Best Spots for People Watching in DTR
The weather’s getting warmer, and that means everyone’s itching to explore and hang out outside! Noticing the beauty of the DTR community is easy, you’ll often see street photographers capturing iconic moments here and there. Here are some of our favorite spots in Raleigh for people watching and lively crowds:
Fayetteville Street District: especially when there’s an event, and you’re in luck this weekend (Cuegrass Festival)! Roaming from the Capitol building to City Plaza is cathartic and exciting at the same time. The trees and high rises side by side, businessmen, artists, hot dog carts…locals and visitors all coexisting in the streets, ahhh.
Outdoor Dining (tip: go during First Friday!): Oak City Meatball (180 E. Davie St.), Whiskey Kitchen (201 W Martin St.) are two of our top picks for outdoor bites and lively sights. On nights where there’s events or markets, you’ll surely be entertained by passersby!
Transfer Co. Food Hall/Morgan Street Food Hall: Two stylish food halls that are great places to observe the diverse crowds that flock to town. Ample seating, typically alive and busy, beautiful decor, lots of food choices, open lighting, and outdoor seating: a foodie’s paradise. You’ll see families, couples, groups of friends, and solo diners reading the paper, all enjoying the dynamic chill-city vibe.
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences: Not only is this museum a must-see attraction for science lovers, but it’s also a surprisingly great spot for people watching. With exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to live butterflies, you’ll see all kinds of people passing through the halls. Plus, the museum’s location right downtown means you might spot some interesting characters passing by outside as well.
Moore Square: A popular spot to relax, read, and people watch. With plenty of benches and grassy areas, it’s easy to find a comfy spot to sit and observe the bustlin’ activity. Grab a burger, a beer, and a featured milkshake from Squareburger and unwind. On weekends, you can catch a market event, a movie on the big screen, or a live music performance!
Raleigh Times Bar: A bar known for its craft beer and cocktails, and its outdoor patio offers a prime spot for people watching too. Situated on the busy Hargett Street, you can observe an eclectic mix of people walking by while enjoying your nachos and draft beer. Bonus- the Raleigh Times building itself is a historical landmark and an interesting sight to see.
Go out, explore, and see what you see this spring!