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Capital city of North Carolina, U.S.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Yassie assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The capital of North Carolina and the largest city of the Research Triangle, Raleigh is the primary political and economic driver of the metro area. Indeed, business and politics are the main draws to Raleigh, which lacks the more trendy feel or active arts scene of Durham or Chapel Hill to the west. However, a concerted effort to expand the residential base and move events downtown has led to significantly expanded retail and restaurant options in the downtown core. Also, visitors will find many of the state's cultural institutions here, namely a major performing arts center downtown and three state museums, and a college town atmosphere in the neighborhood around the campus of North Carolina State University, the state's largest university.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Local history museum, an excellent place to start your visit to the City of Oaks.
Built between 1833 and 1840 and to house the governor's office and cabinet offices. It's now a working capitol and a museum of North Carolina history, especially the period between the building's construction and the Civil War. Several rooms are restored with furniture and items from the era so you can see how they might have looked, including original legislative rooms, a collection of geological specimens, and a library. Full of plaques and informational signs. Gems include spittoons (for tobacco) in the legislative rooms, and a big statue of George Washington in the style of a Roman soldier. Guided tours are available Saturdays at 11AM and 2PM or by appointment for large groups, or take a self-guided tour whenever the building is open.
With rotating exhibits, summer outdoor film series, and groovy sculpture garden.
Extensive museum of North Carolina history, from ancient Native American cultures through colonization and independence up to the World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement. Everything is labeled with thorough and interesting interpretive signs, and some sections have little theater rooms showing videos with more details. Includes a genuine slave cabin rebuilt in the museum, a recreated 1920s drugstore, galleries of North Carolina military history, a children's discovery gallery, and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, which exhibits personal items donated by approximately 360 inductees. Also has a gift shop. Closed for renovation through fall 2028.
Contains a huge wing full of interactive exhibits, the Nature Research Center, with 3-story multimedia globe structure and exhibits such as a 10,000 gallon (40,000 liter) aquarium.
The former Exploris museum has merged with Playspace to form Marbles, an interactive kid's museum, still with an IMAX theater.
A Georgian-style manor plantation house built circa 1770 by Colonel Joel Lane, patriot, statesman, and planter, Col. Lane's home has been faithfully restored and is filled with period artifacts. The site houses three historic structures, including a very simple circa 1790 middle-class home interpreted as a kitchen and a circa 1840 Visitors Center.
arboretum and botanical gardens operated by NC State University with over 5000 varieties of plants.
North Carolina Executive Mansion
Official residence of the North Carolina governor and family, built in the late 1800s. Group tours are available mid-March to mid-June, but must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Mordecai House
Built in 1785, this is the oldest house in Raleigh at its original location. The grounds include the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson.
A national historic district from the early 20th century.
An early 20th-century historic neighborhood, which began as a high-end suburb.
A cluster of five suburban neighborhoods set up in the 1910s and 20s.
"Raleigh's first master-planned neighborhood" was established in the early 20th century as a streetcar suburb for working- and middle-class white families.
The oldest surviving neighborhood in Raleigh, full of historic homes, many carefully restored.
An important historic neighborhood with interesting old houses.
Not exactly a historic neighborhood, but a former industrial area that has been redeveloped into a popular industrial-chic complex with a number of restaurants.
Raleigh's NHL hockey team plays at Lenovo Center. A loud yet friendly atmosphere make this an excellent place to spend an evening during fall and winter. The 'Canes have won the Stanley Cup twice (in 2006 and 2026) and have become famous for their fun "Storm Surge" celebrations after home wins. The Hurricanes have also been one of the NHL's best teams since 2019, and as a result of this success, tickets have risen in price moderately with Lenovo Center filling up close to capacity for most games. Current ticket prices tend to start between $50 and $60 and can be more expensive depending on the opponent and the day of the week. The regular season runs from early October to mid-April, with the playoffs running as late as mid-June.
Outdoor plays, a 1911 carousel, pedal boats, a miniature train, and an excellent aquatic center.
Referred to as Umstead park, this state park is accessible by car, bus, or bike, Umstead is a natural haven from the Triangle's urban zones, next to RDU Intl. Airport. Miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, provide access for hikers, campers, bikers and joggers to three lakes and over .
