Top Raleigh Instagram Spots to Snap Photos

After moving to Raleigh, NC, from New York, I’d have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much the city of Raleigh has to offer. One of which includes so many Instagrammable places to photograph in Raleigh! As a photographer and travel blogger, I always find myself scoping out my next place for a photoshoot, and Raleigh has given me quite a list of photo locations. So, if you are heading to Raleigh, North Carolina, here are some of the top Instagram-worthy photo spots around the city!

The Dillon

Want one of the best rooftop views of Raleigh’s skyline? The Dillon, located in the warehouse district, is not only a really cool place to hang out on a rooftop but also gives you views of Raleigh’s instagrammable skyline!   Take the elevator to the 9th floor to a public lobby where you can have access to their outside rooftop and terrace. The guard told us people are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to hang out and enjoy Raleigh’s skyline views! On top of that, it’s free to visit, unless a private event is being held!

Barcelona Wine Bar’s Patio (Entrance to the Dillon)

The entrance to the Dillon also happens to be another photo-worthy spot in Raleigh with a brick window opening and the super cute looking Barcelona Wine Bar and Patio. I must admit, I haven’t eaten there yet, but I hear it is really good! Since this is outside, you can visit any time for a quick photoshoot!

Address: 430 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Dorothea Dix’s Park

Just outside of Downtown Raleigh, make your way to Dix’s Park for another place to see a beautiful view of Raleigh’s skyline. Enjoy daffodils in the Spring and Sunflowers in the Summer with the Raleigh skyline in the background, making this place one of my favorite Instagram spots in Raleigh. The park is rather large with tons of fields, so it’s pretty easy to get lost. My favorite place to take pictures is located at 2105 Umstead Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606. This is where they plant both flower fields. Additionally, pets are allowed to come!

Marble’s Wall Mural

Raleigh is full of Instagrammable murals, but the Marbles Wall is probably one of my favorite photography spots! Mainly because it’s so colorful! The Marbles mural is actually the side of the Marbles kid’s museum, but the mural is outside, so you can just walk right up to it!

Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

The Raleigh Founded Mural (Formally Raleigh HQ Mural)

Raleigh Founded mural is another popular photo location downtown. The building is actually a co-working space with 48,000 square feet. After snapping a picture with the mural, you can also check out The Feminist Disney Princess Murals on the same street!

Address: 310 S Harrington St Raleigh, NC 27601

All Are Welcome Raleigh Mural

While downtown, don’t miss the The All Are Welcome Raleigh Mural. Since this mural is located in an active parking lot to Pooles Pies, it’s best to get here early, so there are no cars blocking the mural. In terms of Instagrammable murals, I see this one the most! This mural is was originally painted in 2015 by artist Luke Buchanan considered the unofficial welcome sign of downtown Raleigh! The mural was loved so much, the artist was welcomed back in 2019 to refresh the mural.

Address: 428 S McDowell St Raleigh, NC 27601

Globe at the North Carolina Natural Sciences Museum

Another one of my favorite Instagram spots is the Globe outside the Natural Science Museum! As a traveler, I was immediately drawn to this large globe. There are a lot of different angles you can choose when photographing the globe, giving you insta-worthy shot! The Globe is located in Downtown Raleigh, and the museum, as well as the Globe, are totally free to see downtown.

Address: 119 N Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC

City Market in Downtown Raleigh

City Market was the first place I visited when I came to Raleigh! This charming area holds events, has great food (Big Ed’s), and is lined with cobblestone streets.

Address: 306 Parham St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Raleigh Capitol Down Fayetteville Street

While I’ve never personally been inside the North Carolina state capitol, I can speak for it being another cool location to add to your list of most instagrammable places in Raleigh, especially around the holidays. During the holidays, they line the street in snowflakes, and on the opposite side, they put up a Christmas Tree in front of the Performing Arts Center Raleigh, which gives an extra little touch, IMO.

Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Sprinkles the Bobcat Mural

You can’t visit Raleigh without taking a walk down Glenwood South Ave., and while you’re at it, make sure to see Sprinkles the Bobcat, one of the most interesting murals in Downtown! I’d recommend taking photos early, so there are no cars blocking the views in the parking lot.

Address: 407 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27601

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Yates Mill is a Raleigh gem and another one of the top photo spots! Not only are the park and walking trails tranquil, but you can also visit a fully restored circa 1756 gristmill. The building is even thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Wake County. Yates Mill Park is located about 5 minutes outside downtown Raleigh. After parking, head to the trail on the left to get to the mill first. We went to the right and did the whole trail around before finding the mill!

Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

The Raleigh Rose Garden

The Raleigh Rose Garden is such a tranquil place right downtown! This public garden is located right behind the Raleigh Little Theater. They offer year-round displays of roses, trees, and perennials and include 60 rose beds, making it the perfect place for some Insta-worthy photo ops! Don’t be surprised to see photoshoots or even weddings happening in the Raleigh Rose Garden, especially around sunset.

Address: 2703 Everett Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607

WRAL Azalea Garden

A hidden gem in Raleigh that I absolutely love is the WRAL Azalea in Downtown Raleigh. This beautiful garden is completely free to visit and has tranquil walking paths that bring you through the blooms. Throughout the year, you will find all different kinds of blooms, making it a great place to visit for a photoshoot in Raleigh. It is such a photo-worthy spot, you will likely see weddings be photographed here. This is also a great place to visit during the tulip season.

Address: 2619 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606

North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Art Museum has it all—beautiful art, unique sculptures, and outdoor walking trails. The museum is a free Raleigh attraction (inside and outside), but my favorite part about visiting is along the walking path, where you can find sculptures throughout the property. The Art Museum also holds lots of events and updated galleries! You can see the gallery exhibit updates here. The museum is a popular area for photoshoots, picnics and a fun place to even bring your fur babies!

Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607