Things to do in Durham

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Things to do

The Original Raleigh Ghost Walk

The Original Raleigh Ghost Walk

￥3,352
per adult
The Original Raleigh Ghost Walk
Raleigh Express 1 Hour Rydables Tour

Raleigh Express 1 Hour Rydables Tour

￥11,013
per adult
Raleigh Express 1 Hour Rydables Tour
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What to do in Durham

Stay near popular Durham attractions

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Photo by Mandy Shaw
Open Photo by Mandy Shaw

Duke University Chapel

9.2/10 (433 reviews)
Duke Chapel's soaring Gothic tower and stained-glass windows create a spiritual sanctuary on Duke's campus. Visit mid-morning when sunlight transforms the interior into a kaleidoscope of vibrant color.
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Where to stay in Durham

Find the best Durham areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Durham
Learn more about Durham
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Photo by Phil Vignola Jr.
Open Photo by Phil Vignola Jr.

Downtown Durham

While visiting Downtown Durham, you might make a stop by sights like Carolina Theatre and Durham Performing Arts Center.

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Photo by Martin Humpherson
Open Photo by Martin Humpherson

American Tobacco District

While visiting American Tobacco District, you might make a stop by sights like American Tobacco Campus and Durham Performing Arts Center.

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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Carolina Theatre and Brightleaf Square.

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9th Street District

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit 9th Street District. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a few notable attractions nearby.

Golden Belt Historic District

While Golden Belt Historic District might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus.

Popular day trips from Durham

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Raleigh

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Apex

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Chapel Hill

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Cary

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Hillsborough

A suburban area with dense greenery, residential houses, and a large industrial complex.

Wake Forest

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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.