Charlotte City - An All-Inclusive Guide FOR 2025

SeventyEleven Team
Apr 15
14 min read

The city of Charlotte in North Carolina is popularly known as a major ﬁnancial hub in the United States.

But it isn’t all business. This city is also known for its rich history, modern facilities, great music, and food.

Named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte, yet widely considered as Britain’s ﬁrst queen of African descent, the city has several nicknames including the Queen City and The Hornet’s Nest. It played a big role in America’s history during the American Civil War and was the epicenter of the United States' ﬁrst gold rush.

In this guide, you’ll learn many such facts about this city. And if you’re planning a trip to Queen City, then this will be your ultimate guide to exploring top attractions, restaurants, neighborhoods, bars, shopping complexes, and other local favorites.

This guide is also designed in honor of an upcoming festival we are hosting called “Queen City Weekend Fest” which is focused on bringing more attention to the city and all the nice things it has to offer. Register for your spots at http://www.qcweekend.com/

Where to stay in Charlotte?

The city has a wide range of accommodation options depending on your preference and budget. Some of our top picks for hotels in Charlotte include:

Grand Bohemian Hotel
The Ivey's Hotel
The Westin
Hyatt House City Center
The Hilton Uptown
Hyatt Place Downtown
Kimpton Tryon Park
JW Marriott
Charlotte Marriott City Center
Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place
AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne
Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley

Main Neighborhoods to Explore

Each neighborhood in Charlotte has its own charm and vibe—exploring these unique areas is the best way to experience the true personality of the Queen City.

NoDa

North Davidson or NoDa is a popular arts district in Charlotte. It serves as a center for arts featuring an eclectic and playful community atmosphere. You’ll ﬁnd many musical events, restaurants, and art galleries in this neighborhood.

Uptown

Downtown Charlotte is called “Uptown” by the Charlotteans. It is the heart of Charlotte - previously known for its nightlife, now a popular, energetic area for great rooftop bars and restaurants.

Plaza Midwood

Located east of Uptown, Plaza-Midwood is a quirky, free-spirited, and vibrant neighborhood. It’s known for great restaurants, bars, tattoo shops, and exciting culture.

South End

South End has the most lively nightlife in Charlotte. You’ll ﬁnd plenty of breweries, bars, and restaurants. Plus it’s heavily populated with young professionals that make a vibrant crowd.

South Park

South Park is an affluent neighborhood that features many high-end eateries, boutiques, and shopping complexes. It’s also home to the famous upscale SouthPark Mall, the largest shopping mall in all of Charlotte and North Carolina.

Ballantyne

Ballantyne has evolved from a corporate center into a vibrant hub for entertainment, dining, and events in south Charlotte. With highlights like The AMP concert venue, seasonal festivals, and The Bowl’s walkable district, it’s a lively destination for visitors of all kinds.

Visit Museums to Enjoy Art & Culture

The Queen City has a rich history, from being the epicenter of the United States' ﬁrst gold rush to NASCAR running its ﬁrst Strictly Stock car race here. The museums in the city proudly display everything including music, art, history, and science.

Levine Museum of the New South

Location: Uptown

This is a history museum that exhibits life after the American Civil War. The permanent exhibit here is called "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South".

UPDATE: The Levine Museum of the New South will vacate its temporary location at Three Wells Fargo Center in Uptown Charlotte on May 4, 2025. The museum plans to announce its new location later this year. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the current exhibition space until its closure.

Harvey B Gantt African American Museum

Location: Uptown

Formerly known as the “Afro-American Cultural Center”, this museum is named after Harvey Gantt, the city's first African-American mayor. The museum displays a collection of African-American art and is known to celebrate black history, art, and culture

The Mint Museum

Location: Uptown

This is a cultural institution that showcases art and design from around the globe. Their permanent collections include American Art, North Carolina Pottery, contemporary sculpture, African Art, Asian Art, historic maps, photography, etc.

Bletcher Museum of Modern Art

Location: Uptown

As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to displaying mid-20th century modern art. It reflects upon important art movements and schools from the 20th century.

Museum of Illusions Charlotte

Location: Uptown

This offers an immersive experience featuring over 60 interactive exhibits, including holograms and optical illusions. Visitors can explore mind-bending installations that challenge perception and provide numerous photo opportunities.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, named after Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, showcases various aviation-related exhibits and programs, celebrating the region's rich aviation history.

