Best Tours of Charlotte

If you are planning to visit Charlotte, one of the first challenges you will encounter when planning your itinerary is choosing which tours to take in the city. This destination, which is one of the most important cities in the Southeast region of the United States, offers a wealth of attractions and guided tours can help you discover each site more clearly.

Some of the best things to do in Charlotte include taking a brewery tour, participating in a ghost and pub crawl, touring the city in a minibus, seeing the main sites of this destination on a golf cart tour, taking a photo shoot tour accompanied by a professional photographer, participating in a scavenger hunt excursion and opting for a self-guided tour.

Charlotte is known for many things: its financial scene, its sporting events and its growing brewing tradition. One of the most popular activities among locals and visitors, then, is to partake in a brewery tour, an experience that will transport you into the city' s rich history and culinary creativity.

These tours are much more than just a tasting; they offer a journey through the craftsmanship behind some of the region's most iconic beers. Typically, these itineraries will include stops at Triple C Brewing Company, where innovation and quality merge to offer a variety of beers ranging from IPAs to lighter, more refreshing lagers.

Another jewel in Charlotte's brewing crown is Wooden Robot Brewery, a brewery that combines tradition with modern, experimental tints. There you can explore the fusion of local ingredients and craft methods that give life to highly rated beers. And for those looking for a more eclectic experience, a stop at NoDa Brewing Company is a must, offering creative brews and community events.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 114 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: about 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to approach the local culture from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will be able to visit several different neighborhoods of the city, but you will not have free time to tour the sites on your own, as the tour focuses exclusively on the breweries.

On cloudy afternoons or mysterious nights in Charlotte, one of the most popular activities are the ghost and pub tours. These experiences combine the city's fascinating paranormal history with the vibrant local pub scene, creating a comprehensive tour that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

These tours typically begin at iconic sites such as the Fourth Ward, where expert local guides will share with you chilling tales of supernatural events and paranormal encounters. Among the most notable destinations is the Dunhill Hotel, which is reputed to be home to some curious spirits. The exciting mix of history and the paranormal creates a unique atmosphere for participants.

The second part of the tour, after also touring the Carolina Theater and the Charlotte Police Headquarters with their corresponding stories, will take you on a tour of several selected pubs, where you can enjoy drinks of your choice and hear other local legends.

One of the most iconic pubs you'll see is The Thirsty Beaver, an authentic pub that has witnessed decades of history and, according to some visitors, harbors its own dark secrets, which are only revealed to those who ask for them. Are you up for the challenge?

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to participate in one of the most popular experiences in the city.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are intense experiences, so they are not recommended for seniors or people with reduced mobility.

Charlotte is a relatively large city with many attractions in different locations, so taking a minibus tour is a convenient way to learn about the rich history and local culture. These tours will take you through some of the most iconic parts of this destination, starting with Downtown, with its skyscrapers and bustling financial activity.

These tours will usually also take you to the NoDa district, known for its street art and eclectic outdoor galleries. There you can enjoy a stop to explore the local stores and discover the artistic energy that defines this community. In addition, you'll find bars and restaurants that often make Charlotte's best nightlife lists.

The minibus will also take you to Freedom Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city, where you can relax and enjoy nature before heading to the historic Dilworth neighborhood, famous for its elegant old homes and southern charm. Finally, the itinerary will take you to the South End district, known for its diverse dining scene.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 38 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: about 1.5 hours for the complete tour from end to end, although some experiences include stops.
• Advantages of these tours: they are convenient alternatives to get an overview of the city's main attractions.
• Disadvantages of these tours: most of the alternatives do not include stops, so they are only panoramic tours.

If you want to explore Charlotte in an eclectic and relaxing way, you can't miss a golf cart tour, a traditional experience that combines the comfort of these means of transportation with the opportunity to discover some of the city's highlights. These tours usually start at Freedom Park, in the heart of the local urban center.

The golf cart will also take you to the bustling Uptown and South End districts, allowing you to admire the city's architecture and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of its streets. In addition, during the itinerary you can stop at the Mint Museum of Art, where you can explore one of North Carolina's most famous art collections and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding gardens.

This itinerary will also take you to the Fourth Ward Historic District, which is noted for its Victorian architecture and homes that will take you back to the city's colonial past.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 36 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: about 1 hour and a half.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to participate in a traditional Charlotte experience that will take you to see the attractions of the city in a fun way.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although they are small group tours, you will not be able to modify the pre-established itinerary.

If you want to get to know Charlotte through a different experience, you can take a photo tour, which is the perfect way to capture the most memorable moments of your journey through this vibrant city. Accompanied by a professional photographer, you will begin your tour at the romantic Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, a site characterized by the natural beauty of its trails.

