Durham City Guide

Durham offers diverse food including Carolina barbecue and Southern comfort food. International options cover Asian to Latin American. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are widely available. Late-night food options exist near downtown and university.

The nightlife is vibrant with craft breweries, cocktail bars, live music venues, and theaters mostly in downtown.

Durham has a strong coffee culture with many independent and specialty coffee shops known for quality.

Tipping is expected across most services. Restaurants, taxis, baristas, hairdressers, and hotel housekeeping typically receive 15-20%, or $1–$5 depending on service.

SIM cards are available from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint stores in shopping centers. Coverage is strong. eSIMs are becoming common but depend on carrier and phone. ID is required for registration.

The city is generally clean, especially downtown and residential areas, with regular waste and recycling services.

Some 24/7 options exist, including certain pharmacies, convenience stores, and gas stations. Late-night food is limited.

Supermarkets include Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Publix, and Whole Foods. Specialty and international products are available. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM, including Sundays and holidays. Bargaining is uncommon.

Most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed for daily use.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and grocery stores. Withdrawals outside your bank's network can cost $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's fees.

Durham Public Schools serve the area. International schools are fewer but options exist nearby. Higher education includes Duke University and North Carolina Central University, taught mainly in English.

Durham's tech and university scene supports a growing digital nomad community. Meetups and remote work groups are active, and there are many nomad-friendly cafés.

Durham offers excellent green spaces like Duke Forest and Eno River State Park with shaded trails and running paths.

Running is popular on trails like the American Tobacco Trail and Duke Forest. The city is generally safe with good air quality.

Gyms include popular chains, university facilities, and boutique studios for yoga and CrossFit.

Tennis courts are common in public parks and private clubs. Equipment rentals and coaching are available.

Padel is less common but may be found at some private clubs.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Varied martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing, are available with many instructors speaking English.

No skiing nearby. Ski resorts are 3-4 hours away in western North Carolina.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible on local lakes and rivers like Jordan Lake and the Eno River. Rentals are seasonal from spring to fall.

Surfing isn't possible in Durham. The nearest reliable spots are on the coast 2-3 hours away.

No diving sites in Durham. Coastal areas offer diving but require travel.

Durham has excellent healthcare, including Duke University Hospital with English-speaking staff. Both public and private options exist. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and well-stocked.

Tap water is safe and meets federal and state standards. It is regularly tested and treated but may contain chloramine or trace contaminants.

Playgrounds like Duke Gardens and Forest Hills Park are common. Kid-friendly eateries and baby supplies at major stores are easy to find. Attractions include the Museum of Life and Science and Duke Lemur Center.

Durham is very LGBTQ+ friendly with inclusive venues, community groups, and annual Pride events. Legal protections exist at state and local level.

Durham welcomes pets with dog-friendly parks, pet-friendly lodging, and many pet stores. Vet services are easy to find.