The sports teams representing North Carolina State University, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference along with 17 other schools ranging from the East Coast to the San Francisco Bay Area. Football and basketball games are popular in addition to other sports. Most venues are on campus, but the men's basketball team shares Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes.
Raleigh. One of the largest fairs of its kind in America, this ten-day long event drew almost 940,000 in 2019 to the State Fairgrounds to sample North Carolina produce, attend concerts, ride fair rides and feast on deep-fried Twinkies. Mid to late October.
A pleasant nature trail winds about 3½ miles (5½ km) around the eastern half of the lake, and another dirt trail exists on the northwestern shore of the lake. Ideal for hiking and biking. Paddle boats can also be rented.
The performing arts center includes 3 primary venues. Memorial Auditorium is the largest and hosts diverse events such as the Carolina Ballet and traveling theater productions of Broadway Series South. Meymandi Concert Hall is home to the North Carolina Symphony. Fletcher Opera Theater is a more intimate setting and hosts events such as Raleigh Chamber Music Guild concerts.
On the first Friday evening of every month, downtown art galleries, museums, and shops stay open late for a downtown-wide event with live music and specials at restaurants and bars.
A park only a few miles from downtown. Over 2 mi of trails, a visitor center with family activities, and a large pond for fishing. The park also contains the last water-powered grist mill in Wake county. Restored to operating condition, the mill offers guided tours on weekends.
Voted best medical spa in America 3 consecutive years. The home spa boutique is a great place to indulge or to pick up a great hostess gift.
Big Ed's signature breakfasts are the Southern standards: homemade biscuits, grits with red-eye gravy, etc. Come Saturday mornings for live Dixieland jazz. Second location on Falls of Neuse Road and Millbrook in Quail Ridge Shopping Center.
Solid, hearty food with fresh ingredients from the state farmer's market right next door. Serves breakfast and lunch.
Local chain for Venezuelan arepas. Two locations in Raleigh, vegetarian and vegan options available.
The popular Winston-Salem-based doughnut maker is a landmark that nearby residents use to give directions. Look for the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign for a little round piece of glazed heaven. Quite popular with the students of nearby Broughton and Enloe High Schools, especially in the early morning hours, so plan accordingly.
A delicious Mediterranean market and deli. Their fantastic hummus and baba ghanouj with pita bread alone make any meal great.
If you're looking for a hot dog and a bottle of Coke, this is the place in downtown Raleigh. If you're looking for ketchup, though, you may just be asked to leave. Run by a family of Greek immigrants since 1940, in a tiny room added to the front of their house.
Greasy-spoon with Civil War memorabilia on the walls. Cash only.
Traditional NC-style barbecue. A Raleigh institution since 1938.
Albaraka Market and Grill in Raleigh is a Mediterranean restaurant with a grocery store. They offer halal food and baked goods.
Thoughtfully prepared vegan and vegetarian cuisine from a 100% vegetarian kitchen. Very popular among touring music artists playing at the nearby Red Hat Amphitheater.
A family restaurant with an extensive menu that includes everything from classic spaghetti and lasagna, to more intricate entrees such as grouper puttanesca and beef braciole. Excellent wine choices as well. Affordable and delicious.
A Raleigh institution since the 1970s, the Irregardless offers an eclectic menu including creative vegetarian options. Jazz music every night and dancing on Saturday nights.
Part hippie, yuppie, bohemian, and retro, Lilly's is an experience all to its own. It's in the popular Five Points district so parking can be a problem, especially when a popular film is screening at the nearby Rialto theater. If you're adventurous, you can access Five Points by the number 2 CAT bus.
A great selection of BOGO sushi rolls offered all day everyday. Also offers a mix of Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese entrees. Full bar.
Don't forget the pickle chips!
Somewhat upscale whole-hog barbecue. Popular with out-of-staters, but of questionable authenticity.
Sourced almost entirely from local farmers and artisan producers, the menu can change on a daily basis. The executive chef, Ashley Christensen, won the 2014 James Beard award for Best Chef in the Southeast.
Gourmet fare in the restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, built in 1879 in the Second Empire Victorian style.
Fine dining with house-aged steaks.
Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and melts on locally baked bread.
Locally-produced sausage and freshly-made sauce served inside of a fresh-baked baguette. Vegetarian options available.
