Charlotte

Eco-friendly travel guide to Charlotte advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America.

Charlotte City View

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3.75 / 5

Public transportation: 3.6 / 5

Parks: 3.8 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.95 / 5

Locals' English level: 5 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $1,000

Budget per day: US$90 - $1,200

Responsible Travel

Whether you seek the vibes of a high-end cosmopolitan city or that of a slow, intimate small town, Charlotte is a city that gives you almost any experience you desire. Boasting glimmering skyscrapers and lush gardens, it has modernized and diversified its robust economy, and it used to be a leader in Southern textile and manufacturing center. Just behind New York City, it's considered to be the country's second most important financial hub and as it shelters the Wells Fargo's East Coast Operations and Bank of America's corporate headquarters, it's also famous to be a renowned financial powerhouse and banking center. Charlotte is the region's center of entertainment, technology, industry, and finance, and it's as well the county seat of Mecklenburg County. Situated in the southern part of the Piedmont of North Carolina, this ambitious and rapidly growing city has a lot to delight its visors and locals alike and as you plan to move around, here are a few tips you can use to travel responsibly;

Understanding Charlotte. Charlotte has an airport that is not often hectic or overwhelming and you can stay relaxed that the flights at the airport typically stay on time whether you're flying to or from Charlotte. Nevertheless, a major thing you should watch out for is the rush hours because the traffic in this city can be very crazy. However, there are greenways and green spaces in the city plus you can easily explore some of the neighborhoods in the city because they're worth seeing and typically walkable.
Airport arrivals. Charlotte airport maintains being on the top five for keeping departures on time; irrespective of its busy schedule. One would have thought that the fact that it's growing to the sixth busiest airport in the world would make it lose its smaller, more relaxed feel and charm, but no, it hasn't, and you should feel relaxed using Charlotte’s airport; should you feel the need to explore a few neighboring cities. More so, you can even stop by at the public runway viewing deck or take a pit stop at the rocking chairs, if you have the time.
Public transportation. For those traveling through the city, Charlotte has a variety of options, and riding the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is pretty easy, with over 60 routes available. The city has an existing bus and light rail system but take note that the city’s neighborhoods themselves are pretty walkable. It's even possible for you to enjoy getting around easily without having to rent a car. Although Charlotte is car-centric, the public transportation in this city is a convenient and affordable option for travelers. If in a single day, you plan to visit a lot of locations along the light rail or bus system, it's advisable to purchase an unlimited day pass. Unlimited monthly rides cost $88, weekly unlimited rides cost $30.80, one-day unlimited rides cost $6.60, and round trip fares are $4.40 and $2.20 respectively. One-way fares are $1.10 for those with disabilities, students in K-12 grades with valid ID, children, and seniors who are over 62 years old and it's $2.20 for adults. You can purchase passes at several area grocery stores but you'll need exact change if you want to get your pass while boarding the bus or light rail. Via the CATS Pass app using a credit or debit card, you can as well purchase passes online in advance via the CATS Pass app.
Renting a car. If you plan to extend your visit to this city to the several pristine beaches around and a few destinations in North Carolina such as Raleigh which is just two hours, 30 minutes away, and Asheville, which is two hours away, then getting a car is the best thing to do. Even if you desire to experience some local destinations such as Carowinds and Lake Norman which are outside of the city, renting a car is a cheaper option you can consider for transit. There are outposts in Collingwood, South Park, Uptown, and in Charlotte-Douglas International Airport for major rental car companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Alamo. Nevertheless, if you'll be driving in the city, be informed that you can be saved from hefty parking fees at East/West Boulevard and Sugar Creek because parking downtown can be expensive.
- Traffic. As earlier hinted above, traffic in this city can be quite disturbing and crazy, especially during rush hour. The best idea you will have to subscribe to is to plan to double the travel time if you do have to travel during these rush hours. From 7:30 am to 9:00 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, it's advisable that you avoid traveling across town during the busiest times because Charlotte can have brutal rush hour traffic, and if traveling during that period is a necessity, you'll no choice than to double the travel time. Charlotte has some of the worst traffic in the Southeast. During spring break and summer vacation, traffic is also heavier, and there are often delays in the downtown area and on major roads like I-485 and I-77.
- Beware of road construction, rain, and special events. From the NASCAR Hall of Fame and summer crowds at Carowinds to Carolina Panthers games, and more, take note that road closures or delays can be brought about by circumstances like winter storms or spring showers and any number of special events.
- Be aware of cell phone driving laws. For drivers under 18 years of age, cell phone use is completely prohibited. And, while driving, engaging yourself on activities on your phone such as e-mailing, chatting, or texting should be avoided. You can only use your phone for voice calls while driving for this is what the local laws allow.
- Parking. On weekdays and all day on weekends, after 6 pm until 7 am, any metered spot becomes free. You can even head to the First or Fourth Wards if you're looking for free parking. In Charlotte, there are tons of on-street meters and paid parking decks in existence.
City Bikes. There are rentable bike shares provided by the city and it's also interesting to know that Charlotte boasts greenways and bike lanes. If you would love to get around on two wheels, don't hesitate because there are bike stations all over the city. Biking is a great way to travel to and from the music venues, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and the neighborhood breweries, and it's also a fine way to explore the parks and greenways in the city. Bikes can be used and returned to any B-station for $5 per every 30 minutes.

