Charlotte skyline and pond, North Carolina

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Charlotte

North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte sprawls 15 miles in every direction from its compact, high-rise core. Futuristic skyscrapers pepper downtown Charlotte, which is officially known as ‘Uptown,’ supposedly because it sits on a barely visible ridge, but really because the council decided that sounds cooler. Uptown holds several fine museums plus the high-octane NASCAR Hall of Fame, while more museums and historic sites are scattered further afield. Hotels and restaurants are also concentrated Uptown, though funkier neighborhoods within easy reach include Plaza Midwood, just east, with its boutiques and restaurants, and hip NoDa, along North Davidson St, where former textile mills hold breweries and cafes.


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Best Neighborhoods

Get the most out of a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina by spending time in any of its fantastic and eclectic neighborhoods.

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Day Trips

If you’re eager to venture beyond Charlotte’s city limits, these towns provide a little day-tripping inspiration.

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Free Things to Do

Enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Charlotte with our list of the best 10 free or cheap things to do in the Queen City.

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Charlotte city downtown skyline cityscape of North Carolina, USA ; Shutterstock ID 2049387968; purchase_order: 65050; job: Online editorial; client: Best time to visit Charlotte, NC; other: Ann Douglas Lott
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Charlotte city downtown skyline cityscape of North Carolina, USA

Destination Practicalities

The best time to visit Charlotte for NASCAR races, outdoor dining and festivals

Jun 24, 2024 • 6 min read

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