Why go
- Capital city of North Carolina, U.S.
- Served by Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU).
History
Raleigh is the capital city of the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the second-most populous city in the state, tenth most populous city in the Southeast, the largest city in the Research Triangle area, and the 39th-most populous city in the U.S. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its oak-lined streets, Raleigh covers 148.54 square miles (384.7 km2) and had a population of 467,665 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Wake County and is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the lost Roanoke Colony.
Where to stay
719 Devereux St, Raleigh, NC 27605 · welcometothestore.com
300 N Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · thelongleafhotel.com
3618 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610 · ihg.com
1520 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 · wyndhamhotels.com
308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603 · heightshousenc.com
320 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · ihg.com
1813 S Saunders St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · redroof.com
616 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · marriott.com
603 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · marriott.com
2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607 · marriott.com
500 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · marriott.com
9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603 · marriott.com
200 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · hilton.com
11 Seaboard Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604 · hyatt.com
2451 Alumni Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606 · marriott.com
1041 Wake Towne Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609 · marriott.com
600 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603 · hilton.com
761 Enterprise Dr, Clayton, NC 27520 · choicehotels.com
3415 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 · hilton.com
421 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · marriott.com
420 S Bloodworth St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · guesthouseraleigh.com
Restaurants & places to go
Four Corners has been a Chapel Hill tradition for three decades. A full restaurant and bar, beloved by UNC sports fans around the world. . · Chapel Hill, NC · fourcornersgrille.com
Restaurant · The Capital Club Building was built in 1929. It was designed by architect Frank B. Simpson in Art Deco architecture. Opening hours: Mo-Fr… · capitalclub16.com
Burger, Fast Food · Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes, plus breakfast. Opening hours: Mo-Sa 06:00-24:00; Su 07:00-24:00… · bk.com
Sandwich, Fast Food · Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces. Opening hours: Mo-Sa 10:30-22:00; Su… · locations.firehousesubs.com
Pizza, Fast Food · Take-out/delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, wings & breadsticks, plus desserts. Opening hours: Mo-Th 09:30-01:30, Fr-Sa… · locations.papajohns.com
Barbecue, American, Restaurant · A chill bar & grill with BBQ, wings & more, plus sports on HDTVs & live music on a patio. Opening hours: Su-Mo 11:00-24:00;… · rallypointsportgrill.com
Asian, Restaurant · Hibachi,Chinese Food. Thai style. Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr, Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 12:00-22:00 Features: takeaway, delivery · 242… · asiangardencarync.com
Mexican, Restaurant · Casual Tex-Mex spot offering margaritas, tacos, fajitas & enchiladas in green or red sauce. Opening hours: Su-Sa 11:00-22:00 Features:… · bravosmexicangrill.net
Indian, Nepalese, Restaurant · Local, family-owned restaurant serving traditional Indian & Nepalese cuisine in a casual, family-friendly environment. Opening… · nepalhousenc.com
Coffee Shop, Cafe · Purr Cup Cafe is a unique and comfortable adoption center where local rescue kitties can thrive, and find their forever homes! We also… · purrcupcafe.com
Diner, Restaurant · Shiny silver diner with an upbeat, retro vibe serving classic American fare & breakfast until late. Opening hours: Mo-Th 07:00-22:00;… · theshinydiner.com
Smoothie, Cafe · Casual, health-conscious chain cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps. Opening hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-21:00; Sa 08:00-21:00; Su… · tropicalsmoothiecafe.com
Thai, Restaurant · Thai curries, rice dishes & noodle entrees served in a down-to-earth place with sidewalk tables. Opening hours: Mo-Fr 11:00-15:00,… · facebook.com
Chicken, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 07:00-21:00; Su off Features: takeaway · 4154 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh, 27609 · chick-fil-a.com