Air Quality and Pollution

The combination of PM2.5 and ozone pollution is what's resulting to the unhealthy air quality in Charlotte. However, since 2010, Charlotte has been within federal attainment levels for PM2.5, with exception of 2019, but its failure to meet ozone standards has been consistent. The growing population and economy are factors attributed to the challenges facing the air quality in Charlotte. Charlotte is the 15th most populous city in the United States of America with close to a million residents and the Charlotte metro area was ranked as the fastest-growing in the nation between 2004 and 2014.

With this increasing population, there has been more increment in emissions which has proportionally influenced an increase in trending pollution levels challenges. In the year 2019, Charlotte was unable to meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for fine particulate matter and ozone which are considered to be the two common and unhealthy air pollutants in the country with August and September revealed to be the most PM2.5 polluted months. Nevertheless, it's worthy to point out that Charlotte ozone levels have similarly seen significant improvements and the city's air quality has improved dramatically over the recent years.

Respect the Culture

Speaking of respecting the culture in Charlotte, there's nothing pretty much to talk about, except the city's few customs and etiquette which you would have to put into cognizance. Charlotte does live up to its reputation for down-home southern hospitality and you'll notice this anywhere you go to in the city. Boasting a gay-friendly nightlife scene, LGBT travelers should feel at ease and welcome here and if you don't belong to the LGBT family, you'd be doing a great good by being nice to those who do.

Tipping is a norm in this city, and this custom is no way strange in most parts of Europe, and in Charlotte, tipping is usually around 15 to 20 percent. In addition, take note that there are dress codes requiring jackets for gentlemen in some higher-end eateries in the city and you do have to respect that, although most restaurants keep things casual. Going back to tipping, it's customary to tip drivers if you're traveling by cab. So, do well to note all these and you'll be doing your little part in contributing to the city's culture and customs.

Top 10 Places to Visit

From taking to water sports on Lake Norman and sampling the breweries of NoDa to Wandering the streetcar suburb of Dilworth, Charlotte, fondly referred to as the Queen City, offers a range of activities and venues. With an inspiring cultural scene and a renewed focus on green, urban planning, Charlotte takes pride in being one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States of America and it's a sleek banking hub. Charlotte’s got it going on whether you seek family fun, outdoor adventure, sports, shopping, live music, museums, unique culinary or brewery experiences.

With Charlotte being the proud owner of the ethereal Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens and as well playing host to the famous NASCAR’S Hall of Fame, it's grown to be loved by many and acknowledged as a place for families and honeymooners looking to make their first memories. Charlotte is undoubtedly a place for everyone and you'll see why it has such a great reputation even if you’re only able to stay for a day or two for it gives visitors arts, athletics, and much more. This largest city in North Carolina is a great place to get a feel for a southern living if you haven’t spent much time down south and these top 10 attractions in the city will definitely make your visit worth the while.

