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.
Lenovo Center
Catch an event at Lenovo Center during your trip to Raleigh. You can attend a sporting event while in the 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
This hotel is our favorite pet-friendly hotel in downtown Durham. During this last visit, I had inadvertently double booked myself a room directly with the hotel and on Expedia. The check-in host was so kind to cancel the room booked directly with the hotel without penalties. I certainly was not ...
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026
Unscripted Durham, Part of JDV by Hyatt
Windowless room. Weird.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Durham Marriott City Center
The hotel is in a very convenient location for walking around all the different districts downtown. The room was clean and comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast offered several choices ordered from a menu and was served quickly.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Great property: However, both the restaurant and guest attire was not congruent with a what a 5- start restaurant should be. Portions were nonexistent and after spending $360 for dinner I left the table starving; not to mention, allowing jeans and t-shirts for "fine dining" is embarrassing. Needless ...
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Sonesta Select Raleigh Durham Airport Morrisville
The gentleman at the front desk was incredible in every way and needs a raise
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Raleigh-Durham Airport, NC
Clean rooms, great breakfast and sincerely nice staff. Our go to when near Raleigh!
Reviewed on 20 Jan 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.
9th Street District
The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about 9th Street District. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Northgate Mall are a few top places to visit.
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.
North Garrett Road
When in North Garrett Road, you can plan a visit to Bowlero Durham and Cameron Indoor Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Northwest Raleigh
If you're spending some time in Northwest Raleigh, Crabtree Valley Mall and North Carolina Museum of Art 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.
