23+ Awesome Things To Do in Durham

Durham is one of my favorite places to visit in North Carolina. Known today for its vibrant creative culture, including innovative chefs, cozy cocktail bars, indie shops, and inspiring art galleries, Durham also has a rich and storied past.

Originally a railroad depot, Durham quickly rose to national prominence as the heart of North Carolina’s tobacco industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its success gave rise to iconic companies like the American Tobacco Company and helped shape the city’s skyline with historic brick warehouses and factories, many of which have been thoughtfully restored into restaurants, art spaces, and offices. Alongside this industrial growth, Durham’s Black Wall Street flourished, making it one of the most prosperous African American business districts in the country during the early 20th century.

Today, Durham blends its industrial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit with a thriving arts scene and culinary renaissance. It is easy to see why Vogue shared that Durham is North Carolina’s hippest city.

I am sharing 23+ of my favorite things to do in Durham, whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or just looking to explore more of the creative energy in the Bull City. You can see even more Durham favorites here.

This post was originally published in June 2017 in partnership with Discover Durham and has been refreshed and updated for 2025.

23+ Awesome Things To Do in Durham

What to Do in Durham

Explore Durham’s Art Galleries

David and I love exploring local art galleries, and Durham has an incredible scene. Favorites include Ella West Gallery, 5 Points Gallery, and the rotating contemporary exhibits at the 21c Museum Hotel. Grab a cocktail from the bar at The Counting House before exploring the exhibit. These galleries showcase a mix of emerging and established artists, offering something new each visit. Do not miss the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Nasher is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and they are celebrating all year long. Nasher features eight extensive galleries and often features artists and artwork focused on the diaspora. For a full list of art galleries in Durham, check out this page.

Shop Sustainable Style at Vert & Vogue

Vert & Vogue curates a shop filled with beautiful, personal fashion for women, including shoes and accessories, and a dynamic selection of home goods. They take a thoughtful approach to style, community impact, and environmental responsibility. While you can drop by the shop during business hours, Vert & Vogue really sets themselves apart is their personal styling. By making an appointment, the stylists will curate a collection just for you.

Vert & Vogue is at 353 W Main St, Durham.

Cool Off with Ice Cream at The Parlour

The Parlour serves some of the best ice cream in North Carolina. My go-to is the salted butter caramel. Grab your cone and enjoy it outside in CCB Plaza—perfect for people-watching on a sunny afternoon.

The flagship Parlour is at 117 Market St, Durham, NC 27701.

Stroll the Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Photo via North American Japanese Garden Association

The iconic Sarah P. Duke Gardens are a must-visit among the North Carolina gardens, with 55 acres of beautifully designed landscapes and four distinct garden areas. Admission is free; paid parking is available nearby. Whether you are enjoying a solo stroll or an afternoon picnic, it is the perfect nature escape.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens are at 2000 Lewis St, Durham.

Hike the Trails at the Eno River State Park

Eno River State Park offers miles of scenic trails, peaceful river views, and places to picnic or fish. It is also dog-friendly—our pup, Winston, loves cooling off in the river. Do not miss the annual Festival for the Eno each summer, featuring live music, local artisans, and food trucks. Do check for closures or any additional updates, especially with the recent flooding the area has experienced before making your plans.

Eno River State Park Visitor Center is at 6131 Cole Mill Rd, Durham. More trail accesses are available, too.

Cheer for the Durham Bulls

Catch a game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home to the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. This family-friendly ballpark hosts special events like Bark in the Park and has top-notch food and drink options.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park is at 409 Blackwell St, Durham.

Shop Local Favorites

Durham’s small businesses are some of my favorites in North Carolina. Some of my must-visits while in town are:

• Chet Miller: home decor and quirky gifts (Chet Miller is at 2631 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham)
• Cocoa Cinnamon: with three charming locations, this coffee shop offers expertly brewed drinks using ethically sourced beans and has become a beloved local gathering place (Three locations: 420 W Geer St., 2013 Chapel Hill Rd Suite A, and 2627 Hillsborough Rd, Durham)
• Letters Community Bookshop: A cozy, community co-op bookshop with a well-curated selection of new titles and used books, perfect for browsing or picking up your next great read (116 W Main St, Durham). You can see more of my favorite bookshops in the area here.
• LouElla Wine, Beer & Beverages: a cozy natural wine shop and bar perfect for relaxed sipping (LouElla Wine, Beer, & Beverages is at 316 W Geer St A, Durham)
• Parker & Otis: part boutique, part market, part café (Parker & Otis is at 324 Blackwell St Bay 4, Durham)
• Smitten Boutique: stylish clothing, accessories, and home goods from independent designers (Smitten Boutique is at 2702 Hillsborough Rd, Durham)

Tour the Duke Chapel

Duke Chapel is breathtaking year-round, and is especially magical during the holidays. Take a self-guided tour or attend a concert, especially Handel’s The Messiah, during the holiday season. Be sure to check out the events calendar here when planning your trip.

