The Ultimate Downtown Durham District Guide

While each neighborhood in Durham has its own vibe and hidden gems, downtown Durham dances to the beat of innovation, creativity and grit. Before it was lined with award-winning eateries, luxurious boutique hotels, and engaging public art, it was traversed by a generation of industrious entrepreneurs. Though you won’t find working factories anymore, there are constant reminders of the once-dominant tobacco industry in the brick-laden warehouses converted into modern living spaces and chic restaurants and bars.

The iconic rainbow-colored flags are a helpful indicator that Durham celebrates its vibrant queer community and the numerous LGBTQIA-owned establishments that give the city life. Some cities may overly claim to have a diversity of cuisines with local ingredients and quality dining options. Downtown Durham, however, walks the walk by embracing global cuisine with flavors that keep people coming back for more.

Made up of seven subdistricts that total one square mile, the downtown area is easy to explore by foot, car, or wheels. It's also home to several landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places and major attractions like DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center and the Durham Bulls. There’s truly something new and exciting with every visit.

The Bullpen

Durham's social district, "The Bullpen" stretches across all of the Downtown District, meaning you can traverse each neighborhood while enjoying an alcoholic beverage purchased to-go from a participating business. Check out our tips for how to make the most of The Bullpen before heading downtown.

Durham has a wide variety of things to do and places to see that shouldn’t be overlooked. The food consistently receives praise and the quaint local businesses give it a charm that just has to be experienced. Get ready to discover something new in the heart and soul of the Bull City.

City Center

Combining the old with the new, the City Center District boasts an eclectic mix of architecture that represents a collision of Durham’s past and present. You’ll find skyscrapers built around historic buildings, ensuring Durham retains its street-level character. It’s also where the height of music, food and community come together in the city's heart to create memorable experiences.

City Center Activities and Attractions

Let your first impression of the City Center District be the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. Pick up a map or self-guided tour and get recommendations from knowledgeable Destination Experts. Steps away, standing majestically in the heart of CCB Plaza, is one of Durham’s most iconic statues — Major the Bull. Created by local artists in memory of George Watts Hill, a World War II veteran known to his friends as “Major,” the statue was given to the community as a symbol of Durham’s strength.

Engage with community-centered stories of the city's history at the Museum of Durham History. View the markers and public artwork on Black Wall Street, a four-block area known for the success of Black-owned businesses, and then head to the historic Beaux Arts-style Carolina Theatre, to catch a performance.

With art galleries, hip cocktail bars, breweries, and restaurants, the compact district is an especially popular spot for students, business professionals and foodies.

Bars & Restaurants in the City Center

Although there are plenty of stalwart, go-to restaurants like Mateo Bar de Tapas, a Spanish restaurant with Southern influences, and Alley Twenty-Six, the first cocktail bar in the state to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Unwind with coffee and brunch at The Durham Hotel or treat yourself to pastries and sweet treats from Loaf Bakery or Ninth Street Bakery.

City Center District is also full of international specialties. Dashi, a Japanese ramen shop and pub, will make all your ramen dreams come true. Don’t forget to ask for their pages-long menu of options for whiskey lovers.

Sharing a back door, M Sushi and M Kokko are two treasured spots where you can order sushi and casual Korean-inspired chicken dishes respectively. A few blocks away, Top Chef finalist Savannah Miller heads the kitchen at M Tempura, where the traditional kaiseki and omakase options allow guests to experience the full tasting menu and a la carte options make it possible to stop in for a quick bite.

Fans of Indian food are satisfied by the homestyle, regional Indian dishes served by James Beard nominee Preeti Waas at Cheeni.

City Center will easily satisfy your sweet tooth, too. Save room for artisan ice cream from The Parlour or soft serve ice cream with toppings like crystalized cookie butter rocks from Simons Says Dip This. For more sweet treats, stop by Sweets by Shayda, a woman-owned business with an array of French-inspired macarons.

