North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh
North Carolina State Capitol
North Carolina State Capitol
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The State Capitol building, built in 1840, is an excellent example of a civic structure in Greek Revival-style architecture. Though recently renovated, the building does contain some original furniture.
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Address
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Restaurants
521 within 3 miles
Bida Manda
1,009
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Asian • Thai
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Brewery Bhavana
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American
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0.3 mi$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • French • Cafe
Taverna Agora
429
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Attractions
122 within 6 miles
North Carolina Presidents Monument
5
159 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
North Carolina Museum of History
921
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
2,311
0.1 miNatural History Museums • Science Museums
Christ Episcopal Church
2
430 ftReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
First Baptist Church
1
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Marbles Kids Museum
1,111
0.2 miScience Museums • Children's Museums
Sacred Heart Cathedral
6
0.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
Legislative Building
19
0.2 miGovernment Buildings
City of Raleigh Museum
51
0.2 miHistory Museums
Capital Area Greenway
13
0.2 miParks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
330 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
149
Average
49
Poor
6
Terrible
0
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS936 contributions
This place is full of history dating back before the Civil War. Inside you can see the old House & Senate Chambers, the old Supreme Court meeting room, an 1880s state library & state geologist office. The staff was very friendly & helpful. The entrance is on the north side. Parking is either on the street that is metered or there is a lot 1 block away that costs $2 an hour. This is a great place to visit.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Epps Adventures
Mesa, AZ69 contributions
The NC State Capitol building is neat. We went on a Sunday evening, so were not able to go inside. We did walk around the outside. It is an open yard around the entire perimeter with many neat statues and some interesting facts. The architecture is neat. Worth seeing, but I recommend going when you can get inside, otherwise you could probably skip this attraction if it takes away from some other activity.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve M
Pulaski, TN354 contributions
Couples
We stopped here on the way to the Outer Banks. We walked around the capitol grounds and then went inside. It is a self guided tour and when you walk inside they will give you a brochure with historical facts about the building. The inside of the capitol is beautiful. We arrived early and park on the street. On Saturdays, parking is free.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherpa705518
35 contributions
This is an adult or older child tour. It is free and very interesting but currently the 3rd floor is under renovation thus the 4 stars versus 5. Lots of plaques to read - but for those interested in NC History this tour should be on your list!. I recommend the state capitol tour followed by the NC Museum of History which is just across the street.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ransom007
Anaheim, CA1,206 contributions
There is a free visitor parking lot across Edenton Street on weekends. Admission is free. You must go through a metal detector to enter the building. There is not much to see. There is some art and the 2 legislative chambers. There is a pitifully small gift shop.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ken K
Raleigh, NC10 contributions
It's easy to access this free tour, but there isn't much to see. You can walk right up to the Governor's office door, tour the old State Senate and Rep chambers, and see the library-but not much else to check out. The property is great if you can stand the site of Confederate War porn monuments. Easy walking distance to lots of other spots in the city.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rcleach79
Raleigh, NC144 contributions
Couples
It is cool if you are a history buff but overall pretty darn boring! Not much to see, it is pretty, lots of statues, but not much else
Written November 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
olasweetmol
Columbia, SC462 contributions
I took a self-guided tour (all free) today. The visitors are allowed on three floors, although what you can actually see is limited. Plus, they were renovating, with construction going on all over the place, so some of the rooms were closed to public. My favorite place to see was the library, although there weren't any books of much value, it looks like a cosy and comfortable place. The grounds around it is nice as well, there are various monuments and tributes.
I would recommend to visit this place to anyone who is interested in the history of the United Stated, or just history in general.
I would recommend to visit this place to anyone who is interested in the history of the United Stated, or just history in general.
Written October 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pammy B
379 contributions
Solo
I have seen many capitol buildings. I wouldn't say it is the best...I wouldn't say it was the worst. The dome is beautiful and the library wa very cool. The otuside statues are also beautiful..Not a bad look for free
Written July 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
acoachcool
San Diego, CA519 contributions
Couples
The North Carolina State Capitol building has a fiery history. It is located in downtown Raleigh in the Union Square. The original capital building burned to the ground amidst a mighty fire. During reconstruction a zinc roof was installed. The zinc roof was to safeguard the building from catching fire again. Sadly construction workers left a candle lit during the night, and the building burned to the ground a second time! Historical documents can be read, pictures viewed, or take a guided tour, to learn about NC history. The building has three levels so wear comfortable shoes for walking. Admission is free, but parking isn't. Knowing the state history is exciting and fun. Spend an hour taking in the sites and memorabilia.
Written September 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert L
Yabucoa, Puerto Rico166 contributions
Is there a guided tour for individuals?
Kathy T
Wake Forest, NC91 contributions
Yes. We just showed up at the visitors desk and asked when the next tour was. We were directed to wait in the rotunda until our docent came along. I believe the tours started about every hour and a half or so.
Eileen M
Calabash, NC44 contributions
How can I get a guided tour of the Capital? It seems to be available to groups only. Thanks!
459leec
Columbia, SC119 contributions
My understanding is that you are correct. They do guided tours for groups but they don't say how large a group is. To be honest I don't think a tour is really necessary. The city of Raleigh was not on the map when the War for Independance was fought and the Civil War never touched it. There are a number of statues and plaques around and in the building so, going and walking the area on your own is, in my opinion, a better option than taking a tour, anyway.
Karen M
Nixa, MO1 contribution
Is the North Carolina State Capitol Building open for public tours on Sundays in July?
Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina State Capitol
- North Carolina State Capitol is open:
- Tue - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking North Carolina State Capitol tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 North Carolina State Capitol tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near North Carolina State Capitol:
- (0.01 mi) Stylish Downtown Apartment with a View
- (0.51 mi) Raleigh Marriott City Center
- (0.28 mi) Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown
- (0.33 mi) The Longleaf Hotel
- (0.38 mi) Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
- Restaurants near North Carolina State Capitol:
- (0.09 mi) Centro
- (0.15 mi) Sitti
- (0.14 mi) Gravy
- (0.08 mi) Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria
- (0.11 mi) Benny's