If you’ve made it to the “City of Oaks,” this is your guide to the best things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina. I spent a week exploring all this capital city has to offer, and I’ve rounded it up in this travel guide to visiting.
In the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Raleigh, North Carolina is an off-the-beaten-path gem. And when I say off the beaten path, what I mean is while many visit for work or consider moving there, it may not always be on the radar for a weekend trip away. I had no expectations when visiting, but it completely took me by surprise. Southern hospitality, blended with historic charm, an incredible culinary scene, and lots to do in the city was memorable.
I found myself strolling neighborhoods with towering oak streets that spilled into Raleigh downtown. This central part of Raleigh is bordered by esteemed universities like North Carolina State University which means you have a young energy in the city. Couple that with its well-known art scene, and what you have is a lot of free-flowing creativity.
Over my week in Raleigh, I split my time between two areas. I spent the first half bouncing around downtown and all it has to offer, then made my way about 15 minutes out of the city for something special: a destination, Forbes Five-Star Hotel named The Umstead Hotel and Spa.
I would have been remiss to have not blocked in time there and after two nights on the property, I can happily say it’s a must-do when in the region. Only 10 minutes from RDU Airport, a few nights for wellness and culinary experiences at The Umstead couples beautifully with time in Downtown Raleigh.
So if you’re planning a visit to Raleigh, NC, this guide on the best things to do will help plan your trip. Find where to stay, ideas for things to do, and the best restaurants for your trip.
(This trip is in partnership with Visit Raleigh and The Umstead Hotel. As always, all opinions are my own, and recommendations are based on my personal choices.)
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Raleigh:
- Guest House Raleigh, for the best boutique bed & breakfast stay
- The Umstead Hotel & Spa, for the best luxury hotel
- Heights House, for the best luxury boutique hotel
For more on where to dine in Raleigh, don’t miss my guide to the best restaurants in Raleigh!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Raleigh is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Raleigh, North Carolina
What to Know Before Visiting Raleigh, North Carolina
Do I Need a Car to Visit Raleigh, North Carolina?
While it’s possible to explore Raleigh without a car, having one can enhance your experience. The city is spread out in Wake County, and public transportation options, like buses and rideshares, can be limited, especially for reaching attractions outside the downtown area to North Raleigh. Uber does work well but depending on the amount of days, renting a car may make more sense.
Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in the U.S., choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
If you plan to stay in the downtown district, many popular attractions, restaurants, and parks are within walking distance. Biking is also a great option, with several bike-sharing programs available.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit?
The best time to visit Raleigh, NC, is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Spring brings mild temperatures and vibrant blooms, making it perfect for outdoor activities and festivals, such as the popular Raleigh Arts Festival. The fall offers a stunning display of foliage, with the cooler weather ideal for exploring the city’s parks and enjoying local harvest festivals.
Where to Stay in Raleigh, North Carolina
Guest House Raleigh
Set just in the footsteps of Downtown Raleigh in a residential historic neighborhood, The Guest House is your ultimate boutique bed & breakfast stay. It’s only 8 rooms, set in a Folk Victoria House that has been completely renovated. Their common spaces include a dining + lounge room, a kitchen complete with complimentary tea, coffee, and light breakfast, and a wonderful backyard with seating. You feel like you’re staying in a well-appointed home, with thoughtful details in the guest rooms like Nespresso machines, Coyuchi linens, and sound machines.
Book the Guest House Raleigh here. Rates from $179/nt
This hotel is for young adults, solo travelers, and couples. No guests under 18, no dogs.
The Umstead Hotel & Spa
This luxury hotel set on an oasis of 12 acres of woodlands is just a short drive from downtown Raleigh and William B. Umstead State Park. Meet The Umstead Hotel and Spa tucked away in Cary featuring luxury hotel suites, fine dining, and an award-winning spa. As the only Forbes Five-Star Hotel in North Carolina, The Umstead is one of the best places to stay in the state. You’ll find yourself immersed in a quiet retreat with a stunning pool in the trees overlooking the lake. The hotel is elevated and blends memorable dining experiences like their restaurant Herons and signature Afternoon Tea. With the spa onsite, it makes for the ultimate relaxing getaway near Raleigh.
Book The Umstead Hotel here. Rates from $439/nt
This hotel is for young adults, families, solo travelers, and couples. Dogs allowed.
Heights House
This restored Victorian house sets the stage for an upscale, luxury boutique hotel in Raleigh. The Heights House, with a design akin to an Architectural Digest spread, sits just above downtown Raleigh. It features uniquely designed rooms, each with stylish decor and thoughtful touches. Guests can enjoy cozy common areas, including a lovely porch that overlooks the downtown.
Book the Heights House here. Rates from $299/nt
This hotel is for young adults, solo travelers, and couples. No guests under 18, no dogs.
Where to Eat in Raleigh, North Carolina
For more on where to dine in Raleigh, don’t miss my guide to the best restaurants in Raleigh!