The Billy Graham Library: It's open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can go on on a low-cost tour or explore the area yourself at no charge. The affordability of this place is one of its enchantments. Coming here is one of the top things to do in Charlotte and there’s an excellent restaurant nearby if you’re hungry. There's teeming beauty that can even help you feel closer to God in the area surrounding the building. You'll get more details on Graham and how he became a legendary pastor when you visit the library which highlights this complex, near Graham’s boyhood home. You should plan a trip to the Billy Graham Library if it interests you to get an even greater understanding of Graham and his work. He became one of the most influential people of the 20th century because of his evangelism and the late Reverend Billy Graham is one of the most famous people to come out of Charlotte.
Merchant & Trade: It's open from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m on Friday and Saturday and from 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m on Monday to Thursday. This place should be one of the most enticing options to opt-in for if you're looking for things to do in Charlotte. Merchant & Trade has a refined atmosphere that's non-comparable to any other places and it's always a pleasure to be able to drink in the kind of atmosphere it offers. It's one of the classiest downtown Charlotte experiences you can have but take note that it has a dress code, so make sure to pack your best dress. Lobster gyoza and filet sliders are some of the great food to eat during your visit while “The Velvet Slipper” and “It’s Always A Party” are some of the cocktails you can enjoy on its fantastic drink menu. It's a rooftop bar that’s both highly refined and highly original, it's the “downtown” of Charlotte or the central business district, and it's located on the roof of the Kimpton Hotel in Uptown Charlotte.
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary: Admission is free for kids who are below 10 years old but $10 for anyone over 10. It’s open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you want to experience solitude during your visit to Charlotte, come to Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. There are all kinds of beauties living peacefully here and you'll be thrilled and glad to be here if you're someone who loves birds. The centuries-old sundial is also one of the installations here. Plants such as perennials, trees, and shrubs can be seen here and the garden portion of this place is very pleasant. Being one of the biggest points of interest for nearly a century in Charlotte, you can have a great time at this place whether you want to see feathered friends or fantastic flora. Coming here, you've got some of the best aspects of nature to enjoy.
NASCAR Hall of Fame: Admission is $18 for military personnel, $22 for seniors, $18 for children age four to 12, and $25 for adults. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and it’s always a blast when one is at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Terry Labonte, Fireball Roberts, and Dale Earnhardt are some of the Hall Of Famers. You can get a look at the stories behind the people behind the wheel and there's priceless memorabilia, racing simulators, and so much more to see here. There are plenty of exciting exhibits here and coming here is one of the most fun things to do in Charlotte.
U.S. National Whitewater Center: This center is open 24/7 but take note that admission could be a bit expensive as it's $59 for those who are 10 and older and $49 for those nine and younger. Nevertheless, so much fun can be had here and it's worth the price. Every moment can be spent in the present when you come here and you can as well enjoy ziplining, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, hiking, and rafting here. There are lots of activities that will keep you active and smiling here and the unbeatable artificial whitewater rafting experience this place provides visitors with is one-of-a-kind. You should come to U.S. National Whitewater Center if you’re someone who loves thrills.
The Mint Museums: Admission is $6 for children age five to 17, $10 for college students and seniors, and $15 for adults. It's open on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m, Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Seeing beautiful works of art like the ones here is such a special experience and highlighting the cultural excellence of Charlotte is what the Mint Museums Uptown and Randolph do — there are two locations. It boasts pieces ranging from the U.S., Africa, and Europe with massive collections. You’re sure to have an excellent time whether you visit Mint Museum Randolph or Mint Museum Uptown. It's North Carolina's longest-running art museum and don't you think it's a museum dedicated to money or fresh breath, it isn't.
BB&T Ballpark: Do well to try to catch a Charlotte Knights game if you’re in town for a weekend and in every possible way, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a baseball game. Coming to BB&T Ballpark is one of the most fun things to do in Uptown Charlotte and you can always count on having tons of fun here no matter when you visit. Your experience can even be made more deluxe with the premium options available. You can choose to be close to the action or higher up with the two tiers of seating. This place has a capacity of 10,200 and it was completed in 2014. Plenty of Charlotte hospitality, delicious refreshments, and warm weather await you here for a great price. Catching a home game from the minor league Charlotte Knights has also been made easy here.
Funny Bus: There are two tours here you can choose from; one with an R-rating and the other with a PG-13 rating. The ride lasts for roughly an hour and a half. If you're mature enough to handle some edgy humor, why not come here to have some cool fun? In fact, this place offers you the freewill to have your drinks on-board to make the experience more fun. The Funny Bus is mainly a tour bus and you could get a double-dose of laughter and education there. It provides you a totally new glimpse of public transportation and checking out The Funny Bus in Charlotte is something you'll really love if you love comedy.
Discovery Place: It's $22 for seniors, $20 for children, and $24 for adults who want to tour the museum and go to the IMAX theater. Tickets to the museum cost $17 for seniors, $15 for children (age 2 to 13), and $19 for adults. It's open on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m and from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discovery Place is one of the best places to go for learning in Charlotte, and Animal Meet and Greets is one of the many special events it organizes. An indoor rainforest and a butterfly pavilion are some of the things to see here, and you can show your children just how cool science is with its hands-on exhibitions. When it comes to teaching and entertaining, this science museum goes above and beyond with its great activities that are available and all of the excitements it incites.
The Charlotte Museum of History: Admission is $5 for military personnel, $7 for seniors, age 62 and older, $7 for children, age 6 to 17, and $10 for adults. It's open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and there are lots of fun one can have here. Digging the photographs featured in “A Focus on Sports” is a pleasing activity for sports fans and there's the “Unforgettable Music Venues of Charlotte” for those who love live music. As everyone can find something they like, coming here is one of the best travel hacks when visiting this city. You can add the cultural significance of the city and its continuing evolution at the exhibits at the Charlotte Museum of History plus there's a first-hand education of how Charlotte came to be you'll be exposed to here. On the museum’s property, there are multiple buildings to check out, and you need to come here if you would love to catch a glimpse of how impressive Charlotte’s history is.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Explore

