Durham, NC Guide

Restaurants

Durham has a wide variety of food options to cater to every taste. So much so that it’s even been crowned as the “Tastiest Town in the South” by Southern Living magazine. For a fusion between American Southern and South American cuisine, Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas is the perfect place. They use locally-sourced, fresh ingredients whenever possible, making their food both wholesome and delicious.

If you’ve been searching for a great pizza place to make your regular spot, look no further than Pizzeria Toro. A local favorite, their pizzas are wood fired and the ingredients are fresh, making for the perfect pizza for you and your family.

Spend your weekend afternoon on Ninth Street – grab a cold beer at Dain’s Place, or enjoy a massive burrito at Durham’s own Cosmic Cantina. Referred to by the Herald-Sun as “Durham’s Greenwich Village,” Ninth Street has something for everyone.

Located near Duke’s east campus is Juju, one of the best places for Asian cuisine in town. Not only do they have great food, but they also have hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive sake selection. It’s the perfect place for a date night, or a night out with friends. 

Arts and Attractions

Art galleries, museums, theatre, music, festivals, and more, Durham has it all! If you enjoy live performances, the Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, is a place you need to check out. They host events from broadway shows to concerts to comedy shows. DPAC is a great place for a date night or a night with friends.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is another great place to experience art. This museum opened in 2005, and focuses on showcasing artwork by diverse artists and those who have been historically underrepresented. They also work to engage students in art at Duke and beyond. Located in the heart of Duke’s campus, this is a unique find you’re sure to enjoy.

And don’t miss out on any of Durham’s amazing events and festivals, like the Durham Blues Festival, the American Dance Festival, Durham Art Walk, Durham CenterFest, or the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival.

Shopping

Durham has lots of cute shops and local retailers to explore as you make your way through downtown. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you’ll find tons of fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses, fresh cut flowers, and more at the Durham Farmers Market.

If you’re looking for a day of shopping and dining ending with a movie, The Streets at Southpoint is the place for you. They have almost too many stores to count, including Apple, Barnes & Noble, Gap, J. Crew, and more. When you’re done shopping, you can eat at places like The Cheesecake Factory, Firebirds, or Maggiano’s before heading to the movie theater to see the latest blockbuster or to a concert as a part of their summer concert series.

The Nomadic Trading Company is the place to find all kinds of antiques. They regularly import antique rugs, furniture, textiles, home decor, and more from around the world. They have tons of unique finds that will make great additions to your home.

Schools & Employment

Students in Durham have numerous options for public and private education. The city is served by Durham Public Schools, a highly-rated district home to 30 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 2 secondary schools, and 12 high schools, as well as several magnet schools, such as the Durham School of the Arts and the city of Medicine Academy.

Durham is home to several major employers, like Duke University and Duke Medical Center, and hi-tech start up companies, such as Red Hat. It is also located just a few miles from the internationally-renowned Research Triangle Park, which is home to major national and international companies like IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, and RTI International.

Durham, NC Neighborhoods

Ready to explore the Durham area?  Browse these Durham neighborhoods below: