The largest city of North Carolina, Charlotte was lovingly designated as the ‘Queen City’, honoring Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who, even before the inception of the city, became the Queen of England. This uptown district presents a marvelous amalgamation of scenic beauty, museums, action-packed adventures and a diverse selection of activities. Take a peek into Charlotte’s rich history by visiting some of the best museums like the Mint Museum or Levine Museum of the New South. You will also find the culinary scene highly palatable. In fact, even the nightlife is fabulous here. Ready to explore the Queen City, then read on to know more about the top things to do in Charlotte Center City, North Carolina.
1. Swing by Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is a lot more than just a museum and it has a wide spectrum of activities to keep candidates of all ages engaged. From live shows, 3D educational movies, finding the effects of various foods on our body, and wiring energy circuits, to other hands-on experiments, the place has everything to spend several hours at. Not only this, interactive shows are available throughout the day. Purchase innovative gifts and gadgets from Shop Science and when tired, you can grab a snack at Curio City Kitchen.
Discovery Place Science
Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Discovery Place Science
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Thu)
Price: 15 USD onward
2. Experience high-octane racing adventures at NASCAR Hall of Fame
Kick-off your vacation at this high-tech venue, offering you highly interactive entertainment opportunities. It was constructed to honor the team owners, drivers, crew members, who have been a part of the sport’s journey. Very thoughtfully designed, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, both entertains and educates the fans as well as non-fans. It features hands-on exhibits, Hall of Honor, and a state-of-the-art theater. On the top floor, you get to learn about the NASCAR milestones, the evolution of car safety, see the historical artifacts and galleries of cars, photos, video footage. Have lunch at the museum’s restaurant, and you can also visit the NASCAR shop if you wish to grab a souvenir.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: NASCAR Hall of Fame
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 18 USD onward
3. Enjoy a rocking musical evening at First Ward Park
Heaven for music lovers, First Ward Park is a highly popular 4-acre (1.61-hectare) park offering free live musical performances to Uptown Charlotte all over summer. Adorned with beautiful fountains and sculptures, nothing can beat the experience than spending time here listening to the amazing roots rock, Americana music, and many more. Gear up for a unique concert series with your family and friends. Assuring you of a rocking atmosphere, the place is surrounded by food trucks, where you can enjoy local delicacies with craft beer.
First Ward Park
Address: 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Website: First Ward Park
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
4. Explore the evolution of industry at Wells Fargo History Museum
Very thoughtfully laid out, Wells Fargo History Museum is focused on gold mining in North Carolina, the early stages of Wachovia, and the rich history of Wells Fargo. Although small, but a guided tour would be very helpful to get acquainted with the museum’s interactive exhibits, which include original stagecoaches, working telegraphs, gold coins, banking and express documents, and much more. Get your photo printed on money or head to the museum’s store to browse through the clothes, collectibles, and accessories.
Wells Fargo History Museum
Address: 401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Wells Fargo History Museum
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon, Thu & Sun)
Price: Free entry
5. Bring your kids to ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
Ranked as the best children’s library, this is a must-visit if you are traveling with kids. It is a collaborative effort by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. A 102,000-square-feet (9476 square meters) facility, it houses a 275-seater children’s theater and a 570-seater drama theater. At the center of the building is the children’s library with amazing collections. The center also features a huge, multi-story public space with multi-use classrooms, interactive exhibits, a multi-media production studio, and wide-ranging events are also organized here.
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
Address: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: Free entry
6. Appreciate the exhibits at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Positioned in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, this magnificent four-story structure was named in honor of Harvey Bernard Gantt, who was the first African-American to get admission to Clemson University and later also served as the first African-American mayor of Charlotte. Visit this center to see award-winning African-American artwork. It is also a crucial resource for music, theater, dance, visual and film arts, literature. The exhibitions organized here are totally worth visiting.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Address: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD onward
7. Explore the regional history at Levine Museum of the New South
The immersive exhibits at the Levine Museum of the New South reflect the post-Civil war life in North Carolina Piedmont. Among the many permanent to temporary displays, a one-room tenant farmer’s home, a Good Samaritans Hospital Chapel that represents an African-American Hospital surely stand out. The centerpiece of the museum is Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, which comprises of many life-sized displays, video clips, and other interactive components. Here, you can also attend events, musical performances, tours, and festivals.
Levine Museum of the New South
Address: 200 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Levine Museum of the New South
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Thu)
Price: 6 USD onward
8. Check out fascinating artwork at New Gallery of Modern Art
We are open till 5 today! Come by the gallery and experience #blackblooded. . . #thenewgallery #cltarts #tasteofcharlotte #exploreclt #socialclt #charlotteiscreative #charlottenc #contemporaryart #fineart
Posted by New Gallery of Modern Art on Saturday, 9 June 2018
Visit this local gem that showcases astonishing private collections by world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, and Henri Matisse. At New Gallery of Modern Art, you will also see works by famed contemporary artists like Anish Kapoor, Shepard Fairey as well as by local artists like sculptor Shaun Cassidy and painter Maja Godlewska. The gallery’s pleasing ambiance and remarkable collection draws everyone’s attention.
New Gallery of Modern Art
Address: 435 S Tryon St #110, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: New Gallery of Modern Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Play the Musical Parking Garage like a musical instrument
"You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul." -George Bernard Shaw
Posted by Christopher Janney - JanneySound on Monday, 12 August 2019
Ever heard of a parking garage that can be played like a musical instrument? The 7th Street Station Parking Garage is not just ordinary parking but offers you an altogether different experience. This spectacular work of art is called ‘Touch My Building’ and has been designed by Christopher Janney, an American sound artist, and architect. The nine-story building, which when touched, light up and play music. Not only this, but you will also hear various tunes playing on their own. Further, a plaque on the side of the building challenges you with a puzzle.
Musical Parking Garage
Address: 231 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
10. Witness contemporary art at Mint Museum UPTOWN
A part of the immensely famed Levine Center for the Arts, take a tour of Mint Museum Uptown, which is a 5-story architectural wonder spread across 145,000 square feet (13471 square meters). Be prepared for an unparalleled cultural and educational experience, as this museum is home to internationally celebrated craft and design collection along with fabulous collections of American, European and contemporary art. The museum also features Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a 240-seater James B. Duke Auditorium, a restaurant, and a museum shop.
Mint Museum UPTOWN
Address: 500 South Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Mint Museum UPTOWN
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 11am - 6pm; Wed: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 USD onward
11. Stop by to marvel at Il Grande Disco
Affectionately called the ‘Disco Wheel’, II Grande Disco is one of the iconic sculptural wonders created by world-renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. It represents industrial growth and is placed at the juncture of Trade and Tryon streets. This magnificent piece is the oldest public sculpture that you will see in Charlotte and is a popular spot for tourists to take photographs. Commemorating the Mecklenburg’s Declaration of Independence, it has a smooth golden facade and the dark and rough interiors depict self-destruction and revival.
Il Grande Disco
Address: E with N St, S Trade St, Tryon, NC 28782, United States
Website: Il Grande Disco
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Admire art at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is an elegantly designed space dedicated to the display of mid-20th century modern art. A sprawling 36,500-square-feet (3391-square-meters) museum, the diversity of artwork exhibited here is truly admirable. The collection here comprises works by some of the most remarkable artists like Picasso, Calder, Giacometti, Hepworth, Warhol, Nicholson and many others. Get your queries solved by the very helpful staff. Also, every third Friday of the month, the galleries open to the public for free.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Address: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 5 USD onward
13. Know the history about Confederate Navy Yard Marker
This is a historical marker that establishes the fact that Confederate Navy Yard in Charlotte, was located here. It was in the year 1862 that it was relocated here from Norfolk, Virginia. During the Civil War, Charlotte became one of the most crucial manufacturing centers and was chosen as the new location owing to its rail connectivity with the coastal cities. Placed in a beautifully manicured lawn, there are small stone grave markers of Confederate Veterans that surround the memorial. Approximately, 2.5-feet tall (0.8 meters), it is made of cast iron and is exhibited in the shape of a navy shield.
Confederate Navy Yard Marker
Address: E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Confederate Navy Yard Marker
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Relax and enjoy iconic views from Romare Bearden Park
Romare Bearden Park is a beautifully landscaped park with a very pleasing ambiance, where you can spend a very relaxing time with your friends and family. The park features a wonderful water fountain, which is a major attraction. Also, a Childhood Muse Plaza, two gardens and not only this, from here you can click wonderful shots of the Charlotte skyline. During the summer, you can enjoy live musical performances. You will find a lot of restaurants at a walkable distance from this park. Plenty of benches are there so just get a blanket and a book if you are in a mood for complete relaxation.
