Raleigh in 5 Days: Art, Culture, and Adventure!

Experience the perfect blend of history and modernity in Raleigh.

22 April 2023

Raleigh is a vibrant city in North Carolina with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. As a tourist, one can explore its numerous museums, galleries and historic sites, or enjoy its parks, gardens and nature trails. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, food, sports, or music, Raleigh has something for everyone.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discover Downtown Raleigh

  • Check-in at the boutique hotel "The Longleaf"
  • Walk around beautiful Historic Oakwood neighborhood for a great photo op
  • Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, admission is free!
  • Hop on the Raleigh Rumble Pub Crawl for a taste of Raleigh's best breweries and bars.
  • Wrap up the day with a late-night snack at Bida Manda Laotian Restaurant and Bar.
Day 2

Art & Culture On Display!

  • Fuel up with a classic Southern breakfast at The Big Easy
  • Enjoy the North Carolina Museum of Art's beautiful Park Walks on the Greenway.
  • Observe the Raleigh art scene at the roundabout exit, bustling Cameron Village for some retail therapy.
  • Marvel at world-class performances at the Memorial Auditorium and Raleigh Little Theatre.
  • Catch a lighthearted dinner with an inventive twist at The Pit Authentic BBQ.
Day 3

Capitol Area Refreshment

  • Grab a light meal at Poole's Diner, a favorite spot in Raleigh.
  • Liven up the day with a picturesque boat ride at Lake Johnson.
  • Take a guided tour of the Executive Mansion, enjoying a refreshing cup of sweet tea afterward.
  • Shake off the afternoon heat by stopping at one of Raleigh's charming local ice cream shops.
  • Gorge on a juicy steak on the outdoor patio of Sullivan's Steakhouse, wrapping up the evening.
Day 4

Going Back in Time

  • Begin with a hearty breakfast at the Busy Bee Cafe, giving you the energy to hike through Raleigh's natural wonders.
  • Get a glimpse into the past by touring historic sites like the Mordecai Historic Park, a peak at Southern life from the 1700s.
  • Rest your feet while traveling in time with the classic movies at The Rialto Theatre, a Raleigh institution.
  • Take a break and sample some of Raleigh's food trucks while exploring Umstead State Park.
  • Finish off the day relaxing at the quiet, unpretentious Oakwood Cafe with happy hour deals aplenty!
Day 5

Leaving on a High Note (Temporarily)

  • Savor a leisurely breakfast at the cozy Jing Jing Asian Fusion.
  • Venture to downtown Raleigh's own flea market, packed with hidden treasures.
  • Round out the stay with a visit to the museums and gardens of the stunning North Carolina State University campus.
  • Indulge in the lavish seafood and steak menu at Barbara's Enriched Bread, suitably concluding the trip to Raleigh.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

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Experience Raleigh's Highlights in 2 Days

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