Things to do in Durham

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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Durham NC banner on white
The Revitalized Retail and Office Center of The American Tobacco Historical District, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Idyllic scene of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush trees at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC
Duke Gardens in Durham , North Carolina
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Most popular activities in Durham

Tours & day trips

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Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥14,783 per adult
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From BrevardOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activities
Durham: True Crime Tour

Durham: True Crime Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥2,988 per adult
Durham: True Crime TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥14,783 per adult
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From BrevardOpens in new tab

What to do in Durham

Discover the most popular places to visit in Durham

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
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
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
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
Historic UNC hall

Franklin Street

During your visit to Chapel Hill, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Franklin Street. Visit the area's cathedral, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Franklin Street
This is a part of the blackened tuna nachos. So good! They have really unique food combining fish and beef!

North Hills Shopping Center

You can do some window-shopping at North Hills Shopping Center during your visit to Raleigh. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

North Hills Shopping Center

Popular day trips from Durham

Aerial view of Raleigh, North Carolina skyline on a sunny day.

Raleigh

A lonely heron!

Apex

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

Chapel Hill

Houses by the Cary Lake Park under golden light sunset on a winter day

Cary

Colorful trees lining coutry lane

Hillsborough

Wide Angle Panoramic Sunny Daytime Drone Image of Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA Featuring the Downtown Historic District, Businesses, and Residential Developments: Tourism, Real Estate, Travel

Wake Forest

Pond with a farm with a barn and silo in the background

Butner

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Durham.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Museum of Life and Science and Duke Lemur Center are two awesome places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Durham while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
You can't go home without checking out Carolina Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Carolina Theatre, Museum of Life and Science and American Tobacco Campus. The average stay in Durham is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Raleigh isn't far away.
Is Durham a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to see and do in Durham. Several key attractions, such as Carolina Theatre and Museum of Life and Science, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's best neighborhoods, Downtown Durham is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Duke Park is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Durham for adults including Fullsteam Brewery and Honey Girl Meadery.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Durham. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. American Tobacco Campus is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.