Landmark
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States, chartered in 1789. Its campus blends historic red-brick buildings with modern facilities, set among lush trees and green spaces. Visitors can stroll through the iconic McCorkle Place, where the Old Well, a neoclassical rotunda, serves as a symbol of the university. The campus is walkable and dotted with statues, including the famous 'Silent Sam' site (now a memorial). The nearby Franklin Street offers shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife. As the heart of Chapel Hill, UNC is a cultural hub with museums, galleries, and the Dean E. Smith Center for basketball. The university's ranking as #1 thing to do in Chapel Hill reflects its central role in the community.
Don't miss
- Visit the Old Well, the iconic campus symbol
- Walk through McCorkle Place, the historic main quad
- Tour the Ackland Art Museum with its diverse collection
- Catch a Tar Heels basketball game at the Dean Smith Center
- Explore the North Carolina Botanical Garden
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inMurder Mystery Detective Experience in Chapel Hill NC4.1★ · 20 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →
Most bookedCarolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour4.8★ · 548 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleLive Karaoke Ride in Uptown and SouthEnd of Charlotte, NC4.8★ · 22 travelers~0 hoursFree cancellationFrom$81 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes; the campus is large and hilly in parts.
- Download the UNC mobile app for a self-guided tour map.
- Park in the Rams Head Parking Deck or the Bell Tower Deck for visitor access.
- Franklin Street has many coffee shops and eateries for a break.
A bit of history
Chartered in 1789 and opened in 1795, UNC Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the U.S. It was the only public university to graduate students during the Civil War. The Old Well has been a campus landmark since the 1890s.
Common questions
Is the campus open to the public?
Yes, the campus is open year-round. Some buildings may have restricted access during exams.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, free student-led tours are offered on weekdays and select Saturdays. Check the admissions website.
Can I visit the basketball arena?
The Dean Smith Center is open for tours on non-game days; check the athletics website.
Where is the best place to take photos?
The Old Well and McCorkle Place are the most photographed spots.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, the UNC Visitor Center is at 134 E. Franklin Street, offering maps and information.
What is the best time to see fall colors?
Late October to early November when the campus trees turn vibrant red and orange.
More attractions in Chapel Hill
