Charlotte holidays
Want to dive into North Carolina’s rural charm while chasing the beat of a big city? A holiday in 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.
Charlotte holiday highlights
robin eve photos
Southern cooking
No holiday 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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Photographer name
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 Charlotte holidays
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) during your trip to Charlotte. Besides your cards, consider taking some cash with you for things like small purchases and getting around.
The warmest month in Charlotte is July, when temperatures hit a maximum of 34ºC (93ºF).
English is the language you'll come across most while on your city break 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.
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.
With an average rainfall of 12 cm, December is the wettest month to go on a Charlotte holiday. When the weather turns, venture indoors and enjoy the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
How many days your trip to 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.
Well-trafficked areas like Uptown and South End are safe neighbourhoods to head to for dinner and drinks when on holiday in Charlotte. 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.
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.
An itinerary packed with great food, local shopping and plenty of green spaces makes for a great holiday in 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.
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