Duke Chapel is at 401 Chapel Dr, Durham.

See a Show at Carolina Theatre

This historic venue hosts concerts, classic films, comedy, and more. Carolina Theatre is an intimate setting to see both big-name acts and indie favorites. Check their events calendar for upcoming shows. Check out our date night itinerary from our first time at Carolina Theatre here.

Carolina Theatre is at 309 W Morgan St, Durham.

Visit the Hayti Heritage Center

Photo via Discover Durham

Located in the historically Black Hayti neighborhood, the Hayti Heritage Center is a cultural arts center that preserves and promotes African American heritage through performances, exhibits, and festivals. Check their events calendar for film screenings, spoken word nights, and more. 2025 marks their 50th anniversary in the community!

Hayti Heritage Center is at 804 Old Fayetteville St, Durham.

Try Goat Yoga at Avery Family Farm

Spend an afternoon unwinding at this family-run farm where you can practice yoga (or just snuggle goats—I won’t judge). It is a wholesome, joyful way to connect with animals and nature. Goat yoga not your thing? There are so many other things to do, including farm tours, tea parties with goats, healing retreats, and more. Here is an events calendar of all public events.

Avery Family Farm is at 1923 Shaw Rd, Durham.

Bike the American Tobacco Trail

Photo via TrailLink

Stretching over 22 miles, the American Tobacco Trail is perfect for biking, jogging, or walking. The paved downtown Durham section makes it easy to hop on for a short ride or a longer weekend adventure. When I was training for half marathons, the Tobacco Trail was a favorite of mine since it was so easy to access and get the miles I needed in one easy place. Check out their annual race here!

American Tobacco Trail – Durham Section is at Corner of Morehead and Blackwell Streets.

Catch a Broadway Show at Durham Performing Arts Center

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is one of the top-ranked theaters in the U.S., hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and comedians. Located in the American Tobacco District, it is surrounded by great restaurants and bars, making it the perfect night out. Pro tip: Make it a staycation and check in to the 21c Museum Hotel!

Durham Performing Arts Center is at 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham.

Peruse the Durham Farmers’ Market

Photo via NC State Extension

Held on Saturdays (and select weekdays), the Durham Farmers’ Market is a lively event in Durham Central Park that features fresh produce, local baked goods, and handmade gifts. Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Mt. Merrill playground or a food truck brunch.

The Durham Farmers’ Market is at 501 Foster St, Durham.

Where to Eat in Durham

Share Tots and Caviar at Alley Twenty Six

Alley Twenty Six is an award-winning cocktail bar that also serves a stellar food menu. The tots and caviar are an unexpectedly perfect pairing—playful, salty, and elevated. Pair with a house cocktail and enjoy the swanky-yet-welcoming downtown vibe. Do not skip the burger to make it a full meal, too!

Alley Twenty Six is at 320 E Chapel Hill St STE 200, Durham.

Relax on the Patio at Geer St. Garden

This laid-back eatery in a converted gas station has one of the best patios in Durham. I love the Cobb salad and local beer selection at Geer Street Garden.

Geer Street Garden is at 644 Foster St, Durham.

Have a Tapas Dinner at Mateo Bar de Tapas

One of the most memorable meals I have ever had was at Mateo Bar de Tapas. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and the small plates and wine list are top-tier. Order the roasted marrow, Almejas, which are little neck clams served with boiled peanuts, and potatoes bravas.

See more here (from my V early days of blogging).

Mateo Bar de Tapas is at 109 W Chapel Hill St, Durham.

Explore Chef Michael Lee’s Durham Restaurants

Chef Michael Lee has made a name for himself with a series of intimate, inspired restaurants in downtown Durham. I could not pick a favorite one, so I wrote a review of all of them here. His current Durham lineup includes:

• M Sushi: A refined and minimalist sushi experience with fresh, high-quality ingredients (M Sushi is at 311 Holland St, Durham)
• M Kokko: Specializing in Korean comfort food like chicken sandwiches and ramen (M Kokko is at 311 Holland St Suite B, Durham)
• M Tempura: A sophisticated take on tempura with an omakase-style menu (M Tempura is at 111 Orange St, Durham)
• M Pocha: A lively, casual Korean pub offering inventive street food and small plates (M Pocha is at 101 E Chapel Hill St, Durham)

Each spot feels unique while maintaining Lee’s signature attention to detail and hospitality.

