Ultimate Guide to Hillsborough Street (Eat, Drink, Shop, Play)

Of all the streets in Raleigh, none has seen more growth than Hillsborough Street. It’s one of the leading thoroughfares in the city, and remains one of our most frequented streets. The Hillsborough Street corridor is home to some of our favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and play in the city.

It’s also home to NC State University and is where some of the most fun annual events, such as the start of the Krispy Kreme Challenge and Packapalooza, take place. If you’re new in town and not sure what Hillsborough Street has to offer, here are all the most popular restaurants, attractions, cafes, bars, and retail stores on the street.

About Hillsborough Street

Hillsborough Street is well known as the home to North Carolina State University and offers a youthful, college town feel on the edge of downtown Raleigh. And, it is home to other major Raleigh landmarks such as Meredith College and the NC State Fair. It bypasses historic Pullen Park (the oldest amusement park in the state) and is a major business and cultural thoroughfare linking downtown Raleigh to downtown Cary.

Hillsborough St is a vibrant district in Raleigh, and serves as a center for social life among NC State students.  Fun fact: this corridor is home to the highest concentration of arts, culture, and recreation offerings in the City of Raleigh. And, more people use the street for exercise than any other location in the city.

Parking around Hillsborough St

Unless you take the bus, ride your bike, or walk, you’ll obviously be looking for parking. It can be challenging at times to find parking, depending upon the time of the day and the day of the week, but I generally don’t have an issue! Parking on Hillsborough Street is free after 8pm Monday – Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Parking is free on NC State University’s campus after 5pm Monday – Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to public parking, many merchants do offer patron parking. I use the passport parking app to pay for street parking. Below are links to parking decks and lots:

• Free nights/weekends
• Short-term paid
• Long-term rentals
• NC State parking lots
• NC State parking decks

Coffee Shops on Hillsborough St

Jubala Coffee

Jubala’s prime location on Hillsborough St directly across from the iconic NC State Bell Tower (and underneath the cool Aloft Hotel) makes it a popular choice for Wolfpack students to grab coffee, a waffle or breakfast biscuit and work online or socialize. I’m personally a big fan of its lattes, egg and bacon biscuits, toasted turkey sandwiches, and my kids love the nutella banana waffles!

It uses local coffee beans from Counter Culture in Durham, and I always find the baristas super friendly and professional. It has both indoor and outdoor seating – I love to sit on the sidewalk in the warmer weather and watch the world go by. It’s easily one of my favorite coffee shops in Raleigh.

• Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: JubalaCoffee.com

Global Village Organic Coffee 

Located directly across from NC State University and underneath Mitch’s Tavern (learn more about Mitch’s below), if you’re looking for organic coffee and tea, this is a cozy coffee shop that pours quality coffees and specialty teas.

On the menu is organic coffee, wellness teas and super tea lattes, baked goods, sandwiches, breakfast burrito, avocado toast and more. It’s a casual hangout, especially for State students studying or networking. 

• Address: 2428 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: 50cupstea.com/global-village

Cup A Joe

Another popular coffee shop amongst State students (and Raleigh locals) for over three decades. Located just a 5–10 minute walk west of State’s campus, Cup A Joe is a coffee shop where you always see people on laptops or meeting with their classmates and friends. Not my favorite cup of coffee in the area, but I do enjoy the interesting vibes, community gathering atmosphere, and how it showcases local art.

It has a large variety of drinks including daily drink specials, and also serve teas, smoothies, and breakfast items and baked goods (including big cookies.) Prices are reasonable and the service prompt.

• Address: 3100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: CupaJoe.com

Lucky Tree Cafe and Gallery 

This is a hidden gem of a coffee shop a bit further along Hillsborough from NC State. Lucky Tree offers a wide selection of coffee and tea options, specialty lattes, and great vegan and gluten free bakery goods. Plus, it serves wine and beers. But that’s not all, it doubles as a local art and gift shop. It represents artwork and handmade items from more than 50 local artists, so while you are waiting for your coffee, you can browse what’s on offer.

It also has live music nights and Free the Mic every 2nd and 4th Mondays from 7-11pm.

• Address: 3801 Hillsborough Street
• Website: LuckyTreeRaleigh.com

Blend Raleigh 

Blend is a healthy smoothie and energy drink bar. Its smoothies are vitamin packed and Herbalife based. The menu includes healthy shakes with flavors such as Strawberry lemonade, Cinnamon Crunch, Pina Colada, Miami Vice, plus premium energy drinks including energy tea kits, protein snacks – ask about its protein cake pops – and iced coffee. 

