The 21 Best Things To Do In Raleigh, According To Locals

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill may be grouped together into what’s known as North Carolina’s Research Triangle, but each destination has its own distinct personality, attractions, and reasons to visit. The state’s capital, Raleigh mixes your typical city features—tall buildings, museums, dedicated green spaces, and a variety of restaurants and bars—with a decidedly North Carolinian authenticity and quaintness. 

“Raleigh offers the best of both worlds,” says Sarah Shepherd, owner of Heights House Hotel. “It’s a close-knit community, but [it] also has the culture and sophistication of a bigger city.”

Ashley Christensen, chef and proprietor of AC Restaurants—a hospitality group that includes five dining establishments in Raleigh—echoes that sentiment, describing the City of Oaks as “vibrant.” Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit fuel the city’s growth, and there’s a clear passion for showcasing what the region brings to the table. 

“Raleigh is filled with great restaurants, bars, and bakeries, and is surrounded by lots of really cool agricultural entities—from small farms and ranches to cheese producers, to heirloom grain projects,” Christensen says. Outside of the food world, Raleigh leverages its natural beauty, dedication to learning, and shared history to create one of North Carolina’s most underrated cultural hotspots. 

Thinking of planning a trip to the Research Triangle? Read on to discover the best things to do when visiting Raleigh. 

Get Your Fix of Raleigh’s Finest Food and Drink

Get a Table at Stanbury

“From its neighborhood location to its unassuming atmosphere and amazing food… [Stanbury] is always a win,” says Angela Salamanca, owner of Raleigh’s Centro and Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria. The walk-in-only establishment offers a variety of small plates and cocktails, but the menu changes daily. In many ways, Stanbury reflects Raleigh’s own personality; it’s casual and spirited, but elevated and thoughtful. 

stanburyraleigh.com; 938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604; 919-977-4321

Order the Mac and Cheese at Poole’s Diner

Southern comfort food can come in many forms, but it’s hard to beat the famous macaroni au gratin at Poole’s, Christensen’s first restaurant in Raleigh. Made with grana padano, Jarlsberg, and white cheddar, it’s a dish that can only be described as indulgent. And yes, it’s worth every bite.  

ac-restaurants.com/pooles; 26 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601; 919-832-4477

Sip on a Cocktail at Heights House Hotel

Even if you’re not spending the night at Heights House Hotel—a restored Italianate mansion from the 1800s—carve out some time in your schedule to visit the property’s bar, known as The Parlor, and its common spaces. “There’s afternoon tea, a great bar, and a mix of contemporary art and period furnishings,” says Paul Baker, Ph.D., the executive director of CAM Raleigh. 

heightshousenc.com; 308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603; 919-594-1881

Feast Your Way Through a Food Hall

If you, or the group you’re traveling with, can’t seem to make a decision on where to eat, head to one of Raleigh’s spacious food halls. Morgan Street Food Hall, located in the Warehouse District, is home to 20-plus culinary concepts, including handcrafted burger spot CowBar, Oak City Fish & Chips, and Curry in a Hurry. Alternatively, you can head to Transfer Co. Food Hall, which boasts 50,000 square feet of vendors, makers, restauranteurs, and more inside the historic Carolina Coach Garage and Shops.

morganfoodhall.com; 411 W Morgan St Raleigh, NC 27603; 919-307-4481
transfercofoodhall.com; 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601; 984-232-8122

Fill Up on Baked Goods at Boulted Bread

Recommended by Christensen (so you know it’s going to be good), Boulted Bread is a craft bakery and stone mill that features an open bakehouse as well as indoor and outdoor seating. “Start your day here with a coffee from locally roasted beans, and the essential Boulted Bread Morning Bun… [made of] fresh croissant dough rolled with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon zest, and then coated in crunchy cane sugar post-bake,” she says. 

boultedbread.com; 328 Dupont Cir, Raleigh, NC 27603

Tuck into Some North Carolina Barbecue at The Pit

A visit to North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a plate of barbecue. Raleigh has a few different spots, but Baker recommends The Pit. “My family has eaten there for birthdays, Thanksgivings, and when friends who haven’t tried barbecue before come to town,” he says. “The staff almost provides a tutorial in the Southern tradition of barbecue and the accompanying regional sauces.” His must-try dishes? The brisket and the fried pimento cheese balls.

thepit-raleigh.com; 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601; 919-890-4500

Follow the Raleigh Beer Trail

Craft beer found a welcoming home in the greater Raleigh area. Today, more than 40 breweries are featured on the Raleigh Beer Trail passport, an interactive checklist that allows beer drinkers to earn prizes as they visit participating establishments. Looking to just hit a few of them? Try Little City Brewing & Provisions Co., Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie, or Crank Arm Brewing Company. 

littlecitybrewing.com; 400 W North St Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27603; 919-502-7155

neuseriverbrewing.com; 518 Pershing Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27608; 984-232-8479

crankarmbrewing.com; 319 W Davie Street, Raleigh, NC 27601; 919-324-3529

Pick Up Local Produce at the State Farmers Market 

Open 363 days per year, the State Farmers Market is the perfect place to go when you want to balance out the heavier Southern food you’ve experienced over your trip. Admission is free, so you can wander the 30,000 square feet of North Carolina produce stands, specialty shops, and restaurants at your leisure. “It’s a really special thing to have access to,” says Christensen. 

facebook.com/StateFarmersMarket; 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603; 919-733-7417

Soak Up the Sounds of Raleigh

Attend One of the State’s Best Music Festivals

Raleigh has more than 80 music venues and hosts a number of music festivals throughout the year. IBMA World of Bluegrass and Hopscotch Music Festival mark the calendar in September, and J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival is held annually in April. 