Fun Activities To Do In Charlotte

Charlotte has something for everyone. From day tours to outdoor activities you’ll have plenty of options to spend your time and enjoy in the Queen City. Our top recommendations are:

Boozy Games

Drinks and games are a great way to socialize. Head to Queen Park Social for casual bites, creative drinks, and games including bowling, shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Skee Ball, Pop-A-Shot, etc. If you’re a fan of the traditional arcade games with food and drinks, you should visit the Lucky's Bar & Arcade.

Another popular place for boozy games is the Pins Mechanical Bar. This bar is known for its massive venue full of interactive games, musical entertain-ment, and cocktails.

Laughter Therapy

If you'd like to de-stress during your trip, visit Comedy Zone. Here you can watch performances of top touring stand-up comedians or celebrity performers with some great food and drinks.

Another way to enjoy a comedy show in Charlotte is by boarding the Funny Bus Comedy City Tour. If you’re traveling in a group, you can also get their private bus tours that are great for team-building and social events.

Carowinds Amusement Park

Who said amusement parks are just for kids? You can visit the Carowinds Amusement Park to enjoy more than 60 world-class rides, the Carolinas’ best waterpark, live entertainment, and downhome Carolina cuisine.

The National White Water Center

This place is designed and operated as an outdoor center that offers more than 30 recreational activities including rafting, canoeing, rappelling, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.

Watch a Sports Game

Charlotte is home to several professional sports teams:

Charlotte Hornets (NBA): Catch an exciting basketball game at the Spectrum Center.
Carolina Panthers (NFL): Experience the thrill of football at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte Knights (AAA Baseball): Enjoy a baseball game at Truist Field.
Charlotte FC (MLS): Witness the passion of soccer at Bank of America Stadium, where the city's team competes.

Freedom Park

Freedom Park is another fun and popular tourist attraction that has paved trails, beautiful ponds, tennis/volleyball courts, sports ﬁelds, and playground equipment. You’ll also get to watch free films and musical performances in the park pavilion throughout the summer.

Camp North End

Once used to be a car factory and military depot, Camp North End is now transformed into a hub. You can visit and explore their food stalls, public art, parks, shops, and other festivals.

Treehouse Vineyards

Treehouse Vineyards offers a fun mini-getaway to their guests. It’s a winery with three treehouses available for hourly or overnight rentals. The rooms are well equipped and comfortable for your stay but if you prefer you can just visit the place to taste great wine and meet new people.

Lake Norman

Lake Norman is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. You can go on mountain bike trails and swim on beaches, or rent yachts, jet skis, pedal boats, paddleboards, and canoes. There are also private and party cruises options around the lake.

You can also spend time exploring the surrounding towns for some live music or a quick pint at a brewery.

Monopoly Lifesized

Opening on May 6, 2025, at Blume Studios in the Iron District, this immersive experience offers a 60-minute interactive theatrical version of the classic board game, featuring around 30 local improv actors.

Grab A Drink at The Best Bars and Lounges

Tired of exploring the city? Head to a bar to catch a break and relax. Although you’ll ﬁnd many spots that serve up cold beers and refreshing cocktails in Charlotte, our best recommendations are:

Bocao

Location: Uptown

Craving sushi? Bocao offers an exciting collect-ion of exotic flavored cocktails, fresh hookah flavors, vibrant lounge, and fusion sushi. The lounge also features some of the top Reggaeton DJs.

Must Be Nice

Location: South-End

Formerly known as Lost & Found, Must Be Nice reopened in September 2024 as a neighborhood bar and lounge. It offers a casual, sports-focused environment with cocktails, live DJ events on weekends, and football on Sundays.

Slate

Location: South-End

Fancy a game of pool? Head to Slate bar offering American pub grub with a variety of bar games and karaoke.

Broken Promises

Location: South-End

Unlike a typical bar, Broken Promises has a sleek, dark aesthetic with neon signs. They have a unique concept of rotating DJs from Thursdays through Sundays. It’s also a 25+ lounge, so if you're looking for a more mature vibe this could be a great choice.

