What to do in Durham, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

Durham
Durham
Durham
Durham
Durham

Durham Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Durham has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Durham, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Durham with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Durham

Durham is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Durham, and make it a breeze to explore Durham and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Durham to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Durham, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Durham.

Durham attractions

Durham has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Durham to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Durham.

Looking for things to do in Durham can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Durham or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Durham attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Durham

Popular places to visit

Duke University

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.

Duke University
North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

Walk around the campus of North Carolina State University, a top university in Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

North Carolina State University
Lenovo Center

Lenovo Center

Catch an event at Lenovo Center during your trip to Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Lenovo Center
University of North Carolina

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.

University of North Carolina
North Carolina State Fairgrounds

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to North Carolina State Fairgrounds during your stay in Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

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.

Raleigh Convention Center

Crabtree Valley Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Crabtree Valley Mall during your stay in Raleigh. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Crabtree Valley Mall

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

You can get tickets for a performance at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek during your trip to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Duke University Hospital

If Duke University Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Durham.

Duke University Hospital

Explore areas of Durham

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Downtown Durham

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

Downtown Durham
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East Durham

While East Durham isn't home to many top sights, Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus are some notable places to visit nearby.

East Durham
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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 Northgate Mall are a few top places to visit.

9th Street District
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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.

Trinity Park
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North Garrett Road

When in North Garrett Road, you can plan a visit to Waller Family Farm and Cameron Indoor Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North Garrett Road
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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.

American Tobacco District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Durham

Raleigh

Raleigh

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 kms (0.20 miles) away from downtown, while Duke Park is 2 kms (1 mile) 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.