Over the past few decades, Charlotte has been known as a business town. Tall skyscrapers with sparkling glass windows are where the deals were made. There was little room left for tourism, and even the locals were bored with the city. That was until 2019 when Charlotte began a transformation. With a slew of new people bringing the city to life, an inspiring culinary scene, and expanding local attractions, Charlotte is now a hot spot for city life, fine dining, and weekend adventures. If you’re traveling to Charlotte for the first time, we recommend following these tips to create a memorable experience.
Book your accommodation in advance
Charlotte is now a hub for business and travel, and you never know when a conference or event will fill the hotels. If you are planning to book a hotel, we recommend booking your room in advance to ensure a lovely place that suits your travel needs. However, if you’re traveling with a larger group or want more privacy, we recommend checking out the selection of Airbnb-style accommodations in the city. With high-rise apartments or entire houses up for grabs, you can stay stylish with a more local vibe.
Schedule an airport transfer
If you’re flying into the city and don’t plan to rent a car (which you don’t need anyway), you should schedule an airport transfer. Private airport car services allow travelers comfort and luxury when entering the city. You’ll never have to worry about driving somewhere unfamiliar, waiting in carpools or shuttles, or wondering if your party and all their luggage will fit. You can book the size of trip you need, when you want it to pick you up, and where you want to go days, weeks or even months in advance.
Plan a tourist itinerary
Charlotte has a wide range of unique tourism opportunities for any type of traveler. Those with a need for speed should visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame or Carowinds Theme Park. For those with kids in tow, we recommend taking them to the Discovery Place Science Museum, where they can enjoy interactive exhibits while they learn and play. If you want to check out local produce, don’t miss the 7th Street Public Market, where you can sample baked goods, homemade crafts, fresh produce and more.
Consider taking a day trip
While taking a trip to Charlotte, there’s certainly enough to keep you busy for the duration of your travels, but if you want to explore beyond the city’s borders, there are quite a few doable day trips. Our favorites are Gastonia, Concord and Lake Norman State Park. We encourage you to keep an eye out for the various breweries scattered in and around these cities, as Charlotte and the surrounding area have been hit by the beer bug!
Choose your restaurants
One of the reasons Charlotte transformed from a business city to a travel hub is its food scene. Throughout the city, you’ll find all kinds of cuisine, from regional favorites to delicacies from around the world. It can seem impossible to choose between so many different restaurants. That’s why we recommend checking out various restaurant lists and recommendations to get an idea of where you want to go before you arrive. For high quality dining establishments, make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. However, if you’re more into mom-and-pop style restaurants, write a list of your must-sees and their addresses; most likely, you will be able to enter directly.
Pack for Charlotte Weather
Charlotte is not known for its pleasant weather, and travelers say that the best time to visit is between early May and mid-June and late August to early October. Why that? Summers can be hot and muggy, winters can be cold and wet, and there’s always the possibility of tornadoes and hurricanes. Of course, this should not deter you from visiting this beautiful city; it just means pack wisely. We recommend that you check the weather forecast a couple of days before your trip and pack the right clothes. Just be sure to throw in a rain jacket no matter what!
Save time for spontaneity
It can be tempting to plan every moment of your day, but half the fun of traveling is the spontaneous moments. After you have secured accommodation and transportation, we recommend organizing one or two tourist events and a restaurant. Other than that, see where the city takes you. You may find charming little shops, quaint bakeries, or amazing parks that rarely appear in the traditional travel guide. You never know what you’ll discover along the way without planning.