
Places to stay near Duke University
Book unique holiday rentals, homes and more on Airbnb
Top-rated holiday rentals near Duke University
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

Quiet, Clean, Scent-Free Guesthouse Near Duke!
New-construction (2022) spotlessly clean farmhouse-style guesthouse is 3 mins to Duke, 15 mins to UNC and 25 mins to Raleigh. Perfect for an RTP work trip or weekend alumni or family/student visit. Explore Durham (8 min drive to downtown Durham, DPAC, American Tobacco, etc.) or anywhere in the Triangle from this South Durham location in the charming Tuscaloosa-Lakewood neighborhood. Walking distance to a supermarket, Cocoa Cinnamon coffee shop and restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

VIP Loft on Main St. - Center of downtown Durham!
Located in THE center of downtown Durham! Entrance on Main Street, completely surrounded by restaurants, shops, cafes and famous venues - but it's a historic brick building so this spacious loft is a quiet oasis above the hustle and bustle. Located on the 2nd floor above a restaurant and no neighbors above. You'll feel like a VIP while you look out of the giant windows over Main St! Complete with a comfortable King-size bed, cozy couch, 65" TV, and a stylish and modern kitchen and bathroom.

Modern Cottage With a Vintage Twist Near Downtown
Come stay at our modern vintage guesthouse in Historic Trinity Park. Our cottage has all modern appliances with vintage fixtures. Our cottage is a cozy, lived-in retreat with rustic charm. This 380 square foot cottage is located in a very lively and safe neighborhood just minutes from downtown Durham. Walk one mile on the Ellerbe creek trail to downtown! Walk 1.5 mile to 9th street restaurants and shops 1 mile to Central Park and farmers market <1 mile to bars and restaurants on geer street

Bungalow retreat: spacious, light, easy access!
Comfortable, airy, light and stylish refurbished bungalow with a large kitchen, shower and bathroom, great outdoor space with a fenced in back yard, chickens, and various fruit trees. The place is centrally located between Duke University and downtown. It’s an easy walk to one of Durham’s best coffee shops, Coco Cinnamon and easy distance to the Durham Coop, Guglehupf, Nasher Museum, The Scrap Exchange, Lakewood, and many other great Durham spots. Private front and back entries, large deck.

2-BR apt/garden near downtown Durham arts & eats
A private, restful & artful 2-BR apt. hosted by one of fewer-than-20 Airbnb Belo Award winners in the world. 900 sq. ft. complete lower fl. of 1960s brick split-level on unpaved lane near park. Lush garden. Private entry; parking; lvng rm w/fireplace; bthrm/shwr; kitchenette only; generous amenities; wifi; TV. Superhost since 2014; 1,100+ 5-star reviews. 1 mi. DPAC/Durham Bulls; 1.5 mi. Carolina Theatre; 3 mi. Duke U/Med Cntr. No added cleaning fee. The dear furry ones do not enter the apt.

Warm and Welcoming 3-Bedroom Cottage
Welcome to Carolina Cottage, nestled in one of Durham's premier post WWII neighborhoods, and extensively renovated by Designer + Builder Alicia Hylton-Daniel. Your experience will be enhanced by the thoughtfully curated spaces for relaxing, renewing and re-connecting. The home is spacious, with common areas to be shared, inside and out, as well as quiet spaces to read, nap, scroll and stream. You'll enjoy a full chef's kitchen and dining room, along with a sunny porch and shaded patio.

Perfectly Appointed @ Duke-Blue Devil Living!
Experience Duke at its best from our centrally located duplex between East & West Campus. With the campus bus stop right outside, easily explore Duke, Durham's museums, and local restaurants. Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and style, featuring Little Waves coffee, a retro bathroom with eco-friendly products, and hotel-quality bedrooms. Duke Hospital is just minutes away, making our home ideal for your stay. Live like a Blue Devil at the heart of Duke and Durham. Book now.

Walk to Downtown & Duke- King bed
Scent free! First floor apartment with plenty of well lit offstreet parking. Very comfortable beds with crisp, white linens, fully equipped kitchen, fully equipped bathroom, and family room with 58” TV, and comfortable seating. Dedicated work area, with lighting, outlets and extra USB ports.. Front porch with chairs overlooking a beautiful tree lined quiet street. We love traveling ourselves and hope you will enjoy the comfort and conveniences we put into this apartment!

Modern Tiny House Near Duke & Downtown
You’ll feel like you’re getting away from it all in this modern, private tiny house in the trees, even though you’re just minutes from Duke, downtown Durham, shopping, and restaurants. It’s the perfect balance of peaceful retreat and city convenience. The home includes all the essentials — full kitchen, laundry, A/C, and high-speed internet — but many guests find themselves spending most of their time relaxing on the screened-in porch, listening to birds, and recharging.

