Durham in 4 Days: Savor Southern Charm!

Experience the charming Southern city of Durham, where history and innovation collide.

22 April 2023

Durham, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its world-class universities, museums and festivals. Visitors can explore the impressive Duke University campus, take a stroll through the historic Brightleaf Square or sample the local Southern cuisine at one of the many restaurants. Durham also offers easy access to the outdoors with hiking trails, parks and lakes nearby.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering the Heart of Durham

Check-in at The Durham Hotel, a chic mid-century modern hotel in the heart of downtown.
Take a walking tour of the Durham Farmers' Market and enjoy local produce, pastries, and crafts.
Immerse yourself in history and culture with a visit to the Duke University Chapel and Nasher Museum of Art.
Have lunch at Dame's Chicken and Waffles, a beloved local spot for crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles.
End the day with a stroll along the American Tobacco Trail and watch the sunset over the city.

Day 2

Exploring Downtown Durham

Start the day with a cup of coffee and breakfast at Cocoa Cinnamon, a cozy cafe with a unique Latin American twist.
Visit the Durham Performing Arts Center for a show or a concert.
Shop for books and gifts at Letters Bookshop, a charming independent bookstore.
Enjoy lunch at Pizzeria Toro, a trendy pizzeria that uses local ingredients and wood-fired ovens to create delicious pies.
Take a brewery tour and sample local beer at Fullsteam Brewery or Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Day 3

Venturing Out

Rent bikes and explore the Duke Forest on the Durham Bike and Hike Trail.
Visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a peaceful stroll and enjoy the seasonal landscaping.
Have lunch at Guglhupf Bakery & Patisserie, a German bakery and cafe that serves freshly baked goods and savory dishes.
Take a day trip to nearby Chapel Hill for a visit to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Franklin Street, a bustling main street with plenty of shops and restaurants.
End the day with a dinner at Vin Rouge, a French bistro that serves classic dishes and an extensive wine list.

Day 4

Tasting the Flavors of Durham

Visit Durham Distillery for a tour and tasting of their award-winning gin and liqueurs.
Tour the historic Brightleaf Square and have lunch at one of its many restaurants and cafes.
Explore the Durham Museum of Life and Science, an interactive museum with exhibits on science, nature, and technology.
Have dinner at Saltbox Seafood Joint, a casual seafood joint that serves fresh seafood in a fun atmosphere.
End the night with a drink at The Atomic Fern, a cozy bar with a variety of cocktails and board games.

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Durham by plane is to fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). From the airport, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Durham which takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Durham by car is to take the I-40 or I-85 highways. If you are driving from the north, you can take the I-95 until it joins the I-85. If you are driving from the south, you can take the I-95 until it joins the I-40. Both routes will take you to Durham.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Durham, you can take a train to either Raleigh or Greensboro and then take a bus or taxi to get to Durham. The closest Amtrak station to Durham is located in Raleigh, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

Boat

Durham is a landlocked city and can only be accessed by road. There are no seaports or navigable waterways that lead to Durham or the surrounding areas.

Bus