New Bern, North Carolina Travel Guide

New Bern, North Carolina: A blend of historic allure, natural beauty, and vibrant arts, making it a perfect tourist destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts.

Welcome to New Bern, North Carolina, a city steeped in history and brimming with Southern charm. Founded in 1710, New Bern is the second-oldest town in North Carolina and was the state's first capital. Visitors will delight in the blend of the old and the new as they stroll through the downtown district, where historic homes and buildings sit alongside modern boutiques and restaurants. History enthusiasts will find much to explore, from the impressive Tryon Palace, the restored 18th-century governor's residence, to the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, where the famous soda was first invented by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1893. The city is also home to over 150 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a treasure trove for architecture and history buffs. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either. New Bern is nestled between the Neuse and Trent Rivers, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The city's numerous parks provide scenic spots for picnicking and leisurely walks. The Croatan National Forest, located just a short drive away, offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its rich history and natural beauty, New Bern boasts a vibrant arts scene. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the popular MumFest, which draws thousands of visitors every October. Art galleries, theaters, and music venues ensure there is always something to see and do, making New Bern a wonderful destination for tourists of all interests.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring New Bern.

Visit the New Bern Trolley Tour for an overview of the city's historic sites and landmarks.
Try to visit during MumFest in October for a lively and colorful experience.
Explore the local waterways by renting a kayak or taking a guided boat tour.
Don't miss a visit to the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola for a bit of soda history.
Check out the local farmers' market on Saturdays for fresh produce and unique crafts.

Explore New Bern: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in New Bern

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Best Attractions

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Union Point Park

Discover the serene beauty of Union Point Park in New Bern, a perfect blend of nature, art, and community events along the scenic rivers.

4.7

Birthplace of Pepsi Cola

Experience the rich history of Pepsi Cola at its birthplace in New Bern, NC, and discover the charm of this historical landmark.

4.5

Tryon Palace

Explore Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC – a stunning historical attraction featuring beautiful gardens and rich colonial history, perfect for all travelers.

4.6

Creekside Park

Explore Creekside Park in New Bern, NC – a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and scenic beauty for tourists and families alike.

4.7

Best landmarks in New Bern

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Best Landmarks

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Union Point Park

Explore the beauty of Union Point Park in New Bern, a picturesque refuge where rivers meet, perfect for relaxation, recreation, and community events.

4.7

Birthplace of Pepsi Cola

Explore the historic Birthplace of Pepsi Cola in New Bern, NC, where beverage innovation meets rich American history.

4.5

Tryon Palace

Explore Tryon Palace, a historic site in New Bern, NC, blending captivating history with stunning botanical gardens for an unforgettable experience.

4.6

Lawson Creek Park

Experience the tranquility and recreational charm of Lawson Creek Park in New Bern, North Carolina, your perfect nature escape.

4.6

Best restaurants in New Bern

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Morgan's Tavern & Grill

Discover Morgan's Tavern & Grill: A charming American grill in New Bern offering mouthwatering dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.7

Chick-fil-A

Discover delicious fast food at Chick-fil-A in New Bern – home of the original chicken sandwich and welcoming family dining.

4.5

Outback Steakhouse

Discover the unique flavors of Australia at Outback Steakhouse in New Bern - where quality meets warmth in every bite.

4.2

Baker's Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery

Discover homemade American cuisine at Baker's Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery in New Bern - where every meal is crafted with love and tradition.

4.6

Best bars in New Bern

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Morgan's Tavern & Grill

Discover the heart of American cuisine at Morgan's Tavern & Grill in New Bern, where delicious meals meet a vibrant atmosphere.

4.7

Poppy's Bites & Barrels

Discover the heart of Southern cuisine and vibrant bar life at Poppy's Bites & Barrels in New Bern, where every meal is a celebration.

4.4

Spunky McDoogle's

Discover the lively Spunky McDoogle's in New Bern for delicious American cuisine and an energetic atmosphere perfect for any traveler.

4.5

Blackbeard's Triple Play Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a vibrant dining experience at Blackbeard's Triple Play Restaurant & Bar in New Bern, featuring delicious grilled dishes and a lively atmosphere.

4.2

Best nightclubs in New Bern

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The Brown Pelican

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Brown Pelican, New Bern's premier live music bar, offering eclectic performances and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.6

Tap That New Bern

Experience the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Tap That New Bern, a lively bar and restaurant in charming New Bern, North Carolina.

4.5

Baxter's 1892

Discover the perfect blend of fine dining and live jazz at Baxter's 1892, New Bern's premier restaurant and music venue.

4.5

Attitudes Pub & Grille

Discover great food, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable karaoke at Attitudes Pub & Grille in New Bern, NC.

