Being the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has so much to offer in terms of tourism. From restaurants, bars, museums, recreational activities both indoor and outdoor, and to just simply strolling around the area, you will surely enjoy the city. One of the distinct features of Raleigh is that it’s surrounded with oak trees. Hence, giving it the name “the city of oaks.” Because of the many activities and sights to see in Raleigh, there are a lot of accommodations for both locals and tourists. That is why we have listed the top 10 vacation rentals in Raleigh, North Carolina, that we think will suit your dream vacation.
1. The contemporary paradise (from USD 135)
This modern home is bold and tastefully finished with strong-colored interior and decorations that will definitely catch anyone’s eyes. This house has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, lots of windows with natural light, parking and an eastern inspired patio with fountain. A favorite feature is their chesterfield sofa that perfectly matches their big-screen TV. If you wish to expand your experience beyond this beautiful modern home, museums and nightlife are located nearby.
Downtown Pied-à-TerreRaleigh, North Carolina, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it had everything we needed and even extras like an ironing board iron and extra blanketsloved the coffee and the bed was comfythe house was cozy and the coffee was a nice touchthe space is extremely comfortable and zen-likethe bed was comfortable and the heating system worked wellCleanliness:
clean nice and stylishthe house was clean and comfortablethe place was so clean and well decoratedfantastic place very clean and very nicea clean home with personality and styleHost:
great host and house was perfectthe host answered texts promptly and responded kindly to my requestsgeorge is one of the best hosts we have had family or nothost is awesome and we would rent againgeorge was a very responsive host and check in was super easyRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful location just outside raleigh centerit was super close to downtowngreat place to stay near downtowneasy access and good location to downtowngreat location close to everything and very comfortable
2. A walk-to-everything location (from USD 229)
At the heart of downtown Raleigh is this artist-owned home, which is proud of its convenient location. Staying at this house means that everything is walkable and accessible! From restaurants, bars, to coffee shops, and a free R-line shuttle, you can go to them all just by walking. This house can accommodate six people and has two master bedrooms and a bonus sleeper sofa for extra guests.
**Walk To Everything!**Accommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The home was so comfortable that it was difficult to leave to explore RaleighA big thank you to the owner because the master suite bed was so comfortableI was concerned about the closeness of the railway lineso we felt safe here with our childrenwell looked after home Situated conveniently to town and easy drive toHost:
She responded quickly to usWe had a couple of questions and contacted the property ownerWe loved the home and the location; the owner was great to work withI would definatelt book this home again and the owner was very sweet and hospitable in our communication back and forthUpon arrival there was a binder with instructions and recommendations a bottle of wine and coffee available whichRead more reviewsLocation:
It is so convenient to downtown within walking distance of restaurants on Glenwood Avenue and very close to Cameron Village shoppingThis is a great property within walking distance to many restaurants and bars We greatly enjoyed our stayplus there is a grill out on the deckI found a note from AnneOh and Reverse Charades
3. Little escape home
If you wish to have an intimate experience with the places in Raleigh, this little home can be the perfect match. Only a few steps away from this rental home is Person Street district which houses famous establishments like the Yellow Dog, the Station, and Pelagic Beer. And within a 25-minute walk, you will be greeted with a free R-line bus ride to downtown where you can explore more places. This house is completely private and has a full bath, kitchen, a small dining area, and a small living area. Be sure to not miss out on this location! It may be small - but it has so much to offer!
Delightful Downtown Carriage HouseRaleigh, North Carolina, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room was perfectthe bed was extremely comfortablethe room is very comfortable and homeythe style and comfort of the room was a perfect balanceCleanliness:
clean and cozysuper clean and welcomingeverything was clean and worked perfectlynice stay - clean and homeythe place was very clean and comfortableHost:
loved the hosts local recommendationsjay and mary we’re great hoststhe hosts were incredibly hospitable and provided great recommendationshost and hostess very friendlythe hosts were very accommodating as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
located in a nice neighborhood close to downtowngreat location close to downtownplace was cute and great locationgreat location really cute neighborhoodthis place is really cute
4. The charming private apartment
Charming is an understatement for this private apartment in Raleigh. If you’re looking for something simple, yet has something new to offer, this is the place to go. We call this apartment charming because of the little touches that make it creative and unique, and not only that, you can enjoy multiple amenities such as the following: a queen bed, a twin daybed with a pull out trundle bed underneath in the smaller room, and tennis rackets and bicycle which are available upon request. If guests want total privacy, this will not be a problem because the guest suite is closed off from the main house.
