There is nothing better than a day out with your girlfriends and Raleigh is the perfect place to make it memorable. Whether you are a local looking for something fresh or visiting the City of Oaks for the first time, this itinerary has everything you need for a fabulous day. From cozy cafés and self-care to shopping, cocktails, and sweet treats, here is how to plan the ultimate girls’ day out in Raleigh.
Published in 2017 and updated for 2025, this post reflects the latest Raleigh favorites.
The Ultimate Girls’ Day Out in Raleigh (2025 Edition)
Morning Coffee at Idle Hour or Jubala
Start the day with coffee and conversation at one of Raleigh’s best cafés. See other favorite Raleigh coffee shops here.
Idle Hour Coffee
With its cozy, modern vibe and stylish interiors, Idle Hour is a beautiful place to ease into the morning. Try a seasonal latte and one of their freshly baked pastries.
Idle Hour Coffee is at 1818 Oberlin Rd #103
Jubala Coffee
Known for their espresso drinks and fluffy breakfast biscuits, Jubala is a local favorite. Their North Hills location is perfect if your day takes you in that direction.
Jubala Coffee has three locations in Raleigh: 2100 Hillsborough St. or 4120 Main at North Hills St. or 8450 Honeycutt Rd.
See other favorite Raleigh coffee shops here.
Late Morning Mani & Pedi
Next, it is time to pamper yourselves. A manicure and pedicure is the perfect way to relax and feel refreshed before the rest of the day.
Paintbase
Sleek, serene, and expertly run, this nail bar offers a spa-like experience with a modern twist. Pro Tip: Be sure to book your appointment in advance—weekend spots fill up fast! Ask for Pranee!
Paintbase Nail Salon is at 4351-113 The Cir at North Hills St.
Want to do more of a spa experience? Check out Woodhouse Spa in North Hills or Lorena Luca in Village District and be sure to book well in advance!
Lunch at Side Street Restaurant
Tucked inside a colorful Victorian house in Historic Oakwood, Side Street Restaurant is a charming Raleigh institution. The menu is full of whimsically named sandwiches, soups, and salads—perfect for a cozy catch-up over lunch. And yes, you’ll want to order dessert here too.
Side Street Restaurant is at 225 N Bloodworth St.
Looking for more ladies-who-lunch ideas? Check out my full list here.
Afternoon Shopping
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
What is a girls’ day without a little shopping? Spend the afternoon exploring Raleigh’s best boutiques and local gems. Some of my favorites include
Edge of Urge
A fun, funky shop featuring handmade jewelry, bold fashion, and gifts from indie makers. Walk across the street to So-and-So Books and Unlikely Professionals for more shopping.
Edge of Urge is at 215 E Franklin St #110
Village District
This is classic Raleigh shopping with a great mix of home, fashion, and gift stores. There are also delicious restaurant offerings if you opted to do Lorena Luca spa services and wanted to stay close by for lunch.
Village District is at 2068 Clark Ave.
North Hills
Stylish, walkable, and filled with everything from national brands to locally owned shops. Some of my favorite restaurants in North Hills include Vivace and Coquette if you wanted to dine here for lunch. Also, check out RH Rooftop and Village Tavern for lunch or dinner! You will definitely need reservations at these spots.
North Hills is at 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave.
Whether you are window shopping or finding something fabulous, Raleigh has plenty of stylish spots to explore.
Blowout at Drybar Midtown
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
After shopping, head to Drybar Midtown for a well-earned blowout. It is the perfect refresh before a night out, and the vibe is just right for sipping a glass of bubbly while you get styled.
Drybar Midtown is at 1111 Mercantile Dr, Suite 100.
Wine at Vita Vite
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
Relax with a glass of wine (or frosé in warmer months!) at Vita Vite, a wine bar and art gallery that strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and cozy. Their pimiento cheese board is always a good idea, and the atmosphere is ideal for chatting and unwinding with friends.
Vita Vite has two locations in Raleigh: 313 W Hargett St (Downtown)or 200 Park at North Hills St, Suite 130 (North Hills).
Dinner in Raleigh
After a full day, settle in for a leisurely, delicious dinner. A few great options depending on your vibe:
Jolie
Jolie is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Raleigh for a girls’ night out. Some of my favorite dishes are the tartare, escargot, and steak frites. Start with a martini or glass of champagne and whatever you do, do not skip the frites. Make a reservation in advance, especially if you want a rooftop seat!
Jolie is at 620 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604.
Stanbury
One of the most unique restaurants not only in Raleigh, also across North Carolina, this spot is cozy, hip, and perfect for sharing small plates. Get there early to put your name on the list because they do not take reservations.
Stanbury is at 938 N Blount St.
The Willard Rooftop
Offering sweeping views of downtown Raleigh, this rooftop spot is perfect for a chic dinner or sunset cocktails. The menu features seasonal small plates and craft cocktails in a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. Do not skip the burger — it is so good! In cooler months, the outdoor fire places are perfect for cozying up.
The Willard Rooftop is at 9 Glenwood Ave.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Wye Hill is the ideal spot for casual bites, cocktails, and unbeatable views of the Raleigh skyline. Their deviled eggs and dill pimento cheese are absolute musts for starters!
Wye Hill is at 201 S Boylan Ave.
Wherever you go, make a reservation—you will thank yourself later!
Nightcap at The Parlor at Heights House
For a glamorous end to the evening, grab a cocktail at The Parlor at Heights House Hotel. This impeccably restored boutique hotel offers a beautiful setting for a nightcap, whether you are inside the velvet-lined parlor or enjoying the breeze on the front porch.
The Parlor at Heights House is 308 S Boylan Ave.
Dessert to Finish
No girls’ day is complete without a sweet ending. A few crowd-pleasing favorites:
Bittersweet
Bittersweet is a moody cocktail-and-dessert bar perfect for late-night indulgence. They have a walk-up window if you prefer to grab a cocktail to sip and stroll the social district.
Bittersweet is at 16 E Martin St.
Two Roosters Ice Cream
Known for creative, locally inspired flavors, there are several locations in Raleigh. My personal favorite is the Two Roosters spot in the Person Street corridor! There are signature flavors that never change, and they also have rotating flavors each month.
Two Roosters is at 215 E Franklin St (more locations here).
Videri Chocolate Factory
Enjoy artisan chocolate, hot cocoa, or a soft-serve swirl in this charming bean-to-bar factory located in the Warehouse District. Get the homemade ice cream with homemade fudge and homemade marshmallows.
Videri Chocolate Factory is at 327 W Davie St.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are celebrating something special or just carving out time with your best friends, this ultimate girls’ day out in Raleigh offers everything you need for a fun and refreshing day together.
What would your dream girls’ day include? Share in the comments or tag me in your Raleigh adventures!
For more fun spots, check out some of my favorite hidden gems around Raleigh. Use this interactive map to help plan your perfect girls’ day out in Raleigh with your best pals!
It was such a fun day!!
xo,
Angela
I didn’t get a chance to try Paintbase before I left Raleigh and I still want to. I also want my house decor to match theirs. So chic and fun!
What a perfect girls day and y’all are totally twinning! How cute!
xo, Kristina