24 Hours In Raleigh Itinerary: What To Do In Raleigh For 1st Timers! | This Is Raleigh (2024)

If you only have one day in Raleigh and don’t know how to spend your time, then you’re going to want to keep reading!

We’ve spoken to many people who are unsure on what to do in Raleigh when they only have 24 hours to spend, either to kill time between campus tours at NC State University or when they’re in town for a business meeting.

One day is not a lot of time, and so you’re going to have to be ok with missing some of the top attractions in Raleigh as there’s only so many hours in a day.

But don’t worry, I have called this city my home for over 10 years now and have worked out the best 24 hour Raleigh itinerary for visitors who want to get a feel for the culture, the history, the food and drink scene, and the Southern community feel.

24 Hours in Raleigh Itinerary

Of course, I suggest you stay longer than one day as there are so many cool things to do in Raleigh, but if you’re planning day trips or just need someone to take the guesswork out of how to spend a day in Raleigh, then here’s what I recommend you do!

Stop 1: Breakfast at Big Ed’s City Market

You’ve arrived in The South and there’s no better introduction to Raleigh and its welcoming community than Big Ed’s in historic City Market, the best Southern style breakfast in Raleigh.

This is the local experience you’re looking for. They’ve been serving up generous portions of Southern comfort food since 1958. Here you’ll enjoy a laid-back vibe with a collection of funky antiques hanging from the ceiling, warm Southern hospitality, and food like what grandma used to make.

Especially popular for their GIANT pancakes, local country ham, fried chicken, aged ribeye steak & eggs, sliced pork loin, fried catfish, fluffy biscuits, and double-brewed sweet tea. Read our full review.

Alternate breakfast options:

• Mecca Restaurant – oldest of theRaleigh restaurants. Historic setting with red stools along a long counter, a black and white checkered floor, and wooden booths. Serving unpretentious and comforting meals since 1930, this is one of the few true diners left in Raleigh.
• State Farmers’ Market Restaurant – another popular place for locals to get a country breakfast and Southern dining experience. Start each meal with their highly acclaimed biscuits!
• A Place at the Table – Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can-afford cafe. Amazing concept and staff.Consider the Huevos Rancheros or build your own biscuit. Great coffee too.
• See our full guide on where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh (13 local hot spots).

Stop 2: Coffee at The Morning Times

The Morning Times is right in the heart of downtown and a short walk from Big Ed’s.

It’s one of the most popular coffee shops in downtown with the locals. We typically order lattes (our kids love their cookies) and we enjoy sitting either in the cozy upstairs that doubles as a small art gallery, or on the sidewalk in the sun.

If you didn’t go to Big Ed’s for breakfast, you can get a solid breakfast burrito here, too!

Other coffee shops we like are:

• Heirloom Brewshop: a specialty coffee shop, premium tea house, sake bar and kitchen all rolled into one with an Asian-inspired menu.
• Jubala on Hillsborough St: Located across the street from NC State University and just a 5-minute drive from downtown,Jubala Coffee is known for their tasty small bite’s menu and professionally trained baristaswho make excellent lattes and the full spectrum of coffees.Their biscuits are my favorite in Raleigh.

Stop 3: Visit Raleigh’s Museums

Raleigh is home to excellent museums and because of the quality and number of free museums in the city, Raleigh is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the South”.

I highly recommend you spend your morning strolling around one of them, but which one will depend on your taste and interest.

Here are some of our favorite museums in Raleigh:

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Located in the heart of downtown, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is North Carolina’s largest and most visited museum.

It has over 4 floors of exhibits to explore, including walk-through dioramas, live animals, microbes and meteorites, 3D movies, and there’s a fantastic permanent collection of dinosaur and whale skeletons.

You can also watch scientists at work in the research center.

While you’re there, walk over to admire the North Carolina State Capitol Building, which is just across the road.

NC Museum of History

If you’re more into history, across the street from the Natural Sciences museum is the North Carolina Museum of History.

Founded in 1902, this history museum contains more than 150,000 artifacts and more than 14,000 years of history related to North Carolina.

It’s estimated that more than 400,000+ people a year visit this museum.

NC Museum of Art

Art lovers should head to the impressive North Carolina Museum of Art which is home to more than a dozen beautiful indoor gallery spaces showcasing art from around the world.

You can either self-explore or take an engaging tour, see performing arts and participate in family workshops.

