Raleigh

A short history of Raleigh

Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, was founded in 1792 and named after Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer. The city was planned and designed by William Christmas, who envisioned a city that would serve as the state capital. Over the years, Raleigh has grown into a thriving city with a rich history and diverse culture.

FAQ for Raleigh

What is the best way to get there?

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the main airport serving the city.

Interstate highways and major roads connect Raleigh to other cities in North Carolina and neighboring states.

What is this city famous for?

Raleigh is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters.

The city is also home to several prestigious universities and research institutions.

What are five interesting facts about the city?

Raleigh is often referred to as the "City of Oaks" due to its abundance of oak trees.

The North Carolina State Capitol, located in Raleigh, is one of the oldest working capitol buildings in the United States.

Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle Park, a hub for technology and research companies.

The city hosts the North Carolina State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country.

Raleigh has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering a variety of unique and flavorful beers.

How did this city get its name?

Raleigh was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer who sponsored the establishment of the Roanoke Colony in present-day North Carolina.

What are some travel tips for the city?

Explore the city's downtown area, which offers a mix of historic sites, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of Art for a dose of culture and education.

Take advantage of the city's extensive greenway system, which provides opportunities for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation.

Do I need a visa?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Raleigh.

International visitors should check the visa requirements for their respective countries.

When is the best time to visit the city?

The spring and fall seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities.

Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild with occasional cold spells.

Are there local customs I should know for i.e. Drinking, Greetings, Public transit?

North Carolina has strict alcohol laws, and it is important to be aware of the legal drinking age and regulations.

Common greetings include a handshake or a simple "hello" or "hi."

Raleigh has a public transit system, including buses and a light rail line, which can be convenient for getting around the city.

What is the time zone for the city?

Raleigh is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The voltage in Raleigh is 120V, and the plug type is Type A and Type B, which have two flat pins or two flat pins with a grounding pin, respectively.

What is the currency?

The currency used in Raleigh is the United States Dollar (USD).

Are ATMs readily accessible?

ATMs are readily available throughout the city, including at banks, shopping centers, and airports.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Raleigh, including at most restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Can you use ApplePay and Google Pay?

Many businesses in Raleigh accept ApplePay and Google Pay as forms of payment.

How much do I tip in Restaurants/bars, Hotels, Taxis, Tour guides etc.?

In restaurants and bars, it is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill.

For hotel staff, a tip of $1-2 per bag for bellhops and $2-5 per night for housekeeping is appropriate.

Taxi drivers usually receive a tip of 10-15% of the fare.

For tour guides, a tip of $5-10 per person for a half-day tour and $10-20 per person for a full-day tour is customary.

City Information for Raleigh

Founded	Population	Elevation
1792	476,587 Source	315 ft

Average temperatures for Raleigh

Season/Month	Temperature (Celsius)	Temperature (Fahrenheit)
Spring (March - May)	10-24°C	50-75°F
Summer (June - August)	21-32°C	70-90°F
Fall (September - November)	10-26°C	50-80°F
Winter (December - February)	-1-13°C	30-55°F