For those adults looking to continue on for a nightcap — incredibly, there are 10+ world-class cocktail bars or programs within just a few blocks from each other in downtown’s core. Sip on Bar Virgile’s hand-shaken Ramos Gin Fizz, ground-to-glass seasonal cocktails at Kingfisher or a more classic hole-in-the-wall offering at 106 Main. Keep the party going at LGBTQIA-owned spots like Arcana Bar & Lounge and Pinhook.

Places to Stay in the Citer Center

When it’s time to wind down, The Durham Hotel has a striking mid-century modern design, comfy rooms to spend the night and unbeatable views of the city paired with drinks, snacks and regular live music on The Roof.

If you're looking for something to inspire your creativity, spend your stay at 21c Museum Hotel, a great hotel with a free multivenue contemporary art museum open 24/7.

If you're looking for the chance to soak up the sun by the pool, choose Unscripted Durham where you can overlook CCB plaza from the roof, which gets decked out for winter with cozy poolside igloos.

American Tobacco Campus

About half a mile south of the City Center District sits the American Tobacco District. Known as a busy industrial center that used to ship products worldwide, the former American Tobacco manufacturing plant has been transformed into the American Tobacco Historic District.

Things to Do at ATC

Anchored by over one million square feet of multi-use space, Durham Performing Arts Center, DPAC, and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP), it will be hard to miss this district (and hard to miss out on the fun). Get tickets to a comedy show, concert or a Broadway performance at DPAC.

If sports are more your speed, get tickets to a Durham Bulls game and watch the hometown heroes hit the ball out of the park. Whether you're a kid or an adult, there are so many ways to enjoy a Bulls game.

In addition to the entertainment venues, the restored historic tobacco factory also has benches with a view of the historic Lucky Strike water tower and the flashing Old Bull sign on the oldest building in downtown Durham. In the summer months, enjoy free music shows from nationally touring acts and local bands; in the winter, bask in the glow of holiday light glory. Any day of the week, you can get centered at a yoga class at Yoga Off East.

Restaurants and Bars at ATC

Along the flowing, man-made river in ATC, there are plenty of food vendors with a range of cuisines and outdoor dining. Head to Parker and Otis, a gourmet eatery and gift shop, for breakfast, lunch and an assortment cookbooks, gifts and specialty food items.

Across the way, you’ll find Boricua Soul, the brainchild of a husband-and-wife duo that serves a fusion of Caribbean and Southern flavors in a casual environment. For a more upscale meal, try Bantu fusion tapas in a slick setting at Ekhaya, where chef Zweli Williams takes inspiration from her upbringing in southeastern Africa. Or sit at the expansive bar or an indoor or outdoor table at Seraphine, where you can enjoy New Orleans-inspired staples like broiled oysters, gumbo, boudin and more. NanaSteak offers a classic steakhouse menu and pairs its high ceilings and bright natural light with an award-winning wine list.

With a menu boasting European-inspired coffees, crepes, and craft cocktails, Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails is the perfect spot to refuel before exploring the American Tobacco Trail.

For a nightcap or a quick drink before a show at DPAC, stop by The Waiting Room. The cozy room with plush furniture will make you want to stay a while, to say nothing of the creative and expertly made cocktails.

Places to Stay in ATC

Now that you've discovered all of ATC's restaurants, bars and attractions, you'll need a place to wind down. Luckily, Aloft Durham Downtown offers that and more. Comfortable rooms, an entertainment-themed lobby, indoor pool and more make it the place to stay in ATC. A location adjacent to both ATC and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park make it a no brainer for anyone who wants to park the car once and spend the weekend enjoying all the convenience offered by ATC.

Warehouse & Brightleaf Districts

Follow Main Street west of City Center to find the Warehouse District, which includes the former Liggett & Myers tobacco buildings. The Warehouse District's western edge is bordered by the equally charming Brightleaf District. When turn-of-the-century tobacco warehouses were adapted into retail, dining, and office spaces, the Brightleaf District became a premier destination. Stroll through the courtyard and enjoy bustling retail during the day and a lively nightlife scene after the sun goes down.

