Your guide to Raleigh

North Carolina’s capital sits halfway between the mountains and the sea. And that’s about the only thing this city does halfway. Raleigh mixes college town flair with heaping scoops of the great outdoors. Explore its forested hikes, world-class museums and some of the South’s most underrated barbecue. Got time to spare? Side trips to neighbouring Durham and Chapel Hill are a must. Get inspired with our Raleigh travel guide.

Garrett Poulos

Raleigh highlights

Get outdoors

You’re rarely out of sight of an oak tree in Raleigh, a city with more than 200 parks. Relax in a sunflower field in Dorothea Dix Park, or explore the many walking and cycling routes. There’s kayaking and rowing on the nearby lakes, plus hiking and horseback riding at William B Umstead State Park. Or hop on the carousel at Pullen Park, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

Feast on art

For a cheap culture fix on your stay in Raleigh, visit its galleries, many of which are free. The ‘Art to Heart’ cycle route begins at the North Carolina Museum of Art and ends downtown. Here, you’ll find the Contemporary Art Museum and Gregg Museum of Art & Design, as well as Artspace, a collection of working studios in the city’s former livery.

Where to stay

Downtown has plenty of business hotels to service the crowds at the Raleigh Convention Center. Newer accommodation offerings reflect Raleigh’s increasingly hip vibes. Find loft-style spaces in the Warehouse District near the renovated train station and luxury boutiques in historic neighbourhoods like Boylan Heights. Outside the centre, look for spa hotels and garden inns in the leafy suburbs of Apex and Cary.

Raleigh: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season	June - July
Low season	January - February

Garrett Poulos

Things to do in Raleigh

Shopping

Raleigh’s hip downtown is a great place to buy one-of-a-kind pieces from independent stores, be it custom jewellery, upcycled clothing or gourmet chocolates. Fashionistas will love the designer boutiques in the Village District and North Hills neighbourhoods. Head to the old state fairground on the weekend to get your antiquing on at one of North Carolina’s best flea markets.

Places to eat

Alfresco is the way to dine in Raleigh. Cafe tables line the footpath, and food trucks roam the streets. Expect Southern flavours with a modern take here. The barbecue and fried chicken come in a myriad of styles, and there’s even more variety at the city’s food halls and craft breweries. The vast State Farmers Market, with its fresh, colourful produce, opens daily.

Take in the culture

With three nearby universities, it’s no wonder Raleigh’s educational attractions are world-class. Dinosaurs do battle at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the largest natural sciences museums in the US. And like the North Carolina Museum of History, admission is free! The city also houses collections celebrating Harley-Davidsons, sporting legends and many more. The hands-on Marbles Kids Museum is popular with families.

FAQs about visiting Raleigh

What language is spoken in Raleigh?

You'll catch most conversations in English. Picking up some local phrases and greetings can be a great way to spark conversations and connect with others during your city break in Raleigh.

What is the coldest month in Raleigh?

Plan your Raleigh trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -2ºC (28ºF) is as cold as it gets.

What currency is used in Raleigh?

The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, carrying some cash while in Raleigh is wise.

How many days do you need for a visit to Raleigh?

That depends on where you're arriving from and what activities you want to pack your stay in Raleigh with. Three to five days is plenty of time to visit the major sights if you live close by. If you're travelling from afar, you'll want to maximise your time. Book for a week or more to take in the highlights and discover the surrounding areas.

What is the hottest month in Raleigh?

The warmest month in Raleigh is July, which sees maximum temperatures of 33ºC (91ºF).

What is the rainiest month in Raleigh?

The wettest month is September, which receives an average rainfall of 15 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Raleigh trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping, discovering museums, or checking out cosy cafes.

Is it safe to visit Raleigh?

You can generally count on your stay in Raleigh to be a safe and enjoyable experience, especially if you're staying within the main tourist hubs. However, it's always good to take some precautions to ensure your trip goes smoothly. For example, keep your belongings in a safe place, stay alert to your surroundings, and stick to well-lit streets after dark.

Is Raleigh a good place to visit?

Whether you're just getting started or returning for more, this city knows how to leave you wanting more. If taking in top sights is on your list of things to do in Raleigh, you'll want to include SKEMA Business School - Raleigh and Quorum Centre.

How expensive is a trip to Raleigh?

Hotels in Raleigh can be good value, although prices do rise when there’s a big conference in town. There are many free things to keep you occupied, and while this cosmopolitan city has plenty of fine dining, the food trucks and halls also offer a variety of cheap eats.

When is the best time to visit Raleigh?

There’s plenty to see year-round in this cosmopolitan city. But with high temperatures through July and August, Raleigh’s outdoorsy character is best enjoyed in the spring and autumn. Flights and hotels to Raleigh are often at their cheapest in the winter months.

Is Raleigh a good city break?

With so many cultural institutions on offer, you can pack plenty into a short trip to Raleigh, especially if you stay centrally. Remember that Chapel Hill and Durham are only a short drive away — once you’re here, it’s worth exploring them too.