Raleigh Itinerary: Tips For A 3-Day Trip

 

There are many interesting things to do in Raleigh on a weekend. North Carolina’s capital city, makes for a great destination. One can easily enjoy its main attraction in 3 days, especially if it’s a long weekend.

The City of Oaks, famed for its abundant oak trees, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and visit here is one of the top things to do in North Carolina. Raleigh frequently tops lists of “best cities to live in”.

Foodies will love the city’s fabulous cuisine and its award-winning chefs. Craft beer lovers will delight in exploring the over 30 independent breweries.

Read on this complete 3-day Raleigh itinerary to see the best things to do in the city. If you have more time, you can also explore the things to do in Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina.

Getting To And Around Raleigh

Whether you choose to fly, take the train, bus, or drive, Raleigh is easily accessible. Those arriving by air should book travel to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU), one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.

Visitors should rent a car or use a taxi or rideshare to go downtown, though a local bus also connects the airport to the city.

Raleigh’s Union Station is located in the heart of Raleigh’s Warehouse District, and serves as an excellent arrival point for train travelers.

Buses arrive at Raleigh’s Greyhound Station, located at the northern end of downtown. Road trippers can easily find Raleigh off Interstate 40, about 30 minutes west of Interstate 95.

Visitors choosing to stay at a hotel or Airbnb downtown may opt to use rideshare if they do not want to try to find parking in each area. But the best way to visit Raleigh is to rent a car and drive yourself around town.

Things To Do In Raleigh: Itinerary For 3 Days

Raleigh Itinerary: Day 1

Drive or Walk the Oakwood Historic Homes

Start your Raleigh itinerary visiting historic Oakwood. Touted as North Carolina’s largest intact 19th-century residential neighborhood, a tour of Oakwood’s homes should not be missed.

Pick up a walking tour brochure at the Capital Area Visitor Center or download the PDF, which you can also use for driving, if you prefer to remain in your car.

Visit Moore Square District

226 E. Martin Street

Moore Square, one of two original parks in the city, is surrounded by activity and restaurants. Frequently hosting public events, it is a popular destination, especially in the warmer months.

Those visiting with children will want to prepare for the interactive water feature. The Marbles Kid Museum can be found here.

Explore Historic City Market

215 Wolfe Street

Opening in 1914, Raleigh’s Historic City Market offers visitors art exhibits, open-air shopping, and dining. The cobblestone streets lead to all-day restaurant options. The area can get crowded during beautiful weather on weekends.

PRO TIP: If visiting the first Friday of the month, check out special exhibits at City Market, an artist exhibition space.

Join a Walking or Bicycle Tour

A few providers offer both walking and bicycle tours of the City of Oaks. These offer a great way to learn some of the history of the city and get a layout of the city. If you want something more interactive, consider a scavenger hunt tour!

Dinner at Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana

218 Blount Street

Reserve a table at Bida Manda well in advance of your trip. This Laotian cuisine restaurant offers a unique dining experience.

Bida Manda was named one of the top 100 restaurants in the US by OpenTable. Visit Brewery Bhavana next door for a pre-dinner drink or if you’d rather enjoy dinner in their more laid-back atmosphere.

Brewery Bhavana is a combination of a craft brewery, dim sum, bookstore, and flower shop. While it may sound like a strange combination, it ends up being a delightful way to spend some time.

Raleigh Itinerary: Day 2

Discover the State Farmers’ Market

1201 Agriculture Street

One of the things to do in Raleigh on a weekend, a visit to the farmers’ markets, where the best North Carolina products can be found!

A visit to Raleigh’s State Farmers’ Market means not only that you’ll see the best in fresh products from all over the state, but it is also a great opportunity to buy gifts to take home to loved ones.

Those looking for breakfast should visit the on-site State Farmers’ Market Restaurant, home to some of the best biscuits in North Carolina!

Visit Dorothea Dix Park

2105 Umstead Drive

Located across the street from the State Farmers Market is Dorothea Dix Park, the city’s largest park which cannot be out of your itinerary.

The park was purchased by the city from the state which still houses government and offices on the grounds. This makes for difficult parking during the workday, so keep that in mind.

The park should not be missed by visitors in the area when the sunflower field is in bloom, typically late June to mid-July.

Join the In Crowd in the Warehouse District

This six-block area features red-brick industrial buildings that have been renovated into a cool blend of living and commercial space.

Here, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars happily coexist rendering a fabulous outing.