Liege (dough-based) and Brussels (batter-based) waffles. Both sweet and savory toppings available. Try the "Choco-waffle", a Liege waffle with chocolate pieces in the dough.
Chinese dumplings and dipping sauces. Always a crowd favorite at food truck rodeos.
Made-to-order burgers and fresh-cut fries.
In Holly Springs - CBC conducts weekly tours on Saturday afternoons, and it's best to arrive anywhere from 15-30 minutes early to make sure you get a sample of their beer both prior to the tour. No fear if you arrive late, however, as the taps are typically open for an hour afterwards as well. CBC brews an India Pale Ale, a Nut Brown Ale, and the Carolina Pale Ale year round (available at the brewery, in local stores, and in many local bars and restaurants) and usually has one or two seasonal beers available only at the brewery or on tap at select local establishments.
Big Boss conducts monthly tours on Saturday afternoons, and it's usually best to check the website to find out exactly when. As with CBC, it's a good idea to get there a bit early, as there's usually a pretty good crowd there. Big Boss brews an assortment of seasonal beers that are distributed locally in addition to their year-round Bad Penny Brown Ale, Helles Belle Belgian Blond, and Angry Angel Kolsch Ale that are also sold in bottles at local stores. Big Boss also features an on-site pub called Horniblows Tavern. Though it's not in one of the trendy areas of town, Horniblows is a great place for knocking back a couple of brews and solving the world's problems with your mates.
Near the airport and Brier Creek. One of the area's nearest breweries, it has quickly penetrated the market. Often considered a brewers brewery, they offer a handful or more of well-crafted beers. Brewery tours fairly regularly at about once a month.
Snug in the offices of the former Raleigh Times newspaper, this broadsheet turned gastropub is the place for people watching over a pint (or a half pint) of craft-brewed beer.
Brewpub in the warehouse district that opened in 2013.
A trendy, upscale bar featuring traditional and creative cocktails along with a small, but interesting selection of craft beers.
Popular spot with a huge selection of beer on tap: North Carolina beers on the first floor and beers from around the world on the second floor. Interesting decor too, with a tree growing in the middle of the first floor.
Adjacent to Raleigh Durham International Airport and the Research Triangle Park.
formerly the Clarion
Closest to Glenwood South, where many bars and restaurants are located.
All-suite hotel with tropical atrium featuring full-service amenities, indoor pool, and fitness center. Free breakfast and reception daily for all guests.
Airport hotel.
A 20-story hotel, fancy, but it's on the mostly uninteresting Fayetteville Street Mall.
An all-suite Hyatt hotel.
A Marriott-branded hotel.
A standard Residence Inn.
Cameron Village
The first shopping center between Atlanta and DC, Village District is today a major destination point. Home to many of Raleigh's oldest boutique stores, the development also includes restaurants, a grocery store, and one of Wake County's public libraries. Hours vary depending on the store.
Belk, Macy's and Sears anchor. Largest mall in the region, featuring the state's first H&M store.
Includes Dillard's, Belk, Macy's, Sears and North Carolina's only Saks Fifth Avenue.
North Hills has transformed itself from a drab 1960s mall to a mixed-use center. Along with Cameron Village, the complex houses a large number of trendy boutiques in Raleigh; the center also is home to a grocery store, movie theater, Target, JC Penney, and a variety of restaurants and retail. Hours vary according to the store.
Designed to showcase the local, independent retailer, shopping at Seaboard Station is a bright, airy prospect. Along with many unique specialty shops, you'll also find a salon, fitness center and options for dining.
Home to art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops. Cobblestone streets lit by lamps give the area a 19th-century feel.
The Flea Market, featuring 600 vendors offering all sorts of antiques, collectibles, furniture and electronics.
Huge farmer's market open every day. Come in the morning for a bigger, fresher selection.
By car
By train
Amtrak provides train services to Raleigh; the Piedmont runs three times per day from Charlotte, a trip of just over three hours.C. and Philadelphia to New York City.
By bus
By bus
For information on routes, schedules and fares, check GoTriangle.org, for a helpful trip planner.
By taxi
There are 36 licensed taxi operators in Raleigh of varying quality. Spanish speakers will appreciate Amigo taxi +1 919-862-6162.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Raleigh/Durham · International · RDU
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