Raleigh’s most worthwhile tours pack cultural and historical punch into bite-sized experiences. The top guided options include the lively Trolley Pub Tour, perfect for groups wanting to sample local brews during a 2-hour ride. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Charlotte Brunch Tour, offering generous tastings and drinks in a compact 1.5 hours. For maximum flexibility, the private Pedicab Tour lets you pick your own downtown highlights.
We especially like the themed walking tours – the African American Heritage route and True Crime Tour give fascinating insights into the city’s complex past. The evening Ghost Walk stands out for its entertaining mix of history and haunted tales.
Let’s explore our favorite Raleigh tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Trolley Pub Tour offers a 2-hour guided journey with a maximum capacity of 14 travelers, including one free drink per customer and a 98% traveler recommendation.
- The Charlotte Brunch Tour provides a 1.5-hour experience with a menu item from Ruby Sunshine and a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary, requiring a minimum of 6 passengers.
- The Private Pedicab Tour is a customizable tour with a 4.9-star rating, visiting major sites like the North Carolina State Capitol and offering options for coffee, cocktails, or ice cream.
- The Historical and Cultural Tours include various 1-hour tours, such as the African American History Tour, Ghost and Urban Legend Tour, and Downtown Historic Walking Tour, with high ratings.
- The Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Tour explores eight haunted sites, led by knowledgeable local historians, and offers a unique experience for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs.
Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh
The Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh offers a unique way to explore the city. This 2-hour tour takes visitors on a guided journey through the heart of Raleigh, aboard a specially designed trolley that doubles as a mobile pub.
With a maximum capacity of 14 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and interactive experience. Included in the tour are a cooler, a driver/guide, and one free drink per customer. Guests can also purchase additional beer, wine, cider, and seltzer at the starting location.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Reviews of the Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh are overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of travelers recommending the experience. Reviewers praise the tour as a great way to see the city, meet new people, and enjoy the quality of the tour guides.
With a 4.9/5 overall rating, this tour is a must-try for anyone seeking a fun and engaging way to discover Raleigh.
Read our full review: Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh Review
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Charlotte: Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour
For those seeking a unique and immersive way to explore Charlotte, the Charlotte: Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour offers an exciting opportunity. Priced at $49 per person, the 1.5-hour tour allows participants to enjoy a brunch from Ruby Sunshine, including a selected menu item and a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Aboard the pedal-powered Trolley Pub, guests can engage with like-minded travelers while exploring the city’s streets.
The tour features a BYOB policy, allowing participants to bring their own canned drinks, such as beer, wine, ciders, and seltzers. A cooler and ice are provided for convenience.
The tour operates rain or shine, and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. However, the activity isn’t suitable for individuals under 21, wheelchair users, or those over 275 lbs. A minimum of 6 passengers is required for the tour to proceed.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, the Charlotte: Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour promises a unique and enjoyable way to discover the city.
Read our full review: Charlotte: Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour Review
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Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh
Although downtown Raleigh offers a wealth of attractions, the Private Pedicab Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city’s sights and charm.
With a 4.9-star rating from 34 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, this private tour is a must-try for visitors. Led by the engaging and knowledgeable guide, Michael, the tour takes guests to the city’s major landmarks, including the North Carolina State Capitol, Historic Oakwood, and the picturesque Nash Square.
Travelers can customize their experience with optional stops for coffee, chocolate, cocktails, or ice cream, making it a truly personalized adventure. The comfortable pedicab ride allows for unobstructed views, and the educational insights into Raleigh’s history and culture add depth to the experience.
With a flexible cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, this tour is an excellent value for those seeking an unforgettable introduction to the heart of Raleigh.
Read our full review: Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh Review
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Raleigh African American History Tour
Raleigh’s rich African American history comes to life on the Raleigh African American History Tour. This 1-hour guided tour takes visitors through the city’s historic Black Main Street, exploring significant sites like the Hamlin Building, Delaney Building, and East Davie Presbyterian Church.
Led by a local historian, the tour highlights the contributions of Raleigh’s African American community, from educators and engineers to political leaders and military officers.
