Best Things To Do in Raleigh, North Carolina

Are you looking for what to do in Raleigh?

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Being North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh is bound to be an important tourist destination because of its rich history and economic prosperity throughout the ages. The city proudly plays home to various prestigious institutions like the North Carolina State University, Legislative Building, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and incredible museums that shows the city’s dedication towards education and their love for the fine arts.

Even if you are one of those who like some hands on action, there is no end to what you can do in Raleigh. People can also choose to take a stroll through any of the countless parks and wildlife retreats or just go to some of the hippest parts of town for a day of joyful shopping, late night partying or savoring some delightful cuisine. There are many water parks and adventure parks in and around the city that are very popular amongst kids and adults alike. All in all, Raleigh never ceases to impress as the perfect vacation retreat.

Below we have a list of things to do in Raleigh and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Raleigh getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Raleigh with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Raleigh

Here is the list of things to do in Raleigh and tourist attractions in city.

  1. North Carolina Museum Of Natural Sciences

    Museum

    The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the oldest museum in North Carolina and the largest of its kind in the whole of Southeast US. The museum basically consists of four institutions – the Nature Exploration Center, Nature Research Center, Prairie Ridge Ecostation satellite facility and the North Carolina Museum of Forestry. The Museum has an extensive collection of dinosaurs, ...Read more
  2. Pullen Park

    4.7 (309 Votes)
    Pullen Park

    Amusement Park, Park

    The Pullen Park in Raleigh is the oldest public park in North Carolina and 5th oldest amusement parks in US. The park was established in 1887 and is spread over an area of 66 acres. The park has a concessions stand, picnic area and several small rides like the Pullen Park Carousel, train and pedal boats to be ridden on the park’s own pond. The Pullen Aquatic Center, Pullen Arts Center and...Read more
  3. JC Raulston Arboretum

    4.8 (187 Votes)
    JC Raulston Arboretum

    Botanical Garden

    The JC Raulston Arboretum is a botanical garden which is looked after by the North Carolina State University. The 10 acre arboretum is nationally acclaimed because of the large and diverse collection of plants and flowers the facility houses. Some of the highly acclaimed gardens within the park are the Japanese garden, Paradise garden and the Winter Garden. Large number of people flock annually...Read more
  4. Neuse River Trail

    5 (97 Votes)
    Neuse River Trail

    Outdoors, Trail, Nature

    The Neuse River Trail is a 30 mile long paved pathway that has been especially set aside for recreational use and environmental protection in the Research Triangle area around the city of Raleigh. The pathway is quite easy to traverse on cycle or foot and provides majestic views of the wildlife and natural beauty around the path. Only thing to look out for are the occasional snake that might cr...Read more
  5. State Farmers Market

    4.7 (123 Votes)
    State Farmers Market

    Market

    The State Farmers Market in Raleigh city is quite a popular shopping destination for buying fresh produce, plants and other specialty products which are produced on the local nearby farms. There are also other shops here which sell delightful products like meats, bakery items, cheeses, crafts and wines. There is also a Market Imports shop there which deals in fountains, pots, furniture, ironwor...Read more
  6. Raleigh Convention Center

    4.6 (88 Votes)
    Raleigh Convention Center

    Convention Center, Hall

    The Raleigh Convention Center is an exhibition and convention facility that opened up in September 2008 in Raleigh. The structure is a 3 storey behemoth that has multiple meeting rooms, ballroom and an exhibit hall. In the past the convention center has hosted many fabulous events like the highly popular Comic Con Raleigh. Need we give you any more reasons to start scheduling a visit to the Ral...Read more
  7. North Carolina State University

    Educational Site, University

    The North Carolina State University is a highly popular public, coeducational research university in Raleigh and is a corner of the Research Triangle along with Duke University and University of North Carolina. The campus has had several notable alumni in its illustrious history. The campus is a beautiful combination of natural beauty, serene landscape and typical college life atmosphere. It is...Read more
  8. Crabtree Valley Mall

    4.2 (64 Votes)
    Crabtree Valley Mall

    Entertainment, Mall, Shopping Center

    The Crabtree Valley Mall is a full fledged shopping mall incorporating over 220 shops to become the largest enclosed shopping mall in the Research Triangle area. The mall originally opened up in 1972 and from the very beginning started attracting people from all over central and eastern North Carolina. Some of the shops in the mall are The Cheesecake Factory, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse &a...Read more
  9. Historic Oakwood Cemetery

    4.6 (186 Votes)
    Historic Oakwood Cemetery

    War Memorial, Cemetery

    Lying just next to the Historic Oakwood society lies the Oakwood Cemetery which is the resting place of approximately 2800 Confederate soldiers, five Civil War generals, seven governors and countless U.S. Senators. The Cemetery was constructed in 1869 and serves as an outstanding example of Victorian landscaping and mortuary art spread over 102 acres. Taking a walk through the cemetery can over...Read more
  10. Raleigh Little Theatre And Rose Garden

    Garden, Walking Area, Entertainment, Performance

    The Raleigh Little Theatre is a small but beautifully done up community theatre in Raleigh which usually produces 10 to 11 productions in a year and also owns an extensive theatre education program for youths and adults alike. Adjacent to this compound is the Rose Garden, which is one of the 3 accredited gardens in North Carolina. The garden has 60 beds with almost 56 varieties of rose. Though ...Read more
  11. North Carolina Symphony

    4.8 (45 Votes)
    North Carolina Symphony

    Entertainment, Performance

    The North Carolina Symphony is one of the finest and in fact the first state supported symphony in the whole county. It was founded in 1932 and has now become an important and honored part of North Carolina’s cultural life. They host a lot of shows throughout the year and have a huge fan following in the whole state. Many visitors from outside flock over to Raleigh to catch a sight of the...Read more
  12. Duke Energy Center For The Performing Arts

    Performance, Theatre, Concert

    Ask anyone in Raleigh about the main venue for performing arts and events and the answer will be the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts. The center is actually made up of different venues like the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Kennedy Theater and many more. The Meymandi Concert Hall is in fact the home for the North Carolina Symphony. Attending an event here will be a very culturally learnin...Read more
  13. City Market

    4.1 (198 Votes)
    City Market

    Market

    The City Market in Raleigh was first established in October 1914 amidst a great buzz and some dire requirement by the townsfolk for a central market area. Soon this area was a busy section of the town filled with sellers showing of their wares and enthusiastic buyers from all over North Carolina swarming in to take a look. Here you can find anything that your shopaholic heart desires and still ...Read more
  14. Raleigh Flea Market

    4.5 (8 Votes)
    Raleigh Flea Market

    Flea Market

    The Raleigh Flea market is what exactly it sounds like, but there is more to it than just a flea market where many sellers put up their stalls to sell their wares. It has become more of a tradition in the Triangle area ever since it first began in 1971. There hasn’t been any looking back from those times, and the event has only grown from strength to strength. Pay a visit to the flea mark...Read more
  15. Shelley Lake

    4.6 (69 Votes)
    Shelley Lake

    Park, Lake

    The Shelley Lake Park offers 2 miles worth of a paved, scenic greenway winding all around the lake and is also equipped with basketball courts, playgrounds for kids of different ages and the Sertoma Arts center where classes and workshops of painting, photography, pottery and such other fun activities are offered. The trail provides with beautiful views of the lake and the landscape around and ...Read more