Charming Private Apt. near DowntownRaleigh, North Carolina, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
derrick has a lovely cottage style apartmentawesome and comfortable space for small family (2 adults and 2 kids ages 4 & 8)the apartment had a comfortable bed and couch and several excellent local tips were available for our staythe apartment was lovely and so convenient to everything - coffee shop restaurants breweries and even downtown raleighalso he had the most comfortable bedsheets i’ve ever slept onCleanliness:
the space was clean and well equippedthe space was quiet clean and stylishclean safe centrally locatesthis apartment was super nice and cleanadded bonus the place was very clean and had an awesome vibeHost:
great host - very responsivewonderful host cold drinks ready for us and anything we may have forgotten at homeexcept an extremely helpful airbnb ownerderrick’s a great host and was very welcomingderrick was quick to respond and offer helpful suggestionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to downtowngreat location close to everythinggreat location close to everythingperfect location in a safe neighborhoodgreat location and great value
5. The cozy urban home
Planning to visit nearby schools in Raleigh? This is the perfect place to stay in if that’s the case because schools like NC State, Meredith College are located just close by. Some establishments are also at a walking distance such as major shopping malls, and Trader Joe’s. Inside this cozy urban home, you will be pleased to see a newly and uniquely renovated home with a modern touch. The space has a new backyard and patio plus a hot tub that you can enjoy for your relaxation needs.
2 Bed/2 Bath in the CityRaleigh, North Carolina, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i am an airbnb fan and this was one of my favorite homeshad a small intimate birthday gathering and the kitchen was perfect to make a nice birthday dinnerCleanliness:
i liked the clean smell when i stepped inmike’s place was clean and comfythe hot tub was clean and relaxinga+ place stylish clean and great locationeverything was sparkling clean and very quiet at nightHost:
mike is an excellent host and gave great recommendations to local restaurants and activities in raleighmike was a great host with lots of local tipsmike was a great host and responded to messages almost instantlythe property owner showed great pride and professionalism in his management of the establishmentthe host was quick with replies and his eating/drinking suggestions were greatly appreciatedRead more reviewsLocation:
really cute and relaxing placethe location is great very near the university and downtownit’s in good locationgreat location and nice neighbors and communitythe location is perfect- we never felt too far from anything
6. The secret guest house with a garden
Looking for a vacation place that’s cinematic and Instagram friendly? This secret guest house with a garden is the answer to your cinematic dreams. This apartment is hidden and tucked away in Oakwood, which is the historic district of downtown Raleigh. One of our favorite features about this home is having your own front porch with an overlooking view of a surrounding garden. In here, you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and have the time of your life. We suggest this place to those who want a peaceful experience away from the hustle and bustle, as well as a sense of tranquility. This location is definitely one of a kind!
Historic Downtown Raleigh Garden Guest HouseTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Only ranking 4 stars because the internet on site was super slow throughout our stayHost:
This was the only stay that checked all of those boxesgreat location and the owners where great communicators and made sure we had everything we neededCute clean and well appointedRead more reviewsLocation:
Great place close to downtownGreat location close to town but in a residential areaThe cottage was just what I was looking for and within easy walking distance of historic downtown RaleighThe weather was very hot during my visit but the A/C in the cottage worked perfectlythe property management company was so very friendly Close to several historic attractions - in a great neighborhood
7. The minimalist house
Aside from this house’s full white walls, what we like about this space is its spacious feel as well as the additional office room where guests can do some necessary work while on vacation. The location is also very convenient because it’s near parks, restaurants, galleries, museums, government offices, and the nightlife. If you want a guaranteed easy living, something that will make your travel less stressful and lighter, we suggest that you stay at this minimalist house in Raleigh.
Immaculate House - Downtown Raleigh721 E Lenoir St
8. The gorgeous condo

In the neighborhood of Boylan Heights, you will find this gorgeous condo that can hold a maximum of four people. This space is ideal for trips going to the city, and it will only take you fifteen minutes going to the airport. Some nearby establishments that you can quickly walk to are the following: Boylan Bridge Brewpub, The Pit Restaurant, Tuscan Blu Italian Restaurant, and Five Star Restaurant and Bar. Inside, you will find two spacious bedrooms, an entertainment area with Netflix and Apple TV, high-speed WiFi, free toiletries, and other basic necessities. Outside, you can enjoy a private balcony.
