Things to do in Durham

Activities, attractions and tours

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Crimdon Beach, County Durham, UK
The Revitalized Retail and Office Center of The American Tobacco Historical District, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Idyllic scene of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush trees at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC
Duke Gardens in Durham , North Carolina
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Most popular experiences in Durham

Tours & day trips

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Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$121 per adult
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From BrevardOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From Brevard

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$121 per adult
Waterfall Adventure Tour - Departing From BrevardOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at Paddywax

Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at Paddywax

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is S$63 per adult
Durham Candle Pouring Workshop at PaddywaxOpens in new tab

What to do in Durham

Stay near popular Durham attractions

Photo by Mandy Shaw
Open Photo by Mandy Shaw

Duke University Chapel

9.2/5 (433 reviews)
Duke Chapel's soaring Gothic tower and stained-glass windows create a spiritual sanctuary on Duke's campus. Visit mid-morning when sunlight transforms the interior into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colour.
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Where to stay in Durham

Find the best Durham areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Durham
Learn more about Durham
Photo by Phil Vignola Jr.
Open Photo by Phil Vignola Jr.

Downtown Durham

If you're spending some time in Downtown Durham, Carolina Theatre and Durham Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

Photo by Martin Humpherson
Open Photo by Martin Humpherson

American Tobacco District

If you're spending some time in American Tobacco District, American Tobacco Campus and Durham Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

Artistic bridge in green lush garden setting. Sarah P. Duke gardens in Durham, NC.

Trinity Park

Trinity Park might not have many top sights, but Carolina Theatre and Brightleaf Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham, North Carolina, United States.

9th Street District

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about 9th Street District. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Brightleaf Square are a few top places to visit.

Golden Belt Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in Golden Belt Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Durham Performing Arts Center and American Tobacco Campus.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

The Old Well at UNC Chapel Hill during the spring with azaleas blooming

Chapel Hill

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Durham.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Museum of Life and Science and Duke Lemur Centre are two awesome places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Durham while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
You can't go home without checking out Carolina Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Carolina Theatre, Museum of Life and Science and American Tobacco Campus. The average stay in Durham is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Raleigh isn't far away.
Is Durham a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to see and do in Durham. Several key attractions, such as Carolina Theatre and Museum of Life and Science, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Durham is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Duke Park is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Durham for adults including Fullsteam Brewery and Honey Girl Meadery.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Durham. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. American Tobacco Campus is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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