• Address: 1908 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: Blendraleigh.weebly.com

Restaurants on and near Hillsborough St

See the complete list of dining options around Hillsborough Street here.

The Player’s Retreat

A true Raleigh landmark and one of the popular restaurants on Hillsborough St. Established in 1951, this is an old school sports bar with booths and bar stools, tables on the sidewalk, pool tables and lots of TV screens for sports. 

With a focus on hamburgers and sandwiches, it serves up some of the best burgers in Raleigh – I recommend the Wolfpack burger with slaw, mustard and chili. And for a starter, Mimi’s Sausage Dip. NOTE: Kids eat free here on Sundays!

• Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
• Website: PlayersRetreat.com

Irregardless Cafe 

A Raleigh staple since 1975, Irregardless is one of the longest-running Raleigh restaurants and a farm-to-table experience offering excellent vegetarian and vegan food, plus meat and seafood dishes – there’s literally something for everyone! Extremely popular for brunch on Sundays, plus lunch and dinner throughout the week and weekend. On offer is a warm and fun atmosphere, artsy and eclectic decor, live music on Saturday nights and home-cooked food.

Grab a cozy table indoors among the atmosphere, or out on the sidewalk during the pleasant weather days.

• Address: 901 W. Morgan St, Raleigh
• Website: Irregardless.com

Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar 

Lime & Lemon is one of the most popular international restaurants in the Hillsborough St district, and offers exquisite Indian cuisine that will take you on a journey through India’s many regions, traditions and festivals. It has been voted best Indian food in the Triangle and consistently voted as one of the top 10 ethnic restaurants. It has an ultra-modern setting including indoor and outdoor seating, and knowledgeable and experienced staff. 

• Address: 105 Friendly Dr #101, Raleigh
• Website: lnlrestaurant.com

Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen

Bussin is a pizzeria and restaurant known for its New York style pizza, colorful umbrellas, and school bus outside. Everything is fresh and made daily – subs, salads, pastas, soups, calzones, strombolis and of course, pizza. And with over five hundred 4.6 star Google reviews, it’s rated as some of the better tasting pizza in Raleigh.

The staff are nice people and offer prompt service. It also has a handy location right on Hillsborough between NCSU and Meredith College. It has great deals – $1 tacos on taco Tuesday, every Wednesday any bottle of wine is only $9.99, and 30% off Mon-Thurs with NCSU student ID.

• Address: 3209 Hillsborough St, Raleigh 
• Website: BussinPizza.com

Mitch’s Tavern

Established in 1974, this is another of Raleigh’s true landmarks, especially for NC State students and alumni. As I walk up the stairs to the second story bar area, the ambience and decor takes me back to our times living and traveling around the UK and Ireland.

It’s popular for great sandwiches – I enjoyed Mitch’s Reuben, chili and hot dogs while taking a trip down memory lane at this multi-generational establishment. Also featured in our “bars” section down below, keep reading to find out why!

• Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com

Hibachi & Company

The place to go for Japanese food when you need quick, affordable lunch and dinner options 

Every day of the week it has different lunch specials, and the location right across the street from State’s main campus makes it handy for students to stop by between classes.

It has plenty of indoor seating on the ground level plus upstairs, and some outdoor seating also. Some cool NC State decor inside, and on the outside wall is the HUGE Hillsborough St mural. Popular dishes include the Teriyaki Chicken with Noodles, Hibachi Shrimp entree, the Hibachi Chicken entree, and the Fried Gyoza Dumplings!

• Address: 2316 Hillsborough St suite 106, Raleigh
• Website: Hibachiandcompany.com

Gym Tacos 2

What started as a food truck in 2019 is now a restaurant on Hillsborough Street not far from NC State University. It always seems busy, and the vibe inside is upbeat, inviting and clean with plenty of seating indoors and out. 

With a focus on tacos, it offers hand-made corn tortillas, and you can choose your proteins (marinated pork, rose meat, pulled pork, grilled steak, Mexican sausage, chicken, flank steak, or beef head). Don’t sleep on the burrito! 

• Address: 3701 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
• Website: gymtacosnc.com

Playa Bowls 

Welcome to your slice of summer in a bowl. These guys are one of the nation’s leading health food shops specializing in Acai Bowls, Pitaya Bowls, Green Bowls, Juices, Smoothies, Cold Brew and more.