worldofbluegrass.org; hopscotchmusicfest.com; dreamvillefest.com

Catch a Show at Red Hat Amphitheater

Southern summers are defined by a few things—like catching lighting bugs, slicing fresh tomatoes for a sandwich, visiting on the front porch until long after the sun goes down, and attending outdoor concerts. “Catching a show at Red Hat Amphitheater is a must. Grab dinner at a downtown restaurant and then stroll on down to catch a great band and one of Raleigh’s best sunsets (especially with the Shimmer Wall just across the street),” recommends Christensen.

redhatamphitheater.com; 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601; 919-996-8500 

Take Advantage of the Outdoors

Explore the City by Foot 

The “best view of the city,” says Salamanca, can be found as you walk over Boylan Bridge; be sure to stop for a quick photo opp too. If the weather is nice, head to the Historic Oakwood neighborhood, where you can admire the area’s 19th-century Victorian-era homes. Pro tip: Download the free walking tour brochure before you go. 

Visit Pullen Park

Pullen Park holds the title of first public park in North Carolina, and it has the distinction of being the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the United States (and the 16th-oldest in the world). Today, it’s a wonderful outdoor space where you can rent a pedal boat, go swimming, ride a carousel, or take an art class. Children will also find plenty of fun on the miniature train and expansive playground. 

raleighnc.gov; 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606; 919-996-6468

Explore the Neuse River Greenway Trail

Part of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Neuse River Greenway Trail grants visitors access to 27.5 miles of paved pathways open for walking, running, and biking. Along the way, you’ll see wetlands, suspension bridges, agricultural fields, and historical and interpretive signs providing more information about the area. 

raleighnc.gov; 1721 Riverview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610; 919-996-3285

Take a Hike at William B. Umstead State Park

Ten miles from downtown Raleigh, you’ll find William B. Umstead State Park. Hiking trails and campgrounds are open to the public, and there’s even horseback riding, if that’s more your speed. Water-based activities include fishing and boating on Big Lake, where you can rent canoes and rowboats.

ncparks.gov; 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

Discover the Past at Historic Yates Mill County Park

If you’ve previously researched the best things to do in Raleigh, you may have come across images of the Historic Yates Mill, a fully restored and operable 18th-century water-powered mill. Found inside the 174-acre Historic Yates Mill County Park, the mill is free to visit, but you can pay a small fee to take a guided mill tour from March through November. 

wake.gov; 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603; 919-856-6675

Soak in the Culture 

Experience the North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCAM) is on the must-see list for most Raleighites. “The exhibits and outdoor grounds are one of my favorite spots in Raleigh—especially ideal for exploring as a family, and introducing to visiting friends,” says Shepherd. The indoor exhibitions, which span thousands of years, and the outdoor Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park are both free to the public. “You can either visit the museum itself, which has an extraordinary collection, or you can take a stroll down the park. Bring a picnic, stay and watch the sunset. It is a real treat,” says Salamanca.

ncartmuseum.org; 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607; 919-839-6262

Walk the Galleries of the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)

Baker, who became the executive director of the CAM Raleigh in 2022, notes that the museum includes works from both emerging as well as established artists. Past exhibited works include those of Durham-based photographer Kennedi Carter, the youngest person ever to shoot the cover of British Vogue. The museum goes above and beyond regular exhibitions, though. CAM also plays host to the North Carolina Artists Exhibition, “where visitors can see a juried exhibition of emerging artists from around the state,” says Baker.

camraleigh.org; 409 W Martin St, Raleigh NC. 27603; 919-261-5920

Explore the Shelves at Liberation Station

North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, Liberation Station, opened its doors in Raleigh, following a pop-up in 2019. The store aims to “[make] representation accessible and [amplify] Black voices” by providing books and gifts that display diversity and inclusiveness. “Our 4-year-old son, August, loves books, and we’ve begun building his library of children’s books with engaging stores like Liberation Station. They also house a collection of letters written by Frederick Douglass that patrons can view and learn more about historical and archival documents,” says Baker. 

liberationstationbookstore.com; 208 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Tour the Pope House Museum 

Over 3,000 Pope family artifacts can be found inside the Pope House Museum. Once home to the only Black man to run for mayor of a Southern capital during the Jim Crow Era, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, the house museum gives visitors a look into one of Raleigh’s most fascinating families. Admission is free, but tours are first-come, first-served. 

raleighnc.gov; 511 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601; 919-996-2220

Enjoy a College Football Game

Raleigh might be a big city, but it’s also a college town. If you’re visiting during football season, you may be able to catch a game. “Raleigh is home to several collegiate football rivalries including North Carolina State University and UNC (in nearby Chapel Hill) and the longstanding Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s University rivalry,” says Baker. “Tailgating, socializing on fraternity and sorority plots, and bragging rights are all part of the North Carolina football tradition.”

Treasure Hunt at the Raleigh Market or City Market

Whether you’re casually browsing or looking for something specific, you’ll find exactly what you need at either Raleigh Market or City Market. The former is located at the historic NC State Fairgrounds, and over 500 vendors participate in the indoor-outdoor shopping flea and antique experience. Boutiques, shops, art galleries, restaurants, and specialty stores line the cobblestoned streets of City Market. If you’re doing a bout of morning shopping, fill up at Big Ed’s, which describes its menu offering as “country cooking at its best.”

theraleighmarket.com; 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607; 919-839-4560
citymarketraleigh.com; 215 Wolfe St., Raleigh, NC 27601

www.facebook.com/bigedsnorth; 5009 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609; 919-747-9533