Don’t miss taking a stroll through the attached Anne & Jim Goodnight Museum Park, a 164-acre park and trail system that features more than a dozen commissioned works of art.

Marbles Kids Museum

If you’ve got young kids (up until the age of about 12), Marbles Kids Museum is one of thebest things to do with kids in Raleigh.

There are two levels of kid-focused museum activities here with dozens of hands-on exhibits and the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater.

Stop 4: Lunch

After a morning getting cultured in a museum, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. For lunch, we recommend you sink your teeth into an North Carolina BBQ, which is one of the most delicious regional cuisines.

To help you decide on where to eat, here are a few of our favorite local restaurants you can choose from, which are all centrally located near the museums and offer a taste of the local flavor.

NC Barbecue

In case you didn’t know, North Carolina is a barbecue state and enjoying a plate of bbq in Raleigh is one of those “welcome to the South” moments you should experience.

• Sam Jones BBQ is famous in Eastern NC. They smoke whole hogs on site and are popular for their chopped BBQ, fried chicken, ribs, and baked flat cornbread. And I’m a big fan of their smoked turkey sandwich!
• The Pit Authentic BBQ is another of the popular BBQ spots in Raleigh. They serve whole-hog, pit-cooked Eastern-style bbq and their signature items include Baby Back Ribs and Chopped BBQ, plus their Brunswick Stew, Heirloom Cabbage Collards, and Fried Green Tomatoes are popular.

Southern American

For Southern cuisine, which are not necessarily unique to Raleigh but all of the south, don’t miss these restaurants:

• Beasley’s Chicken + Honey – popular Southern dining experience in downtown by famed chef Ashley Christensen. They specialize in Fried chicken and sandwiches, and are popular brunch spot on weekends.
• Parkside Restaurant – a retro-industrial restaurant serving traditional Southern comfort food the locals love. They do an excellent burger, plus chicken & waffle sandwich, prime rib, and other popular Southern dishes.

Burgers

If you want a quick and simple burger, our favorite burger joints are:

• Burger Village – If you’re looking for grass-fed, organic, and exotic burgers look no further.Choose from exotic meats like bison, elk, boar, and ostrich, plus your standard offerings such as beef, salmon, and chicken. Read our full review and understand the Burger Village difference.
• MoJoe’s– classic local neighborhood burger joint serving excellent burgers along with wings and pub-style appetizers. I love their Carnivore burger with a side of tater tots. Indoor and outdoor seating. See more burger suggestions here.

Stop 5: Hike in Umstead State Park

Now you have a full stomach it’s time to get some steps in. An easy 15-minute drive from downtown brings you to one of the best outdoor places in Raleigh, and one of the state’s most visited parks – William B. Umstead State Park.

This natural oasis surrounds three man-made lakes and has over 22 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate. If you love to get active on nature trails through the forest, or do some biking, trail running, picnicking, canoeing, or even horseback riding, then Umstead is calling you!

A great introductory trail is the 2.8-mile Sal’s Branch Trail. However, if you’re up for a woodland walk, the Sycamore Trail is a 7.2-mile loop and the longest trail. But possibly my favorite trail is the 6-mile loop, Company Mill Trail.

Lake Johnson Loop Trail

If you love lake trails, Lake Johnson is our favorite of the lakes in Raleigh and just a 10-minute drive from downtown.

The fully paved 3-mile greenway loop around the eastern side of the lake is popular with students at nearby NC State University and families.

There’s a 700-foot-long boardwalk across the center of the lake, a boat house, small beach area, and picnic shelters.

Stop 6: Pullen Park (For Young Kids)

If you don’t know what to do in Raleigh with kids, you can’t go wrong with the historic Pullen Park, which dates back to 1887. It was thefirst public park in North Carolina and is the fifth oldest operating amusem*nt park in the US.

Here you can ride a historic carousel and miniature train, rent pedal boats, let the kids run free on the playgrounds, have a picnic or even grill out in one of the picnic areas.

Stop 7: Explore Historic Neighborhoods

If you’re not into nature hikes and prefer to stick more to the downtown area, Raleigh has some excellent historic neighborhoods to explore either on foot or by car.

You might not have time to explore more than one in 24 hours, so here are some of the most prominent neighborhoods. See which one speaks to your taste and interest, and get exploring!

