Experience · Durham
Date Night at Durham Performing Arts Center
Begin your evening with a captivating show at the Durham Performing Arts Center, experiencing the city's vibrant cultural scene. Afterward, savor a refined dinner of steakhouse classics at NanaSteak, conveniently located nearby. Conclude your date with a sophisticated drink at The Durham Hotel's rooftop lounge, offering a chance to reflect on the evening with city views.
A 4.5-hour Durham evening plan for couples — Durham Performing Arts Center, NanaSteak, The Durham Hotel.
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Cost
- $150–$350
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Bull Durham + 1 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 0.3-mile driving route
- Best time
- 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends · Solo · Adults
The plan
The plan
- 1Durham Performing Arts Center(2 hr 30 min)→
- 2NanaSteak(1 hr 30 min)→
- 3The Durham Hotel(30 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 0.3 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Durham instead of crossing town between them. Durham Performing Arts Center is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at The Durham Hotel — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, solo, and adults who want a planned Durham outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Begin your evening with a captivating show at the Durham Performing Arts Center, experiencing the city's vibrant cultural scene. Afterward, savor a refined dinner of steakhouse classics at NanaSteak, conveniently located nearby. Conclude your date with a sophisticated drink at The Durham Hotel's rooftop lounge, offering a chance to reflect on the evening with city views.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12h 30mDurham Performing Arts Center
Arts & Culture · Bull Durham
Modern, multilevel theater showcasing recent Broadway shows & well-known music artists.
What to do — Check the schedule for upcoming shows or concerts and book your tickets in advance. Arrive early to find your seats and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.
Scout Side QuestBefore the lights dim, take turns predicting what the very first second of the show will look or sound like.
Book it · Durham Performing Arts Center
0 mi · 3 min drive
Then A short walk will take you to your dinner destination.
21h 30mNanaSteakFood & Drink · Bull Durham
Steakhouse classics served in a light-filled, bi-level space with hardwood floors, a bar & a patio.
What to do — Indulge in a fine dining experience, choosing from their selection of steaks and other upscale American fare. Consider a reservation for prime evening hours.
Book it · NanaSteak
0.3 mi · 6 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A very short walk or drive will bring you to The Durham Hotel.
3Optional 30 minThe Durham HotelFood & Drink · City Center
Stylish rooms in a hip hotel with a sleek restaurant, plus a vibrant rooftop lounge with a raw bar.
What to do — Optional nightcap for those who drink — skip it and the plan still works. Head to the rooftop bar for a craft cocktail and enjoy the Durham skyline.
Scout Side QuestFind the most intriguing glowing point on the skyline and invent what's happening up there right now.
Book it · The Durham Hotel
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Durham itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples, friends, solo, and adults and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Durham Performing Arts Center.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Durham itinerary cost?
- Roughly $150–$350 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.3 miles of walking in total.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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- Cost
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- Ideal for
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- Cost
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- Duration
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- Cost
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- Ideal for
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