Gorgeous 3 bed Condo Dtown Raleigh!Raleigh, NC, USTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
other 2 baths were on the smaller sideVery spacious well-appointed beautiful and comfortable decor nice to have one designated parking spacecleanliness very comfortable bedseverything in working order Cannot think of anything it was lackingThis was our second visit and we enjoyed it just as much as the first time Very comfortable stylish condo with everything you needHost:
Laura was extremely responsive and helpful ex: our coffee pot malfunctioned and she had a brand new one delivered to use within 2 hoursShe was quick to respond to questions and left water/snacks on the counter which was a nice touchWonderful all the way aroundClean Wonderfully stocked Great locationIt was very clean very comfortable and the owner was extremely nice and easy to contactRead more reviewsLocation:
The location is also wonderful as you can stroll around downtown Raleigh or walk to Cameron Village or NC StateBeautifully appointed condo with plenty of room for my brother's and sister Very quiet neighborhood within walking distance of restaurants and bars in the downtown areaThe property is beautiful clean well-equipped and in a great location
9. The newly-renovated historic home
Did you know that there’s a 19th-century neighborhood located in downtown Raleigh? This newly-renovated historic home, also known as the John Lanier House, is the epitome of DIY and classic. This house has a Neoclassical Revival exterior plus art decorations that match the theme. Almost everything inside and within the house is handmade. The master suite is large, and it now includes a garden tub and standup shower. Staying at this vacation home is definitely a privilege because not only will you be relaxed, but you’re also experiencing culture and art.
Gorgeous Historic Home In Downtown Raleigh.Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
My husband and I stayed here with our four adult children while attending a wedding downtownThe home is spacious and well appointed with every amenity one might want (wifi directtv large screen TV and a great kitchen )Host:
The owners were great to work with and very responsive to any question we hadThe house is even more impressive in personMy family was in town for a wedding and even though Hurricane Florence changed our plans greatly we had a wonderful time and totally enjoyed this house Beautifully decorated and well stockedThe house is just awesome and perfectly located Darin made everything he could to make sure we have a good time in RaleighThe home is spacious clean and well stockedRead more reviewsLocation:
The location is wonderful- charming neighborhood and close to everythingThe home is in great condition in a beautiful neighborhoodGreat place Really well stocked for any needsThis was without a doubt one of the best VRBOs we've ever had and would recommend it to anyone looking for a place to stay in downtown Raleigh
10. The spacious downtown guesthouse
In a quiet neighborhood in Raleigh, you will find this spacious downtown guesthouse. From here, you many dining selections to choose from. For breakfast, the Yellow Dog Bakery is just a few walks away, for dinner, there are highly-rated restaurants nearby, and for dessert, you can check out Escazu for a yummy treat. The space has generous lighting, so the ambiance is very vibrant. It has loft ceilings, comfortable beds, a full private bathroom, and necessary kitchen equipment. An interesting fact about this place is that a train track is actually located nearby, but don’t worry because the noise it makes will not ruin your vacation experience. In fact, it might even put you to sleep.
Private Guesthouse in Quiet Downtown NeighborhoodRaleigh, North Carolina, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was nice to have a king-sized bed and the coffee/snacks were a nice touchit was all very comfortable with some extras available in the coffee/tea/snack departmentlovely space great location loved the a/c in the nc heat the keurig was a dreamvery comfortable king size bed and cozy rugs and furniturerebecca’s place is perfect lovely room very comfortable thoughtful amenities i hated to leaveCleanliness:
it was totally spotless as wellso clean and well thought outa good clean decorative place in nice townthe whole place was very clean and comfortable to stay ina very lovely clean space in a nice neighborhoodHost:
rebecca was a great host who knows how to solve problems before they startrebecca is a great hostgreat host space and experience thank youshe also has tips throughout the space so you know how everything works which was helpfulhost left so much helpful information and the bed was sooo comfortable we didn’t want to leaveRead more reviewsLocation:
location was superbthe location was great and super centralthe location is perfectterrific location and great valuegreat location and great price
Enjoy the city of oaks!
Raleigh is one of the most underrated places you can visit to have that peaceful and relaxing vacation you’ve always been waiting for.
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