Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Winston-Salem?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Winston-Salem?

Many visitors spend one to two days in Winston-Salem during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife.

Winston-Salem is a medium-sized city in central North Carolina. It's home to Wake Forest University and Salem College. It's filled with a southern personality and a inviting atmosphere and visitors will enjoy a stop at the traditional Old Salem.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Winston-Salem? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Winston-Salem?

Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Winston-Salem, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Winston-Salem as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

How to spend 3 days in Winston-Salem

Perhaps the most famous place in Winston-Salem is Old Salem, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

A few tour suggestions include:

Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour ($26)
Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour ($8)
Winston Salem African American History Tour ($19)

Is 4 days enough time in Winston-Salem?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Winston-Salem has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 4 days in Winston-Salem

With 4 days in Winston-Salem, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Shopping in Winston-Salem is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is 5 days enough time in Winston-Salem?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Winston-Salem, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Browse the museums, admire the historic sights, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and take advantage of the local nightlife. You could also use Winston-Salem as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 5 days in Winston-Salem

If you have more than 5 days in Winston-Salem, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Winston-Salem, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Winston-Salem, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.