Things to Do in Raleigh - Search Flights to Raleigh

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Raleigh boasts a unique blend of history and modern, youth-centered culture. One of the oldest cities in the US, it is home to numerous historic sites. Because it is in an area filled with universities, its population is dominated by young, educated people who turn what would be a quaint southern city into a fun-loving, but laid-back, urban center.

Here are the activities that make Raleigh worth visiting.

Budget

Many of Raleigh's museums do not charge admission. The North Carolina Museum of History (5 East Edenton Street), the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (1 W Jones St), and the North Carolina Museum of Art (2110 Blue Ridge Road) do not charge admission, but still display quality ongoing exhibits and a rotating line-up of traveling exhibits.

North Carolina's major universities are all within a short distance of Raleigh. Duke University is in Durham, North Carolina State University is in Raleigh itself, and the University of North Carolina is in Chapel Hill. All three schools are connected by bus (the Triangle Transit Authority). The University of North Carolina's campus is one of the most historic in the US. There are prime examples of historic architecture and well manicured grounds. College sports also play a major role in Raleigh's culture (see "Splurge" below).

Value

Ice Hockey in the Southeast? The NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, who play their home games in Raleigh, won the Stanley Cup in 2006. In an area dominated by college basketball and, to a lesser extent, football, the Hurricanes are the biggest pro ticket in town. Local fans are passionate about their team and tickets for home games are hard to come by. However, ice hockey fans, and tourists who are sports fans in general, will not want to miss the atmosphere and excitement of a Hurricanes' home game.

Splurge

Cameron Village is one of the oldest shopping centers in the Southeastern US. This classic mall still has plenty of independently-owned boutiques and a nice collection of newer shops and restaurants. There is also a large public library for those looking for a little culture amid the commercialism.

College basketball is virtually a religion in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. Duke and North Carolina are NCAA powerhouses who often vie for the national title. Games at each college's campus are exciting to attend (though tickets, at least those sold at face value, are nearly impossible to come by). The party begins hours before the game and continues for at least a day afterwards. North Carolina State also has a good basketball team and a solid football program as well.