The itinerary will also include stops in the financial district, where skyscrapers and modern architecture provide an unbeatable backdrop for your photographs. The Firebird sculpture in Bechtler Square and the Lions Fountain downtown are just a few of the iconic sites that will make your images stand out in a style all their own.

These tours will also take you through the NoDa district, famous for its street art and bohemian atmosphere. Every alleyway in this neighborhood will offer you unique opportunities to take colorful and creative photographs.

In addition, if you plan to visit Charlotte during Christmas, you will also be able to capture the eve decorations that are often a highlight of this destination and that you will find in every corner of the city.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 136 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine a tour of the main points of the city with a photography experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are expensive experiences and do not include the assistance of an expert local guide, only a photographer.

If you are someone who prefers alternative activities in the destinations you visit or plan to tour Charlotte with children, you can opt to participate in a scavenger hunt excursion. Equipped with maps and clues, teams will begin the journey by exploring the city from the inner city on a tour that will take them through local history and culture as they search for clues to unravel the mystery and find the hidden treasure.

During these excursions, you can visit landmarks such as Discovery Place Science, where you can discover interactive science exhibits. You can also explore the Fourth Ward, a historic district full of Southern charm and Victorian homes, as you follow the clues that will lead you closer to your goal.

With challenges tailored for all ages, these self-guided tours are an ideal choice for families who want to explore the city in a different and interactive way.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 13 euros per group.
• Duration of these tours: the activity lasts around 2 hours, but you will be able to do it at your own pace due to the fact that it is self-guided through an app.
• Advantages of these tours: they offer a fun and interactive alternative to get to know Charlotte as a family.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they may include tracks at points far from the city, so you will have to be willing to move around by different means of transportation during the experience.

If you want to discover Charlotte at your own pace, the best alternative is to opt for a self-guided tour through a mobile app. This modern way of exploring the city will give you the freedom to customize your itinerary and get to know each site at your convenience.

Some of the tourist sites included in this tour are the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which houses an exceptional collection, and Romare Bearden Park, an urban green space perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding architecture.

During the self-guided tour, the historic district becomes the epicenter of this activity, with its skyscrapers and the Levine Center for the Arts, where you can find events of all kinds. The app will guide you through iconic architecture and take you to places like Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of auto racing.

Popular places to visit in Charlotte during a guided tour also include the Museum of History and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, an oasis of natural beauty located in the middle of the city.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 13 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: the time will depend on the chosen itinerary.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to get to know the city at your own pace.
• Disadvantages of these tours: information on some popular sites in the city is scarce or not available, so it is advisable to look for it on your own.

If you want to explore Charlotte in a comfortable and fun way you can opt for a Segway tour, an experience that will take you to discover some of the most emblematic sites in the area such as Trade and Tryon Streets, where Native Americans fought to maintain control of the city, allowing you to discover the history of the region.

You'll also get a taste of Charlotte's cultural fabric with a stop at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. There you will find a collection of 20th century paintings that will transport you through the most innovative artistic expressions of their time.

On the other hand, one of the most relaxing parts of the itinerary will be found at The Green, the city's largest park, where locals choose to spend most of their days enjoying their surroundings, and nearby you will also see the lavish Bank of American Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers, the city's NFL team.

In these experiences you will have the necessary safety elements, such as the mandatory helmet to ride on these vehicles, which will allow you to participate in a safe and carefree tour.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 70 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 1 hour and a half.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to visit the main points of the city in a comfortable, safe and fun way.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are expensive experiences.

You can book a Charlotte tour in advance or book them once you are in the city. However, if you plan to travel during the summer or high season months, I advise you to make sure you book before your visit so that you can save time upon arrival and also money, as rates are dynamic.

Also, if you book in advance you can organize a tour, which will help you make the most of your stay in the city and will also help you plan your visit based on your preferences or the group you are traveling with, which will be ideal if you plan to visit Charlotte with children or as a couple.

When embarking on an excursion in Charlotte, it is essential to follow a few tips to make the most of your Charlotte experience. First, be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out, as North Carolina is often known for experiencing abrupt changes in the weather. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and don't forget to stay hydrated and carry a rain jacket during rainy seasons.

Also, plan your itinerary in advance and consider using mobile apps or maps to optimize your route and save time. This destination is known for its cultural diversity and events, especially during Christmas in Charlotte, so check if during your visit there are festivals, fairs or special celebrations that allow you to discover the local atmosphere.

Taking a guided tour of Charlotte or exploring the city on your own are both valid options, each with their own advantages. Opting for a guided tour offers you the opportunity to receive expert, contextualized information about the city's history, culture and points of interest. Local guides often share anecdotes and details that you would not find in individual research, which will substantially enhance your experience.

Keep in mind, too, that guided tours usually include exclusive and priority entry to the sites you visit, allowing you to rest in the comfort of having the logistics organized. This can save you time and ensure that you get the most out of your visit.