At Playa Bowls they use the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create healthy and delicious offerings. And the colorful interior vibes transport you to somewhere in the tropics! 

• Address: 2526 Hillsborough St Suite 101, Raleigh
• Website: playabowls.com

Rush Bowls

For another meal-in-a-bowl, head to Rush for its all-natural fruit blended extra thick and creamy bowls with added nutrients, protein, juice or milk and an assortment of decadent yet wholesome ingredients. Top things off with crumbles of crunchy granola & a drizzle of honey. Whatever your RUSH might be, it is a complete meal-in-a-bowl designed to satisfy your hunger and fuel your life. Plenty of smoothie options too!

• Address: 2811 Hillsborough St Suite 105, Raleigh
• Website: rushbowls.com/raleigh

Meat & Bite 

Located conveniently by NC State University, Meat & Bite specializes in burgers, wings, fried chicken and burritos and is a fusion of the flavors of the Mediterranean, American, and Tex-Mex cuisines into one mouthwatering menu.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely dinner, this classic and informal burger joint in a college town has got you covered and the staff here is known to be incredibly welcoming! NOTE: the beef and chicken products are certified halal. 

• Address: 2908 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: meatnbite.com

Coco Bongo Mexican Express & Cantina

A Mexican Express Cantina that features classic favorites like chimichangas and fajitas, plus expanded items such as salad bowls, street tacos, and California-style burritos. Popular for those who go to State who love Mexican American fusion comfort foods with flavored margaritas. It has an upbeat and vibrant atmosphere in a chill space with cultural art & TVs. Portion sizes are generous, especially for the price.

• Address: 2400 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: cocobongonc.com

Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More

Snoopy’s is an iconic hot dog spot and proud of its tradition as a locally-owned eastern North Carolina grill. It specializes in hot dogs and cheeseburgers with mustard, onions, and chili on a steamed bun – eastern North Carolina tradition. Located near NC State and Meredith College, this Snoopy’s (which opened in 2004), is a favorite rite of passage for many college students. Be sure to check out its daily specials.

• Address: 3600 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: snoopys.com

Fritos Tacos and Burgers

One of our absolute favorite places to eat on Hillsborough Street is Fritos Tacos and Burgers, dishing out bold, authentic Mexican street food straight from a bright yellow school bus. Run by Saul, a master of flavor and hospitality, this spot is a local gem known for its affordability and mouthwatering menu—including the wildly popular $1 Taco Tuesdays, which regularly draw lines that wrap around the rainbow-painted patio out front. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after class or meeting friends for a casual meal, Fritos delivers every time with delicious handhelds and unbeatable vibes in the heart of NC State territory.

• Address: 3209 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607 
• Website: www.fritosburgerstacos.com/

Bars & Breweries on Hillsborough St

The Player’s Retreat

Besides a popular go-to spot for burgers, the PR is one of the best sports bars in Raleigh and a tradition with NC State students and alumni for over 70 years. If you can’t make it to Carter-Finley stadium or PNC Arena to cheer on the Wolfpack, join the pack fans here!

This is an old school sports bar with booths and bar stools, tables on the sidewalk, pool tables and lots of TV screens for sports. And, it also boasts the largest collection of single malts in North Carolina.

• Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
• Website: PlayersRetreat.com

Mitch’s Tavern

I love this iconic tavern as a spot to eat or have a drink. Located directly across from campus (and above Global Village coffee), think old-school, wood-accent tavern that is well-known as the tavern in the 1988 Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon movie “Bull Durham.” 

A must visit for State students

Come listen to live music on select evenings or participate in music trivia nights. Although it doesn’t have dozens of TVs like the other sports bars, with its cozy pub atmosphere and history it is a must for anyone visiting or attending NC State. 

• Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com

Brickhouse Sports Bar and Grill

A west Raleigh favorite and another popular sports bar. Brickhouse is located in the same complex as Lucky Tree (directly across from Meredith College) and relatively close to NC State and PNC Arena. This sports bar is popular for NC State college games and Carolina Hurricanes hockey fans. In fact, the Wolfpack Weekly radio show with Football coach Dave Doeren is held here during football season offering fans the opportunity to attend each recording.

Brickhouse is also the official watch party location for the Ohio State Triangle Alumni Club and the Triangle Patriots Fan Club.

Raleigh Brewing

Let’s start off by saying this is a female owned brewery, and cheers to that! Its mission with every beer brewed is to embrace the City of Oaks, and from the murals on the taproom walls, to its beer names and its involvement with local community organizations and nonprofits, this is what they do.

We’re fans of the brewery and the beers brewed in Raleigh, but in an industry dominated by males, the founder of Raleigh Brewing, Kristie Nystedt, is the first woman to own a brewery in the state of North Carolina – how cool is that?

Over 10 years ago, Kristie got started by recognizing a void in the market when it came to supplying homebrewers with local supplies, and commercial brewers with efficient and quality tanks to produce its beer. Its head brewer is also female, Anita has received a General Certificate of Brewing from the Institute of Brewers and Distillers. So when Raleigh Brewing was born in 2013, it was alongside its two sister companies, Atlantic Brew Supply and ABS Commercial.

I love that when you walk into her brewery there’s no mistaking that you’re in Raleigh. Displayed on the taproom walls are cool murals of the capital city and names of its beers, and I love that Kristie’s and Raleigh Brewing’s mission is to embrace the City of Oaks with every beer brewed.

First impressions always count, and while the taste and quality of the beers is obviously important, for me a brewery is not just about the taste, but how inviting the space makes you feel and welcoming the business is to all. 

This event was a prime example of RBC’s involvement with local community organizations and nonprofits, and its love for this city, a passion and purpose we certainly align with!

Now to the beers. With 20+ beers on tap including a wide selection of styles (including its signature Hell Yes Ma’am and operating 7 days a week, Raleigh Brewing has become Wake County’s third-largest production brewery, averaging 8,000 bbl of beer per year. Style of beers include: Ales (Belgian, Scottish, Pale, Wheat, Czech Pilsner, IPAs, Stout, American Lager plus seasonal beers.

We love the She Brewed It (a Dry-Hopped Pilsner), which was part of a collaboration brew with Pink Boots Society (Raleigh Chapter) at Durty Bull on International Women’s Day and a portion of proceeds from the sale of this beer goes to Pink Boots Society – try it on tap now at Raleigh Brewing!

If you’ve got kids like us, Raleigh Brewing has a large outdoor patio area (often with a food truck), that makes for a nice casual atmosphere. It’s pet-friendly, too!

• Address: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh
• Website: RaleighBrewing.com

Gussie’s

Gussie’s is a cozy new neighborhood bar, bottle shop and kitchen on West Morgan Street serving creative craft cocktails and a palace you can hang out with friends and have conversation and enjoy good music. It has a pleasant atmosphere and inviting, and a thoughtful space. Sit at the bar, in one of its booths, or outside on the sidewalk. Either way, it’s a chill vibe all round.

Warning: if you stop in for a drink, you’ll probably end up staying for a meal, and the menu is very appealing – the burger comes highly recommended – and now serving brunch!

• Address: 927 W Morgan St Suite 116, Raleigh
• Website: GussiesRaleigh.com

Wolfe & Porter

The perfect neighborhood bar and great addition to the scene. There’s a chill vibe in the main bar area, which is a gorgeous space, while downstairs is The Cellar, more of a lounge speakeasy type space with antique bourbon selections and signature cocktails.

Chill music is always playing, plus live acts inside on select nights, a front patio and back deck, and an outdoor stage for live music and special events. Meet us there! 

• Address: 905 W Morgan St, Raleigh
• Website: wolfeandporter.com

Red Line Beer & Wine

Think of this as your “one stop shop”. It not only has 24 rotating craft beers on tap, wines by the glass, beer & wine flights, and cider & seltzer options, but it also doubles as a bottle shop. You can pick up your beer, wine, champagne, rose’ or cider, plus snacks, cigar products and gifts. 

It’s a cool space to hang for a while with tables and board games, live music on select nights, plus trivia night on Tuesday, music bingo every Wednesday, and Karaoke on Thursday nights. 

• Address: 10 Horne St #100, Raleigh
• Website: redlinebeerwine.com

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

Raleigh is not short of breweries, and we’re big fans of Trophy Brewing, who have opened a pizza restaurant. and brewery just off Hillsborough St. on West Morgan St. This locally owned restaurant has a community feel and is a popular place to eat on a nice weather day since most of its seating is outside (its cozy patio is heated in winter).

