What to do in Raleigh, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.
Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.
Raleigh banner on white
Panorama view of downtown Raleigh Skyline
Raleigh skyline at night

Raleigh Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Raleigh has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, 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 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.

Activities and Tours

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

Raleigh Attractions

Expedia 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 to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Raleigh.

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

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Most fun & popular experiences in Raleigh

Tours & day trips

See all 32 activities
Waterfall Adventure Tour

Waterfall Adventure Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $128 per adult
Waterfall Adventure TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 7 activities
Waterfall Adventure Tour

Waterfall Adventure Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $128 per adult
Waterfall Adventure TourOpens 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 CA $67 per adult
Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at PaddywaxOpens in new tab

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Recommended things to do in Raleigh

Number of things to do
35
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Raleigh City centre Smartphone Guided GPS App Walking Tour: CA $14
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Raleigh

Discover the most popular places to visit in Raleigh

durham north carolina

Duke University

Walk around the campus of Duke University, a top college in Durham. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's stunning cathedral.

Duke University
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North Carolina State University

Explore the campus of North Carolina State University during your visit to Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

North Carolina State University
Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh Convention Center

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

Raleigh Convention Center
Not many flowers on the beach - had a bad winter I guess

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

University of North Carolina

Explore the campus 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
Early morning sun peeks through the blooms in a field of daffodils at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh North Carolina.

Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is just one of the places to see in Raleigh, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Dorothea Dix Park

Crabtree Valley Mall

You can enjoy retail therapy at Crabtree Valley Mall during your trip to Raleigh. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Crabtree Valley Mall

Research Triangle Park

Research Triangle Park is just one of the places to see in Raleigh, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Research Triangle Park

Explore areas of Raleigh

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

Downtown Raleigh

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Marbles Kids Museums and The Acorn.

Downtown Raleigh
North Hills Raleigh North Carolina

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
There's a beautiful view of this lake from the top of James B. Hunt Library on Centennial Campus. They allow fishing on this lake too

Southwest Raleigh

4/5(9 area reviews)

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

Discover a historic district with 97 contributing buildings, showcasing Colonial Revival, Italianate, and Art Deco architecture. Visit notable landmarks like Durham County Courthouse and Carolina Theatre.

Downtown Durham
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Midtown Raleigh

While visiting Midtown Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Lassiter Mill Historic Park and North Hills Shopping Center.

Midtown Raleigh
We got ice over the weekend making these puffy robins stand out against the frozen branches.

North Raleigh

5/5(1 area review)

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

A lonely heron!

Apex

The Revitalized Retail and Office Center of The American Tobacco Historical District, Durham, North Carolina, USA

Durham

Lake Crabtree County Park, morrisville,nc

Morrisville

new bern north carolina town riverfront scenes

Clayton

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 kilometres away from downtown, while Glenwood South is 2 kilometres 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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