Herons
Set inside The Umstead Hotel & Spa, one bucket list experience to have in this region is a prix fixe dinner at Herons. Chef Steven Greene puts a whimsical twist on American cooking while blending seasonal Southern ingredients with global flavors. It was hands down one of the best meals I’ve personally had from start to finish, and as one of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world, a must-experience.
Brodeto
Chef Scott Crawford opens his latest Raleigh restaurant, Brodeto, with a fun take on Adriatic cuisine. As a James Beard-nominated chef, he gives his interpretation of Croatia meets Italian cuisine. Some of the highlights for me were the whipped ricotta dish paired with Pogača, a fluffy traditional Croatian bread, and the classic Linguine al Nero.
Madre
Moody and intimate, Madre is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Raleigh. Its menu features several plates designed for sharing centered around Mediterranean cuisine. I adored their signature Roasted Cauliflower, the Yellowfin Crudo, and Calabrian Chicken.
Boulted Bread
It can’t be a trip to Raleigh without stopping in for the iconic pastries of Boulted Bread. Try their rustic croissants, breads, and anything fresh out of the oven.
Transfer Co. Food Hall
A fun, off-the-downtown food hall, Transfer Co. is a one-stop shop. Come in from breakfast to dinner, you’ll find a range of dining experiences. Some standouts include Benchwarmers Bagels and Alimentari.
Where to Get Drinks in Raleigh
There are several spots to grab a cocktail or beer in Raleigh depending on what you want. One of the most elevated spaces to grab a cocktail (or NA drink) is at the Parlor at Heights House Hotel. Grab a drink, cozy up in the lounge, or meander the grounds where bistro tables await.
For all things beer, the best patio in town with a view is Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing. It’s a staple watering hole for the city, and they have a wide range of pub grub. For more beers, head to Raleigh Beer Garden. Home to over 350+ beers from North Carolina to around the world, there are several floors to hang out and try brews.
Where to Get Coffee in Raleigh
Coffee in Raleigh is serious — you’ll find a good spot every few blocks so here is where you want to go. The new to the scene, Little Native Coffee Co., was my personal favorite for craft coffee. Iris Coffee Lab was one spot right off downtown worth meandering to. And 42 & Lawrence is a good one right in the heart of downtown.
The Best Things to Do in Raleigh, North Carolina
Get Familiar with the Neighborhoods
To get the lay of the land, think of Raleigh has a central downtown with neighborhoods shooting off it. There are many to explore, and a few standouts to go for a stroll. The first is the Historic Oakwood district, home to Oakwood Cemetery and incredible homes. It spills onto N. Person Street which eventually becomes the neighborhood of Mordecai.
In Mordecai, you have a lot going on off of N. Person Street, with Standard Beer + Food, Yellow Dog Bread Company, So & So Books, and restaurants like Crawford & Son. You could easily do an afternoon here popping into the shops, strolling to Mordecai Historic Park (President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace), and followed by dinner.
Warehouse District is another corner of Raleigh packed with lots to do. Here, you can find things like Videri Chocolate Factory, cafes, restaurants, and antiquing at Father and Sons Antiques.
Enjoy the Complimentary North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Museum in Downtown
The Raleigh Museums are well worth blocking time out for. Start with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, an expansive free museum with four floors of exhibits and permanent collections. It’s most known for the Dueling Dinosaurs, skeletons of Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurs featured on display.
Stroll the JC Raulston Arboretum
Set in the Raleigh Area, the JC Raulston Arboretum is a lovely retreat at NC State University. The 10-acre gardens feature a large number of plants and spaces to enjoy.
Experience Afternoon Tea at the Umstead Hotel
One of the memorable experiences from the trip was the signature Afternoon Tea set inside The Umstead Hotel and Spa. Served inside the lounge overlooking the gardens, a live harpist plays music while you dine through a thoughtfully curated tea service. You’ll have both savory and sweets, paired with their teas. It’s something you do want to book ahead.
Level Up Your Denim at Raleigh Denim
If you seek out one local shop, let it be Raleigh Denim. This locally owned brand creates classic denim, all made by non-automated jeans smiths. I had the chance to spend a few hours at the workshop, seeing just how much art goes into these beautiful denim pieces. Owners Victor and Sarah Lytvinenko have incredible craftsmanship behind their pieces, and you can pop into their workshop to shop them right on the spot.
Have a Spa Morning at The Umstead
While there are many ways to relax from golf courses to shopping centers, one experience I have to say is worth doing is booking a spa morning at The Umstead. Their incredible spa with newly renovated facilities like the salt relaxation lounge, steam rooms, outdoor jacuzzis, and relaxation spaces are beautiful. Book in for one of their treatments like the facials or massages, and wind down afterward. My one tip? If you can’t stay at The Umstead, book a treatment before your flight. You’re only a few minutes away from the airport.
Have An Afternoon at the North Carolina Museum of Art
An incredible art experience, the North Carolina Museum of Art is a must-do when in Raleigh. It has two buildings that feel like intimate art galleries with permanent collections. You’ll find African American art, to Greek Sculptures here all set inside the buildings. Now outside is the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park — 164 acres of trails with public art displays free to access. This museum is incredible.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