Charlotte is one of the best places to be in the United States of America. Aside from being North Carolina's largest city, it has a special kind of vibe it exudes that makes it very appealing. For shopping and dining and to check out some of the city's plentiful major museums, the Uptown area, which is Charlotte's modern city center, has enough to satisfy you. In tourist attractions like the Rosedale Plantation and the Charlotte Museum of History, Charlotte reflects on its rich history, and it boasts an intriguing cultural scene and lively streets. Offering many things to do, you can catch the detail of the city's role in the American Revolution as you find a series of bronze plaques and monuments by taking the self-guided Liberty Walk. Aside from several fun attractions that are loaded in the city, Charlotte is unique for its auto racing and it's no surprise that it's home to the popular NASCAR Hall of Fame, motorsports museums, racing schools, and lots more.

City Parks

Charlotte is undoubtedly a green city with greenways, gardens, and parks. Perfect for cyclists and the more adventurous hikers, the parks throughout the city are connected by the Greenway systems and to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by natural beauty as a sunbather or a picnicker in the city, you don't have to look too far, just pick any of the lush parks in the city. If leisure is the goal, Charlotte's got plenty of parks for you to choose from.

Freedom Park: This park leads all the way Uptown as it connects to the Little Sugar Greenway and it's very dog-friendly. It has a bandshell for playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields, and open-air concerts. On a beautiful summer day, it's perfect for lounging in the sun, and it's filled with rolling meadows and beautiful plant life. It's very common amongst joggers and cyclists because of its miles of paved trails branch and it's surrounded by upscale residential architecture. It's situated in the Myers Park/Dilworth area and it's fondly referred to as the ‘Central Park of Charlotte.’
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens: Admission is completely free and guided tours are available upon request. There is unique international plant life and Garden exhibits perennials at the Glen. Famed for housing the renowned Titun Arum, it also plays host to more than 1,000 species of succulents, carnivores, and exotic orchids at the Greenhouse. There are a series of venues here with their respective specialization of plant life; ranging from the seven-acre Van Landingham Glen and Susie Harwood Garden to the McMillan Greenhouse. Originally an educational tool for biology students when opened in 1966, the public and students can benefit from these gardens, and they're situated on the east side of the university campus
Reedy Creek Park: Offering miles of historical landmarks, hiking trails, and exhibits, the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve is adjacent to the park, and while owners enjoy the sun and scenery, they can let their four-legged furry friends play around for it has a dog park. This park consists of an 18-hole disc golf course, a community garden, ponds, playgrounds, sports and recreation facilities, and sweeping lawns. It has 146 acres of leisure spots, activities, and amenities, and it's well-removed from the Uptown crowds.

