Our Guide To Raleigh, NC (Attractions, Living & Tips)

Raleigh, NC is full of attractions to visit and Southern charm, making it ideal for a quick visit or living. Find the best places to visit in our guide.

Why Visit Raleigh, NC? The Best Raleigh Attractions

If you're thinking of paying Raleigh a visit, this small town has lots of unique attractions to check out compared to other North Carolina cities.

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and is full of Southern charm with local art and music.

Our guide below tells you the best attractions to visit, what it’s like living in Raleigh, NC, and some local insider tips.

What’s It Like Living in Raleigh, NC?

Raleigh isn’t talked about as much as other North Carolina cities, but it is one of the fastest-growing cities with a great job market. The city is full of Southern charm with a strong community and greenery, known as the City of Oaks.

Raleigh is ideal for a weekend trip, temporary living if you want to explore more of North Carolina, or even affordable permanent living if you want a mix of city and charm without the high living costs.

Top 7 Attractions In Raleigh, NC

We recommend checking out these seven attractions when visiting Raleigh.

1. Pullen Park

Pullen Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the US, located on 66 acres of land near North Carolina State University.

You can do everything here, from renting paddle boats on the lake, going on the historic carousel, or having a picnic and playing sports. It's perfect for a summer day out.

2. North Carolina Museum Of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art opened in 1956. Admission to this museum is free and is home to over a dozen art gallery spaces where you can go on tours or see outdoor installations at the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park and have a picnic.

3. William B Umstead State Park

With over 5,000 acres of forested land, this park is perfect for nature lovers who love biking trails, running, camping, and even horse riding. The Sal's Branch trail is ideal for families, and it’s located just 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh.

4. Morgan Street Food Hall

For foodies, the Morgan Street Food Hall is located in the Raleigh Warehouse District and has everything from gourmet burgers to sushi and coffee with outdoor seating and bars for socializing.

It’s a great place to visit on the weekends to engage with the community.

5. Marbles Kid Museum

If you're visiting Raleigh with the family, you shouldn’t miss out on the Marbles Kids Museum. The museum has two levels of educational and fun exhibits with a 3D IMAX theater. The museum is located in downtown Raleigh and even has a wall of one million marbles, which light up at night.

6. JC Raulston Arboretum

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a gorgeous 10-acre garden full of themed gardens, such as Japanese and tropical. It’s ideal for photos and simple relaxation, with over 6,000 plants on display. It is a tranquil place for nature lovers to visit all year round.

7. Raleigh City Market

Raleigh City Market takes place on the historic cobbled streets located in downtown Raleigh. It has a number of shops, bars, and restaurants around to catch a bite to eat or a refreshment while you shop. It’s an ideal weekend visit.

Local Tips For Visiting Raleigh

Now we have the main attractions, let’s explore how to live in Raleigh like a local.

Visit Further Than Downtown

Don’t just limit your visit to Raleigh to the downtown area; depending on how much time you have, venture to Historic Oakwood or Five Points, where you can find unique dining spots and shops.

Use The Greenways

Raleigh has a system of greenways that is perfect for nature lovers with miles of hiking, cycling, and jogging, connecting parks and neighborhoods. Best of all, they are free to visit.

This app can help you find green spaces.

Check Events

Several festivals and events go on each year in Raleigh, NC. The Raleigh Arts Festival takes place in May for art lovers, as well as the Spring Food Truck Festival for the foodies.

Find Accommodation In Raleigh With Alcove

If you're looking to stay in Raleigh temporarily, Alcove offers shared housing in this city's neighborhoods on a per-room lease, making it simple to rent without roommate stress or long-term leases.

We can connect you with verified and vetted homes in Raleigh, and you can manage your rent easily via our Alcove platform.

Find our listings in Raleigh here.