It offers classic thin crust pizzas that can be customized to your taste. You can also customize the sauce, cheeses and dough bases, so if you’re fussy over pizza, this is a good option. Want to try something other than NYC or Chicago pizza? Head in on a Monday or Tuesday from 4pm to try a Detroit style pizza, and calzones on Wednesdays!

• Address: 827 W Morgan St, Raleigh
• Website: trophybrewing.com

Shops on Hillsborough St

Hillsborough has always been one of our favorite streets in Raleigh for shopping at local businesses along this corridor since moving to Raleigh in 2004. We love supporting all small businesses, especially those owned by women, minorities and/or BIPOC who face unique challenges. See the full list of shopping and retail outlets along Hillsborough street here. Below are businesses we have personal experience with and are excited to share their story with you! 

Nice Price Books & Records

Any kind of music style is catered to in Nice Price Books & Records. And it has the quirkiest collection of vinyls in the Raleigh area and this may be the place you find a rare LP gem. Located near Cup a Joe with a cool hipster student vibe. You can pick up a few books here as well.

• Location: 3106 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: NicePriceBooksAndRecords.com

Out the Box Vintage

Pop in here for vintage apparel, sneakers and collectibles available for buying, selling, and trading. It has high quality vintage clothing, and memorabilia in North Carolina. Great selection of clothes and shoes including all brands from Adidas, Nike, Jordans, etc. Good turnover of inventory. 

• Address: 2910 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: Facebook page

Reader’s Corner 

One of the oldest surviving used bookstores in Raleigh, who also carry some CDs and vinyl’s, mostly jazz and classical. It has a wide variety of categorized topics and the books have different price points. If you appreciate secondhand bookstores, pop in. It’s amazing with all the gentrification in the city this shop is still the same and still here.

• Address: 3201 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: Facebook page

Arts & Entertainment

Hillsborough Street is home to the highest concentration of arts, culture, and recreation offerings in the city of Raleigh. According to city staff research, more people use the street for exercise than any other location. Discover more arts and entertainment around the Hillsborough St district. 

Gregg Museum of Contemporary Art

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design is a bit of a hidden gem on NC State campus. Opened in 2017, the Gregg is a free collecting and exhibiting museum with more than 54,000 objects in collection and is one of the top museums in Raleigh. From 19th century Japanese color woodblock prints to antique North Carolina quilts, its objects span cultures, disciplines and designs.

It holds Exhibitions, Programs, Lectures, and Tours, Film screenings, and Semester-long internships for course credit. Artists frequently visit the Gregg for exhibition openings, talks, lectures or symposia, providing students and the general public with the opportunity to interact with both the art and artists.

• Address: 1903 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: gregg.arts.ncsu.edu

JC Raulston Arboretum

If you love gardens, plants and trees, don’t miss the nationally acclaimed JC Raulston Arboretum and botanical garden administered by NC State University. It has one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants in the Southeast. Here you can stroll leisurely through 10-acres of gardens with 5,000+ plants collected from all over the world. It’s one of our favoritegardens in Raleigh.

• Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh
• Website: jcra.ncsu.edu

University Theatre

University Theatre has been NC State’s open access theatre company since 1964 and serves the entire student body. It produces five major shows each season: three in the Producing Series, one each in the Studio Series and the summer TheatreFEST series.The theatre offers a mixture of volunteer student productions and academic theatre training. 

Productions are open to all State students, regardless of major or whether or not they are enrolled in theatre courses. They offer academic courses in acting, directing, introduction to theatre, and all areas of technical theatre — including stagecraft, costume, makeup, lighting, and scenic design. All State students can enroll in theatre courses for credit, and students can also choose to minor in theatre.

• Address: Frank Thompson Hall, 2241 Dunn Ave, Raleigh
• Website: theatre.arts.ncsu.edu

WE did a fun ghost tour of NC State campus hosted in part by the theatre. It was a special event, so they don’t run all the time. Subscribe to our email newsletter so you don’t miss cool things to do in Raleigh like this!

NC State Live

NC State LIVE is the professional performing arts series at NC State University. Most LIVE performances take place in Stewart Theatre inside Talley Student Union, or in Titmus Theatre or Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre inside Thompson Hall, all on State’s Central Campus. Since 1972, NC State LIVE has established a regional and national reputation for presenting a professional performing arts season of the highest artistic excellence. Learn more.

