Raleigh on a Budget: Two Days of Fun

Discover Raleigh on a dime without compromising on the experience!

21 June 2023

Raleigh is a beautiful and vibrant city with a plethora of activities to enjoy, even on a limited budget. Begin by exploring the city's many parks and public spaces, such as the Raleigh Rose Garden and Lake Johnson Park. Next, visit the North Carolina State Capitol Building and State Archives of North Carolina to learn about the city's history and culture. Finally, hit up some of Raleigh's affordable dining options, such as The Pit Authentic Barbecue or Poole's Diner, for a taste of the city's culinary scene.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Raleigh

  • Start your day at State Farmers Market for fresh produce, pastries, and arts and crafts
  • Visit the NC Museum of Art with an extensive collection of European, African, and American art
  • Catch a show at the historic Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Enjoy a pint and a bite at Raleigh Brewing Company, a local favorite
  • End the day with a stroll through Pullen Park and a ride on the historic carousel
  • Hotel recommendation: Red Roof Inn Raleigh NCSU on a budget but conveniently located near NC State University
Day 2

Discovering the City

  • Begin with a hearty breakfast at Big Ed's City Market, famous for their Southern-style cooked meals
  • Tour the State Capitol and admire the stunning architecture
  • Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences with interactive exhibits and live animals
  • Take a walking tour of Downtown Raleigh with sights such as the Governor's Mansion and City Market
  • End the day with dinner at Beasley's Chicken + Honey for mouth-watering fried chicken and biscuits
  • Hotel recommendation: Motel 6 Raleigh budget-friendly and central to all of Raleigh's top attractions
  • There is so much to discover in Raleigh, even with a limited budget. From exploring museums and parks to indulging in Southern cuisine and catching a show, Raleigh is a destination full of character, personality, and quirkiness.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Raleigh

Welcome to the city where traffic is more confusing than a game of Jenga, but the sweet tea is always flowing like a lazy river.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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