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Raleigh

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Raleigh
photo © 2001 NCDT
If you're looking for a getaway that's fun for the whole family and easy on your pocket, look no further than Raleigh. With more than 20 free attractions, this stately and energetic capital city offers an affordable way to enjoy history, culture and the outdoors. Spend the day hopping between the three state museums of art, history and natural sciences: all offer free admission. Visitors are free to wander around the grounds of the State Capitol, where they can also observe the legislative process. Stroll past the graves of Civil War generals at a historic cemetery or meander along cobblestone streets of City Market. Shop for the greenest broccoli, reddest apples and tastiest homemade treats around at the State Farmers' Market. With over 150 parks, lakes and green ways in Raleigh alone, there is ample opportunity to enjoy golf, cycling, swimming, boating and other outdoor adventures.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Where to stay
Embassy Suites Raleigh - Crabtree
Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree Valley
Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
La Quinta Inn & Suites Raleigh Crabtree
Wingate by Wyndham Raleigh
Hampton Inn Raleigh - North



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten track, but all are worth a visit.
Capital ideasCapital ideas
State Capitol: The State Capitol building, built in 1840, is an excellent example of a civic structure in Greek Revival-style architecture. Though recently renovated, the building does contain some original furniture.
Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919-733-4994
Free
Executive Mansion: This 37,500-square-foot grand mansion, built during the late 1800s in the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture, is home to the governor of North Carolina and his family. Although the mansion itself is currently closed to the general public, free tours of the grounds are still available.
Address: 200 N Blount St, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919 807 7950
Free
Urban oasisUrban oasis
Umstead State Park: Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails, campsites and lots more for nature lovers.
Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919-571-4170
Admission fee
JC Raulston Arboretum: Part of the North Carolina State University, this 8-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold-hardy temperate zone plants.
Address: 4301 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919-515-3132
Free
Museum highlightsMuseum highlights
North Carolina Museum of Art: This museum's collection spans more than 5000 years, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to the latest in contemporary art. It is especially known for its European galleries, which boast works by the masters: Monet, Rubens and Raphael, to name only a few.
Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919 839 6262
Free
Museum of Natural Sciences: Willo, the only dinosaur in the world with a fossilised heart, is just one of the fascinating exhibits found at this museum, the largest of its kind in the Southeast.
Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919 733 7450
Free
North Carolina Museum of History: Immerse yourself in North Carolina's history from pre-Colonial to the present-day at this museum that focuses on sports, folk life and women's issues.
Address: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919-807-7900
Free
Local flavourLocal flavour
State Farmers Market: Seven days a week, serious food connoisseurs and ordinary shoppers carefully pick through mounds of gorgeously presented fresh local produce at this popular open market, owned by the State of North Carolina.
Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919-733-7417
Free
City Market: Recognised by the National Register of Historic Places, this is a trendy shopping and restaurant district located in Raleigh's historic section.
Address: Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919 821 8023
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Mo's Diner: It's not fancy but the staff is cheery, the dining rooms cozy and the food delicious.
Address: 306 E Hargett St, Raleigh, North Carolina
Phone: 919-856-9938
Go ahead, try the chicken livers.
Things to doMore attractions
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Raleigh Trip Lists

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Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travellers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Embassy Suites Raleigh - Crabtree
Popularity index: #15 in Raleigh
EmbassySuites.com Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree Valley
Popularity index: #26 in Raleigh
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
HomewoodSuites Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
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Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
Popularity index: #27 in Raleigh
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Hotwire.com Photos, Reviews & Low Prices
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
La Quinta Inn & Suites Raleigh Crabtree
Popularity index: #13 in Raleigh
LQ.com Southwestern ambience, top notch service. Book direct for best rates.
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Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Wingate by Wyndham Raleigh
Popularity index: #24 in Raleigh
WingateHotels.com Click now for reservations at one of our 150+ properties!
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Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Hampton Inn Raleigh - North
Popularity index: #31 in Raleigh
HamptonInn.com Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Recommended Reading
"Raleigh, North Carolina"  TravelLady, 1 Sep 2007
The city's major attractions include the State Capitol and Mordecai Historic Park.
"Raleigh, NC"  TravelLady, 1 Feb 2004
Halfway between New York and Miami, Raleigh blends southern charm with big-city sophistication and culture.
"Heartlands: Raleigh"  Carolina Living, 22 Oct 2002
With its pleasant climate, central location and wealth of choices in education, culture and sports, family-friendly Raleigh is a transplant magnet.
"What's Doing in Raleigh"  New York Times (free registration required), 9 Apr 2000
Events, sightseeing suggestions and places to stay in the Raleigh area.
 View all articles, guide books and user reviews about Raleigh