Experience Raleigh's Highlights in 2 Days

Discover the charm of the South in Raleigh, North Carolina.

22 April 2023

Raleigh is a lively city in North Carolina, known for its rich history and cultural scene. Visitors can explore the state capitol building, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy outdoor activities in parks such as William B. Umstead State Park. The city also boasts numerous museums and galleries, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Historical Raleigh

  • Start the day at The Morning Times, a cozy café with outstanding coffee and freshly baked pastries.
  • Head over to the North Carolina State Capitol, a stunning building with a rich history and intricate details.
  • Next up, visit the North Carolina Museum of History and learn about the state's rich past, from Native American tribes to modern times.
  • Stroll through the beautiful NC State University campus and check out the famous Bell Tower.
  • For dinner, try Beasley's Chicken + Honey, where you can get the best fried chicken and Southern comfort food in town.
  • Hotel suggestion: The Guest House Raleigh, a charming boutique hotel with vintage vibes and modern amenities.
Day 2

Raleigh's Gems

  • Grab breakfast at Boulted Bread, a bakery with delicious bread, pastries and coffee.
  • Visit the JC Raulston Arboretum, a hidden gem with over 6,000 plants and beautiful gardens.
  • Head to the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh and explore the thought-provoking exhibits.
  • Take a break at Transfer Co. Food Hall, a trendy spot with a variety of food options and local vendors.
  • End the day at The Green Light, a speakeasy-style bar with craft cocktails and a cozy ambiance.
  • For dinner, go to Brewery Bhavana, a unique concept combining a brewery, bookstore, flower shop and dim sum restaurant.
  • Raleigh has a lot to offer and two days barely scratch the surface. But with this itinerary, you'll get a taste of the city's history, culture and local scene.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Raleigh, United States by plane is to fly to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. There are direct flights from major cities around the US and connecting flights from international destinations.

Car

The best way to get to Raleigh by car is to take I-40 if you are coming from the west or east. If you are coming from the north or south, take I-95 and then switch to I-40.

Train

There is no direct train to Raleigh, but you can take Amtrak to the Raleigh Union Station from major cities such as New York and Washington DC. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to your final destination.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to Raleigh, but you can take a boat to Wilmington, NC and then take a bus or car to Raleigh.

Bus

Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to Raleigh from major cities such as New York and Washington DC. The main bus station in Raleigh is the Raleigh Greyhound Station.

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