Historic Oakwood & North Person St

Historic Oakwood dates back to the 1800’s. It rose after the Civil War and is home to magnificent oak trees, Grand Victorians and modest bungalows. Check out thisfree walking tourand don’t miss the magnificentOakwood Cemetery

North Person Streetborders historic Oakwood and is possibly my favorite street in Raleigh. Here are some of my favorite stores, boutiques, restaurants, and watering holes on N. Person Street:

• Edge of Urge – boutique store specializing in clothing, jewelry and accessories.
• Unlikely Professionals – part dive bar, part retail store.
• So & So Books – independent local bookstore.
• Two Roosters – handcrafted icecream by an NC State grad.
• Pelagic Beer & Wine – craft retail beer store and tasting room.
• Standard Beer + Food – hip and contemporary brewery with tasty tacos.
• Oakwood Pizza – New York style pizza.
• William & Company – fantastic local neighborhood co*cktail bar.
• Krispy Kreme – the second original storein the world (after Winston-Salem)
• Crawford & Son – fine dining by award-winning chef, Scott Crawford.

Boylan Heights

HistoricBoylan Heightsis another of the premier neighborhoods in Raleigh. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

It’s known for its craftsman bungalows that sit along with transitional Queen Anne/Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial architecture, while mature trees dominate the streetscapes.

Some notable landmarks in this neighborhood are:

• Rebus Works – coffee shop and tasty treats plus art galleries run by artists.
• Boulted Bread – popular local bakery.
• Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing – excellent drinks + small paltes and views!
• Vault Craft Beer – old bank turned brewery.
• Dorothea Dix Park– Raleigh’s largest city park.

The Warehouse District

The six-block Warehouse District is where you’ll find Raleigh’s hipster, creative and artistic community.

It was transformed from its former red-brick industrial buildings into a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, bars, a brewery, a food hall with multiple local vendors, boutique shopping, art museums, studios and technology firms.

It’s a pretty good area for nightlife or for soaking up the city’s bar culture, as well. Some popular landmarks in this neighborhood are:

• Need another coffee? Go to Black & White Coffee, a great little coffee shop inside the Videri Chocolate Factory.
• Videri Chocolate Factory – sample yummy chocolates and get soft serve ice cream!
• Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) – displays new and emerging work by local and national living artists. Free admission.
• 311 Gallery – home to 12 artist studios, an exhibition gallery and a gift shop.
• Father & Son Antiques – modern furnishings, vintage clothing and accessories, records and books.
• Raleigh Denim Workshop – exclusive well-crafted jeans!
• Morgan Street Food Hall – Raleigh Rolls offers unique rolled ice cream with delicious toppings!

Stop 8: Pre-Dinner Drinks at a Brewery

There are some great bars and breweries in Raleigh that are perfect for a pre-dinner drink (or all occasions).

The brewery you explore with largely depend on where you are in the city and which neighborhood you explored earlier.

Below are a select few of our personal favorites.

• – we take all first-time visitors here for the wow moment. The best view of the Raleigh skyline from their outstanding outdoor patio is paired with excellent craft beer and unique co*cktails.
• Crank Arm Brewing – the guys at Crank Arm are super passionate about craft beer and bikes. Relaxed and friendly vibe here in the Warehouse District. My pick: Road Hazard Hazy IPA.
• Raleigh Beer Garden – not an actual brewery,but with350+ beers on tap, at time of opening they became the world record-holder for largest selection of draft beer!

If you prefer wine bars, check out these great places:

• Vita Vite Art Gallery + Wine Bar – premier wine bar that doubles as an art gallery. Excellent selection of wine and relaxed atmosphere. Locations in the Warehouse District and North Hills.
• Barcelona Wine Bar – as global travelers we cannot resist a place that takes us away on a quick vacation without needing to jump on a flight. An array of Spanish wines and tapas transporting you to the streets of Barcelona.

Or for whiskey and co*cktails, be sure to check out:

• Whiskey Kitchen – repurposed industrial building and beautiful open space. Over 300 whiskies plus craft co*cktails and beer and wine, you can’t go wrong here.
• William & Company – cozy local neighborhood co*cktail bar next to Historic Oakwood. Fresh and unique craft co*cktails created by top-notch bartenders!

Stop 9: Dinner

Raleigh is not short on great places to eat, so we couldn’t leave you with just one option! Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you will find something to satisfy any craving from one of these options:

Modern American

• Stanbury – Probably the most unique of the dining experiences in Raleigh. Outstanding food and terrific ambiance in a quirky, rustic venue with excellent service! Their menu changes daily (updated on their Facebook) and features modern cuisine via small plates and entrees (the best steak I’ve had in Raleigh), plus craft co*cktails. No reservations here, walk ins only!

