Things to do in Durham NC have made the Bull City one of the most talked about mid sized cities in the whole South. Durham has gone through an amazing change in the past 20 years. What was once a former tobacco town is now packed with great restaurants, world class universities, a thriving arts scene, and one of the best food cultures in NC.
Top Things To Do in Durham
American Tobacco Campus
This is the old American Tobacco Company factory that has been turned into a mixed use campus with restaurants, offices, and event spaces. It sits right next to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The outdoor spaces are great for a walk and the restaurants here are excellent. This is the heart of downtown Durham.
Durham Bulls Baseball
The Durham Bulls are one of the most famous minor league baseball teams in the country thanks to the movie Bull Durham. A game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park is a great summer night out. Tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is wonderful. The stadium is right next to American Tobacco Campus.
Duke University Campus
Duke University's main campus is one of the most beautiful in the country. The Gothic architecture and the Duke Chapel are stunning. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens on campus are free and gorgeous any time of year. Take a walk around the main quad and the chapel.
Museum of Life and Science
A great interactive science museum with outdoor exhibits, a dinosaur trail, a butterfly house, and a nature playground. Perfect for families with kids.
Durham Farmers Market
One of the best farmers markets in NC. Saturday mornings from spring through fall in Durham Central Park. Great local produce, fresh baked goods, and a nice community vibe.
Best Places To Eat in Durham
Parizade
A Durham classic. Mediterranean inspired food with great cocktails. Consistently one of the highest rated restaurants in the Triangle. Book well in advance.
Saltbox Seafood Joint
A small but legendary spot for fried seafood. Chef Ricky Moore runs one of the most celebrated small restaurants in NC. You will probably wait in line. It is worth it.
Mateo Bar de Tapas
Spanish tapas in a beautiful downtown space. Great cocktails and a wide sharing menu. Perfect for a group dinner.
Pizzeria Mercato
Wood fired Neapolitan pizza in a casual setting. Some of the best pizza in the Triangle.
Cocoa Cinnamon
One of the most unique coffee shops in NC. Multiple Durham locations. Known for creative flavored lattes and a great atmosphere.
Durham Neighborhoods To Explore
Ninth Street
A walkable stretch of independent shops, restaurants, and coffee shops near Duke University. Good for a slow morning walk.
Downtown Durham
The heart of the city with American Tobacco Campus, the Bulls stadium, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance.
Trinity Park
A residential neighborhood near downtown with great architecture and a walkable street grid. Nice for an afternoon stroll.
Weekend Trip From Charlotte or Raleigh
Durham is about 3 hours from Charlotte and less than 30 minutes from Raleigh. It works well as a day trip or a weekend base. Raleigh and Chapel Hill are both right next door so you can combine all three Triangle cities in one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Durham NC known for?
Durham is known for Duke University, the Durham Bulls baseball team, a thriving food and arts scene, and a major transformation from a tobacco industry city into one of the most vibrant places in the South.
Is Durham worth visiting?
Yes. Durham has some of the best restaurants in NC, a beautiful university campus, great live music, and a creative culture that makes it one of the most interesting cities in the state.
How far is Durham from Raleigh?
About 25 to 30 minutes west of Raleigh on I 40.
Durham keeps surprising people who write it off as just a college town. Spend a weekend here and you will understand why it has become one of the most talked about cities in the South.