Freedom Park in Charlotte

National Parks

There are no national parks in Charlotte.

Beaches

One of the beautiful things about Charlotte is that it offers its residents quick and easy access to many stunning beaches! Even though there are no beaches within the city's limits, there are tons of popular beaches near Charlotte, and a few of them are really worth experiencing.

Lake Norman State Park: This is like the closest you'll find; it's an estimated 20-30 minutes drive and 20 miles from Charlotte. Boasting over thirty miles of single-track trails and a popular trail network for mountain biking, it's popular for housing the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, and it's a very fine place to camp — you'll find thirty-two individual camping sites and a campground with a group camping site here. There's a boat ramp and fishing opportunities offered here and the swim beach measures 125 yards in length.
Myrtle Beach: Boasting great restaurants, hotels, and several attractions, it's regarded to be one of the country's most popular beaches, and if you can manage to get here, you'll see that it's really worth it. You'll find the SkyWheel here which is one of the tallest ferris wheels in the United States and along the beachfront boardwalk at the Grand Strand, there are loads of arcades, shops, and restaurants you'll find. This beach remains to be a great choice for beach lovers in Charlotte, even though it’s in a different state
Bald Head Island: Boasting acres of untouched beaches, marshes, and maritime forest preserves, it promises visitors nothing but a good time. Dating back to 1817, the oldest standing lighthouse in the state can be found around here, and if you have the time, you can take a brief stop at this Old Baldy site. This place is an escape from the city's hustle and bustle, it feels almost like it's worlds away from everyday life, and it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland.

Bald Head Island

Landmarks

There are lots of prominent landmarks to visit in Charlotte;

Levine Museum of the New South: Group admission is available for parties of ten or more and this place also affords free admission for children ages under five. Promoting communication and learning with themes presented in the museum galleries, it offers organized dialog programs for adults and students. As it accounts for current topics with historical significance, people of all ages can benefit from its meaningful, instructional, and educational activities. This history museum is a landmark in Charlotte you shouldn't miss out.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: It affords free admission for members and children who are 5 and below and there are guided and self-guided tours available to groups of ten people or more. Offering a modern and elegant setting, it's situated in the south quadrant of Uptown Charlotte's Levine Center for the Arts, it's a building with three levels of event space holding 46,500-square, and it's an award-winning place. The history, culture, and African-American art is what it encourages, conserves, and present as it poses to be a reflective mirror for the enlightenment of all. It was established in 1974.
The Billy Graham Library: It's open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can go on on a low-cost tour or explore the area yourself at no charge. The affordability of this place is one of its enchantments. Coming here is one of the top things to do in Charlotte and there’s an excellent restaurant nearby if you’re hungry. There's teeming beauty that can even help you feel closer to God in the area surrounding the building. You'll get more details on Graham and how he became a legendary pastor when you visit the library which highlights this complex, near Graham’s boyhood home. You should plan a trip to the Billy Graham Library if it interests you to get an even greater understanding of Graham and his work. He became one of the most influential people of the 20th century because of his evangelism and the late Reverend Billy Graham is one of the most famous people to come out of Charlotte.

