Known far and wide for its rich cultural scene, Raleigh is loaded with opportunities to learn about and experience new things. North Carolina’s capital city has even been dubbed the “Smithsonian of the South” for its wealth of museums, educational institutions, and historic attractions. For visitors looking to make the most of their time in the City of Oaks, a good tour can offer the perfect combination of fun activities and expert insights.
The best tours in Raleigh, N.C., include Triangle Walking Tours, Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours, the North Carolina State Capitol tour, and City Brew Tours. Raleigh is best known for its walking tours, but this guide also covers other options, including trolley, museum, food, and brew tours of the City of Oaks.
The Best Raleigh Historic Tours
The best way to tour Raleigh is with an experienced and knowledgeable guide, especially when it comes to learning about the city’s rich history. These tours highlighting Raleigh’s fascinating past are well worth any history buff’s time:
Historic Raleigh Walking Tours
1. Raleigh Walking Tours
Raleigh Walking Tours spotlights some of the area’s most iconic historic attractions, including Raleigh Iron Works, a selection of haunted spots, and the Oakwood neighborhood. (Seasonal visitors can see the century-old neighborhood in a different light during the annual candlelight tour, held each December.) The company also offers walks covering local topics of interest, such as true crime stories, public art, women’s history, and area murals, as well as Raleigh, N.C., ghost tours. Most of Raleigh Walking Tours’ offerings feature a pay-what-you-choose pricing structure; view the full selection to find your favorite.
2. Triangle Walking Tours
Triangle Walking Tours is another company devoted to helping locals and visitors experience the area’s most interesting sights on foot. Highlights among its Raleigh history–focused tours include a historian-led walk through downtown Raleigh, a tour spotlighting the architecture of historic Oakwood, and another celebrating the city’s African-American history. Explore the company’s full array of tour offerings to see which spark your interest.
Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours
Not all of the city’s best tours are taken on foot — there are also a number of trolley tours in Raleigh, N.C.:
3. The Great Raleigh Trolley
The Great Raleigh Trolley offers an array of laid-back tours, including ones covering the haunted history of Raleigh and the city’s must-see sights, as well as Read & Ride tours geared toward children and their parents.
4. Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours
The Historic Raleigh Trolley is a city-provided offering that treats tour participants to narrated rides showcasing downtown’s most historic landmarks. Departing from Mordecai Historic Park on Saturdays from March through December, the hour-long Raleigh, N.C., trolley tour highlights sites including City Market, Fayetteville Street, and the State Capitol. Tickets are affordably priced, and private charters are available for special events.
On-Site Tours
5. Mordecai Historic Park
Mordecai Historic Park offers guided tours of Raleigh’s oldest home on its original foundation, dating back to 1785. The 50-minute, docent-led tours explore the Mordecai House and historic outbuildings, including the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson and St. Mark’s Chapel. Tours run Tuesday through Sunday.
6. The North Carolina State Capitol
The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in the nation. Visitors can explore the building through free self-guided tours Monday through Saturday, or join free public guided tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Highlights include the domed rotunda, restored legislative chambers, and exhibits on the state’s political history.
The Best Raleigh, N.C., Museum Tours
Raleigh is home to several top-tier museums offering educational experiences for curious minds of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to world-class art or the wonders of our planet’s natural history, these fascinating museum tours provide great learning opportunities.
7. North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art offers a variety of self-guided and free guided tours of its extensive collection spanning over 5,000 years of art. Docent-led public tours are available on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m., and thematic tours — such as “Portraits and Power” or “Women Artists” — can be booked for groups. Additionally, guided tours highlighting the 164-acre Museum Park’s outdoor sculptures and sustainable landscapes are offered seasonally on Saturday mornings.
8. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
At the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours through a wide range of interactive exhibits. From dramatic dinosaur displays to the Living Conservatory filled with tropical butterflies, the museum invites exploration at your own pace.
The Best Raleigh, N.C., Food Tours
Raleigh’s food tours offer a delicious way to experience both the area’s cuisine and its scenic surroundings. These guided walks through the city’s neighborhoods combine tastings at top eateries with stories that bring Raleigh’s culture and architecture to life:
9. Triangle Food & City Tours
Triangle Food & City Tours offers guided walking food tours through some of Raleigh’s most charming neighborhoods, including Historic Oakwood and Boylan Heights. Each tour pairs tasting stops at locally owned restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops with stories about the city’s history and architecture.
10. Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours take guests on guided walks through downtown Raleigh, highlighting the city’s diverse culinary scene. Participants visit a curated lineup of locally owned restaurants, enjoying tastings that showcase innovative, farm-to-table cuisine. Tours also provide insights into Raleigh’s history and architecture, making for a flavorful and informative experience.
The Best Raleigh, N.C., Brewery Tours
Raleigh’s thriving craft beer scene offers something for every type of beer lover. Whether you’re looking for a guided, behind-the-scenes experience or want to explore the best local breweries on your own, there are plenty of tours to choose from:
11. On-Site Brewery Tours
The Raleigh area (along with the entire state of North Carolina) is well-known among beer connoisseurs for its high-quality offerings. One of the best ways to sample and learn more about the beer-making process is to visit breweries in Raleigh, N.C., with tours. Just a few of the local breweries offering on-site tours include:
A Great Home Base for Wherever Your Raleigh Tour Takes You
After taking in their favorite Raleigh tours, guests at the StateView Hotel can head back to our conveniently located property to rest up in their comfortable rooms and enjoy our thoughtful amenities while gearing up for their next area adventure. Plan your stay at StateView today, and get ready to discover what makes Raleigh such a fun destination for visitors of all ages and interests.