Downtown Durham Travel Guide
Raleigh
Visit Downtown Durham
Popular places to visit
American Tobacco Campus
You can learn about the history of Durham with a trip to American Tobacco Campus. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
Brightleaf Square
You can do some window-shopping at Brightleaf Square during your visit to Durham. Discover the lively festivals and stunning cathedral in this family-friendly area.
Duke University
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.
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.
Raleigh Convention Center
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Durham
21c Museum Hotel Durham
The room was a fun retro style with an amazing bathroom. Best towels I've had at a hotel, thankful for a much better towel than the typical sandpaper, lol. The staff was great and helpful, especially appreciated the front desk and the bell desk.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Unscripted Durham, Part of JDV by Hyatt
Breakfast was free but was poor and from provided options most were not available. Was better to go out for breakfast. Had a huge bar, but was closed both days.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
The Durham Hotel
Enjoyed the roof top but long wait times. I had to 2 free drink tickets but they weren’t given to me at check in so I never used them. My room had all the set up for coffee including a coffee pot but no coffee or creamer. Otherwise enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Sonesta Select Raleigh Durham Airport Morrisville
Great stay and super nice room. Only complaint was the hallway noise was a bit more evident than in similar hotels but not enough to prevent me from booking again!
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Hyatt Place Raleigh-Durham Airport
We went to breakfast, and there were no eggs or bacon left. The staff said they were out of eggs, but did make some more bacon. They had not replenished a lot of the items.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The hotel was amazing - from the sparkling wine at check in to the bar and room - it was all amazing
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Durham
Trinity Park
Trinity Park might not have many top sights, but Brightleaf Square and Carolina Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Duke Park
While Duke Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carolina Theatre and Museum of Life and Science.
East Durham
While East Durham isn't home to many top sights, Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus are some notable places to visit nearby.
Northwest Raleigh
If you're spending some time in Northwest Raleigh, Crabtree Valley Mall and William B. Umstead State Park are top sights worth seeing.
Downtown Cary
If you're spending some time in Downtown Cary, Bond Brothers Beer Company and Cary Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.
Crabtree Valley
You'll love the popular shops in Crabtree Valley, and you might want to stick around to check out Crabtree Valley Mall, a top place to visit.
