For the last few decades, Charlotte has been known as a business town. Towering skyscrapers with sparkling glass windows are where deals were made. Little room was left for tourism, and even the locals were bored with the city. That was until 2019 when Charlotte started a transformation. With a mass of new people breathing life into the city, an inspiring culinary scene, and expanding local attractions, Charlotte is now a hot spot for city life, fine dining, and weekend adventures. If you are traveling to Charlotte for the first time, we recommend following these tips to create a memorable experience.
Book Your Accommodations in Advance
Charlotte is now a business and travel hub, and you never know when a conference or event will pack the hotels. If you plan on booking a hotel, we recommend booking your room in advance to secure a lovely place that meets your travel needs. However, if you are traveling with a larger group or want more privacy, we suggest checking out the selection of Airbnb-style accommodations in the city. With high-rise apartments or entire houses up for grabs, you can stay in style with a more local vibe.
Schedule an Airport Transfer
If you are flying into the city and don’t plan to rent a car (which you don’t really need anyways), you should schedule an airport transfer. Private airport car services allow travelers ease and luxury when entering the city. You never have to worry about driving in an unfamiliar place, waiting on rideshares or shuttles, or wondering if your party and all their luggage will fit. You can book the size of ride 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 Sightseeing Itinerary
Charlotte boasts a wide range of unique sightseeing opportunities for every kind of traveler. Those with a need for speed must check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame or the 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 as they learn and play. If you want to check out the local goods, don’t miss the 7th Street Public Market, where you can peruse baked goods, homemade crafts, fresh produce, and much more.
Consider Taking a Day Trip
While taking a trip to Charlotte, there is certainly enough to keep you busy for the duration of your travels, but if you want to explore beyond the borders of the city, there are quite a few feasible day trips. Our top favorites are Gastonia, Concord, and Lake Norman State Park. We recommend keeping an eye out for the various breweries scattered about and around these towns, as Charlotte and its surrounding areas have been hit by the brewing bug!
Pick Out Your Restaurants
One reason Charlotte transformed from a business city to a travel hub is its food scene. Throughout the city, you will find all sorts of cuisine, from regional favorites to delights from around the globe. It may seem impossible to choose from so many different restaurants there. That is why we recommend looking at various restaurant lists and recommendations to gather an idea of where you want to go before you arrive. For fine dining establishments, make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. However, if you are more into mom-and-pop style eateries, write a list of your must-go places and their addresses; most likely, you will be able to walk right in.
Pack for Charlotte Weather
Charlotte is not known for delightful weather, with travelers reporting that the best time to visit is between early May to mid-June and late August to early October. Why is that? The summers can be hot and muggy, the winters can be cold and wet, and there is always the possibility of tornados and hurricanes. Of course, this shouldn’t deter you from visiting this gorgeous city; it just means that you pack wisely. We recommend taking a look at the weather forecast a couple of days prior to your trip and packing your bags with the appropriate clothing to match. Just make sure to throw in a rain jacket no matter what!
Save Time for Spontaneity
It can be tempting to plan for every moment of the day, but half the fun of travel is the spontaneous moments. After you have secured accommodations and transportation, we recommend arranging one or two sightseeing events and one restaurant. Other than that, see where the city takes you. You may find charming little stores, quaint bakeries, or incredible parks that rarely make it onto the traditional travel guide. You never know what you will discover on the path unplanned.
