In this article, I’ll break down the top areas and places to stay in Durham. After spending three months house-sitting in Durham, I fell in love with this vibrant city in the USA. It’s a walkable city with distinct areas, each offering a different experience for visitors.
Durham, North Carolina, is bustling with excellent bars, restaurants, cafes, and activities. Known historically for its tobacco production, the city now showcases a wealth of American history on every corner. Today, Durham is a tech hub, with companies like Google and Apple setting up shop nearby.
Downtown Durham is a lively area full of bars, restaurants, cafes, and breweries. It’s the best place to stay if you’re visiting for the first time. Despite the ongoing development and new apartment complexes, Downtown maintains its charm and neighborhood feel, with apartments being the top accommodation choice. You’ll find everything from baseball fields featured in movies to top-notch bars and restaurants with ease.
Though there aren’t big hotels in Downtown, apartments here are perfect for proximity to all the action. Here are some top picks:
1. Amazing Apartment – Ideally located with parking, just a block from the bars around Geer Street and close to the Bulls Athletic Park.
2. Modern Apartment – A two-minute walk from Downtown, featuring modern amenities, parking, and a pool.
3. Comfy Apartment – Located near Downtown with an outdoor pool and walking trails, it includes a full kitchen and lounge area.
For entertainment, don’t miss these Downtown highlights:
1. Durham Bulls Athletic Park – A historical landmark with ongoing games.
2. Boxcar – A bar and arcade filled with classic games like Super Mario Bros and Pac-Man.
3. Urban Axes – A fun axe-throwing venue for a unique experience.
4. Motorco Music Hall – A versatile venue hosting a variety of live events.
5. Durham Distillery – Offers gin tours and tastings for a fun and educational outing.
Downtown is also home to some fantastic dining and drinking spots:
1. The Blue Note Grill – Famous for its barbecue and live music.
2. Hutchins Garage – Known for fantastic pizzas in a unique setting.
3. King’s Sandwich Shop – A historic spot for sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs.
If you prefer a vibrant nightlife and a variety of establishments, Central Durham is the place to be. With a mix of bigger hotels and unique accommodations, it’s perfect for visitors looking to stay at the heart of the action.
Central Durham highlights include:
1. Durham Marriott City Center – A modern hotel with all necessary amenities, right near the main hub.
2. The Durham Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with panoramic terrace views and excellent facilities.
Some activities in Central Durham are:
1. Durham Bulls Athletic Park – Watch a baseball game nearby.
2. Major the Bull Statue – A local icon symbolizing Durham’s heritage.
3. American Tobacco Campus – Explore historical landmarks and dining spots.
For food and drink options:
1. Bull City Burger and Brewery – Offers the best burgers and a great selection of craft beers.
2. The Roof at The Durham – A spot with amazing city views and great cocktails.
3. Pour Taproom – An extensive self-serve beer selection with a great happy hour.
Heading towards Duke University, the 9th Street area is a vibrant local hub with a great mix of bars, restaurants, and activities. It’s also close to the Duke Gardens.
Top places to stay around 9th Street include:
1. Hilton Garden Inn – Conveniently located with excellent amenities.
2. The Lodge – Near Duke Medical Center with a free shuttle service to local attractions.
Activities near 9th Street:
1. Visit Duke Gardens – A beautiful and expansive botanical garden.
2. Walk The Duke Campus – Explore the famous university grounds.
3. Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum – Learn about Durham’s tobacco history.
4. Duke Softball Stadium – Watch a softball game.
For nightlife and dining:
1. Dain’s Place – A welcoming bar with great bar snacks.
2. JuJu – Popular for its Asian fusion cuisine.
3. Cosmic Cantina – Known for its delicious burritos.
During my stay, I lived in Trinity Park, a beautiful residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and parks. It felt incredibly safe and had a strong community spirit. Located conveniently close to Downtown and 9th Street, it’s an excellent spot for exploring Durham.
Top stays in Trinity Park include:
1. Comfy Apartment – Close to Downtown with an outdoor pool and full amenities.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott – Offers a blend of hotel and apartment features, ideal for extended stays.
Activities in Trinity Park:
1. Free Concerts In The Park – Enjoy live music performances.
2. Free Art Walk – Monthly event featuring local artists.
3. Warehouse District – Explore Durham’s historic buildings and culture.
Favorite local spots include:
1. Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom – Great barbecue and a wonderful patio.
2. Devine’s Restaurant and Sports Bar – A casual spot for watching sports and enjoying bar food.
3. Goorsha – A highly-rated Ethiopian restaurant with unique dishes.
Heading south of downtown, Southpoint offers great shopping, dining, and convenient access to RTP and the airport. Ideal for business travelers or those looking to stay just outside central Durham.
Top hotels in Southpoint:
1. Holiday Inn – A reliable name with a free shuttle service.
2. Hyatt Place – Close to The Streets at Southpoint with an outdoor pool.
3. Hilton Garden Inn – Features two restaurants and an indoor pool.
Things to do in Southpoint:
1. The Streets at Southpoint – A massive shopping complex.
2. Sunsets On The Promenade – Enjoy the beautiful promenade.
3. Southpoint Mall Food Court – A variety of dining options.
4. Free Outdoor Gigs – Weekly live music events.
Dining recommendations:
1. Pulcinella’s Italian Restaurant – Traditional Italian cooking.
2. Chubby’s Tacos – Fresh and flavorful tacos.
3. Town Hall Burger & Beer – Creative burgers and a casual bar environment.
Durham boasts a range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, shopping, or tranquility, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your stay in this delightful city!