Starting at the Fayetteville Street entrance of the Raleigh Downtown Sheraton, the tour is wheelchair accessible and offered in English. Priced at €12.70 per person, the experience allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With a 5/5 rating based on a single review, the tour is praised for the guide’s excellent knowledge of the city’s social and cultural history. Participants can reserve their spot and pay later, making this a flexible and convenient way to explore Raleigh’s African American heritage.
Read our full review: Raleigh African American History Tour Review
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Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour
As night falls in Raleigh, the city comes alive with tales of ghostly encounters and urban legends. Offering a unique immersive experience, the Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s spooky past.
Priced at $16 per person, the hour-long tour departs from the North Carolina State Capitol, with a live guide leading the way. Guests will explore Raleigh’s haunting lore, learning about the facts and fiction behind its folklore.
From the eerie sounds of a ghostly train crash to the stories of long-dead restauranteurs, the tour unveils the city’s supernatural side. Hosted by a local historian, the experience promises an engaging and informative look at Raleigh’s otherworldly legends.
With a 4.7/5 rating based on 3 reviews, the tour has received praise for its knowledgeable guide and immersive storytelling. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring water as they uncover the spooky secrets that lurk in the shadows of North Carolina’s capital city.
Read our full review: Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour Review
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Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours
Featuring Raleigh’s best-preserved historic sites, the Downtown: Historic Walking Tour immerses visitors in the city’s captivating past.
Hosted by a local historian, this guided 1-hour tour departs from Jimmy Vs Osteria & Bar, taking guests on a journey through landmarks like the Heck-Andrews House, Christ Church, and Haywood Hall.
Along the way, you will learn the stories behind Raleigh’s historical figures and witness the city’s evolution from a rural hamlet to a thriving metropolis.
Priced from $1334 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with no upfront payment required.
Wheelchair-accessible, the experience allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 15 reviews, the tour’s knowledgeable guide and informative content have earned high praise from both domestic and international travelers.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Raleigh’s heritage, this walking tour is a must-do.
Read our full review: Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours Review
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Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour
Though Raleigh boasts a rich history, the city’s supernatural side comes alive on the Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour. Priced at Kč 765 per person, this captivating 1-hour experience explores eight chilling sites, including the White-Holman House, rumored to be haunted by a peg-legged spirit, and the Heck-Andrews House, known for ghostly sightings.
Guides, donning US Ghost Adventures shirts and carrying lanterns, share tales of ghostly politicians and hauntings in seemingly innocent locations, such as the Executive Mansion’s Christmas tree mystery.
Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups of friends, the tour is wheelchair accessible but not recommended for those with mobility issues, as it covers over a mile.
Customers praise the immersive storytelling and friendly, knowledgeable guides like Nelson and Kelly. Whether rain or shine, this haunting tour offers a unique glimpse into Raleigh’s paranormal past.
Read our full review: Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour Review
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Raleigh: True Crime History Guided Walking Tour
For those seeking a more sinister side of Raleigh’s history, the True Crime History Guided Walking Tour delves into the city’s dark past. During this 1-hour tour, participants can explore the shadowy tales of serial killers and infamous crimes that have shaped Raleigh’s history.
Led by a local historian, the tour takes visitors to the sites of these harrowing events, providing a new perspective on the city. Priced at $19 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and offered in English.
Participants can expect to hear spine-tingling stories, discover captivating characters like a Russian oligarch, and gain a deeper understanding of Raleigh’s true crime legacy. With a 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews, the tour has been praised for its informative and entertaining content.
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended, and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. For those interested in exploring the darker side of Raleigh, the True Crime History Guided Walking Tour offers a unique and thrilling experience.
Read our full review: Raleigh: True Crime History Guided Walking Tour Review
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Sum Up
Raleigh offers a variety of tours that showcase the city’s history, culture, and attractions. From trolley pub tours to walking tours focusing on ghosts, crime, and African American history, there’s something for all. Visitors can explore the city’s downtown, learn about its past, and discover its unique character through these engaging and informative experiences.