A unique mix of rich history, pioneering achievements, and diverse culture – that's what makes Durham the kind of place that is always engaging. The national accolades Durham has earned as an incredible place to live, work, and play only prove what anyone who's been here has already experienced... that Durham has a special sense of place. From Broadway performances and soulful jazz shows to delectable food, breathtaking art, indelible history and cultural events, you’ll find that Durham is absolutely worth discovering.
Whether you’re coming for Hamilton or to explore our arts and culture, we encourage you to immerse yourself in a bold, vibrant Durham.
ARTS & CULTURE
From the bright lights of DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, to intimate downtown galleries like the Durham Arts Council, Durham celebrates creativity and artists of all kinds. You’ll find the developing 12-acre Reuse Arts District in Durham’s Lakewood neighborhood, dozens of galleries between city center and the Golden Belt district, and state of the art performing arts spaces at Duke University’s Rubenstein Arts Center. See Broadway shows and national headliners at the Carolina Theatre, or catch an indie dance performance at a local venue like Motorco, Pinhook, or Durham Fruit Company. What’s the common denominator? A community that supports the arts and values creativity.
Discover Durham Within a Mile of DPAC
Design Your Overnight Itinerary to Explore the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Durham
Any day in Durham is an exceptional day.
On Saturdays, ensure that your early morning plans begin at Durham Central Park for the Durham Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find food trucks parked along Rigsbee Avenue.
Donuts, artisanal cheeses, jams, and trinkets?
They’re all there, to the tune of local musicians, nestled between community garden herbs. Take your pick of brunch options from Rue Cler, Rise Biscuits and Donuts, or Geer Street Garden.
Explore...
... old tobacco warehouse districts gussied up into offices and new retail while sipping on local tea and treats from Cocoa Cinnamon and taking in the Historic Durham Athletic Park, home of the iconic movie, Bull Durham.
History abounds in Durham, with depictions of civil rights activists adorning our buildings and clear, proud markers of Durham’s entrepreneurial roots on Black Wall Street.
The Museum of Durham History opens at 10am and is within short walking distance of the Central Park District, and is a perfect portal into corners of Durham well outside of the city limits.
When was the last time you had a sandwich so good that Bon Appétit wrote about it?
Experience one at Lucky’s Deli, or our long-time downtown staple, Toast. Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, enjoy retail therapy just steps away at Vert & Vogue to find the perfect outfit to wear to your show.
Head over to Brightleaf Square District where tobacco warehouses have been transformed into restaurants and retail. Try Ethiopian fare at Goorsha, barbecue at Mavericks Smokehouse & Taproom, or an early dinner at St. James Seafood. Don’t worry – you’ll have delicious leftovers.
Pop into one-of-a-kind boutiques like Hamilton Hill, Indio, Details, Morgan Imports, Parker and Otis. You name it, they’ve got it – either for yourself, or a delightful, locally sourced gift for family and friends.
While you’re racking up mementos, grab Durham swag at Runaway and commemorate your visit to Durham by grabbing a photo at the CCB Plaza, also home to a massive bronze bull statue. He’s known as Major, and he’s got a social media life of his own.
Discover the culinary talent that’s everywhere in Downtown Durham.
In downtown’s city center, lose yourself in delectable M Sushi, Taberna Tapas, and Mothers & Sons pasta. These places have racked up praise from The New York Times and many other publications, but to us, it’s just darn good food.
Save room for dessert!
... at a local ice cream shop or bakery, like The Parlour or Roses Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets. If cocktails are more your thing, sip an artisan beverage at either The Durham Hotel or Unscripted Durham rooftop overlooking the cityscape, or lounge at Alley Twenty Six or Bar Virgile before heading out to stargaze from an American Tobacco Campus rocking chair beneath the Lucky Strike Water Tower.
Before Alley Twenty Six was a bar, Alley 26 was the undiscovered stretch of warehouse brick paved with gritty Durham pavement right beside it. Now, it’s an unadvertised, hidden gem that visitors and locals alike use for beautiful photos and film with a bull-inspired mural backdrop.
There’s far more to discover about Durham than we could ever show you here, so don’t let the curtain close on your relationship with Durham. We know you’ll love your stay – but you’ll probably love the opportunity to plan your next one, too.