The Bull City is best known for being home to the beautiful and recognizable Duke University. Durham, along with Raleigh and Chapel Hill form the Research Triangle, three North Carolina cities that have internationally renowned research institutions and universities. The town boomed mainly due to the Bull Durham Tobacco Factory, where the famous team and movie, “Bull Durham” got its name.
But, this town has tons more fun things to do, besides baseball and college, of course. In recent years Durham has become a destination for foodies. Aided by the diverse population of Durham, talented chefs are bringing cuisines and techniques from all over. Today, Durham presents itself as a young, liberal, and energetic hub in North Carolina.
Top Things To Do
North Carolina's foodie-centric Durham features various attractions, including plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore—particularly on Duke's campus.
13 Duke Lemur Center
Duke’s gorgeous campus has many sights for college kids, families, and really anyone else to enjoy. One of the more unique attractions in Durham is the Duke Lemur Center. Yep, a whole center devoted to the furry-tailed cuties. The Lemur Center has been at Duke since the 1960s and has been leading the studying and conservation of lemurs ever since.
Until visitors can go on a wildlife tour in Madagascar, the Lemur Center offers the best chance to see these creatures up close. In fact, the center has the largest and most diverse number of lemurs outside of Madagascar.
On-site tours are held May-September. After all, lemurs don’t like cold weather.
- The General Tour: $17 (Adults); $15 (Seniors/Military/Students/Teen/Alumni); $12 (Children 3-12yo); Children under 2yo (Free)
- Private Tour: $175 (Private tour for groups up to 15)
- Walking with Lemurs Tour: $95/person
- Behind the Scenes Tour: $400 (Private tour for groups of up to 4)
- Note: Reservations need to be made weeks in advance, as the tours are popular.
12 The Chapel
While on campus, stop by their beautiful chapel. The Gothic Chapel is probably the first picture when googling Duke. While it was originally Methodist, today it serves all faith groups and is the center for religious groups on Duke’s campus.
Even for those not interested in the religious aspect of the chapel, it is an architectural sight to see, with stunning stonework, woodwork, and stained glass.
- Hours: 10am-8pm (Open to Public)
- Docent-Led Tour: ~12:15pm on Sundays (45-min tour)
- Cost: Free!
11 Sarah P. Duke Gardens
And, one more stop on the Duke Train. The Gardens were named after and financed by Sarah P. Duke, the widow of the University's founder.
The 55-acre series of gardens sit in the center of the famous college. Some of the gardens include a native plant area, an Asiatic Arboretum, and a rose garden perfect for stopping and...smelling the roses.
- Hours Of Operation: 8am-Dusk (Every day)
- Admission Cost: Free! (Not including parking which is $2/hour)
- Trolley Tour: $60/trolley of 1 to 5 people (11am and 2pm)
- Walking Tour: $15/person (10am and 1pm)
- Note: Tours are only available from March-November, on Tuesdays through Fridays.
10 Catch A Durham Bulls Game
Channel Kevin Costner and go watch the famous Durham Bulls. While this minor league team is different from the “Bull Durham” team of old, the charming experience of watching the local team has never left town.
While the Durham Bulls Athletic Park may not be a Fenway Park or Wrigley Field, which people visit just for the stadium, Durham is an important place for baseball and movie lovers alike.
The Athletic Park is the successor to the original park, where most of Bull Durham was filmed, however, the Bull on the outfield wall makes fans feel like Nuke LaLoosh may come to the mound.
- Triple-A Baseball Season: June-September
- Cost: $14-50/person
9 Hike Eno River State Park
North Carolina is known for its natural beauty, with some truly awesome hikes throughout the state. Durham is no exception. Check out the nearby Eno River State Park.
Parkgoers can hike, bike, fish and paddle their way along the river. The park has a unique attraction, one of the two tracks from NASCARs first season. Occoneechee Speedway has since been overgrown with trees, making it a cool stop along a day hike.
- Hours: Dawn-Dusk
- Note: Visitors should be aware that the park is on the ancestral land of the Eno, Shakori, Sissipahaw, Occaneechi peoples, as well as their descendants.
They also have free guided hikes every Sunday at 2 pm.
8 The Museum of Life + Science
Families and lifelong learners will love the Museum of Life + Science. This science museum is an 84-acre campus with something for everyone.
It is really more like a group of museums combined into one huge indoor-outdoor area, with exhibits including one on space, a petting zoo, a butterfly house, a lab, and a train around the campus.
- Hours: Tue-Sun (10am-5pm)
- Cost: General ($23); Seniors/Military ($21); Children 3-12yo ($18); Children 2 and under (Free)
7 Tour The American Tobacco Historic District
Step back into the early industrial days of the city at the American Tobacco Historic District. The tobacco industry was an instrumental part of making Durham what it is today.
