Raleigh, N.C. (April 2, 2026) – For first-time international travelers to the U.S., the experience doesn't have to begin in New York or Los Angeles. Raleigh, North Carolina offers an approachable, well-connected gateway to America — pairing vibrant shopping neighborhoods like the Village District and the North Hills Innovation District with world-class outdoor attractions such as Gipson Play Plaza and the larger-than-life Dambo Troll installations. Add to that a growing list of MICHELIN‑recognized restaurants and easy access via RDU International Airport, making Raleigh a welcoming, less overwhelming introduction to the United States and the South.

For travelers eager to explore the U.S. through its neighborhoods and natural charm, Raleigh delivers a uniquely balanced experience. Discover shopping districts like the Village District, where locally loved boutiques are sprinkled throughout the tree-lined walkways, offering an inviting and strollable introduction to Raleigh's dynamic shopping scene. North Hills Innovation District offers a more urban feel, pairing high-end brands with locally curated makers and a diverse set of food and beverage options to top off a full day of shopping. Beyond these vibrant retail hubs, Raleigh's commitment to welcoming outdoor spaces becomes part of Raleigh's charm. Embark on a journey outdoors, where over 300 miles of vast greenway trails connect the area, leading visitors to landmark attractions like the expansive Gipson Play Plaza in Dorothea Dix Park and the whimsical, larger‑than‑life Dambo Troll installations that bring art and nature together seamlessly. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, this family of trolls make up the largest permanent collection of trolls in the United States.

Raleigh's dining scene continues to shine on an international stage, making it a standout destination for any ambitious culinary travelers. Raleigh's emergence as a culinary hotspot is nothing new to locals but was firmly cemented by its inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide American South. With 14 Raleigh-area restaurants recognized, this milestone highlights the city's depth of talent, diversity of flavors and growing influence in the Southern food scene. In true North Carolina fashion, even Raleigh's beloved barbecue joints from award-winning pitmasters, rooted in generations of tradition have earned recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, proving that culinary excellence spans from fine dining all the way to the smoke pit. Raleigh's diverse food scene also showcases flavors from around the world, from Chinese dim sum to South American bites, and Croatian-inspired cuisine to modern Indian delights. With Bib Gourmand honorees and a strong roster of MICHELIN Recommended restaurants, Raleigh's culinary landscape now stands alongside some of the country's most celebrated tables.

Adding to its appeal for first-time visitors to the U.S., Raleigh is easier than ever to get to. RDU International Airport continues to expand its global connectivity, with plenty of international nonstop flight options, including Aer Lingus' new nonstop service from Dublin launching this April. In Raleigh, experience quality local dining the moment you arrive at RDU, with offerings from MICHELIN-Recommended Chef Scott Crawford's, Crawford's Genuine alongside the locally beloved La Farm Bakery and Black & White Coffee Roasters. With direct, daily flights to RDU from numerous locations across North America and Europe, and just a short drive to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the tallest mountains in the eastern United States, Raleigh truly is a gem of the South. As a modern, easy‑to‑navigate entry point into the American South, Raleigh gives first‑time international travelers a smooth, stress‑free start to their U.S. journey.

For more information and travel inspiration for international visitors, visit: visitraleigh.com/international

Media and Trade Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Dana Goodwin
Public Relations and International Tourism Manager
919.830.1289
dgoodwin@visitRaleigh.com

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