Things To Do
American Tobacco Campus
This is a former historic district turned business district. The restaurants here are incredible, particularly Puerto Rican spot Boricua Soul and the Milkshake Factory. There's also a wide green area for picnics and they constantly host events in the space.
Cocoa Cinnamon
We are obsessed with churros and consider ourselves to be connoisseurs. Cocoa cinnamon has the best we've ever had because they're always made fresh to order. The coffee is excellent as well.
Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Black-owned
Probably the South’s most famous comfort-food combo, Dame’s does fried chicken and waffles better than just about anyone. Pair crispy fried chicken with creative waffle flavors and their signature “shmears” (flavored butters like maple-pecan or orange-honeycomb). Weekend brunch is not a game, with reservations already booked several months out. If you’re determined to have Sunday brunch here, be prepared to wait. It’s so worth it.
The Durham Hotel
We've recommended this hotel as a place to stay, but if you don't stay here, the rooftop is still such a fun place to enjoy a night out. The music is great, and so are the drinks and you can't beat the view of Durham's skyline.
Juju Durham
Chris and I went here on our most recent trip to Durham and were blown away by the flavorful small plates. Definitely get a reservation and definitely get bomb ass shrimp (yes, that's the name of the dish) and the crab rice.
The Parlour
Theeee best salted caramel ice cream you will ever have in your life. I'm (Shayla) also a big fan of the Vietnamese Coffee flavor.
Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice
Durham is home to Pauli Murray's preserved childhood home with indoor exhibits about her work as a writer, activist, legal thinker, and church leader; outdoor exhibits; and special tours on themes like Women’s History Month, Black Liberation, and more. Guided tours cost around $20 (with reduced or pay-what-you-can options), but self-guided outdoor exhibits are free during daylight. The Center is open during scheduled tours and for special events, so it’s best to check their calendar when planning your visit.
Saltbox Seafood Joint - Black-owned
Chef Ricky Moore’s James Beard–winning “fish shack” is a Durham icon, famous for fresh local catch and hush-honeys (his sweet, golden hushpuppies). The menu changes daily depending on what’s biting off the NC coast, which makes every visit a little different. Expect a line—and expect it to be worth it.
Whistle Stop Tours
If you want to dig into Durham’s Black history with a guide, stories, and great context, Whistle Stop Tours hosts the best walking tours in Durham. Whistle Stop Tours offers themed, performance-based walking tours through neighborhoods like Hayti, West End, and the old Black Wall Street. Some of the tours include Roots & Soul: Walking with Pauli Murray, Free Soil Havens: Hayti and Haiti, Black Wall Street: The Price of Progress (I took this tour during the first Biscuits and Banjos festival weekend in 2025), and Diggable History. You’ll see actors, hear stories, and explore stops where history still breathes. Public tours happen on scheduled dates, and you can also book private or custom group tours.