4.6

Best shops in New Bern

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New Bern Mall

Explore New Bern Mall, a premier shopping destination in North Carolina, offering a wide array of stores, dining options, and family-friendly entertainment.

3.7

Books-A-Million

Explore a treasure trove of books, collectibles, and hobbies at Books-A-Million in New Bern, a must-visit for every tourist.

4.4

Mitchell Hardware

Experience the charm of Mitchell Hardware in New Bern, where unique gifts and home goods meet old-fashioned hospitality.

4.9

Franklin's - Antiques | Vintage | Home

Explore the charm of Franklin's in New Bern, NC - a delightful destination for antiques, vintage finds, and unique home goods.

4.5

Explore New Bern on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in New Bern, mapped for you.

New Bern Essentials

New Bern is well-connected and accessible by various means of transport. The nearest major airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), located just 3 miles from downtown New Bern. The airport offers direct flights to and from Charlotte, which is a major hub with connections to many cities in the U.S. For those driving, New Bern is accessible via U.S. Highways 17 and 70. There are also bus services like Greyhound that connect New Bern to other cities. Amtrak provides train services to Wilson, NC, from where you can take a bus or rent a car to reach New Bern.
New Bern is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Local taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available for longer distances. Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) offers public bus services within the city and to surrounding areas. Renting a car is also a good option if you plan to explore beyond the city limits.
The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Some smaller establishments and local markets may prefer cash, so it's advisable to carry some with you.
New Bern is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep your belongings secure. Areas like Duffyfield have higher crime rates, so it's best to be cautious if you find yourself there. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local police department and fire stations are well-equipped to handle emergencies. CarolinaEast Medical Center offers comprehensive medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and places of worship. Remove hats when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful on public transportation. Don’t play loud music or talk loudly. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Saying 'Hello' or 'Hi' is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, and don't forget to tip around 15-20% in restaurants. Don’t be rude to service staff; politeness goes a long way.
To experience New Bern like a local, visit the Saturday Farmers Market at 421 S. Front Street for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the historic downtown area, where you can find charming shops and cafes. Take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy the scenic views of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Engaging with locals can provide insights into the rich history of the area, including its connections to Tryon Palace and the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.

When is the best time to visit New Bern?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for New Bern

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in New Bern. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [hey]
- GoodbyeLater
  [lay-ter]
- YesYeah
  [yeah]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [ex-cuse me/sor-ry]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [how yu doin]
- Fine. And you?I'm good. You?
  [ahm gud. yu?]
- Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speak ing-lish]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [ah dont get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI wanna see the menu, please
  [ah wanna see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ah dont eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay, please
  [ah wanna pay, please]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [ahm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ah wanna buy]
- I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [ahm just lookin]
- How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much duz it cost]
- That's too expensiveThat's too much
  [thats too much]
- Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?
  [can yu make it chee-per]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [what time is it]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)It's half past ten
  [its half past ten]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yester-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
- 1One
  [one]
- 2Two
  [two]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats the address]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can yu show me on the map]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

History of New Bern

New Bern, North Carolina was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers led by Christoph von Graffenried. Named after Bern, the capital of Switzerland, New Bern quickly developed into a bustling port and trading center due to its advantageous location at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers.
In 1747, New Bern was designated as the capital of the North Carolina colony, a status it maintained until 1789. During this period, it became a cultural and political hub, with the construction of the Tryon Palace, the first permanent capital building of North Carolina, serving as the governor's residence and the colony's administrative center.
Completed in 1770, the Tryon Palace symbolized the wealth and influence of New Bern during the colonial period. Named after Governor William Tryon, this Georgian-style mansion was destroyed by fire in 1798 and painstakingly reconstructed in the mid-20th century. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's rich history and offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century colonial life.
New Bern is famously known as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. In 1893, local pharmacist Caleb Bradham created 'Brad's Drink,' a refreshing beverage that would later be renamed Pepsi-Cola. Visitors can explore the recreated soda fountain at the Pepsi Store, located on the very site where the iconic drink was first concocted.
During the American Civil War, New Bern was a strategic port and transportation hub. In 1862, Union forces captured the city in the Battle of New Bern, securing a vital stronghold in Eastern North Carolina. The occupation led to significant changes, including the establishment of the Trent River Settlement, a haven for freed slaves.
One of the most devastating events in New Bern's history was the Great Fire of 1922, which destroyed over a thousand buildings and left much of the African American community homeless. The fire spurred significant reconstruction efforts and marked a turning point in the city's development, leading to modern urban planning and community resilience.
In recent decades, New Bern has experienced a cultural renaissance, revitalizing its historic downtown and waterfront areas. The city boasts numerous art galleries, theaters, and museums, celebrating its rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Annual events like the Mumfest attract thousands of visitors, showcasing the city's dynamic community spirit.