The Royal Tot

Location: NoDa

This is a tropical-themed bar with a bright and lively ambiance. Here you’ll get mouth-watering seafood, signature tropical cocktails, and some rare and vintage rum.

Graham St. Pub & Patio

Location: Uptown Charlotte

This rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Charlotte skyline and BB&T Ballpark. Known for its eclectic pub fare and handcrafted cocktails, it's a popular spot for pre-game gatherings and casual outings.

Canopy Cocktails

Location: South End

Featuring a lush outdoor patio and a cozy indoor lounge, Canopy Cocktails & Garden serves craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients. The ambiance is enhanced by dim lighting and a working fireplace, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

VINYL

Location: South End

A vibrant bar offering elevated bites, inventive cocktails, and nightly music, creating a lively atmosphere for all guests.

Eighty Eights

Location: Near Independent Picture House

A unique venue that transitions from a coffee haven by day to a cocktail and jazz destination by night, offering a diverse experience.

Folia

Location: South End

A sophisticated cocktail lounge introducing lush Miami-inspired décor and cocktails, providing a chic nightlife experience.

Whiskey Warehouse

Location: Plaza Midwood

A neighborhood-feel rooftop bar offering classic bar food, an impressive whiskey selection, and live entertainment, including DJs and bands.

Connolly's on 5th

Location: Uptown

Connolly's is a cozy Irish pub known for live music and a casual atmosphere, offering a selection of beers and traditional Irish fare.

Tilt on Trade

Location: Uptown

Tilt on Trade is a neighborhood spot and pub, ideal for a casual drink before or after events, offering a variety of beverages and a welcoming environment.

Idlewild

Location: NoDa

Idlewild is a cocktail bar celebrated for its creative drink menu, intimate setting, and knowledgeable bartenders, offering a unique and personalized experience.

Upscale Bars

If you want to take things up a notch, try our favorite upscale bars in Charlotte:

Fahrenheit

Location: Uptown

Situated on a 21st-floor space with a patio and ﬁre pits, Fahrenheit serves Asian-accented New American plates. This food is made using only the ﬁnest and freshest, locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

PARA

Location: South-End

PARA is an innovative restaurant and bar that serves globally influenced creative cocktails and small plates. It’s deﬁnitely a must-try.

Novelty House

Location: Uptown

Novelty House is all decked out in a floral theme with Insta-worthy backdrops. You can enjoy craft cocktails, assorted champagnes, and local beers here.

Dahlia’s Lounge

Location: Uptown

Dahlia's Lounge is an upscale cocktail and wine lounge offering a curated selection of craft cocktails, wines, and small plates in a stylish setting.

📍 Novelty House and Dahlia’s Lounge are located in the same building.

Buho Bar

Location: Uptown

Situated 16 floors above the city at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, Buho Bar offers crafted cocktails with an urban view and an open-air lounge.

Lorem Ipsum Listening Bar

Location: NoDa

A hidden gem combining an aesthetic listening lounge with a diverse cocktail menu, set in a warm and inviting space.

Brighten Your Nightlife in the Best Clubs

Queen City is known for its lively nightlife. If you’re looking to spend an unforgettable evening, head over to these top Charlotte spots:

SIP Bar & Cellar

Location: Uptown

SIP is a cozy cocktail bar situated at the corner of 5th & Tryon Streets, just a block from the Spectrum Center. It features a spacious lower level ideal for private events, an indoor/outdoor patio, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.

📍 Located on the same block as Prohibition and The Local.

Prohibition Bar

Location: Uptown

Prohibition offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its reclaimed wood and tin decor, reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Known for its handcrafted cocktails and lively ambiance, it's a popular spot for social gatherings in the heart of the city.

📍 Located on the same block as SIP and The Local.

The Local

Location: Uptown

The Local is a laid-back bar that combines the charm of a dive bar, the excitement of a sports bar, and a touch of culinary flair. With a wide selection of craft beers, spirits, and signature cocktails, it's a favorite hangout for both locals and visitors.

📍 Located on the same block as SIP and Prohibition.

Hive Nightclub

Location: Uptown

Hive Nightclub offers a big-room experience with energetic dance floors and city views from the patio.

📍 Located on the same block as Imperial, QC Social Lounge, and XOXO Lounge.

Imperial

Location: Uptown

Imperial is a craft cocktail and jazz lounge known for its signature drinks crafted by top mixologists and live jazz performances from Thursday to Saturday.

📍 Located on the same block as QC Social Lounge, XOXO Lounge, and Hive.

QC Social Lounge

Location: Uptown

A premier music venue and lounge offering a classy atmosphere with amenities like outdoor seating, a full bar, and pool tables. Known for its Latin nights and diverse music selection, it provides a vibrant and welcoming environment for guests.

📍 Located on the same block as Imperial, XOXO Lounge, and Hive.

XOXO Lounge

Location: Uptown

An intimate boutique nightclub known for its curated seasonal craft cocktails, luxury VIP services, and high-energy live DJ performances..

📍 Located on the same block as Imperial, QC Social Lounge, and Hive.

Explicit Bistro & Lounge

Location: Uptown

This is the place you need to visit if you appreciate an elegant and classy atmosphere with best-in-class VIP services and great hip-hop mixes.

Alibi Patio & Garden

Location: 4809 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC

One of Charlotte’s newest day clubs, offering a vibrant outdoor lounge experience. Known for its lively day parties, it features a spacious patio, craft cocktails, and a dynamic atmosphere perfect for social gatherings.

Hookah Bars to Puff The Night Away

Fan of Hookah? The following hookah bars in Charlotte serve the smoothest and most flavourful hookahs in the world.

Infused

The Infused bar is known to infuse premium liquors with fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs to create unimaginable flavors. You can drop by to enjoy their specialty drinks and smoke some hookah.

Dream Lounge

Dream Lounge is equipped with multiple private VIP sections where you can enjoy craft cocktails and their premium hookah.

Crave Dessert & Hookah Bar

If you want to spend time in a cozy feel-at-home lounge smoking hookah, then this is the place for you. It is an art-ﬁlled, loftlike lounge where you can hang out with the locals.

King Tut Hookah Lounge

Established in 2008, King Tut offers a premium hookah experience with a variety of flavors and a full bar. The lounge provides an inviting atmosphere for both new and seasoned hookah enthusiasts.

Shisha Cafe Hookah Lounge

Shisha Cafe offers a relaxing environment with an extensive menu of premium shisha flavors and handcrafted cocktails. Patrons can enjoy live music events and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind.

Fumée Kitchen & Cocktails

Fumée is Charlotte’s premier vibe dining destination, offering handcrafted cocktails, small course tapas, and premium glass shisha in a chic, lounge-style setting. Known for its upscale ambiance and vibrant atmosphere, it's a popular spot for brunch, dinner, and late-night gatherings.

Speakeasy Bars in Charlotte

If you’re craving a more hidden, intimate vibe for your night out, Charlotte’s speakeasies deliver. From secret entrances to artist-inspired cocktails, these spots offer a unique twist on the city’s bar scene.

Supperland Speakeasy

A ten-seat bar located in the basement of Supperland in Plaza Midwood. The speakeasy's team regularly hosts themed "spirit experiences," which are multi-course pairings of cocktails and small plates.

Syn (Owned by Canopy Cocktails)

Syn is a hidden speakeasy crafted by the team behind Canopy Cocktails & Garden. With no exterior signage, access is granted via reservation cards obtained at Canopy. Inside, you'll find low lighting, vibrant furnishings, and cocktails inspired by famous artists and their home countries.

Bruno at Seoul Food Meat Co. Seoul

Bruno is a cozy, semi-hidden bar nestled within Seoul Food Meat Co., offering a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of craft cocktails. It's a great spot for those looking to enjoy a more intimate setting away from the main dining area.

Single Barrel Room

A cozy cocktail lounge that reopened inside Whiskey Warehouse in Plaza Midwood. Expect craft cocktails, plus spirit-free and low-ABV options, small plates and desserts in a setting that seats around 30.

Elsewhere

An intimate cocktail bar from the CEO of Wooden Robot tucked away in South End's Design Center Courtyard. This craft cocktail bar draws inspiration from global travel, featuring drinks influenced by various countries.

SneakCLT

Location: NoDa

A speakeasy-style bar offering craft cocktails in a stylish, modern interior, providing an exclusive and intimate atmosphere.