When the American Tobacco Factory went out of business, the city used the campus to make a new cultural hub for the city. Restaurants, shops, Bull’s Park, and the Durham Performing Arts Center all live in the historic district.
- Hours: 8am-11am (depending on vendors)
- Cost: Free! (price varies depending on vendors)
6 See A Show At The Carolina Theatre
Keeping on the theme of beautiful architecture, check out the Carolina Theatre. This gorgeous staple in downtown Durham opened in 1926 and continues to show films and live performances for visitors. The theater was host to the Bull Durham world premiere, so it is a big deal.
Visitors can check the theatre’s schedule to see what is playing while they are in town. If travelers can’t make a show, the theater has a history exhibit on each of its floors that are also worth a visit.
- Self-Guided Tour: Mon-Fri (10:30am-5:30pm)
- Cost: All tours are Free! Event pricing varies.
- Note: Guided Tours are available for groups of 25.
5 Best Time To Go
For a Southern city, Durham has a relatively mild climate, making it a great year-round destination. Although humidity can make for very muggy days from July to September. This means the summer and fall months can feel hotter than they are, so don’t just rely on the weather app.
Overall Durham gives visitors nice weather to enjoy a baseball game or one of the gardens.
It is always a good idea to see what events and festivals are happening when traveling. Durham offers tons of festivals throughout the year.
In March and April, visitors can sample the cuisine at the Bull City Food & Beer Experience or the four-day Full Frame Documentary festival. But, really there is something going on in this college town 365 days a year.
4 What To Know When Visiting
While Durham may be most associated with being the home to Duke University, it is not the only place of higher education in Bull City. Before Duke came in 1924, there was North Carolina Central University, the first publicly supported Black Liberal Arts school.
- Durham’s white and black citizens comprise 37% and 40% of the total Durham population, respectively.
While Duke, a predominantly white University, stands out in the public consciousness, the HBCU and the history of black leaders and businesses in the city are vital in understanding present-day Durham.
NCCU’s founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, and the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company founder C.C. Spaulding started the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. The Committee promoted voting rights in the community and is credited for pioneering the sit-ins of white businesses during the Civil Rights Movement.
Durham’s prosperity was in large part thanks to Parrish Street, which housed many black businesses, getting the nickname “Black Wall Street”. Durham became known as the capital for the black middle class, although social stratification still meant there were impoverished members of the population.
The street's prosperity waned in the second half of the 20th century, however, a new revitalization effort is in effect. The city puts on a Black Wall Street: Homecoming event every September, to promote local businesses.
3 Best Ways To Get Around, Where To Stay
While there are plenty of places to rent a car at the Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) or take the scenic route by driving in, there are other great ways to get around the city without a car.
Bus
GoDurham is the city's bus system. The best part is GoDurham and the surrounding bus systems in the Research Triangle are fare-free until June 2023. They started giving fare-free rides at the start of COVID-19 and have kept it up. In order to find stations, routes, or track buses, riders can use the TransLoc app and website.
Google Maps can also be used to plan bus trips. The buses even have free WiFi! As far as public transportation goes, GoDurham is *chef’s kiss*.
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 5:30am-12:30am; Sundays and Holidays: 6:30am-9:30pm
- Note: If visiting after June this year, check the GoDurham website for information on fares.
Biking and Walking
The city is trying to encourage walkers and bikers by putting more paths around Durham. The most popular is the American Tobacco Trail. This 22-mile walking and cycling path throughout the Research Triangle and Durham on an old railroad was once used by the company. It is a great way to take in the natural beauty of Durham while stopping by some of the city attractions.
There are tons of bike and scooter-sharing companies in Durham, like Bird, Blue Duck, and Spin. All of these companies have scooters and bikes for rent, at a similar cost depending on the area. Most likely in Durham, riders will be paying a $1 unlocking fee and pay $0.15 per minute. It is a great option for shorter distances around downtown or Duke’s campus.
The majority of hotels and attractions are in the downtown area, the American Tobacco district, or around Duke University. While walking is possible, when staying in these areas, local attractions are much more accessible.
The American Tobacco campus is near the city center, so staying nearby is probably the best option for efficient travelers. For those wanting the college experience, hanging around the Duke campus is scientifically proven to make visitors smarter. Don’t look it up.
High-End Accommodations:
Springhill Suites By Marriott Durham City View
- Price Range: Starting at $266/night
- Address: 705 South Mangum Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Why Book: A block from downtown, stylish interior with amenities like a business and fitness center.
- Price Range: Starting at $239/night
- Address: 2800 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705
- Why Book: Cool, modern design nearby the Duke campus. Has a bar and restaurant, as well as a fitness and business center.