NC State Crafts Center

The Crafts Center’s at NC State University functions as an art school specializing in crafts. Its studios support the disciplines of woodworking, pottery, photography, fiber arts, lapidary, glass, jewelry and metalworking, mixed media, and more. The center provides hands-on, immersive, life-long learning skills to State students, faculty and staff, affiliates, alumni, and the general public. Its mission is to support research, enhance critical thinking, and strengthen personal /professional development and wellbeing.

• Address: 210 Jensen Dr, Raleigh
• Website: crafts.arts.ncsu.edu

ComedyWorx

ComedyWorx is an improv troupe located across from Meredith College in the Royal Bakery Building, same building as Lucky Tree and Brickhouse Sports Bar. It hosts family-friendly comedy shows on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, and a 10pm show on Friday for mature audiences. Plus a Saturday matinee at 4pm. It’s also a fun date night experience on Hillsborough St.

• Address: 3801 Hillsborough St 
• Website: Comdeyworx.com

North Carolina Museum of Art

The NC Museum of Art’s permanent collection spans more than 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the present, making the institution one of the premier art museums in the South. The Museum’s collection provides educational, aesthetic, intellectual, and cultural experiences for citizens of North Carolina and beyond.

The 164-acre museum park showcases the connection between art and nature through site-specific works of environmental art. The Museum offers changing national touring exhibitions, classes, lectures, family activities, films, and concerts.

• Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh
• Website: ncartmuseum.org

Capital Area Greenway Trail System (Art to Heart/Reedy Creek)

The Capital Area Greenway System is a fantastic network of public open spaces and recreational trails, which provides for activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, bird watching, nature study, fishing, picnicking and outdoor fun. One of our favorite trails, the 6-mile Art to Heart Trail goes through the Hillsborough Street district. And both the Rocky Branch and Reedy Creek Trails are easily accessible from Hillsborough Street. Read more about the trails closest to Hillsborough Street by clicking here.

NC State Fairgrounds

The State Fairgrounds hosts more than 600 events per year in 400,000 square feet of building space on 344 acres at the corner of Hillsborough and Blue Ridge Road. The annual NC State Fair starts the second week in October and runs for two weeks. The Got to Be NC Festival is in May. Other big events held at the fairgrounds include the annual Greek Festival and weekly Flea Market every Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.

• Address: 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh
• Website: ncagr.gov

Pullen Park

Pullen Park opened way back in 1887, making it the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States.The park features picnic areas, concessions stand along with several small rides including the historic carousel, miniature train, and kiddie boats. Pedal boats are also available for rent seasonally on the park’s large pond. Pullen Aquatic Center is also located on the park grounds. 

• Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Raleigh Little Theatre

Since 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre has been entertaining the community using theatre to enrich, educate, entertain and engage volunteers, students, and audiences of all ages. Programs include plays for adults and family audiences, year round camps and classes, and volunteer opportunities. The theater has three performance spaces – the 300 seat Cantey V. Sutton Theatre, the 150 seat Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre, and the 2,000-seat outdoor Stephenson Amphitheatre.

• Address: 301 Pogue St, Raleigh
• Website: raleighlittletheatre.org

Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden

Tucked away off Hillsborough Street near the main campus of NC State, the Raleigh Rose Garden is a bit of a hidden gem. The grounds include 60 rose beds surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees. The roses are typically in bloom between Mother’s Day and mid-November, but it’s open to the public from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• Address: 301 Pogue St, Raleigh
• Website: raleighlittletheatre.org

The Memorial Belltower at NC State University

Originally built to pay tribute to those who fell in past conflicts, the belltower has become a symbol of inspiration to the Wolfpack community. Today, the 115-foot monument, called “a legend in stone,” is a symbol of the university and a rallying point for the campus community – especially during the men’s and women’s run to the Final 4 in basketball this year! The tower is made of 1,400 tons of granite set on a 700-ton concrete base. Its blending of Romanesque features and Gothic verticality are reminiscent of the towers at West Point.

Pullen Arts Center

Pullen Arts Center provides classes, camps and studio access throughout the year to Raleigh residents and non-residents. Here you’ll find people of all ages and at every stage of artistic development, learning together and sharing studio spaces in an inviting, inclusive and informal atmosphere. Whatever your skill level, they provide classes, camps and studio access throughout the year. 

