Visit Raleigh

Raleigh is North Carolina's capital city, known for its excellent universities, research triangle, and vibrant downtown.

Welcome to Raleigh

Raleigh is North Carolina's vibrant capital city and a dynamic city located in the heart of the Research Triangle, known for its excellent universities, research triangle, and vibrant downtown. This dynamic city is known for its academic excellence, North Carolina hospitality, and unique "Tar Heel State" personality that has shaped the region for generations.

From the iconic NC State University and North Carolina State Capitol to the beautiful Research Triangle Park and Pullen Park, Raleigh offers visitors a perfect blend of academic experiences, outdoor activities, and North Carolina hospitality. The city also boasts diverse cuisine, arts scene, and some of the best attractions in the Research Triangle.

474,069 Population
315 ft Elevation
213 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Raleigh adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Mild weather, outdoor activities, cultural events
Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation, arts scene
Peak Season March-May (Spring), September-November (Fall weather and cultural events)

Average Temperature

Jan 32°F / 52°F
Apr 52°F / 72°F
Jul 72°F / 89°F
Oct 52°F / 72°F

Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters

Airports

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Main airport, 12 miles from downtown Raleigh

  • Major airlines: All major carriers
  • Domestic and international flights
  • Rental car services available

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)

Secondary airport, 80 miles from downtown Raleigh

  • Major airlines: All major carriers
  • Domestic flights
  • Shuttle services to Research Triangle

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 5,000,000+
Hotel Rooms 8,000+
Restaurants 800+
Cultural Attractions 40+
Average Hotel Price $120/night
Public Transit GoRaleigh, GoTriangle

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 50+
Direct Destinations 20+ cities
Average Flight Price $300
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 5+ carriers
On-time Performance 80%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 10+
Parking Spaces 1,000+
Rental Car Companies 8
Distance to Downtown 10 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Bus Routes 15+ routes
Bus Frequency 15-30 min
Fare $1.50
Operating Hours 6AM-10PM
Bike Share Stations 10+
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

Mobile Bay Water recreation
Bike Paths 50+ miles
Golf Courses 15
Bellingrath Gardens Botanical gardens
Parks 100+
Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin Alabama
Top International Origin Canada
Popular Airlines American, Delta
Average Age 38 years
Maritime Industry 30%
Average Stay 2.8 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 50+
Sports Venues 10+
Average Spending $350/person
Maritime Industry $8B annually
Tax Rate 9.5%
Popular Items Mardi Gras, Gulf Coast Cuisine, Historic Architecture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 15 major
Urgent Care Centers 50+
Pharmacies 100+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Raleigh

Explore Raleigh and the beautiful North Carolina Research Triangle region at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Raleigh

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in North Carolina's Capital City

NC State University

NC State University

Experience Raleigh's iconic NC State University featuring beautiful campus facilities, academic activities, and the authentic heart of North Carolina's educational excellence.

Year-round 2-4 hours Centennial Campus
Visit Free Free admission Read More
North Carolina State Capitol

North Carolina State Capitol

Discover Raleigh's beautiful North Carolina State Capitol featuring premier government experiences, historic architecture, North Carolina history, and cultural heritage that make it one of Raleigh's most important attractions and a premier government destination.

Year-round 1-2 hours Downtown Raleigh
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Research Triangle Park

Research Triangle Park

Experience Raleigh's beautiful Research Triangle Park featuring stunning research facilities, innovation activities, and technological heritage that showcase North Carolina's premier research destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Research Triangle
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Duke University

Duke University

Experience Raleigh's beautiful Duke University featuring prestigious education history, cultural experiences, diverse academic programs, and heritage that showcase North Carolina's premier university destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Durham
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Pullen Park

Pullen Park

Visit Raleigh's famous Pullen Park featuring outdoor activities, entertainment venues, cultural experiences, and natural heritage that showcase North Carolina's commitment to outdoor development and cultural preservation.

Year-round 2-3 hours West Raleigh
Visit Free Free admission Read More
North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina Museum of Art

Experience Raleigh's beautiful North Carolina Museum of Art featuring art exhibitions, cultural events, entertainment venues, and artistic heritage that showcase North Carolina's connection to arts and culture.

Year-round 2-3 hours West Raleigh
Visit Free Free admission Read More

🍽️ Raleigh's Diverse Cuisine & North Carolina Flavors

Savor the flavors of North Carolina's diverse cuisine and Tar Heel State culture with Raleigh's multicultural dining scene

Diverse Cuisine & North Carolina Flavors

Experience Raleigh's diverse North Carolina cuisine and Tar Heel State dining scene featuring local ingredients, Raleigh-style dishes, and multicultural culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and North Carolina heritage.

Top Diverse Cuisine & North Carolina Restaurants:

  • Carolina BBQ Restaurants
  • North Carolina Cuisine
  • Raleigh Farm-to-Table Dining
Read More About Diverse Cuisine & North Carolina Flavors

Raleigh Cuisine & Local Flavors

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

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • North Carolina-Themed Restaurants
  • Downtown Raleigh
  • Research Triangle Eateries
Read More About Raleigh's Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Raleigh

Find the perfect accommodation for your Raleigh adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Raleigh

Search for the best flight deals to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

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