Why Visit Durham, North Carolina?
Once home to American Tobacco, one of the largest tobacco companies in the world, Durham, NC has developed into a hub for education and healthcare. The very people who put Durham, NC on the map during the Industrial Revolution were also responsible for the establishment of the prestigious Duke University. The city has also repurposed former tobacco production facilities into arts, dining, and entertainment venues.
The Best Time to Visit Durham, NC
Durham, NC experiences a humid subtropical climate. The hottest months fall between June and August, with highs averaging at around 90°F. The coldest months fall between January and February, with lows averaging at around 30°F.
Hotels in Durham, NC are normally most expensive between April and July. The cheapest time to visit Durham, NC is in December.
Getting Around Durham, NC
The nearest major airport to Durham, NC is the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), just 12 miles southeast of Durham, NC. The most convenient way to get to downtown Durham from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is by taxi. The journey will take between 15–20 minutes, and costs between US$30–US$45.
Driving is the preferred mode of transport in Durham, NC. Car rental agencies have desks conveniently located at the Reservation and Accommodations Board in Terminal 1 and 2 of the Bag Claim area. Alternatively, Trip.com offers a wide selection of cars to book, with free cancellation and no credit card fees. You can explore car rental options here.
GoDurham serves Durham, NC, and operates 24 bus routes across the city. Service is available from 05:30–00:30, Mondays to Saturdays, and from 06:30–21:30 on Sundays and holidays. Single fares cost US$1 per ride.
Things to Do in Durham, NC
Visit Duke University. The campus and Medical Center, approx. 2 miles away from downtown Durham, boast 256 buildings across 8,693 acres of land including the Duke Forest. The campus provides a free bus service for faculty staff, students, and visitors. Main attractions of the university include the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Duke Chapel, and the Nasher Museum of Art.
Take a break from academia and brace yourselves for the array of activities available at Durham Central Park. Located in the heart of Durham, NC, visitors can stroll, picnic, attend cultural and fitness events, and even find some hidden art gems! Durham Farmers' Market occurs at the park pavilion every Saturday morning. Be sure to check out the eclectic variety of cuisines from at the Food Truck Rodeo. Stretch and meditate to outdoor yoga, held at the pavilion regularly.
Spend a day at the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham. The 1,000,000 square foot district was previously the Lucky Strike cigarette factory complex and has now become an entertainment hub and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Catch a Durham Bulls ball game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. A batting cage is located nearby too for aspiring baseball players. The green space is also home to restaurants specializing in cuisines from all over the world. Sustainability-conscious folk may even visit the Burt's Bees headquarters.