• Address: 105 Pullen Rd, Raleigh
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Theatre in the Park

More than 40,000 people attend Theatre in the Parks programming each year, and they are recognized as one of the state’s most innovative and exciting theatre arts centers. They present a wide range of comedy, contemporary drama, musicals, and Shakespeare in the flexible indoor performance space. Year-round programming includes no less than four mainstage productions, classes, workshops and independent productions.

• Address: 107 Pullen Rd, Raleigh
• Website: theatreinthepark.com

Events around Hillsborough St

On Hillsborough Street, you can enjoy lively music performances, fun parades, and city-wide celebrations year-round!

Packapalooza (August)

Packapalooza is all about welcoming NC State University students back for the new college year with an all-day block party and street festival. They will have everything it takes to celebrate in NC State style, including great music, activities throughout the day, and fun entertainment for the whole family. In 2025, it will take place on August 23rd from 2pm to 10pm. There’s also a KidZone.

The folks at Live It Up Hillsborough also help organize NC State’s homecoming week, specifically Paint the Town Red where they partner with NC State organizations and Hillsborough Street merchants to have windows within the corridor painted with NC State themed artwork. Other events held throughout the year include Trick or Treat in October, and in December, they decorate the streets with holiday lights to bring a festive feel to the corridor.

Getting around Hillsborough St

The best way to get around Hillsborough Street is by walking, but if you don’t want to walk, you can also take the…

Bus

Hillsborough Street offers bus service on three main lines: The Wolfline, Go Raleigh, and Go Triangle. All three bus services can be viewed in real-time using the TransLoc Rider app or on the Go Triangle website. 

Wolfline (NC State University Bus Service)

The Wolfline is a FREE service for students and the entire community and requires no pass or ID. Routes connect Main Campus to Centennial Campus, Centennial Biomedical Campus, two park-and-ride lots, and residential areas in the vicinity of NC State. Buses operate every day classes are in session as well as during exams. Wolfline also operates the Red Terror service to home football and basketball games. 

Go Raleigh (City of Raleigh Bus Service)

Go Raleigh connects the Moore Square Bus Station in downtown Raleigh to the entire Raleigh Area. Routes 4 and 12 make stops along Hillsborough Street, providing service to Rex Hospital, Crabtree Valley Mall, Meredith College, Peace College, and Seaboard Station, among others. Students, faculty, and staff of NC State can ride CAT buses free with a GoPass, which can be obtained through NCSU Transportation. Here’s our guide to riding the bust in Raleigh

Go Triangle (Regional Bus Service)

Go Triangle service connects Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Routes 100 (Raleigh-Airport-RTC), 105 (Raleigh-RTC), DRX (Durham-Raleigh Express), and CRX (Chapel Hill-Raleigh Express) make stops along Hillsborough Street. Students, faculty, and staff of NC State can ride TTA buses free with a GoPass, which can be obtained through NC State Transportation. Trips can be planned at gotriangle.org.

Bike

Biking along Hillsborough Street is a popular way to get around. The extra-wide parking lanes have two main purposes: to allow maneuvering space for parallel parking and to allow space for cyclists to ride alongside traffic. Cyclists traveling in the parking lane need to be aware of out-swinging car doors by parked vehicles. Given the reduced traffic speed on the street, cyclists feel comfortable riding in the driving lane with vehicles.

Bike racks have been installed along the north (business) side of the street for easy bike parking while riders are visiting businesses. Cyclists are encouraged to use approved locks and to not leave their bikes on the street overnight. Cyclists are encouraged to stay off of the sidewalk in an effort to maintain a safe environment for pedestrians. NC State also provides many bike racks on campus for use by students, staff, and visitors. Permits are not needed for bikes on campus.

Where to stay on Hillsborough St

Aloft Raleigh Hotel

The Aloft Hotel is nestled in a prime location on Hillsborough Street, right across the road from the iconic NC State Bell Tower (and above Jubala Coffee). A handy place to stay if visiting NC State. 

The hotel bar on the second floor offers a vibrant and unique social experience. And the large outside deck offers awesome views over Hillsborough St and the Belltower and where you can mingle with other locals or travelers.

• Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website. See current rates here

In Summary

The Hillsborough Street district is a vibrant and important corridor through Raleigh that continues to evolve. It’s not only the center for social life among Wolfpack students, but a street that offers a range of dining and entertainment opportunities for Raleigh locals and anyone visiting the city.

Check out our other articles centered around this area, including what to do on an NC State campus tour, our guide to Reynolds Coleseum, and our guides to Lenovo Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium.