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Destinations, North Carolina · April 4, 2022

The ULTIMATE guide to Durham: MASSIVE list of things to do in Durham, NC

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Headed to Durham or just looking to enjoy your hometown a little bit more? Check out this massive list of things to do in Durham, NC!

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Hey! There are affiliate links sprinkled throughout this post… that means I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you if you use my links. It helps keep this blog up and running 🙂

Downtown Durham | Things to do in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

Oh, Durham. Sweet, sweet Durham. Not too long ago, you weren’t a destination at all. Not too long ago, I didn’t care a bit about ya. Now I’ve moved back home to you and started to build a life with my husband and pup here. I live smack dab in the middle of Durham and Raleigh and 8 times out of 10 I’m turning into Durham. It is everything you want in a city you call home: good communities, great restaurants, awesome events, a brewery scene, and outdoor adventures. This is turning into a love letter to Durham, isn’t it? 

If you’ve been here, you get it. If you haven’t been here, what are you waiting for? Durham is a unique experience just begging to be explored! Our little hipster foodie adventure beer scene city is waiting for you! 

University Hill, Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

In this post, I’m outlining EVERYTHING I could think of to share about Durham. We plan on staying here for a long, long time so I’m sure I’ll add to it as I go, too. Don’t worry: none of this is fluff. Everything mentioned in this post are things I truly LOVE or have heard great things about from several people. There’s just so many things to do in Durham, NC I haven’t quite hit them all. But I’m on my way 😉 

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Table of Contents

  • ABOUT DURHAM
  • WHERE TO STAY
  • WHERE TO EAT
      • Breakfast:
      • Lunch/Dinner
  • WHERE TO DRINK 
      • Coffee:
      • Bars:
      • Breweries:
  • WHAT TO DO
  • Stick around to check out more Durham and North Carolina content!

ABOUT DURHAM

Durham is a metropolitan (do people still say that?) city in central NC. It’s conveniently located near Raleigh and just hours from many other desirable destinations. The city was founded on tobacco farming and has quite the history. But that’s not what this post is for. What you need to know is that now it is a vibrant, unique, lively town full of adventure and food. Lots and lots of food. Also home to Duke University, aka everyone’s least favorite basketball team. 😉

Old Bull City sign, downtown Durham | Things to do in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

Now that we have a bit of background, let’s get to the list! Now please know this list isn’t the end all be all…… yet! But everything on the list are things I’ve personally tried or heard a TON about. So every recommendation is Ashley on the Move approved! I will add to the list as we continue to explore as well! So while the list doesn’t have EVERY restaurant and bar in Durham (that would be a very long list), everything on the list is sure to be a hit! 

WHERE TO STAY

The Unscripted Hotel | Durham, NC | Ashley on the Move

There are so many adorable boutique hotels and unique Airbnbs in Durham… it’s easy to find a place to stay but hard to decide where! I’ve stayed in the 21c and Aloft and loved them both! Downtown Durham is extremely walkable, so I’d recommend something right in the center of the city. If you plan to have or rent a car, there are tons of other options just outside downtown, as well.

21c Museum Hotel

Unscripted

The Unscripted Hotel, Downtown Durham | Things to do in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

The Durham 

Marriott City Center 

Aloft

Booking.com

 

If you’re looking for a house so you can get a feel for the adorable neighborhoods (or just have a kitchen!), Durham has some great Airbnb options. My favorite neighborhoods include Trinity Park and Old West.

Cozy Bungalow in Historic Downtown | 3 Bedroom in Trinity Park

WHERE TO EAT

I think this list could be absolutely endless. One of the biggest draws of visiting Durham is all of the food. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise with everything from fancy steak dinners to delicious food trucks. These are some of the best places we’ve tried… but I’m sure this list will continue to grow with time!

Grub, Breakfast & Brunch in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

Breakfast:

Grub 

Guglhupf 

Fosters 

Elmo’s 

Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter

First Watch (multiple locations)

Baked Migas at Jack Tar and the Colonel's Daughter | Things to do in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

Lunch/Dinner

Only Burger

Bull City Burger and Brewing 

Vin Rouge – French cuisine

Nanasteak – upscale steakhouse

Metro8 – upscale steakhouse

Viceroy – Indian British pub fare

Mateo – Portuguese tapas

Dos Perros – Mexican

Dashi Ramen

Pizzeria Toro, Downtown Durham | Ashley on the Move

Shiki Sushi 

Rose’s Dumplings and Sweets

Luna Empanadas

The Pit – barbecue 

Durham Food Hall

Boxyard RTP Food court

Pizzeria Toro

Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken

The Goat Durham

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The best places to eat in durham

WHERE TO DRINK 

Two Roosters Ice Cream | Things to do in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

Coffee:

Bean Traders 

Cocoa Cinnamon

Jetplane Coffee

Foster Street Coffee

Joe Van Gogh

Bars:

The Oak House, Downtown Durham | Things to do in Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

West End Wine Bar

The Roof at the Durham

Kingfisher 

Bar Virgil 

Annexe

The Oak House

Bar Virgile | Ashley on the Move

Breweries:

Fullsteam 

Ponysaurus

Hi-Wire 

The Glass Jug Beer Lab

WHAT TO DO

The Butterfly House at the Museum of Life and Science | Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

Durham has so many fun things to do! From the unique lemur center focused on conservation to the classic city farmer’s market. If you’re here on a weekend and can’t find anything to do… well, you’re just not looking very hard! Durham is lively and there’s always something going on! I love catching a baseball game in spring and walking around the Eno River with Benny when the weather is nice!

The Lemur Center

Museum of Life and Science

Duke Gardens 

Lemurs at the Museum of Life and Science | Ashley on the Move

Eno River State Park 

Food Truck Rodeo (happens on several Sundays)

American Tobacco campus

Catch a show at Durham Performing Arts Center

Baseball game at Durham Bull’s Athletic Park

Enjoy some Durham history at Stagville Historic Center 

Durham Farmer’s Market

Play arcade games at Boxcar Arcade + Bar 

Throw Axes at Urban Axes  

Nasher Museum of Art

Kayak or boat at Jordan Lake or Falls Lake

American Tobacco Campus | Durham NC | Ashley on the Move

I just am so giddy even writing this post! I hope this helps you plan an epic weekend getaway or just find new things to do in Durham NC. I’m ALWAYS looking for new recommendations, so don’t be afraid to send em my way! I’ll be happy to add it to the post and give you credit as well. 

If you enjoyed this post, please comment and share with all your Durham or travel loving friends!

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Stick around to check out more Durham and North Carolina content!

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  • NC Bucket List: MASSIVE List of Things to do in NC
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In: Destinations, North Carolina

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Hi friend! I’m Ashley, a 20-something newlywed, dog mom, and pediatric physical therapist. I have incurable wanderlust and when I’m not working, I’m dreaming up our next adventure. We utilize credit card points and miles to see the world for nearly free and I’m teaching you the same thing. I’m so glad you’re here!

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As such, it’s time to retire this account because it just doesn’t match the vision of my travel advising business. I would LOVE for you to follow me over at @ashleyrice.travel to keep up to date with my blog and travel business. This account will still remain as more of a personal/Raleigh-Durham account. Whether you follow my business account, stick around here, or decide it’s time for us to part ways—thanks for being apart of my journey. 

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