Cozy Historic Downtown Home w/ a Minimalist Touch
Welcome to your comfortable and modern home base to explore Durham! Experience downtown at your own pace from our wonderfully historic neighborhood of West End / Morehead Hill. It's only a 15-minute walk to American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and DPAC. 10-minute walk to Duke East Campus and many award winning downtown restaurants and boutique shops. 5-minute drive to Duke West Campus. Convenient to highway access to the rest of the Triangle.

Duplex filled with natural light
A stylish, modern, and beautiful alley guesthouse that is located just 2 blocks from Duke's East Campus and 4 blocks from downtown Durham. The apartment is located in the historic Trinity Park Neighborhood in Durham. The apartment has a top of the line finish, hardwood floors, appliances, and furniture. The loft area is equipped with a standing desk and monitor and 2 Yoga matts, and it is ideal for working professionals visiting the area. Built: 2023

Midcentury Modern, Near Duke
Enjoy a relaxing stay in mid-century style with modern convenience. Our midcentury modernized all-steel home, manufactured by the Lustron Corporation in the 1940s, is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood near Duke University and Hospital, the NC School of Science and Math, and Ninth St shops and restaurants. Our house retains all its original built-in steel cabinetry and features period-appropriate furniture handcrafted by the owner.
Popular amenities for holiday rentals near Duke University
Condo rentals with Wi-Fi

Cozy Village Condo Near Downtown and NC State

A short walk with a breeze .

Lake view condo w/office, walk to food/greenway

Downtown "Bull Durham" Condo

Condo @ Historic Duke Tower

Cute Condo Near Downtown

Warehouse District Modern Condo w/ Private Garage

Carrboro/Chapel Hill/UNC bright contemporary condo
Family-friendly house rentals

Like New Home - Central Durham/Duke

Clean Quiet Medical&Work Stay, Fenced Yard, Pets

Downtown Durham Area

Designer Garden Home Downtown

Guest Suite: Artist studio turned into loft.

The Blue Door Bungalow. Walk to Duke Medical/VA.

The Angier House | Modern Smart Home | 4Car Garage

Full reno, walk to restaurants!
Apartment rentals with air conditioning

Garden Oasis in the heart of downtown Durham

Downtown Durham Retreat

The Bohemian @ Casa Azul - Charming 1 Bedroom Unit

Heel-O Sunshine

Dollar Avenue Treehouse near Duke

Spacious 3BR Apt. in Grand Old Home, Downtown

100 Year-Old Historic Brick 2BR Loft |Large Patio2

Gorgeous Downtown Durham Retreat Sleeps 8
Other great holiday rentals near Duke University

Boho Bungalow Retreat Minutes from Downtown

Bright Downtown Gem: Modern Luxury - 5min Stroll

Lovely condo near Duke hospital

Walk 2 Duke, Cookery & dwntwn Child/inf. friendly.

Apt w/Washer + Dryer | Near DT, Duke, RTP

Forest Retreat! Cozy 4Bed/3Ba mins to Duke & DPAC

Renovated 3bd/3bath 5 min from Duke!

Stylish/historic home, walk to Duke & 9th Street!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Duke University located?
Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina, within a tree-lined campus known for its Gothic buildings and green spaces. The university is near arts venues, dining, and historic areas in the city.
When is the best time to visit Duke University?
Spring and early fall are frequently suggested, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant gardens around the campus. These seasons typically bring mild weather and opportunities to enjoy outdoor spaces near Duke University.
How old is Duke University?
Duke University’s origins date back to the nineteenth century, with significant campus development occurring in the early twentieth century. Its long history reflects decades of academic and community growth.
Why was Duke University built?
Duke University was established to promote higher education and research opportunities in the region, reflecting a vision supported by local leaders and philanthropists. The university has grown with a mission to serve students and contribute to community development.
What are some things to do near Duke University?
You can explore the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, check out art at the Nasher Museum of Art, or catch performances at campus venues. Around Duke University, the area has local food spots, trails, and cultural landmarks to discover.
How is the weather near Duke University?
Near Duke University, winters are mild and can range from 30–54°F (-1–12°C), while summers bring warmer days between 66–88°F (19–31°C) and frequent rainfall. Spring and fall have comfortable temperatures, making it a pleasant period for outdoor activities.
How was Duke University built?
Duke University developed through multiple stages, starting with original campus buildings in the early twentieth century. Its Gothic architecture and modern facilities reflect a blend of historical design and ongoing expansion, shaped by architects, builders, and university planners.
What is the history of Duke University?
Duke University traces its roots to a small school founded in the 1800s, later relocating and expanding in Durham. The university has grown into a major academic and research institution, shaped by philanthropic support, regional history, and its evolving campus community.
Destinations to explore
- PNC Arena
- Raleigh Convention Center
- Raven Rock State Park
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Durham Bulls Athletic Park
- Lake Johnson Park
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Eno River State Park
- American Tobacco Campus
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Greensboro Coliseum Complex
- Crabtree Valley Mall
- Frankie's Fun Park
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Virginia International Raceway
- North Carolina Museum of History
- Durham Farmers' Market
- University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
- Carolina Theatre
- Elon University
- Duke Chapel
- Koka Booth Amphitheatre