Things To Do in the Warehouse & Brightleaf Districts

If shopping is your thing, peruse thoughtfully curated artistic home goods at Indio and custom-made jewelry at Hamilton Hill Jewelry. Score some designer clothing and accessories for an affordable price at Mode Consignment Boutique.

Looking to satiate your thirst for both competition and beer? Head over to Clouds Brewcade + Kitchen for a fun barcade experience. For late-night dancing, hookah, and bottle service, head to The Living Room or Gojo.

Bars & Restaurants in the Warehouse & Brightleaf Districts

Fresh seafood. Authentic Mexican cuisine. Traditional Ethiopian fare. Cocktails and nightlife. Brightleaf District has everything your palate needs and more. Prepare your tastebuds for a taste of Ethiopia in the heart of Durham at Goorsha. Whether you select a communal plate to share or an individual portion, each dish is full of flavor. Bringing that same Ethiopian flavor into bowls, salads, and sandwiches for lunch is Goorsha’s sister café, Gojo. Stop by for lunch or head to their hookah after parties later at night.

For a more casual setting without sacrificing any flavor, try Brightleaf's Fonda Lupita – its first location in Sanford was included in Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurants for 2021. Zweli's Kitchen was the first Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States – its original location on 15-501 located to these new digs in 2023 where downtown residents and visitors enjoy popular dishes like piri piri chicken, samosas and dovi collard greens. Emmy Squared draws crowds with its Detroit-style pizza, salads and sides.

For a more formal dining experience, try authentic Greek dishes at Nikos and bask in the outdoor patio.

For dessert, indulge in a scoop of sunshine ice cream, sun-kissed lemon and sweet-tart tangerine with radiant passion fruit from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.

Night owls rejoice; Brightleaf District has plenty of options to match your evening mood. The Federal, one of Durham's legacy businesses, offers drool-worthy nachos, Buffalo chicken sandwiches and burgers – plus a late-night menu. Next door, the James Joyce Irish Pub serves up wings, fried soft pretzel bites and other pub-like sides till 2 a.m. Chill out on the patio at Devine’s Restaurant & Sports Bar with bar food staples and TVs to watch your favorite sports.

Places to Stay in the Brightleaf & Warehouse Districts

After a fun fun-filled day of shopping, eating and drinking, lay your head down at the Residence Inn. This highly-rated hotel offers free transportation, a great fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Central Park District

North of the City Center, The Central Park District is, naturally, home to Durham Central Park, a community-focused, five-acre municipal park that boasts a playground, skate park, covered pavilion, art studios, public art, and a spacious grassy lawn. Every week, thousands of people shop at the farmers’ market and attend events, like free summer movies on the lawn and concerts.

Things to Do in the Central Park District

On the northern side of the Central Park District, you’ll find a hotbed of live music, bars, restaurants, and the Historic Durham Athletic Park, featured in the 1988 hit movie “Bull Durham.” This district also extends to the popular intersection of Rigsbee Avenue and Geer Street, lined with local favorite watering holes and eateries.

Start your Saturday morning with a trip to the Durham Farmers' Market for fresh seasonal vegetables and locally made goods. Numerous murals dot the park and neighboring blocks, including a large magnolia mural, a mural of civil and human rights champion Pauli Murray, and a mural depicting the history of Durham using a tribal art style from India. You can relax under the shaded pavilion, explore the garden, relax on one of the benches, or picnic on the lawn.

The central park district has no shortage of night life activities as well. Music lovers can catch a show at Motorco Music Hall. Check the calendar to see if anyone you know is playing, or take a chance and find your new favorite band. Boxcar Bar & Arcade is the place to be for arcade and console games, pinball machines, table tennis, and other activities to accompany its full bar and pizza menus. Unleash your inner lumberjack at Urban Axes and spend an hour or two throwing axes with friends.

Central Park Bars & Restaurants

Head over to the Durham Food Hall for some of the area's brightest culinary talent. Napoli Pizzeria and Gelatoria provides Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, small plates, salads and artisanal gelato. Fuel up on a hearty crunch wrap from Ex-Voto, which features a selection of mission-style burritos on 14″ flour tortillas stuffed with chicken and smoked pork, or on fresh fish plates and sandwiches at Locals Seafood Restaurant and Market.

