Durham, a vibrant city situated in the North East of England, is easily one of the most beautiful places you can visit.
With its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, Durham has something to offer everyone who visits it. But before you start planning your trip, get all the best tips and tricks from this Durham travel guide! We’ll tell you about all the must-see attractions and where to find the best food in town.
Introduction to Durham
Durham is a historic city in the north-east of England. The city has a rich heritage and is home to a number of important buildings and landmarks. Durham is also a popular destination for tourists, with a number of attractions and activities to enjoy.
If you’re planning a trip to Durham, then be sure to check out this travel guide. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Durham, including the best things to see and do in the city.
Tourist Attractions
There’s plenty to see and do in Durham, North Carolina! This vibrant city is home to a variety of tourist attractions, from historic sites to museums and more.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Durham is the Duke University campus. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the beautiful grounds, explore the Duke Chapel, and visit the Duke University Museum of Art. Other popular attractions on or near campus include the Nasher Museum of Art and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
For history buffs, Durham is home to a number of historic sites, including the Bennett Place Historic Site and the Bulls Athletic Park & Museum. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, there are also several interactive museums in town, such as the Museum of Life and Science and the Carolina Moor ings Museum.
If you’re in the mood to catch a show, Durham is also home to an incredible theater scene. Check out performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center and Carolina Theatre, or take in a movie at Cinema Village 12 or Northgate Stadium 10.
Durham also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the World Beer Festival and Moogfest. Additionally, there are plenty of parks and rec facilities in town for outdoor recreation, such as Eno River State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, and Duke Forest. With so much to see and do in Durham, it’s no wonder that this city attracts thousands of tourists every year!
Where to Stay in Durham
Durham offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury hotels and apartments to more affordable options like hostels and Airbnbs. For those looking for a luxurious stay, the Durham Marriott City Center is a great option, offering 4-star accommodations and stunning views of the city. The 21c Museum Hotel is another great choice for luxury seekers, as it combines stylish rooms with world-class contemporary art on display throughout the hotel.
For those traveling on a budget, there are plenty of great accommodation options in Durham as well. The Aloft Raleigh-Durham Airport Brier Creek is a convenient and affordable hotel near the airport, while the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel is a good option for those looking to be closer to downtown. Hostels like The Bull City Hostel and The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club offer cheap beds and shared dormitory-style rooms, perfect for budget-minded travelers. Lastly, there are many great Airbnbs available throughout Durham, ranging from private rooms to entire homes.
Where to Eat in Durham
There are so many great places to eat in Durham! The city has a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a fine dining experience.
Some of our favorite places to eat in Durham include:
-The Pit: This barbecue spot is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed.
-Mateo: If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, Mateo is the place for you. The menu features creative takes on classic Spanish dishes, and the wine list is impressive.
-Poole’s Diner: This retro diner is perfect for breakfast or lunch. The food is comfort classics done right, and the milkshakes are out of this world.
-Fosters Market: Fosters is the place to go for farm-fresh produce, sandwiches, and salads. Everything is made fresh in-house daily, and they even offer delivery!
-Bull City Burger & Brewery: This gastropub is a great option for lunch or dinner. The burgers are juicy, the craft beers are cold, and the atmosphere is fun.
-Scratch Kitchen: This spot is known for using seasonal, local ingredients in all of their dishes. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Transportation Options
Whether you’re visiting Durham for business or pleasure, there are plenty of transportation options to get you around town. For those who prefer to drive, there are numerous parking options available throughout the city. Public transportation is also an option, with several bus routes running throughout Durham. If you’re looking for a more unique way to get around, consider renting a bicycle from one of the many bike-sharing stations located around town. No matter how you choose to get around, you’ll be able to explore all that Durham has to offer.
Shopping Opportunities
Durham is home to a variety of shopping opportunities, from big box stores to local boutiques. Durhamites love to shop local, and there are plenty of options for doing so.
The Streets at Southpoint is the largest mall in the area and features a variety of stores, from high-end retailers to fast fashion brands. For more unique finds, head to the shops on Ninth Street or Brightleaf Square. Independent bookstores, vintage stores, and locally-owned gift shops abound in Durham.
When it comes to food, Durham has no shortage of great options. The Durham Farmers Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, and more from local vendors. There are also several excellent markets and grocery stores throughout the city.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Durham is home to many beautiful parks and trails perfect for a day of outdoor recreation. Some of our favorites include the Eno River State Park, Duke Forest, and the American Tobacco Trail.
Eno River State Park is a 4,200 acre state park that features hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and camping. The park has over 30 miles of trails to explore, including the popular hikers-only Bachelor’s Loop Trail.
Duke Forest is a 7,000 acre forest owned by Duke University. The forest offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as a Canopy Tour for those looking for a little thrill.
The American Tobacco Trail is a 22-mile multi-use trail that runs from Durham to Wake County. The trail is perfect for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading and passes through some of Durham’s most historic neighborhoods.
Annual Events in Durham
Durham is home to a number of annual events, many of which are popular tourist attractions. The Durham Bulls baseball team hosts the Durham Bulls Athletic Park each year, and the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team also calls the city home. The American Dance Festival is held annually at Duke University, and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival takes place downtown. Other popular events include the Art of Cool Jazz Fest, the Bull City Black Film Festival, and the NC Pride Parade & Festival.
Tips for Visiting Durham
If you’re planning a visit to Durham, North Carolina, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Durham is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, but it also has its own unique culture and personality. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
1. Explore Durham’s diverse neighborhoods. Durham is home to a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. Take some time to explore them all and find your favorite.
2. Eat your way through the city. Durham has a thriving food scene, with everything from farm-to-table restaurants to food trucks. Be sure to try some of the local favorites while you’re in town.
3. Check out the local arts scene. Durham is home to a number of art galleries, museums, and performances venues. There’s always something new to see in the city’s vibrant arts community.
4. Spend some time outdoors. Durham is situated in the beautiful Piedmont region of North Carolina, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
5. Get to know the locals. One of the best ways to experience Durham is by chatting with the friendly locals. They’ll be happy to share their insider knowledge about the city with you.
By following these tips, you’ll get the most out of your visit to Durham, North Carolina. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, there’s something here for everyone.
Durham is a great city to explore if you are looking for something new. From the bustling downtown area with locals, students and tourists alike, to the stunning historical sites that still take your breath away as they did centuries ago; Durham has it all. With so much to offer everyone, Durham is an essential destination when exploring North Carolina. We hope our guide has helped show you why Durham should be on your list of places to visit next. So book now and enjoy all that this incredible city can offer!