Asian

• Bida Manda – we spent 12 months in Southeast Asia and don’t hesitate to say this is best of the Asian restaurants in Raleigh, and my favorite Southeast Asian restaurant in North Carolina. Well renowned for its authentic Laotian cuisine with ample vegetarian and gluten free options.
• Five Star Restaurant – named after the owner’s grandfather who was the equivalent of a Five Star General in the U.S. Army and served in the Republic of China (Taiwan) armed forces.Highly regarded by the locals. My pick: thePork Dumplingsand Crispy Sesame Beef.

Italian

• Giorgio Pizza Bar – Get a true taste of Italy in North Hills by famed restauranter, Giorgios Bakatsias. Delightful pizzas and pastas with accompanying Italian wines.
• Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar – enjoy the ultimate outdoor dining experience near downtown on their open-air secluded patio by the pool.

Vegetarian & Vegan

• Fiction Kitchen – 100% vegan restaurant that combines creative flair with classic Southern comfort foods like “chicken and waffles”, to globally inspired plates like Vegan charcuterie board, potato chaat, curry bowl, homestyle meatloaf, and risotto. Excellent co*cktails.
• Irregardless Cafe – iconic vegetarian restaurant and the oldest in Raleigh. Seasonal menu that features an array of vegetarian and vegan options, plus meat and seafood (something for everyone) Cozy and fun community vibe and live music.

See more vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh.

Fine Dining

• – for a special occasion, enjoy an exquisite fine dining experience inside a Second Empire Victorian that incorporates history, Southern charm, gourmet meals and excellent service.
• – perfect date night experience for those who want an intimate setting but with a little buzzy vibe. Casual yet elegant with innovative dishes beautifully presented by award winning chef, Scott Crawford.

Stop 10: After-Dinner Drinks (Or Activities)

Finish your day by enjoying an evening drink or night time entertainment. Some of my favorite bars in the city are:

• Watts & Ward – my favorite of the underground bars in Raleigh. A craft co*cktail bar founded upon the underground spirit of the 1920s. Leather seating, rustic tables, dim lighting and bookshelves full of history. Inventive co*cktail menu and low-key music.
• Dram & Draught – excellent whiskey bar with a range of whiskeys from around the world, plus seasonal co*cktails, wines, and draught beer from Raleigh (and beyond).
• Bittersweet – if you enjoy the concept of a dessert bar, a place where you can get bourbon with your pie, or champagne with your cake, then consider Bittersweet. A bar I love to go to in downtown for an Espresso Martini and Irish Coffee.
• See a show at the Performing Arts Center (home to the Carolina Ballet and the NC Symphony).
• Catch a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater.
• Or see an intimate live music performance at The Lincoln Theater.

If you’re looking to party late into the night, the main nightlife area of Raleigh is the Glenwood South Entertainment District which is lined with bars, breweries and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Raleigh

If you haven’t sorted your accommodation in Raleigh, below are some great hotels I recommend.

• Residence Inn Raleigh– cozy apartment style (all-suite)accommodation and perfect for couples and families. Excellent central downtown location, walk to everything!
• Marriott Raleigh City Center– in the middle of it all in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street. Good for leisure or business travel.
• The Casso– boutique hotel and super convenient to the Glenwood South Entertainment District and the Warehouse District.
• StateView Hotel– located on NC State University’s Centennial campus, you feel like you’re a million miles away in the forest by a lake, but you’re just a 3-mile drive from downtown!
• Heights House Hotel– boutique hotel in historic Boylan Heights on the edge of downtown. This historic landmark dates to the 1860s.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. If you don’t know what to do in Raleigh, now you do! This 24 hours in Raleigh guide will give you a real taste of the city, its culture, history, food and drink scene.

I put this itinerary together from my own personal experiences. These are the places I take visiting friends and family and are some of the most “Raleigh experiences to have” in the City of Oaks.

As one of the South’s most vibrant and eclectic mid-size cities, this is the most fun 24-hours you can spend in the capital city of North Carolina, whether you are in town for business, to visit family or friends, or are looking to move to Raleigh like us!

If you have longer than one day and you’re in town for one of our cool festivals and events or sporting events, be sure to check out our 2 days in Raleigh itinerary.