Raleigh North Carolina Arts District Raleigh North Carolina Things to Do
If you don't know what to do in Raleigh with only 24 hours to spare, our ane day itinerary down below is what we suggest for first time visitors to get a reel feel for downtown Raleigh – the culture, the history, the food and drink scene, and the Southern customs experience.
We put this itinerary together from personal feel after having lived here for over 10 years at present and spending a lot of time in the downtown Raleigh area. These are the places nosotros have visiting friends, and are some of the most "Raleigh things to practise!"
This itinerary includes suggestions on where to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, activities for the morning and afternoon, pre-dinner and after-dinner drinks, and hotels to stay in. Allow us accept the guesswork out of your trip to Raleigh!
Getting effectually Raleigh downtown is easy past either walking, using the bicycle renting service Citrix Cycle, riding an electric scooter, or using the costless R-LINE circulator bus to navigate the 12 block downtown radius. Yous barely fifty-fifty take to move your car – encounter parking in Raleigh options hither.
Of form, we propose you stay longer than one day every bit there are plenty of absurd things to do in Raleigh, and so check out our 48 hours in Raleigh itinerary, plus nosotros accept other itinerary posts coming soon specific for couples, families, and the hip party people (join our costless VIP email tribe so yous don't miss those). But for a general overall short visit, we've got you covered down beneath!
We love living in Raleigh, and we promise this guide helps your visit be stress free and full of fun memories and wanting more fourth dimension in the urban center of oaks. At present, let usa show you around…
Breakfast
Big Ed'south Restaurant City Market
You've arrived in The South and in that location'south no better introduction to Raleigh and its welcoming community than Big Ed'due south Restaurant in celebrated City Marketplace, the best Southern style breakfast in Raleigh.
This is the local experience you're looking for. They've been serving up generous portions of Southern comfort nutrient since 1958. Hither you'll enjoy a laid-back vibe with a collection of funky antiques hanging from the ceiling, warm Southern hospitality, and nutrient similar what grandma used to make.
Especially popular for their Giant pancakes, local country ham, fried craven, aged ribeye steak & eggs, sliced pork loin, fried catfish, fluffy biscuits, and double-brewed sweet tea.
- Accost: 220 Wolfe St, Raleigh
- Website: Bigedsnc.com
Alternate breakfast options:
- The Morning Times – quality, local food. Sit down on the sidewalk or in their upstairs art gallery. Great coffee (see coffee suggestions down below)
- A Identify at the Table – Raleigh's pay-what-yous-tin can-afford buffet. Astonishing concept and staff.
Coffee (and morning stroll)
Leave Big Ed's restaurant via the cobblestone streets of City Market and head towards nearby Moore Square to stretch your legs, get some nature, and see the city skyline.
Moore Square
Moore Square is a four-acre urban green space that was originally conceived as one of five public light-green spaces in Raleigh and the foursquare and surrounds is a mannerly mix of old and new in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
Here you'll find a large open up lawn expanse, magnificent oak copse, a shaded "tree house" area for kids, thirty-human foot-broad sidewalks on the edge of the park, and a small-scale splash pad for kids during the warmer months.
Take a stroll around the perimeter, or sit down on the grass and take in the views of the city skyline.
From Moore Foursquare, head west upwards Hargett Street towards our suggested coffee terminate at The Morning Times!
On the way to coffee pop into House of Swank Habiliment for the raddest NC-themed shirts and swag. Other local shops around the Hargett St area worth a look include Blackness Friday Market place and DECO.
Coffee at The Forenoon Times
This is one of our favorite coffee shops in downtown Raleigh and pop with the locals. We love their lattes (our kids dearest their cookies and baked goods) and nosotros like to either sit in the cozy upstairs that too functions as an art gallery, or on the sidewalk and watch the Raleigh street scene go past (perfect with your furry friends or on a sunny 24-hour interval).
