Charlotte Travel Guide

Explore the Queen City with this comprehensive travel guide to Charlotte, North Carolina. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, food scene, and more.


Introduction to Charlotte

Charlotte is a modern and vibrant city located in Mecklenburg County, in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Often referred to as the Queen City, Charlotte is known for its rich history, thriving business community, and diverse cultural offerings. With a population of over 870,000 people, Charlotte is the largest city in the state and offers visitors countless things to see and do.

List of Places to Visit in Charlotte

Whether you’re interested in learning about Charlotte’s history and culture, exploring its natural beauty, or indulging in its culinary scene, there’s something for everyone in this southern city. Here are the top places to visit in Charlotte:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Levine Museum of the New South explores the history of the South from post-Civil War to modern-day, with interactive exhibits and collections.
  • The Mint Museum Uptown features American art and design as well as a small collection of European art.
  • The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art showcases mid-20th-century modern art, mainly from the Bechtler family collection.
  • The Charlotte Museum of History offers exhibitions on the Queen City’s past and culture as well as guided historic house tours.

Natural Attractions of Charlotte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers whitewater rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, zip-lining, and more.
  • The Freedom Park includes several acres of walking and biking trails, a lake, and sports fields.
  • The Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve features hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.
  • The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens features 10 acres of themed gardens and natural areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Charlotte

Charlotte has plenty of trails and parks for both hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best options for adventurous visitors:

  • Little Sugar Creek Greenway
  • Four Mile Creek Greenway
  • McDowell Nature Preserve
  • Latta Plantation Nature Preserve

Best Things to Do in Charlotte: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Charlotte offers plenty of other activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things you can do in Charlotte:

  • Carowinds Amusement Park
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame
  • Discovery Place Science
  • Charlotte Knights Baseball Game

Week-Long Itinerary for Charlotte

For those visitors looking to get the most out of their trip to Charlotte, the following week-long itinerary will help you fit in all the must-see attractions and experiences:

Day Activities
Day 1 Levine Museum of the New South, 7th Street Market, Noda Brewery
Day 2 McDowell Nature Preserve, Billy Graham Library, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Day 3 Freedom Park, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Bank of America Stadium
Day 4 U.S. National Whitewater Center, Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, Sycamore Brewing
Day 5 NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place Science, Epicentre
Day 6 Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina Music Factory, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
Day 7 Carowinds Amusement Park, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Catawba Brewing Company

Food and Drink Scene of Charlotte

Charlotte is home to a vibrant culinary scene where visitors can indulge in delicious local cuisine and drink.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken & Waffles
  • Carolina BBQ
  • Pimento Cheese
  • Cheerwine Soda

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer (Check out Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Wooden Robot Brewery, and Sycamore Brewing)
  • Sweet Tea
  • Cheerwine Soda

Where to Stay in Charlotte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Charlotte offers plenty of accommodation options from budget-friendly to luxury. Here are some of the best places to stay in Charlotte:

Budget Options

  • Hosteling International Charlotte
  • Charlotte International House
  • Motel 6 Charlotte - Airport

Mid-Range Options

  • Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown
  • Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the EpiCentre
  • Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown

Luxury Options

  • Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
  • The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte
  • The Westin Charlotte

What to Buy in Charlotte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Want to take home a piece of Charlotte with you? Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

  • Hornets gear (The city’s NBA team)
  • Carolina Panther gear (The city’s NFL team)
  • Cheerwine soda
  • Moonshine

Local Culture and Customs of Charlotte

Charlotte is a friendly city and locals are generally welcoming to visitors. It’s always a good idea to greet people with a smile and say “hello” or “good morning” when walking around. Be sure to ask questions, and you’ll find that people are more than willing to share what they know about Charlotte.

Best Time to Visit Charlotte

The best time to visit Charlotte is between March and May and September and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, if you’re looking to attend any of the city’s annual festivals or events, be sure to check the calendar to plan your trip accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Charlotte

Here are some tips on the do’s and don’ts of visiting Charlotte:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drink
  • Visit the historic landmarks and museums
  • Explore the natural beauty of the city

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage public property
  • Make racial or disparaging remarks
  • Speed or disregard traffic laws

Safety and Health

Charlotte, like any city, has its risks. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy during your visit:

Safety in Charlotte

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • Avoid dark and isolated areas
  • Keep car doors locked and valuables out of sight

Health in Charlotte

  • Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn
  • Bring allergy medication if you are allergic to pollen

Getting to Charlotte: Transportation Options and Logistics

Charlotte is easily accessible by plane or car, making it a popular destination. Here are your options to get here:

Airports Near Charlotte

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport
  • Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
  • Hickory Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Charlotte

  • Greyhound Bus
  • Megabus

Other Options

  • Amtrak (stations in Salisbury and Kannapolis)

How to Get Around in Charlotte

Charlotte’s public transportation system, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), offers bus and light rail service throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. Visitors may also choose to rent a car or bike to get around.

Where to Go Next from Charlotte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Charlotte is conveniently located near many destinations worth visiting after exploring the city. Be sure to check out the following nearby destinations:

  • Asheville, NC
  • Charleston, SC
  • Wilmington, NC
  • Myrtle Beach, SC

Conclusion

Charlotte, North Carolina offers countless opportunities for adventure, exploration, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for any traveler. Use this comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip to this vibrant city!

The skyline of Uptown Charlotte The skyline of Uptown Charlotte This statue near the Uptown Holiday Inn honors Charlotte's namesake. This statue near the Uptown Holiday Inn honors Charlotte's namesake. Imaginon and Children's Theatre of Charlotte Imaginon and Children's Theatre of Charlotte Charlotte Motor Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway


    Ballantyne
    Cotswold
    Dilworth
    Elizabeth
    Myers Park
    NoDa
    South Charlotte
    South End