Breakfast, Pancake, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 06:00-22:00; Fr 06:00-00:00; Sa 00:00-24:00; Su 00:00-22:00 · 3009 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, 27604 · restaurants.ihop.com
Donut, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-Th 06:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 06:00-23:00 Features: takeaway · 549 North Person Street, Raleigh, 27604 · site.krispykreme.com
American, Breakfast, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 05:00-14:00 Features: takeaway · 4305 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, 27603 · biscuitville.com
Seafood, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-14:00;Mo-Th 16:00-22:00;Fr-Sa 16:00-23:00;Su 11:00-21:30 · 2060 Renaissance Park Place, Cary, 27513 · bonefishgrill.com
Wings, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-00:00 · 6196 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, 27609 · buffalowildwings.com
Tex-Mex, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th,Su 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-22:00 Features: step-free access · 4020 Market at North Hills Street · chuys.com
Ice Cream, Ice Cream · Opening hours: Mo-Th,Su 12:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-22:00 Features: outdoor seating · 325 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary, 27518 · stores.coldstonecreamery.com
Calzone, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 16:00-04:00 Features: outdoor seating · 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, 27606 · dpdough.com
Chinese, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Th 10:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-21:30; Su 10:00-21:00 Features: takeaway · 4215 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, 27609 · pandaexpress.com
Italian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 10:45-22:00 Features: takeaway, delivery · 3088 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, 27609 · mypiada.com
Fondue, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 16:00-21:00; Fr 16:00-22:00; Sa 12:00-22:00; Su 12:00-21:00 · 3100 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, 27609 · meltingpot.com
Tea, Coffee Shop, Cafe · Opening hours: Su off; Mo-Th 07:00-18:00; Fr 07:00-16:00; Sa 08:00-14:00 · 2428 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, 27607 · globalvillagecoffee.com
Mediterranean, Restaurant · Opening hours: We-Su 17:00-21:30 Features: outdoor seating · 1000 Brookside Drive, Raleigh, 27604 · bigcatbrookside.com
Bubble Tea, Cafe · Opening hours: Su-Fr 11:30-20:30; Sa 11:30-21:00 · 3512 Wade Avenue, 27607 · linktr.ee
Caribbean, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-20:00; Su 11:00-19:00 · 4412 Fayetteville Road, 27603 · locations.goldenkrust.com
Korean, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su-Th 12:00-22:30; Fr-Sa 12:00-23:30 · 3105 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, 27604 · thekpot.com
Peruvian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-21:00 · 1851 North Harrison Avenue, 27513 · places.singleplatform.com
Nepalese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 10:30-21:45; Fr 10:30-21:40; Sa 10:30-21:45 · 411 Fayetteville Street, 27601 · mustanghouseraleigh.com
Sushi, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-21:00 Features: takeaway, delivery, air conditioning · 6613 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, 27615 · pokeburri.com
Lao, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-We 16:30-21:30,Th-Su 11:00-14:00, Th-Su 16:30-21:30 · 370 South Walker Street, Cary, 27511 · saapcary.com
Bagel, Fast Food · Features: takeaway · 8204 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary, 27518 · brueggers.com
Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream · Features: takeaway · yogenfruz.com
Tacos, Restaurant · Tacos restaurant · 4121 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh, 27609 · bartaco.com
Vietnamese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Su 11:00-22:00 Features: vegan options · 222 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, 27603 · anisepho.com
Ethiopian, Eritrean, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 16:00-20:00, Fr 16:00-21:00, Sa 11:30-21:00 · 904 Northeast Maynard Road, Cary, 27513 · awazecuisine.com
Tapas, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 16:00-00:00; Sa,Su 11:00-00:00 · 430 West Martin Street, Raleigh, 27603 · barcelonawinebar.com
Crepe, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-18:00; Sa 07:00-16:00; Su 09:00-16:00 Features: outdoor seating · 315 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary, 27518 · coffeeandcrepes.com
Pretzel, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-18:00 · 1400 South Saunders Street, Raleigh, 27603 · croftonspretzels.com
Fried Chicken, Waffle, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-16:00 Features: takeaway · 1832 Bass Pro Lane, Cary, 27513 · dameschickenwaffles.com
