Weekend Escape: Raleigh's Art, History & Cuisine

Experience southern charm and modern innovation in Raleigh, USA.

22 April 2023

Raleigh, known as the "City of Oaks," boasts a thriving arts scene, impressive museums, and delicious Southern cuisine. Visitors can explore the North Carolina State Capitol, take a stroll through the historic City Market, and hike or bike through scenic parks and trails. With its lively entertainment, charming shops, and friendly locals, Raleigh is the perfect destination for a fun and memorable vacation.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore Downtown Raleigh

  • Check-in to The Durham Hotel, a chic hotel showcasing local art and offering farm-to-table dining
  • Wander around the historic State Capitol Building and the Governor's Mansion, which offer guided tours
  • Head to the Raleigh City Museum to learn about the city's history and culture
  • Visit the contemporary art museum, CAM Raleigh, and view the innovative exhibits
  • End the day with a craft beer or cocktail at one of the many lively breweries or bars in the downtown district
Day 2

Take a Tour of NC State University

  • Have breakfast at The Morning Times, a trendy coffee shop in downtown Raleigh with an eclectic menu
  • Make your way to NC State University for a guided tour of the gorgeous campus and its historic buildings
  • Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits and live animals
  • Grab lunch at The Pit, a popular BBQ restaurant in downtown Raleigh
  • Explore the gardens, trails, and art exhibits at the JC Raulston Arboretum, a peaceful oasis just minutes from the city center
Day 3

Discover Raleigh's Art Scene

  • Begin the day with brunch at Beasley's Chicken + Honey, a southern-style eatery dishing up comfort food
  • Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art, which boasts over 5,000 years of artistic history and outdoor sculptures
  • Check out the contemporary galleries at the CAM Raleigh and Raleigh Contemporary Art Museum
  • Head to Transfer Co. Food Hall for a wide variety of local culinary options and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals
  • End the day with a concert or live performance at one of several venues capturing the city's eclectic music scene.

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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