- Accost: ten Eastward Hargett St, Raleigh
- Website: MorningTimes-Raleigh.com
Alternative coffee shops:
- Sir Walter Coffee – absurd barista bar with a focus on unique coffee creations, tea lattes, tea cocktails, kombucha, and alcohol (you might feel like you're in NYC).
- 42 & Lawrence – on the edge of Moore Square. Serves upwardly really good organic java and nitro cold brews at their mod bar setup.
Mid-Morn Activities
Fayetteville Street
Fayetteville Street is the cardinal thoroughfare of downtown Raleigh, or the urban center'southward central business corridor, and is bookended by the State Capitol Building to the due north, and the Performing Arts Center to the due south.
After coffee at the Morning Times, turn left onto Fayetteville St from Hargett St and head south towards the Duke Free energy Eye for Performing Arts, and then turn around and head n back upwardly Fayetteville towards the NC State Capitol Edifice (altitude: 0.seven miles, about xv minutes).
As you stroll up and downward Fayetteville St you'll pass several restaurants and confined, hotels, the Court House, and through City Plaza.
The North Carolina State Capitol Building
Built in 1840, the NC Land Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival-style architecture.
You tin tour all three floors of the building, plus monuments and statues on brandish outside in the grounds among more than magnificent oak trees – Raleigh is nicknamed "city of oaks" for a reason! Self-guided tours available.
- Address: ane East Edenton St
- Website: HistoricSites.nc.gov
Museum of Natural Sciences, OR, the Museum of History
Raleigh has a lot of fantabulous museums and because of the quality and the amount of costless museums it has oft been referred to every bit the "Smithsonian of the South".
Below are two fantabulous museums in Raleigh simply across the street from the Capitol Building. Considering this is a short 24 hour trip to visit Raleigh, we suggest you pick one or the other. Yes, they both deserve more than time simply they are FREE and you can ever come back on another trip!
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The excellent Museum of Natural Sciences is North Carolina'southward nearly visited museum with over four floors of exhibits, alive animals, and 3D movies. We honey their permanent drove of dinosaur skeletons and whale skeletons. And don't forget your photo with the giant earth out front. It'south one of the best things to do in Raleigh.
- Address: xi W Jones St, Raleigh
- Website: NaturalSciences.org
North Carolina Museum of History
The Museum of History was founded in 1902 and welcomes more than 400,000+ visitors a year. On display are more than fourteen,000 years and 150,000 artifacts of history.
- Address: 5 East Edenton St, Raleigh
- Website: NCmuseumofHistory.org
Lunch
The downtown Raleigh food scene has thrived in recent years (minus Covid setbacks) and is ane of our favorite areas to eat and drink in the metropolis area.
Beneath nosotros have listed some local Raleigh restaurants all centrally located downtown, and based on a few select categories to help you get a taste of Raleigh and what it is pop with the locals.
BBQ:
- The Pit Authentic BBQ – one of the about popular, and upscale, BBQ spots in Raleigh.
- Clyde Cooper's BBQ – a downtown institution since 1938 and one of the classic and oldest Raleigh restaurants.
VIDEO: Check out Clyde Cooper's BBQ
Southern condolement nutrient:
- The Raleigh Times – a timeless watering hole in a 100 year old building serving up quality American pub grub. Nice inside seating, or on the sidewalk or cool rooftop!
- Parkside Restaurant – a retro-industrial eatery serving traditional Southern comfort food the locals dearest!
- Beasley'south Chicken + Honey – pop Raleigh eatery by famed chef Ashley Christensen. Specializing in Fried chicken and sandwiches. Brunch on the weekend.
Food halls:
- Morgan Street Food Hall – 20 dissimilar food concepts showcasing local eateries. Perfect for families or groups of friends with different food tastes.
- Transfer Co. Food Hall – 12+ vendors in the historic Carolina Coach Garage. Once more, something for everyone here!
