What to do in Durham, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

The Revitalized Retail and Office Center of The American Tobacco Historical District, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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
Durham, North Carolina, USA Skyline.

Durham Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Durham has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Durham is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Durham to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Durham Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Durham.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Durham attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Durham

Discover the most popular places to visit in Durham

durham north carolina

Duke University

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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
0_65015416

North Carolina State University

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

4/5(1 review)

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
Not many flowers on the beach - had a bad winter I guess

Lenovo Center

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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

3.5/5(3 reviews)

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

University of North Carolina

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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
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

Crabtree Valley Mall

3.5/5(5 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Crabtree Valley Mall during your trip to Raleigh. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Crabtree Valley Mall

Duke University Hospital

5/5(1 review)

Though Duke University Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Durham while you are here.

Duke University Hospital

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Durham

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

Raleigh

A lonely heron!

Apex

Lake Crabtree County Park, morrisville,nc

Morrisville

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 Centre 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 neighbourhoods, Downtown Durham is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Duke Park is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 neighbourhoods, 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia