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Planning your Charlotte adventure? You just found your go-to guide!
We’ve spent a good amount of time exploring the Queen City, and every time, we find something new that makes us love it even more. From hilarious comedy tours and street art safaris to Segway rides and fuzzy scooter escapades, Charlotte isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience.
We tried out all of these activities ourselves and had a blast doing them. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or plotting your perfect city escape, this list covers six fun, unique, and memorable things to do in Charlotte that you won’t want to miss. Buckle up and let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Segway tour of Charlotte! Not only was it a super fun way to see the city, but it also allowed us to cover a lot of ground and learn about the sights from our local guide.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Charlotte
- 1. Get inspired by Charlotte’s murals
- 2. Glide through Uptown Charlotte on a fun and easy Segway tour
- 3. Hear ghostly tales and punchlines on a one-of-a-kind comedy tour
- 4. Ride giant plush animals through the city (yes, that’s right!)
- 5. Laugh your way through Charlotte on this rolling comedy city tour
- 6. Taste the best of Charlotte’s craft beer scene with a local guide
- Where to Stay in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Charlotte
1. Get inspired by Charlotte’s murals
- Duration: 30 minutes–1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am–8 pm
- Highlights: Small-group tour exploring Charlotte’s iconic street art culture in an open-air cart
- Inclusions: Driver/guide, handheld fan to stay cool, city hotels pick up for groups of four or more, live karaoke, new carts with seat belts, cart cover when needed
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We always try to find something a little different when exploring a new city, and this small group mural tour was the perfect mix of art, local flavor, and unexpected fun that had us grinning the whole ride. It’s the kind of experience that turns a regular afternoon into a rolling discovery of color, creativity, and stories you won’t find on a plaque.
Riding through Uptown in a comfy open-air cart, we cruised past some of Charlotte’s boldest and most beautiful murals, with our guide, Darius, pointing out hidden meanings, local legends, and artist backstories that brought the artwork to life. He showed us way more than we expected—things we wouldn’t have noticed on our own—and made it all feel laid-back and welcoming.
From the Federal Reserve Bank and Romare Bearden Park to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Dunhill Hotel, this tour covers way more ground than you’d expect in just one ride. You can even ask to stop for photos whenever inspiration hits (and believe me, it will).
After the tour, we grabbed snacks and a souvenir at the nearby Market at 7th Street on our own, and it was the perfect way to round out the experience.
We loved how this tour mixed laid-back exploring with a deep dive into Charlotte’s creative side. It was a unique way to see the city—vibrant, insightful, and full of surprises around every corner!
This tour is likely to sell out—reserve it here before spots fill up!
2. Glide through Uptown Charlotte on a fun and easy Segway tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours–2 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
- Highlights: Small-group Segway tour exploring historic highlights and learning about Charlotte’s history
- Inclusions: Use of Segway and helmet, guide, Segway training
- Rating: 5 stars (check 890+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
On our first trip to Charlotte, we made the classic mistake of trying to see everything Uptown on foot. After a couple of hours and some achy legs later, we learned our lesson. This time around, we joined this small group Segway tour, and it was a total game changer.
We’d walked past some of these spots before, but riding the Segway gave us a whole new perspective and let us actually enjoy the city without constantly checking how far we had to walk next.
This fun and surprisingly easy ride kicks off with a quick training session, then you’re off exploring Uptown’s art and history scene with the wind (and zero sweat) on your side.
The 1.5-hour option hits all the highlights: gliding past the Bechtler Museum’s shimmering Firebird sculpture, cruising the Mint Museum and the Gantt Center, coasting through The Green (a quirky little park that honors world literature), and winding through the charming Fourth Ward with its historic Victorian homes.
Opt for the 2-hour tour like we did and you’ll also visit two of Charlotte’s oldest cemeteries, including Old Settlers’ Cemetery, dating back to 1776, and even roll by the Carolina Panthers’ stadium. It’s totally worth the extra time!
We loved how much ground we covered without feeling rushed, and how relaxed and fun the whole experience was from start to finish. It’s easy to see why this Segway tour has racked up so many glowing five-star reviews.
Book your spot here and see why this is one of Charlotte’s favorite adventures!
3. Hear ghostly tales and punchlines on a one-of-a-kind comedy tour
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8:30 pm
- Highlights: Rolling theatre show with professional actors, hilarious storytelling, and real haunted locations
- Inclusions: Sketch comedy, bring your own drinks, ghost and true crime stories, private tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We love a good ghost tour, but most of them fall into the same rhythm: walk, talk, maybe a spooky story, and then you’re done. So when we found this private rolling ghost comedy show, we knew we had to check it out. And we’re so glad we did—it was nothing like a usual ghost walk.
From the moment we stepped onto the bright purple bus, the energy was electric. With professional actors leading the way, this was part ghost tour, part comedy sketch, and 100% entertainment.
We brought our own drinks (yes, it’s BYOB!), settled into our seats and prepared to be heckled. At one point, we were laughing so hard we nearly missed the creepy tale unfolding outside the window—these performers don’t hold back.
We cruised past Elmwood Cemetery and Old Settlers’ Cemetery, heard wild stories about everything from ghostly bartenders to the infamous “Razor Girl,” and even learned about the jumpers of the Dunhill Hotel. The stories were genuinely chilling, but the delivery was hysterical. The mix of dark history and sharp comedy made for a completely unforgettable night.
We loved how original and unexpectedly hilarious this bus tour was, and clearly, we aren’t the only ones. Check out the five-star reviews here to see why this wild ride is one of Charlotte’s most talked-about experiences!
Secure this private ghost tour here and experience five-star fun!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Ride giant plush animals through the city (yes, that’s right!)
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
- Highlights: Guided tour of Uptown Charlotte driving easy-to-operate Rydables, indulge your inner child as you whiz through parks and historic areas
- Inclusions: Guide, all fees and taxes, small-group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’ve done our fair share of walking and bus tours, but nothing prepared us for the sheer joy of this small group guided ride through Charlotte on motorized animal scooters. It’s impossible not to smile when you’re cruising through Uptown on a fuzzy ride-on rhino, and yes, people will stop to ask what you’re doing.
This Rydables tour kicks off with a short training session (they’re super easy to operate), and then you’re off, single file, on a fun-filled adventure through the heart of the city.
We rolled through Romare Bearden Park, admired post-Civil War architecture in the Fourth Ward, and paused for photos at The Green’s whimsical sculptures. The tour also includes stops at the Market at 7th Street and Levine Avenue of the Arts, blending food, culture, and history with just the right amount of playfulness.
One of our favorite moments was cruising past the historic homes in the Fourth Ward. They felt like hidden gems tucked right into the city!
Our guide, Isaiah, was upbeat, knowledgeable, and incredibly friendly. He made sure everyone was comfortable and kept us laughing while sharing interesting local facts. We couldn’t stop smiling!
It’s not every day you get to sightsee on a motorized animal while learning about local history. This tour was pure joy from start to finish—definitely one of those experiences we’ll be talking about for years to come!
Book this Rydables tour here and see Charlotte in the most fun way possible!
5. Laugh your way through Charlotte on this rolling comedy city tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 1 pm—6 pm
- Highlights: Adults-only comedy bus tour exploring Charlotte’s most interesting neighborhoods, historic places, and landmarks, bring your own drinks
- Inclusions: Local guide, live entertainment
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 580+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
After a few days of sightseeing, we were ready to kick back, have a drink, and let someone else take the wheel, and this comedy bus city tour was just the ticket. This adults-only experience is part sightseeing, part stand-up show, and all-around ridiculous fun.
We boarded the bus at First Ward Park, drinks in hand (yes, it’s BYOB), and settled in for a wild ride through Charlotte’s coolest neighborhoods, including NoDa, South End, Plaza Midwood, and more.
Our guide, Shane, was absolutely hilarious! He had us laughing, singing, and smiling nonstop while pointing out local landmarks and throwing in just enough history to keep things interesting. The energy on the bus was infectious, and by the end, it felt like everyone had become instant friends.
There’s a quick stop along the way for drink refills or a bathroom break, but the real entertainment never lets up. With its mix of comedy, culture, and drink-friendly policies, this tour nails that rare combo of being informative and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.
This was easily one of the most fun and unique ways we’ve ever explored a city—we were laughing from start to finish. Check out the five-star reviews here and see why this tour has become a must-do for anyone visiting Charlotte!
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
6. Taste the best of Charlotte’s craft beer scene with a local guide
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 11:30 am and 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Visit four local breweries, sample craft beer, learn about the brewing process, enjoy dinner at Midwood Smokehouse
- Inclusions: Three beer flights, BBQ meal platter, all fees and taxes, air-conditioned vehicle, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
After a packed day of sightseeing, we were ready to slow down, sip something cold, and dive into Charlotte’s thriving craft beer scene. This small group brewery tour was the perfect way to wind down with great drinks, smoky barbecue, and a guide who made the entire experience fun and informative.
We visited three of Charlotte’s standout breweries, including Petty Thieves, Protagonist, and Lower Left, where we sampled beer flights, learned about the brewing process, and got a real feel for the local craft scene.
Our guide, Vinnie, was super knowledgeable, genuinely funny, and great at helping everyone discover styles they’d never tried before. He even shared insider tips and local favorites, so by the end of the night, we knew exactly which breweries we wanted to come back to.
Midway through the evening, we made a stop at Midwood Smokehouse for a full BBQ meal that was included with the tour. Between the beer, the food, and the easygoing vibe, it felt more like a night out with friends than a structured tour.
We came for the beer and left with a deeper appreciation for Charlotte’s brewing scene. It was the kind of night that was equal parts relaxing, flavorful, and just plain fun—definitely a highlight of our time in the city!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Where to Stay in Charlotte, North Carolina
To help you find the perfect place to stay, we’ve picked out the top accommodations in Charlotte, whether you want to splurge, save, or land somewhere in between. And if any of these still have availability, I’d book fast—these picks tend to go quickly. Just pick your vibe, settle in, and get ready to enjoy everything this dynamic city has to offer!
Luxury – $$$
Set in the heart of Uptown, the Omni Charlotte Hotel offers a luxurious stay with sleek, modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning city views. It’s within walking distance of major attractions like the Spectrum Center, Romare Bearden Park, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Guests rave about the friendly service, elegant decor, and unbeatable location—just steps from Charlotte’s light rail. Whether you’re in town for fun or business, this 4-star stay puts you right in the middle of it all.
Rooms typically range from $250–$600 USD per night. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Sheraton Charlotte Hotel is a fantastic mid-range pick just a short walk from Uptown. With comfy rooms, friendly staff, and an outdoor pool, it’s a great base for exploring the city. Guests love the on-site dining, clean and modern rooms, and location close to the Convention Center and South End. The hotel also offers a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and convenient parking—plus it’s pet-friendly! Whether you’re in town for business or sightseeing, it hits all the right notes.
Rooms typically range from $150–$250 USD per night. Check availability now on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay in Charlotte, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Northlake is a solid choice. Located just 10 minutes from Uptown, this hotel offers cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guests love the quiet location, friendly staff, and easy access to I-77. Bonus: it’s pet-friendly and close to coffee shops and restaurants! Whether you’re road-tripping or traveling on a budget, this place checks all the boxes.
Rooms start around $85 USD per night. Check availability and book your reservation on Booking.com.
Looking for more stays? See the full list of Charlotte hotels here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Charlotte was such a unique place to visit! Whether you want to explore its charming and historic homes, check out the street art, or roll around on a comedy tour, you’ll find plenty to do here. We are already looking forward to our next visit, thanks to these epic activities we got to do!
Before you go, check out our other USA blogs. We have a ton of resources to help you plan your next getaway, and we love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few more related blogs you should check out:
10 Best Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Charleston, South Carolina: 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE Days in Savannah, Georgia: 3-Day Itinerary