Italian:
- Cafe Luna – Tuscan-accented Italian fare in an airy, art-filled space since 1996. Very reasonable prices.
Mediterranean:
- Taverna Agora – authentic Greek food with an astonishing rooftop dining experience nosotros go on going dorsum for, and is fantastic for brunch on the weekends!
Mexican:
- Centro – modern Mexican food in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
Afternoon activities
Explore the Warehouse District
The six-block Warehouse District is one of our favorite neigborhoods in Raleigh to explore, an area that was transformed from its one-time red-brick industrial buildings into a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, bars, a brewery, a nutrient hall, bazaar shopping, art museums, studios and technology firms.
Located an easy x-minute walk west of downtown. En route, exist sure to walk through Nash Foursquare – a public parkland with lush lawn, a multifariousness of perennials, a short loop walk effectually the foursquare, and many native shade trees, including beautiful oaks and magnolias.
What to practice in the Warehouse District:
- Need some other java? Go to Heirloom Brewshop, a specialty coffee shop, premium tea business firm, and sake bar.
- Videri Chocolate Manufacturing plant – sample yummy chocolates, and go soft serve water ice foam!
- Gimmicky Art Museum (CAM) – displays new and emerging piece of work by local and national living artists. Costless access.
- The Flourish Market place – a unique women'southward gift and boutique clothing shop.
- 311 Gallery – home to 12 artist studios, an exhibition gallery and a gift shop.
- Father & Son Antiques – modernistic effects, vintage clothing and accessories, records and books.
- Raleigh Denim Workshop – exclusive well-crafted jeans!
- Morgan Street Nutrient Hall – Raleigh Rolls offers unique rolled ice cream with succulent toppings!
Alternating afternoon activities:
- Got young kids? Pullen Park (5 minute drive from downtown Raleigh) is one of the most fun things to do in Raleigh with kids and is the fifth oldest operating entertainment park in the United states of america. Ride the historic carousel and iconic miniature railroad train, take paddle boats out on the lake, or play in the playgrounds.
- Dorothea Dix Park – set on a whopping 300+ acres and but a 5 minute drive from downtown, Dix Park is the largest park in Raleigh with impressive views of the downtown Raleigh skyline. Information technology's a lovely space with wide-open fields, rolling meadows, and tree-lined streets. The "Flowers Field" section is a top spot for a picnic with city views!
- Lake Johnson Loop – walk, jog, or bicycle the paved iii-mile loop around the lake. We used to live on Lake Johnson and it's our favorite lake trail in Raleigh!
- Explore historic neighborhoods. Celebrated Oakwood dates back to the 1800's and rose after the Civil War. Information technology'south home to magnificent oak trees, Grand Victorians and modest bungalows. And don't miss the magnificent Oakwood Cemetery! And Boylan Heights was one of Raleigh's first planned suburbs with development beginning in 1907 and has been added to the National Annals of Historic Places.
- Marbles Kids Museum – two levels of kid-focused museum activities with dozens of hands-on exhibits. Perfect for toddlers and upwardly to 10 years.
Pre-dinner drinks
There are enough of great Raleigh bars and Raleigh breweries downtown that are perfect for all occasions. Below are a select few of our favorites that are also pop with other locals.
Beers:
- Crank Arm Brewing – the guys at Cram Arm are passionate about beer and bikes. My pick: Road Hazard Hazy IPA.
- The Raleigh Times Bar – a timeless watering hole and probably the most famous bar in Raleigh – even Obama had a campaign beer hither. Extensive Belgian beer pick, multiple levels and an awesome open rooftop
Wine bar:
- Vita Vite Art Gallery + Wine Bar – a premier vino bar that doubles as an fine art gallery. They offer a not bad option of wine and a classy and relaxed atmosphere.
Whiskey & Cocktail bars:
- Whiskey Kitchen – a beautiful open up space and hip venue with a repurposed industrial feel. Over 300 whiskies plus craft cocktails, beer and vino options y'all tin can't get wrong. Not sure which whiskey to beverage, attempt a flying.
