What to do in Raleigh, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.
Raleigh banner on white
Panorama view of downtown Raleigh Skyline
Panoramic View of Downtown Raleigh During Early Sunrise
Raleigh skyline at night

Raleigh Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Raleigh has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Raleigh is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Raleigh, and make it a breeze to explore Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh.

Raleigh attractions

Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh.

Looking for things to do in Raleigh 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 Raleigh or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Raleigh attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Most fun & popular experiences in Raleigh

Tours & day trips

See all 42 activities
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £70 per adult
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From BrevardOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 6 activities
Rust, Rebels & Ruins: Raleigh Ghost Tours

Rust, Rebels & Ruins: Raleigh Ghost Tours

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £18 per adult
Rust, Rebels & Ruins: Raleigh Ghost ToursOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
City centre Raleigh Pub Crawl

City centre Raleigh Pub Crawl

Activity duration is 2 hours
4.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Price is £36 per adult
City centre Raleigh Pub CrawlOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at Paddywax

Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at Paddywax

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is £36 per adult
Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at PaddywaxOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Raleigh

Number of things to do
46
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Raleigh City centre Smartphone Guided GPS App Walking Tour: £8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Raleigh

Popular places to visit

durham north carolina

Duke University

4.5/5(5 reviews)

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
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North Carolina State University

Walk around the campus at North Carolina State University as part of your travels around Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

North Carolina State University
Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh Convention Center

3/5(1 review)

Learn about the events happening in Raleigh Convention Center during your trip to Raleigh. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Raleigh Convention Center
The Old Well at UNC Chapel Hill during the spring with azaleas blooming

University of North Carolina

5/5(1 review)

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
Lenovo Center

Lenovo Center

4/5(1 review)

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

Lenovo Center
North Carolina Historic State Fairgrounds Commercial and Education Building

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
Franklin Street

Franklin Street

During your visit to Chapel Hill, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Franklin Street. Visit the area's cathedral or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Franklin Street
North Hills Shopping Center

North Hills Shopping Center

5/5(2 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at North Hills Shopping Center during your stay in Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

North Hills Shopping Center

Crabtree Valley Mall

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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

Explore areas of Raleigh

View of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina with blue sky background.

Downtown Raleigh

If you're spending some time in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina Executive Mansion and Marbles Kids Museums are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Raleigh
Midtown Park in the North Hills development of Raleigh NC

North Hills

North Hills is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by North Hills Shopping Center and Lassiter Mill Historic Park while in the area.

North Hills
Southwest Raleigh

Southwest Raleigh

While visiting Southwest Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Johnson and J.C. Raulston Arboretum.

Southwest Raleigh
View of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina with blue sky background.

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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Midtown Raleigh

While visiting Midtown Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like North Hills Shopping Center and Village District.

Midtown Raleigh
North Raleigh

North Raleigh

While visiting North Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Lafayette Village and Durant Nature Preserve.

North Raleigh

 

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 Raleigh

Summer morning at North Cypress Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, Mississippi

Holly Springs

Frequently asked questions

Is Raleigh worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are many great things to do in Raleigh. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Raleigh?
Once you've visited key attractions like Triangle Town Centre and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, spend some time enjoying Raleigh's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Raleigh?
You can't go home without visiting Triangle Town Centre, rated the top tourist attraction in Raleigh.
Is three days enough to stay in Raleigh?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Marbles Kids Museums and North Carolina Museum of History with a three-day getaway in Raleigh. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Durham.
Is Raleigh a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in Raleigh. Several key sights, like North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Marbles Kids Museums, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Raleigh's neighbourhoods, Downtown Raleigh is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away from downtown, while Glenwood South is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Raleigh with kids?
Deciding what to do in Raleigh with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Raleigh for adults?
Bond Brothers Beer Company and Raleigh Brewing Company are just a couple of the things to do in Raleigh. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Raleigh?
In Raleigh, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-see spot for anyone planning to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Raleigh.

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