Gelato, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo closed; Tu-Th 13:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 12:30-22:00; Su 12:30-20:00 · 111 East Chatham Street, Cary, 27511 · gelunagelato.com
Greek, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 11:00-22:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway · 319 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary, 27518 · greekfiesta.com
395 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) 9.8 mi to the centre
Raleigh/Durham, NC, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 19 airlines (Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways…) · direct flights to 39 destinations incl. Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 19 airlines, 39 direct destinations
- Delta Air Lines DL (CRJ-900, CRJ, ERJ, CRJ-700, A320, 737-800…) · 20 routes: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston*, Cancun, Cincinnati, Columbus*, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale*, Indianapolis*, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis*, Minneapolis, New York*, New York, Orlando*, Philadelphia*, Salt Lake City, Tampa*, Windsor Locks*
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 737-300, 73C, 717, 737-800) · 12 routes: Atlanta*, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Louis, Tampa
- American Airlines AA (737-800, ERD, A319, Embraer 190, MD-80, CRJ-700…) · 11 routes: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York*, New York*, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh*, Washington*
- US Airways US (737-800, ERD, A319, Embraer 190, MD-80, CRJ-700…) · 11 routes: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh*, Washington
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 737-300, 717) · 7 routes: Atlanta, Baltimore*, Chicago*, Nashville, Orlando*, San Francisco*, Tampa*
- United Airlines UA (737-800, 737-700, A320, 737-900, Dash 8-400) · 5 routes: Chicago, Houston, Newark, San Francisco, Washington
- JetBlue Airways B6 (Embraer 190) · 3 routes: Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York
- AeroMéxico AM (MD-88, 737-900, M90) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Cancun*
- Alaska Airlines AS (737-800, A320, 737-900, 757-200, M90, MD-88) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Los Angeles*
- Air Canada AC (CRJ) · 1 route: Toronto*
- Air France AF (737-900, 757-200, MD-88, M90) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Alitalia AZ (757-200, M90, MD-88) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- British Airways BA (767-300) · 1 route: London*
- Finnair AY (767-300) · 1 route: London*
- Frontier Airlines F9 (A319) · 1 route: Trenton
- Iberia Airlines IB (767-300) · 1 route: London*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (MD-88, M90) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Malaysia Airlines MH (767-300) · 1 route: London
- Virgin Atlantic Airways VS (A320, 737-900, M90, MD-88) · 1 route: Atlanta*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Triangle North Executive Airport (LFN) 24 mi to the centre
Louisburg, NC, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Bagwell Airport 8.3 mi to the centre
Garner, NC, US
Peacock STOLport 9.1 mi to the centre
Garner, NC, US
Where things are
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping
base map © OSM
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
Tourist season
May – September
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Shoulder season
April, October
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Worth avoiding
Deep winter
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU); 13 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: RDU has direct flights to 39 destinations on 19 airlines (incl. Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore…).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Raleigh, North Carolina. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Local transit
Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data
Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data
Trains & rail
Rail operator
National rail
Coaches & shuttles
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.
Jet card, management · Managed fleet across US bases · Locally based jet card and aircraft management with private terminals in ~20 US cities.
Helicopter, by-the-seat · Helicopters, seaplanes, jets via partners · By-the-seat helicopters Manhattan–JFK/Newark and the Hamptons; jet charter through partners.
Membership charter · King Air 350i, Citation, Hawker, Global · US membership and on-demand charter; Delta Air Lines is a major shareholder.
Semi-private scheduled · Embraer 135 (16 seats) · First-class-only scheduled flights from Van Nuys to Aspen, Sun Valley, Cabo and Europe in summer.
Charter, management, FBO · Managed fleet, light to ultra-long-range · Charter, management and FBOs at Van Nuys and Orange County; the original Hollywood jet operator.