Mid-Tier Accommodations:
Residence Inn Durham Mcpherson/Duke University Medical Cntr
- Price Range: Starting at $170/night
- Address: 1108 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Why Book: Located between the Duke campus and the Durham Bulls Park with an indoor pool, fitness and business center, bar, and restaurant. It also has a complimentary shuttle service that can be reserved a day ahead of time.
Hampton Inn & Suites Durham North I-85
- Price Range: Starting at $172/night
- Address: 1542 North Gregson Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Why to Book: Has all the amenities of a chain, like a fitness and business center and an indoor pool. It also has a free shuttle service.
Budget Accommodations:
Comfort Inn University Durham - Chapel Hill
- Price Range: Starting at $113/night
- Address: 3508 Mt. Moriah Road, Durham, NC 27707
- Why Book: Includes access to a fitness and business center and an outdoor pool. They have a free shuttle service and a good breakfast.
DoubleTree Raleigh Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park
- Price Range: Starting at $116/night
- Address: 4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham, NC 27703
- Why Book: Located near the airport and has a cozy veranda. Has a fitness and business center, a bar and restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
2 Where To Eat In Durham
Durham has become one of the must-visit cities for foodies in the last few years. Southern Living named Bull City the Tastiest Town in the South. The Universities and tech business hub in nearby Research Park have attracted young talented chefs and entrepreneurs to Durham.
There are plenty of cool eateries, cocktail lounges, breweries, and a state-renowned farmer’s market. But, for a short stay, here are some local favorites.
Breakfast: Foster’s Market
Foster’s Market is a cafe, dinner, and market for prepared food that has been in Durham for three decades. This family-run shop looks like an old country store with its wooded interior, with a spacious outdoor patio. Have some breakfast staples and southern comfort at one of Durham’s favorite spots.
- Hours: 9am-3pm (Every day)
- Cost: $
- Address: 2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham, NC
- Favorite Dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Grits Bowl. Pepper Jelly Grilled Cheese
Lunch: Durham Food Hall
Who doesn’t love a food hall?! The Durham Food Hall has ten local restaurants, as well as the Auctioneer Bar. The community-style seating allows diners to taste all the mini menus in the building. Pizza, Seafood, Indian food, have them one or have them all at the Durham Food Hall.
- Hours: Mon-Thu (6:30am-9pm); Fri (6:30am-10pm); Sat (7am-10pm); Sun (7am-9pm)
- Cost: $-$$$
- Address: 530 Foster St, Suite 1 Durham, NC 27701
Dinner: Vin Rouge
This upscale French restaurant is the go-to for Durham residents looking to celebrate. The cozy but classy atmosphere is reminiscent of a Parisian Bistro. This sh-mancy vibe extends to the patio and garden making for a lovely dining experience.
- Hours: Tue-Sun (5pm-9pm); Sunday Brunch (10:30am-2pm)
- Cost: $$$
- Address: 2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705
- Favorite Dishes: French Onion Soup, Escargot, Lemon Tart
Drinks: The Corpse Reviver Bar and Lounge
Durham loves a good drink, in case readers couldn't tell from the early beer festival. Corpse Reviver is the on-site bar and lounge for the Durham Distillery, serving the best of the local spirits. Visitors can take a peek at the distillery and then head down for some sampling.
- Hours: Wed-Sat (4pm-11pm); Sun (2pm-8pm)
- Cost: $$$
- Address: 715 Washington Street Suite B "Conniption Lane" Durham, NC 27701
- Favorite Drinks: Corpse Reviver #2, A Winter’s Haiku, The Pink Panther
1 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Durham
Pick up a breakfast burrito and some coffee to go from Foster’s Market, because there are tons of stuff to do. Head over to Duke’s campus and take a morning walk through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. For those that reserved tickets in advance, the next stop is the Lemur Center. The last sight on the campus is the famous Duke Chapel for a quick peek around.
The Durham Food Hall will give visitors a chance to sample some of the city's best restaurants. Nearby downtown is the Carolina Theatre, open for some self-guided tours. After hanging indoors for a while, those looking for some fresh air can walk a trail in Eno River State Park. The American Tobacco Trail will also take walkers to the historic district, where people can eat, shop and enjoy the industrial old factory.
After running around all day, freshen up before dining at the fancy Vin Rouge. If the weather is nice and baseball is in season, catch a Durham Bulls game. To round out the day, stop by the Corpse Reviver Bar and Lounge to try some cocktails made from the spirits produced at the Durham Distillery.
FAQ
Q: What is Durham known for?
Durham is best known for being the home of Duke University and featured in the baseball Bull Durham. Although, there are tons of fun things to do in the Bull City.
Q: Is Durham close to Raleigh?
Durham is close to the capital city of Raleigh, at around a 30-minute drive without traffic.
Q: Is Durham a foodie town?
Yes! In recent years, Durham has been recognized for their food scene. They have some of the best restaurants and bars in the South and one of the nicest farmer's markets in the state.