Welcome to Durham

Durham is North Carolina's Research Triangle hub and a vibrant metropolis located in the heart of the Piedmont region, known for its excellent universities, rich tobacco heritage, and diverse cultural scene. This dynamic city is known for its academic excellence, tobacco heritage, and unique "Research Triangle" personality that has shaped the North Carolina education and research industry for generations.

From the iconic Duke University and Tobacco Heritage to the beautiful Duke Gardens and Nasher Museum, Durham offers visitors a perfect blend of academic excellence, cultural experiences, and North Carolina hospitality. The city also boasts American Tobacco Campus, Eno River State Park, and some of the best Carolina BBQ in America.

283,506 Population

404 ft Elevation

213 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Durham adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Baseball season, outdoor activities, perfect weather

Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation, cultural events

Peak Season March-May, September-November (Spring and Fall tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 22°F / 34°F

Apr 45°F / 58°F

Jul 68°F / 84°F

Oct 48°F / 62°F

Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters

Airports

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Main airport, 12 miles from downtown Durham

Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue
Direct flights to major US and international cities
Rental car services available

Durham Executive Airport (RDU)

Alternative airport, 15 miles from downtown Durham

General aviation and charter flights
Private aircraft services
Shuttle services to Durham

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 8+ million

Hotel Rooms 12,000+

Restaurants 1,800+

Cultural Attractions 75+

Average Hotel Price $130/night

Public Transit GoDurham bus system

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 2,500+

Direct Destinations 200+ cities

Average Flight Price $350

Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Major Airlines 10+ carriers

On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1

Gates 200+

Parking Spaces 50,000+

Rental Car Companies 15

Distance to Downtown 17 miles

Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Rail Lines 8 lines

Bus Frequency 5-15 min

Fare $2.50

Operating Hours 4AM-1AM

Bike Share Stations 600+

Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 200+

Sports Venues 15+

Entertainment Districts 20+

Movie Theaters 25

Museums 60+

Annual Events 400+

Outdoor Recreation

Lake Michigan Water recreation

Bike Paths 200+ miles

Golf Courses 25

Millennium Park Urban recreation

Parks 600+

Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin New York

Top International Origin Canada

Popular Airlines American, United

Average Age 35 years

Financial Industry 30%

Average Stay 3.2 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 200+

Sports Venues 15+

Average Spending $450/person

Financial Industry $15B annually

Tax Rate 10.25%

Popular Items Deep-Dish Pizza, Architecture, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low

Hospitals 15 major

Urgent Care Centers 50+

Pharmacies 100+

Emergency Services 24/7

Tourist Safety Excellent

🌟 Top Attractions in Durham

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in North Carolina's Research Triangle hub

Duke University

Experience Durham's iconic Duke University featuring historic campus architecture, academic excellence, university tours, and the educational heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle.

Year-round 2-6 hours Duke Campus

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Tobacco Heritage

Discover Durham's rich Tobacco Heritage featuring historic tobacco factories, heritage museums, cultural exhibits, and industrial heritage that make it one of Durham's most popular attractions and a premier heritage destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Throughout Durham

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Carolina BBQ

Experience Durham's famous Carolina BBQ featuring traditional barbecue restaurants, local flavors, culinary tours, and cultural experiences that showcase North Carolina's barbecue heritage and food culture.

Year-round 1-3 hours Throughout Durham

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American Tobacco Campus

Explore American Tobacco Campus featuring historic tobacco factories, modern offices, restaurants, and cultural experiences that make it one of Durham's most important attractions and a premier business destination.

Year-round 1-3 hours Downtown Durham

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Duke Gardens

Visit the Duke Gardens featuring beautiful botanical collections, walking trails, educational programs, and natural experiences that showcase Durham's commitment to green spaces and natural beauty.

Year-round 2-4 hours Duke Campus

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Nasher Museum

Experience Nasher Museum featuring contemporary art collections, special exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural experiences that showcase Durham's artistic excellence and cultural heritage.

Year-round 2-4 hours Duke Campus

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🍽️ Durham's Academic & Carolina BBQ Flavors

Savor the flavors of North Carolina's academic and Carolina BBQ culinary heritage with Durham's diverse dining scene

Academic & Carolina BBQ Flavors

Experience Durham's diverse academic and Carolina BBQ dining scene featuring local ingredients, traditional North Carolina-style dishes, and innovative culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and North Carolina heritage.

Top Academic & Carolina BBQ Restaurants:

The Pit
Bull City Burger
Dame's Chicken & Waffles

Durham Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Durham's diverse food culture featuring academic-themed restaurants, fine dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's academic excellence and North Carolina heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

Academic-Themed Restaurants
Duke Campus
Downtown Eateries

Visit Durham

Welcome to Durham

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Best Time to Travel

Average Temperature

Airports

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Durham Executive Airport (RDU)

Travel Statistics

Flight Statistics

Airport Operations

Local Transportation

Cultural & Entertainment

Outdoor Recreation

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Shopping & Retail

Safety & Health

🚗 Rent a Car in Durham

🌟 Top Attractions in Durham

Duke University

Tobacco Heritage

Carolina BBQ

American Tobacco Campus

Duke Gardens

Nasher Museum

🍽️ Durham's Academic & Carolina BBQ Flavors

Academic & Carolina BBQ Flavors

Top Academic & Carolina BBQ Restaurants:

Durham Cuisine & Local Flavors

Must-Try Local Spots:

🏨 Where to Stay in Durham

✈️ Find Flights to Durham

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