Enjoy a Cozy Dinner at Nanas Rockwood

This beloved Durham institution has been reimagined as Nanas Rockwood, offering elevated seasonal Southern cuisine in a cozy, elegant setting. It is one of my top picks for a memorable dinner or romantic night out. Order The Duke Martini, the tuna carpaccio, and the grits soufflé, though the menu changes frequently.

Nanas Rockwood is at 2514 University Dr, Durham.

Grab Eastern NC BBQ at Picnic

I am a self-proclaimed eastern North Carolina BBQ connoisseur and I can confirm that Picnic never disappoints. The vinegar-based pulled pork and crispy fried okra are standouts.Try their chocolate chess pie, too!

Picnic BBQ is at 1647 Cole Mill Rd, Durham.

Order Hush-Honeys at Saltbox Seafood Joint

Saltbox Seafood Joint is a Durham institution for a reason. Their seafood is fresh and simply prepared, and the hush-honeys are a *cannot* miss side.

Saltbox Seafood Joint is at 2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham.

Other Favorite Places to Eat:

• Bull City Burger and Brewery: classic burgers & house brews (Bull City Burger & Brewery is at 107 E Parrish St, Durham).
• Guglhupf: European bakery & café (Gulghupf is at 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham).
• Parts & Labor: global street food inside Motorco Music Hall (Parts & Labor is at 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham).

Where to Drink in Durham

Experience the Gin Bar at Conniption Bar & Lounge

Located below Durham Distillery, Conniption Bar & Lounge specializes in cocktails featuring their award-winning Conniption Gin. The space is housed in a historic former coffin shop—spooky and chic. They offer really great seasonal cocktails, amazing pop-up events, and delicious small bites. See how I use Conniption Navy Strength Gin for dirty martinis here.

Conniption Bar & Lounge is at 715 Washington St STE B, Durham.

Watch the Sunset at The Durham Hotel Rooftop

This mid-century boutique hotel has a rooftop bar with some of the best sunset views in the city. Whatever you do, do not miss their homemade nutty buddy ice cream cones.

The Durham Hotel is at 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham.

Enjoy Inventive Cocktails at Kingfisher

Kingfisher is a cozy, speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a seasonal, locally sourced menu and a stylish, welcoming vibe. Passion for community shines in every detail and their craft cocktails. They also offer seasonal small plates and a fun concept, Roadrunner, a retro camper bar parked out back and open Thursdays-Saturdays with live music.

Kingfisher is at 321 E Chapel Hill St, Durham.

Hang on the Ponysaurus Patio

Ponysaurus Brewing is a laid-back hangout with food trucks, local beer, and its own pizza kitchen, Little Pizza Box. It is perfect for sunny afternoons and casual evenings with friends, plus is pet-friendly.

Ponysaurus Brewing is at 219 Hood Street, Durham.

Sip Frosé at the Patio at the Unscripted Hotel

The rooftop pool at the Unscripted Hotel is one of the best places to cool down in the summer. Their frosé and lively events calendar (think DJ nights and cocktail classes) make it a local favorite. They also are famous for their igloos on the patio in the winter.

The Unscripted Hotel is at 202 Corcoran St, Durham.

Where to Stay in Durham

Relax at the 21c Museum Hotel

Since 2015, 21c Museum Hotel has blended modern art with historic charm. The hotel’s rotating galleries, stylish rooms, and the acclaimed Counting House restaurant make it my top pick for a Durham staycation.

Check out additional recaps here: hotel recap // afternoon exploring // art gallery // Counting House

21c Museum Hotel is at 111 North Corcoran St, Durham.

Photos by Glory Roze Photography

Learn more about Durham and all that is has to offer in this welcome video and by visiting this website.

Durham’s story as a former tobacco town turned creative hub makes it one of the most interesting places to explore in North Carolina. Whether you are an art lover, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or history buff, there is something here for you.

Planning a trip? Let me know what you are most excited to try—or share your favorite hidden gem in Durham in the comments below!

Use this interactive map to help you plan your next trip to the Bull City!