Outside the Levine Museum of New South

Museums

Charlotte has dozens of museums celebrating beauty of all kinds and there's a museum for you in this city that will teach you something new whether you're a fanatic of science, history, or art. There are lots of great museums in town you should check out for Charlotte is a city full of unique culture, and here are some of the best ones you'll find around.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: It often has film screenings of documentaries and all and it hosts many fabulous events throughout the year. Each new, amazing work of art you encounter here will captivate you as the 36,500-square-foot space is filled with brightly colored exhibits. You'll see astounding works of art both indoors and outdoors as you walk through the exhibits and there are wood carvings, sculptures, paintings, and more included on the list of over 1,400 modern works of art it hosts. The designer of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Mario Botta, was the renowned architect that designed this museum which opened in 2010. This museum owes its dedication to displaying mid-20th century modern art and it's situated in Uptown Charlotte.
The Mint Museum: Seeing beautiful works of art like the ones here is such a special experience and highlighting the cultural excellence of Charlotte is what the Mint Museums Uptown and Randolph do — there are two locations. It boasts pieces ranging from the U.S., Africa, and Europe with massive collections. You’re sure to have an excellent time whether you visit Mint Museum Randolph or Mint Museum Uptown. It's North Carolina's longest-running art museum.
Discovery Place: Discovery Place is one of the best places to go for learning in Charlotte, and Animal Meet and Greets is one of the many special events it organizes. An indoor rainforest and a butterfly pavilion are some of the things to see here, and you can show your children just how cool science is with its hands-on exhibitions. This science museum goes above and beyond with its great activities that are available and all of the excitements it incites.
The Charlotte Museum of History: It's open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and there are lots of fun one can have here. Digging the photographs featured in “A Focus on Sports” is a pleasing activity for sports fans and there's the “Unforgettable Music Venues of Charlotte” for those who love live music. As everyone can find something they like, coming here is one of the best travel hacks when visiting this city.

Facade and entry portico of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Eat

Charlotte is a hub for Southern staples which include succulent vinegar, pimento cheese, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken or tomato-based North Carolina pork barbecue. Although Charlotte isn't known for specific dishes, its variety of sophisticated international and farm-to-fork menus evinces its flair for fine dining, and it boasts its fair share of Southern comfort food.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Here are some of the popular traditional local restaurants in Charlotte:

Punta Cana Restaurant
Village Tavern
Sir Edmond Halley's
Open Kitchen
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Vegetarian and Vegan

Charlotte's got tons of options for you whether you're just seeking to consume less meat or you're a vegetarian or vegan.

Oh My Soul
Living Kitchen
Bean Vegan Cuisine
Ma Ma Wok
Cinnaholic
Veltree

Street Food

Here are some of the best food trucks you can trust for your street eats in Charlotte;

Deejai Food Truck
The Atomic Dog
TACO GREEN-GO!
Detour Coffeebar
Garbage Truck- CLT
The Chili Man
Nor'East Treats & Eats

Drink

One popular drink in this city is Cheerwine; it's a favorite of the locals and it's a cherry-flavored soft drink. Howbeit, you can as well purchase beer and wine at gas stations, grocery stores, and most markets.

Tap-water

Charlotte's tap water is safe to drink.

Organic Cafés

Organic cafés and restaurants are in good shape in Charlotte:

Living Kitchen
Energy Cafe
Zada Jane's Corner
Carpe Diem
Berrybrook Farm
Woodlands
Blynk organic

Breweries

Here are some of the must-try breweries in Charlotte:

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Birdsong Brewing Company
Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
NoDa Brewing Company
Heist Brewery
Triple C Brewing Company
Free Range Brewing

Activities

'Charlotte’s got it going on whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor adventure, sports, shopping, live music, museums, or unique brewery experiences:

Peek into Charlotte’s past at;

The Wells Fargo History Museum
The Charlotte Museum of History
The Levine Museum of the New South
Follow Uptown’s Charlotte Liberty Walk
Tour Center City and neighboring historic districts your way
Queen City Rides
C-Charlotte Tours
Funny Bus Comedy City Tour's BYOB
Carolina History & Haunts
Charlotte NC Tours
Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours
Explore the EpiCentre; the Center City’s three-floor entertainment destination
Ride the world’s tallest and fastest Giga coaster at Carowinds amusement park
Roam the Charlotte Rail Trail
Explore Charlotte’s urban parks

Yoga and Retreats

Here are some of the best places you can trust for your yoga and retreats in Charlotte:

Be Yoga
Charlotte Yoga
Y2 Yoga
NoDa Yoga
Charlotte Meditation

Accommodation

From hostels and hotels to guesthouses and vacation rentals accommodation options are plentiful in Charlotte.