Romare Bearden Park
Address: 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Romare Bearden Park
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 12am; Sun: 6am - 8pm
Price: Free entry
15. Savor delectable dishes at Eddie V's Prime Seafood
From Nantucket, with love. Available for just a few short weeks. edvs.co/12reserve
Posted by Eddie V's Prime Seafood on Friday, 7 December 2018
When in Charlotte, don’t miss visiting this exceptional fine dining restaurant, which serves the freshest seafood and steak delicacies. Relish a scrumptious dinner clubbed with live jazz every night. The restaurant features an oval-shaped bar top, elevated seating and has a very vibrant décor. Very artistically prepared and served, do try their signature dishes like the Chilean sea bass, crab fried rice, jumbo lump crab cakes, parmesan sole, and others. Complement your food with your favorite drink as the restaurant has a very alluring range of wines, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Address: 101 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28280, United States
Website: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 4pm - 9pm
16. Relish draft beers and cocktails at Prohibition Bar
Also called as ‘Pro’, this happening nightclub, with a unique décor, offers amazing music by local and regional bands as well as live DJs. The expansive bar can easily accommodate many and the drinks are served very efficiently by the very attentive bartenders. Relish delicious cocktails from their patio or you can even play bartender at one of their Draft Master tables. Be assured of having a good time irrespective of the day or time you visit. Unwind yourself in the trendy nightclub-meets-speakeasy vibe, which makes it a perfect venue for any special occasion.
Prohibition Bar
Address: 200 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Prohibition Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 4pm - 2am; Sun: 6pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
17. Dance the night away at Suite nightclub
Posted by Suite on Monday, 24 September 2018
Looking to unwind after a hectic day? Enter this upscale nightclub and you will feel that you have reached the perfect venue for your nightlife experience! Dance your night away and enjoy your favorite drinks with your friends at Uptown Charlotte’s most elite nightclub and lounge. With amenities at par with world-class nightclubs, Suite is the ideal mix of chic interiors, fabulous music and crowd, and unparalleled service. Whether in the indoor or outdoor space, you get stunning views of the city.
Suite
Address: 210 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Suite
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10pm - 2am (closed on Mon, Tue & Sun)
18. Challenge your friends at Strike City
Posted by Bowlero on Wednesday, 4 January 2017
Challenge your friends or family members to a 10-pin showdown at Strike City, now renamed as Bowlero Charlotte. Enjoy state-of-the-art bowling experience at this bowling, multimedia, dining, gaming and private event venue. With 18 bowling lanes, upscale décor, everything is so cutting edge here. Featuring black lights, superb audio system, huge HD video walls that show everything from live games, music videos, and classic movies, this place will quickly become your favorite bowling destination. Be it the bar, or the dining room, or at the lanes, you are assured of great service.
Strike City
Address: 210 E Trade St D-164, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Strike City
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 3am; Sun: 12pm - 12am
Price: 3 USD onward
19. Indulge yourself at Back-n-Balance Day Spa
Posted by Back-n-Balance llc on Friday, 15 November 2019
If a relaxing day at a spa is what you seek, then Back-n-Balance Day Spa is a must-visit. The inviting ambiance and exceptional masseuses will ensure that you feel extremely rejuvenated. Try one of the spa injections like botox or choose from their amazing range of massages such as prenatal massages, neuromuscular therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, hot stones massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, and others. From colored pedicures to French manicures, there is something for everyone here.
Back-n-Balance Day Spa
Address: 402 W Trade St Ste. 200 A, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Back-n-Balance Day Spa
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
20. Splash around at Ray's Splash Planet
Hanging out with the girls
Posted by Chasity Méché on Saturday, 23 November 2019
Visit this one-of-a-kind indoor splash park, which welcomes you to get drenched and enjoy. With 117,000 gallons (442894 liter) of water, this award-winning water park features a lazy river, the Vortex - a quick current pool, Sea of Tranquillity - a three-story giant slide and several such fun-filled activities. For the fitness conscious ones, there is a very meticulously planned fitness center with a cardiovascular theater, aerobics and dance room, and more. It is a very well-maintained place with lifeguards, a snack bar, party halls, and a playground too.
Ray's Splash Planet
Address: 215 N Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Website: Ray’s Splash Planet
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 1pm - 7pm
Price: 3 USD onward
21. Explore this charming city on a bike (from USD 49.0)
How about exploring this beautiful city on a bike? Get introduced to this city as you visit several points of attractions like Levine Center for the Arts, Fourth Ward, Mint Museum, beautiful parks, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy as your cruise down the tree-lined streets while gazing at the Victorian homes, urban apartments, and much more. You can also book tours with knowledgeable guides, who will share fascinating details about the city’s history, architecture, and culture.
Charlotte 90-Minute Bike Tour with Gantt Center, Mint Museum
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Collect happy memories in 'The Queen City'
Charlotte is unquestionably a real treat for tourists from all corners of the globe. There is no shortage of exciting things to do in Charlotte – be it enriching indoor activities or energizing outdoor adventures, the above-mentioned points of attraction are a must. So, when are you planning your trip to the ‘Crown Town’?
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