- Dram & Draught – fantabulous range of whiskeys from effectually the world, plus seasonal cocktails, wines, and draught beer from Raleigh and across.
- Killjoy – cool and colorful decor plus signature cocktails. I of our favorite Raleigh bars!
Dinner
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
If in that location's 1 place in Raleigh we take first time visitors for that wow moment, it's Wye Loma Kitchen & Brewing. The best view of the Raleigh skyline from their outstanding outdoor patio is paired with first-class food, craft beer and unique cocktails.
There'due south a fun coincidental temper that'south perfect for a group of friends, a date, or a family unit similar ours (they take a kids menu).
Whilst Wye Loma Kitchen has the name "brewery" attached, don't come hither expecting your typical pub grub or brewery food – this is more than innovative, up-calibration nutrient with an emphasis placed on North Carolina ingredients and unique twists on familiar dishes.
- Accost: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh
- Website: WyeHill.com
Other dinner suggestions:
Asian fusion:
- Garland – 1 of the all-time Raleigh restaurants period. Indian & Asian dishes served with a Southern twist, plus arts and crafts cocktails in a chic, playful setting.
Steakhouse:
- Oak Steakhouse – contemporary establishment offer quality steaks cooked right plus seafood, pasta, and desserts. Relaxed temper, first-class service.
Italian:
- Vic's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – casual, affordable and family-friendly. Actually expert pizza and pasta.
- Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar – elevated Italian plates & wines served in a fashionable reclaimed manufactory and patio with a prissy water characteristic.
Vegetarian & vegan:
- Fiction Kitchen – if you're looking for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh, become here!
- Irregardless Buffet – classic Raleigh staple since 1975 offering a global menu of locally sourced fare, plus live music.
Fine dining:
- Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern – an exquisite fine dining feel inside a 2nd Empire Victorian that incorporates beauty, history, Southern charm, gourmet meals and excellent service.
- Crawford & Son – the perfect appointment night experience for those who want an intimate setting with a little buzzy vibe. Casual yet elegant with innovative dishes beautifully presented by award winning chef, Scott Crawford.
Subsequently-dinner drinks or activities
- Watts & Ward – probably our favorite bar in Raleigh (underground bar at to the lowest degree). A arts and crafts cocktail bar founded upon the secret spirit of the 1920s. Leather seating, rustic tables, dim lighting and bookshelves total of history. An inventive cocktail menu and low-key jazz events.
- Bittersweet – locals favorite dessert bar where y'all can go bourbon with your pie, or champagne with your cake, and specialty cocktails.
- The Merchant – beautiful decor, pleasant atmosphere, unique cocktails.
- Any of the confined we mentioned for a pre-dinner drink!
- See a prove at the Performing Arts Center (home to the Carolina Ballet and the NC Symphony), a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater, or live music at The Lincoln Theater.
Where to Stay
The choice of hotels in Raleigh keeps getting improve. Below are our handpicked selection for a short stay:
- Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh – cozy apartment style (all-suite) accommodation, walk to everything in downtown. Cool rooftop bar!
- Marriott Raleigh Urban center Center – in the middle of it all in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville St. Good for leisure or business travel.
- Origin Hotel – one of the newest and boutique Raleigh hotels in downtown on the edge of the Warehouse District.
- The Longleaf Hotel – former motor lodge turned stylish retro hotel and modernized mid-century gem on the border of downtown (8 min walk to Capitol Building).
- Note: if y'all are looking for hotels nearly Raleigh Airport, stay here.
There you have information technology. I hope this guide on what to do in Raleigh NC helps you have a memorable time in the metropolis of oaks. If you have any questions, or suggestions of your own, please leave a comment down below!
Source: https://thisisraleigh.com/what-to-do-in-raleigh-nc/
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