Don’t skip Raleigh’s Contemporary Art Museum! Here, you’ll find non-traditional exhibits by living artists that are constantly changing. Admission is free, so you won’t regret taking a chance.

Walk around Raleigh’s Warehouse District to find some of the city’s best murals. The Ann and Allen Iverson mural can be found directly outside CAM.

No Damsel, featuring modern Disney princesses, is right across the street. Almost every outside wall has been adorned with an artists’ rendering.

Beer lovers should not miss Crank Arm Brewery, easily spotted due to the line of yellow bikes parked outside its doors. Pick a flight of beers to discover your own favorite.

Tour The Videri Chocolate Factory

327 W. Davie Street

Book a free tour of the Videri Chocolate Factory where you’ll see every step of the process from bean to bar.

Videri offers chocolate in many forms: bars, bonbons, fondue, hot cocoa, and more. Dark chocolate from various countries’ beans makes an excellent gift to take home (or enjoy yourself!). You can even enjoy soft-serve ice cream during your visit.

Eat Dinner At The Morgan Street Food Hall

411 W. Morgan

With over 20 dining opportunities, everyone in your group can choose a different cuisine and sit together at the many available picnic tables.

Servers deliver local beers and other beverages directly to your table.

Rather visit an individual restaurant? If you’d like to try North Carolina barbecue, visit The Pit (across the street from the Videri Chocolate Factory).

Foodies will otherwise enjoy the Mexican upgrade at Jose and Sons. Or enjoy Southern favorites at Humble Pie.

Read Also: Best Public Golf Courses in Charlotte

Attend A Concert

Check in advance whether there are concerts at the Red Hat Amphitheater or the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Red Hat Amphitheater offers an open-air stage in downtown Raleigh and is conveniently located next to the Warehouse District. Guests can choose to reserve a seat or opt to bring a blanket and sit on the grassy areas.

The Duke Energy Center is a better option if the weather might not cooperate too much. The Ritz is another option offering live music in a warehouse venue.

Raleigh Itinerary: Last Day

Stretch Your Legs At Historic Yates Mill County Park

4620 Lake Wheeler Road

At the Historic Yates Mill County Park, visitors will find walking trails leading up to a water-powered mill.

The original gristmill served area farmers and merchants who would take their wheat and corn for grinding. The restored mill is worth a visit, especially for those appreciating history.

Enjoy Lunch at One of Ashley Christensen’s Restaurants

Eat lunch at one of award-winning chef Ashley Christensen’s restaurants (she has four in town!).

Choose Poole’s Diner for comfort food with a modern twist. For those craving for some pizza, visit Poole’side Pies. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey offers the most tender and delicious variations of fried chicken accompanied by traditional southern sides. Death & Taxes is the upscale dinner option on this list.

Explore The North Carolina Museum of Art

2110 Blue Ridge Road

NC Museum of Art features special exhibits that shouldn’t be missed. Check their schedule in advance of your trip and reserve tickets online, as exhibits frequently sell out.

Not that interested in art but want to see sculptures or have an excuse for walking? The gardens surrounding the museum feature miles of trails enjoyed by walkers, hikers, and families. Many people bring a lunch or snack and enjoy a picnic on the grounds. 

Enjoy Yourself At Pullen Park

520 Ashe Avenue

Opening in 1887, Pullen Park is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the US and the 16th oldest in the world. During warmer weather, rent a pedal boat to explore the lake.

Children and grown-ups will admire the carousel. Kids will enjoy the train ride and the kiddie boats.

See Also: How To Get From Charlotte Airport To Center City

Cap Off Your Day At Raleigh Beer Garden

614 Glenwood Avenue

Proudly holding the Guinness Book of Records record for the world’s largest selection of draft beers in one restaurant, the Raleigh Beer Garden should be one of your stops in Raleigh. Order a charcuterie board with your round of beers to tie you over until dinner.

Dinner At Angus Barn

9401 Glenwood Avenue

This upscale steakhouse is a Raleigh institution. Housed in a red barn, the restaurant offers a variety of options inside one establishment. Consider visiting the Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge for a more affordable dinner experience while still enjoying the atmosphere.

Wrap Up

Raleigh, North Carolina, is worth the visit! The city’s highlights can easily be enjoyed during a three-day visit. For those who want to extend their visits, day trips to neighboring Durham and Chapel Hill make for great options. Enjoy the southern hospitality!

The Author: Annick Lenoir-Peek (“Annick” rhymes with “Peek”) caught the travel bug early. She enjoys finding ways to travel while keeping her retirement funds growing. You can read her adventures and tips on The Common Traveler.

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