina) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
9 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.