Pizza and burritos are best washed down with a cup of coffee from Liturgy Beverage Co. or a handcrafted cocktail from The Auctioneer Bar. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Little Barb’s Bakery, serving cookies, cakes and more and even accommodating dietary restrictions.

The same building houses the infamous Dame’s Chicken and Waffles with all sorts of grub that’s sure to please your palate, as well as Foster Street Coffee.

Make your way to Geer Street for a smorgasbord of restaurants and bars, including Cocoa Cinnamon, a Latina-led, women-forward coffee company and King’s Sandwich Shop, a walk-up burger stand that’s been dishing out sandwiches, hot dogs & hand-dipped milkshakes since 1942. Pro tip: Geer Street Garden is not, in fact, a garden, but a delicious spot for local grub. The specials never miss, and no trip to Durham is complete without ‘The Pile.’

Up a block, you can devour a grandma’s pizza on the lovely patio at Hutchin’s Garage – voted the best new restaurant in Durham in 2021 – or get your ‘za to-go and enjoy with friends over a bottle of wine at the LouElla Wine, Beer and Beverage.

Stop by Motorco's accompanying restaurant Parts & Labor for food and drinks pre- or post-show on picnic tables and stringed lights facing the street. Up the street, enjoy Kotuku Surf Club's casual outdoor space or indoor shuffleboard and darts in a darkened setting.

Government Services & Golden Belt Districts

East of City Center and the American Tobacco Campus, the Government Services District is home to a growing selection of restaurants and bars and most city and county offices and buildings. Further east from there, you'll find the Goldenbelt District, home to Golden Belt Campus.

Things to Do in the Government Services & Golden Belt Districts

Any visit to Durham is incomplete without a visit to the Durham County Main Library. Although a library may not seem like a noteworthy stop, we promise you’ll earn cool points with your family and friends once you visit. Explore all four floors of the $40 million, 100,000 square-foot renovation, featuring an outdoor terrace, green roof, two maker spaces, installations that encourage modern learning, and a children’s area with a massive interactive light wall.

You can also find The Fruit in the Government Services District. This DIY arts and music venue is a flexible space where touring musical acts play, and dance parties and festivals like Slingshot are held. Once a month, the Fruit opens its doors to local vendors, artists and more for The Fruit Flea. Step down into the basement of The Fruit and you will find Durham's own gay, queer and trans night club, Club Era.

Equally engaging, the Golden Belt Campus is a restored textile mill repurposed to house a brewery, art studios, retail, office, service businesses and offices, and residential lofts. It is the largest all-historic, LEED Gold-certified campus in the Southeast and home to working artists’ studios and galleries like The Grand Gallery and Building 2 Gallery. The seven-acre campus is situated in a neighborhood of historic homes and chockfull of restaurants. You can’t go hungry here. No really.

On the third Friday of every month, the space overflows with live music, artists display their art, and there’s exhilarating energy that just needs to be experienced.

Bars & Restaurants in the Government Services & Golden Belt Districts

Stroll a the blocks between City Hall and East Main Street to delight in discoveries like Puerto Rican cuisine at Kokí, seasonal American plates and creative cocktails in the intimate dining room at Littler, a hidden courtyard at Killer Queen Wine Bar and more.

As you make your way East, stop in for a coffee, or a cocktail and a live jazz show at Missy Lane's Assembly Room.

On the edge of the Government Services District, you can indulge in novelty margaritas and filling plates of Mexican cuisine at Mezcalito. Find Ponysaurus Brewing right across the street, where you can sip a crisp brew and munch on pizza under their patio misters in the summer or outdoor heaters in the winter.

Make it a brewery crawl by heading over to Hi-Wire Brewing at the nearby Golden Belt Campus. There, you can also get Neopolitan-style pizza from Cugino Forno, ice cream (with toppings, of course) from Two Roosters, and delicious sandwiches from 19Fifty-One. You can also get breakfast and coffee at this awesome Ethiopian-Korean Fusion restaurant.