Where to Eat in Charlotte?

Whether you’re looking for a healthy option, authentic Southern taste, or a ﬁne dining experience, you’ll ﬁnd plenty of options in Charlotte.

We’ve shortlisted and arranged the top places to eat in Charlotte according to their food specialty below:

American Cuisine

The Crunkleton
300 East
STIR
Culinary Dropout
Sixty Vines

Brunch Spots

*Easy Like Sunday
Supperland
*Ruby Sunshine
Snooze AM Eatery
*Haberdish
RH Rooftop & Restaurant

Korean Cuisine

Let’s Meat KBBQ
Gogi Go! Korean BBQ
Seoul Food Meat Co
*Moa Korean BBQ & Bar

Mexican Cuisine

Tamales la Pasadita
Tacos el Regio
*Puerta
Ru Ru’s Taco’s & Tequila
*Cabo Fish Taco

Dominican Cuisine

*MaBi Tropical
Sabor Latin Street Grill

Mediterranean Cuisine

The Jimmy
Essex Restaurant

Barbecue (BBQ)

Sweet Lew's BBQ
Midwood Smokehouse
Noble Smoke

Caribbean Cuisine

Mama's Caribbean Grill
Crav’n Caribbean
*Hillside Caribbean Cuisine

Indian Cuisine

Copper
The Blue Taj

Mixed/Fusion

*Optimist Hall - Food Hall with many options
Urban District Market - Food Hall with many options
Monarch Market - Food Hall with many options
Barcelona Wine Bar
*Bocao

Soul Food

Mert's Heart and Soul
Haberdish

Thai Cuisine

Deejai Thai Restaurant
Thai Taste
Basil Thai

Peruvian Cuisine

Viva Chicken
MachuPicchu

Seafood

Sea Level NC
Fin & Fino
Red Crab - Juicy Seafood
The Waterman Fish Bar
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Caroline's Oyster Bar

Sushi / Japanese Cuisine

O-Ku Sushi
Omakase Experience by Prime Fish
Yama Loso
Tora Sushi & Bar
Magic Sushi
Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar (same building as Novelty House, and Dahlia’s)

Where to Shop in Charlotte?

If shopping is on your travel list, you’ll certainly enjoy the malls in Charlotte. The city is ﬁlled with high-end retail districts, neighborhood boutiques, malls, antique stores, etc.

Malls in Charlotte

Some of the must-visit malls in Charlotte are:

Concord Mills

Concord Mills is a single-floor oval building that brings together more than 200 stores, restaurants, and various other entertainment options. This mall is also the largest single-site tourist attraction in North Carolina.

South Park Mall

South Park Mall is an upscale shopping mall with over 150 stores including luxury brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., etc.

Atherton Mill and Market

Locally known as the Atherton Market, this place is brimming with goods from local farmers and craftsmen. If you want to explore the local food, clothing, and other home goods, do pay a visit here.

Phillips Place

Phillips Place is an open-air luxury retail destination with over 26 upscale shops and restaurants. It’s a perfect place to spend your day shopping and exploring great dining options.

Shoppes at University Place

The Shoppes at University Place is another popular retail complex featuring more than 38 stores and eateries amongst the tranquil lake setting. Apart from spending your day shopping, you can also enjoy paddleboat rides here.

Charlotte Premium Outlets

Located in southwest Charlotte, Charlotte Premium Outlets is a premier open-air shopping destination featuring over 100 outlet stores. Shoppers can find a variety of designer and brand-name merchandise at discounted prices.

Shopping Complexes in Charlotte

Our top 4 recommendations for shopping complexes

Hickory Furniture Mall
Stonecrest at Piper Glen
Ballantyne Village
The Metropolitan

Start Exploring Charlotte!

Charlotte is the city you’ll fall in love with… It has everything from museums,

unique culinary experiences, music, breweries, shopping complexes, sports, and various outdoor adventures that you can enjoy alone or with your friends and family.

We have included most of these in this urban Charlotte guide. If you wish to know more about Queen City, then sign up for our festival “Queen City Weekend Fest” which is focused on bringing more attention to the city and all the nice things it has to offer.

Check us out at www.qcweekend.com