Green Hotels

Here are some of the best green hotels in Charlotte:

Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport
Le Meridien Charlotte
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ballantyne Area
Hyatt Place Charlotte/Arrowood
Hampton Inn Charlotte - Uptown
Sonesta Charlotte
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne

Hostels and Guest Houses

There are lots of nice hostels and guest houses in Charlotte:

The Morehead Inn
Ms. Elsie's Caribbean Bed & Breakfast
Edna Inn
Patty's Bed & Breakfast
Comfort Inn Charlotte

Apartments

Apartments are not difficult to find in Charlotte. You can find an apartment online or ask some of the knowledge locals around you. Airbnb options are also available in the city.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is becoming more popular day-by-day and you stand a good chance of finding a host in this city.

Camping

You can enjoy camping in Charlotte at any of these places:

McDowell Nature Preserve
Fieldridge Acres
Carowinds Camp Wilderness
Copperhead Island
Elmore RV Park

How to Get There

Flying into Charlotte Douglas International Airport is an easy way to get into Charlotte.

Air

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the main airport serving the city.

Inside the Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Bus

Megabus buses arrive and depart along Whitton St with service from Washington, D.C, Richmond, Durham, Athens, and Atlanta. Greyhound is served by buses and it has a station just northwest of Uptown.

Train

There's an Amtrak station on North Tryon near Dalton, on bus route 11.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is legal in Charlotte.

Others

You can get into the city by car with the interstate highways through Charlotte.

Moving Around

The best way to navigate the Queen City is by having your own set of wheels because the transit system in Charlotte isn't as well-connected as in other major cities.

Walk

Only a very few districts in the city such as Dilworth and NoDa are truly pedestrian-friendly. More so, it's easy to get dehydrated during the summer days, and you must give some thought to the weather if you must walk.

Bicycle

Biking is a great way to travel between Uptown and the surrounding neighborhoods and Charlotte has its bike-share system called Charlotte B-cycle.

Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles should be available for rentals at one of the car rental companies in the city.

Public Bus

Buses are used more by locals than by visitors and over 70 local, regional, and express bus routes are operated by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).

Tram, Train and Subway

LYNX Blue Line is the city's light rail service. Trains run every 10 minutes on weekdays and they operate on Sunday from 6:15 a.m. to midnight and from around 5:30 a.m. to about 1:30 a.m on Monday through Saturday.

Sustainable Shopping

With the handful of eco-friendly stores in Charlotte, you should be able to shop sustainably in the city.

Food Markets

Here are some of the popular food markets in Charlotte:

7th Street Public Market
Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market
Food Truck Fridays
Kings Drive Farmers’ Market
Old Town Farmers’ Market
Mecklenburg County Market

Flea Markets

These amazing flea markets are some of Charlotte’s greatest:

Charlotte Open Air Market
Vintage Charlotte
Sweet Union Flea Market
Metrolina Expo Vintage & Antique Show
Barnyard Flea Markets
The Sleepy Poet
Sardis Marketplace

Second Hand Stores

Looking for some of the best second-hand stores in Charlotte? Check out any of these:

Value Village Thrift Store
Bargain Hunters Thrift Store
Clothes Mentor Charlotte Midtown
Community Thrift Store
The WearHouse

Eco-Fashion

EILEEN FISHER and Fashion & Compassion are places you can trust for your eco-fashion in Charlotte.

Recycling

Charlotte has a robust recycling program and it encourages its residents not to put non-recyclable items in their CURBSIDE recycling cart.

Waste

Charlotte has unstaffed Self-Service Drop off centers and full Service Drop Off Centers accepting trash. And, the municipality in which you live is responsible for your home waste collection.

Work and Study Abroad

Home to plenty of prestigious and recognized institutions like the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and more, Charlotte is a great place for work and study abroad.

Exchange Student

Almost all the higher institutions of learning in the city offer the student exchange program and they do have their respective requirements that must be met.

Au Pair

There's a good chance of finding opportunities as an au pair in Charlotte.

Volunteering

There are lots of places to volunteer in Charlotte and here are some of them:

Promising Pages
Project Outpour
Perfect Provisions
Operation Christmas Child
Humane Society of Charlotte
Friendship Trays
Classroom Central
Charlotte Rescue Mission. Rebound
Queen City Unity