Your guide to Charlotte

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Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy

Want to dive into North Carolina’s rural charm while chasing the beat of a big city? Charlotte is just the ticket. Here, the laidback outdoorsy lifestyle is paired with whopping plates of barbecue, a bustling nightlife, lovely public parks and warm Southern hospitality to wash it all down. And to sweeten the pot, it’s also a hub for stock car racing. Get inspired with our Charlotte travel guide.

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Charlotte highlights

Southern cooking

No trip to Charlotte is complete without a plate full of North Carolina-style barbecue. Smokey slabs of pork are cooked low and slow and served with mounds of sides. A fresh wave of chefs is also adding new flavours to the city. You can taste this passion at the city’s ever-expanding roster of food trucks, coffee shops and restaurants.

Stock car central

Charlotte is the capital of stock car racing, with many NASCAR teams based across the city. Plan a visit to a team shop to see mechanics at work, stop by the NASCAR Hall of Fame, or hop behind the wheel for some laps at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. For the ultimate weekend of racing, time your visit for the Spring NASCAR Weekend in May.

Where to stay

Uptown is the beating heart of Charlotte. It’s walkable, connected by light rail and bursting with museums, restaurants and rooftop bars. There are plenty of great, dependable chains and independent hotels offering everything from affordable to luxury options. For a trendy neighbourhood stay, both South End and Dilworth have good mid-range options to choose from.

Charlotte: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season	June - August
Low season	January - February

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Things to do in Charlotte

Nightlife

Like any thriving financial hub, Charlotte works hard and plays harder. Drink in city views and cocktails at one of Uptown’s slinky rooftop bars. Slide onto one of the many dance floors for country, live music, EDM or Latin. And if breweries and wine bars are more your speed, there’s a glut of great options.

Shopping

You’ll find the most interesting shopping in Charlotte in unexpected places. Boutique and brand name stores call Atherton Mill in South End home. This is also where you’ll find a Saturday farmers market, plus regular pop-up markets. Shop high-end goods at Specialty Shops SouthPark, or hunt for treasure in Sleepy Poet Antique Mall, a staple of Charlotte’s antique scene.

Free things to do

It doesn’t take money to have a good time in Charlotte. The city’s abundant public art weaves together its diverse cultural fabric, and the Rail Trail is a great way to tick off some of the sculptural, mural and pop art highlights. Neighbourhood-hopping across NoDa, South End and Plaza Midwood is also a great way to uncover more of Charlotte’s delights.

FAQs about visiting Charlotte

What currency is used in Charlotte?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while in Charlotte. Besides your cards, consider taking some cash with you for things like small purchases and getting around.

What is the hottest month in Charlotte?

The warmest month in Charlotte is July, when temperatures hit a maximum of 34ºC (93ºF).

What language is spoken in Charlotte?

English is the language you'll come across most while on your city break in Charlotte.

What is the coldest month in Charlotte?

Plan your Charlotte trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -2ºC (28ºF) is as cold as the city gets.

When is the best time to visit Charlotte?

Visiting Charlotte in spring, autumn or winter allows you to explore the rooftop bars, gardens and public art when the weather is beautifully mild. Flights and hotels in Charlotte are also more affordable in these shoulder seasons. Summer is great for a calendar full of cultural events.

What is the rainiest month in Charlotte?

With an average rainfall of 120 millimetres, December is the wettest month to visit Charlotte. When the weather turns, venture indoors and enjoy the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.

How many days do you need when visiting Charlotte?

How many days your stay in Charlotte should be depends on where you're arriving from and what you'll be doing. If you live nearby, three to five days is plenty of time to check out the leading sights. If you're travelling from afar, consider booking a week or more to experience the city and nearby areas.

Is it safe to visit Charlotte?

Well-trafficked areas like Uptown and South End are safe neighbourhoods to head to for dinner and drinks. The local buses and light rail are well-maintained and have good safety. Petty crime like pickpocketing does occur in crowded areas, so be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings on you.

How expensive is a trip to Charlotte?

The cost of your city break in Charlotte will vary according to factors like where you're flying in from, when you want to go, and your preferred hotel. Charlotte flights and hotels are usually more expensive during busier periods, but you can score savings by travelling in quieter months.

Is Charlotte a good place to visit?

An itinerary packed with great food, local shopping and plenty of green spaces makes for a great trip to Charlotte. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the US, Charlotte takes pride in its diverse culture and is working hard to nurture a sustainable and exciting city worth exploring.