How to Spend a Weekend in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is an enticing destination for those seeking a fun and relaxing getaway. The city offers a blend of exceptional dining, trendy breweries, and urban green spaces, making it an ideal weekend retreat. Despite its many attractions, Charlotte remains somewhat undiscovered, providing tourists with a delightful opportunity to experience a more local-oriented atmosphere away from the crowds.

When planning a trip to Charlotte, it is important to select the right hotel and the right itinerary, as the experience can differ greatly depending on where you stay and which neighborhoods you frequent. To kick-start the planning process, we've highlighted some of the best weekend activities Charlotte has to offer.

Friday

As your dream weekend in Charlotte, NC begins, it's time to prepare for an exciting experience. Before diving into the fun, take a moment to check in and acquaint yourself with this unique city. Reviewing guides, lists of attractions, and other resources can help you make the most of your visit. Since a short weekend doesn't allow time for everything, prioritizing is key. The aim is to embrace the city's charming and quirky vibes, starting with Friday evening—a perfect opportunity to begin your adventure.

• Check in at your hotel. Ideally, you’d be able to reserve a room at a Charlotte hotel that offers early check-in. This will leave plenty of time for settling into your weekend stay without feeling rushed. The Grand Bohemian brings artistic wonder and elegance to your weekend. A contemporary, yet upscale atmosphere is offered at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, which places you in the center of all the action. If you crave peace and pampering in a luxurious B&B, nothing compares to The Duke Mansion.

• Take a casual stroll or bike ride. If you have been sitting in the car or plane for too long, you'll be needing to stretch your legs. Choose a nearby neighborhood, park, or walking path and start exploring right away. Depending on where your hotel is situated, you could use your accommodations as a simple starting point. If you'd like to explore on two wheels, head for the Little Sugar Creek Greenway or the Charlotte Rail Trail for a memorable experience in the heart of the city.

• Meander through Charlotte's beloved NoDa neighborhood. On the hunt for the trendiest neighborhood in Charlotte? Head straight for NoDa, which represents the center of the local art scene. Short for "North Davidson," this is where you'll find all the best shops and breweries. This vibrant district is home to several excellent music venues, so be prepared to stick around for a lively performance.

• Explore Charlotte's top breweries The beer scene is strong in Charlotte and there are plenty of excellent breweries or brewpubs worth exploring. If you only have time for one, however, you'll want to stop by the Old Mecklenburg Brewery, which boasts a vast beer garden spanning a full eight acres. If you need a backup option, The Chamber by Wooden Robot might be worth your while, as you'll find a rooftop beer garden where you can sample the best farmhouse ales. This is an easy way to combine dinner with your evening entertainment, especially as several breweries welcome local artists for live performances. If you visit The Loft, you could grab something tasty from one of the visiting food trucks, but Old Mecklenburg's schnitzel is also sure to satisfy.

• Sip on a handcrafted cocktail. For those interested, Charlotte offers a few sophisticated cocktail bars worth checking out. For a midcentury experience, head to The Loft at Duckworth’s, where you'll find comfortable seating and plenty of classic cocktails. If you crave a trendier speakeasy environment, you'll definitely want to visit The Conspiracy in Uptown.

Saturday

You enjoyed an ideal Friday evening, but your Charlotte NC weekend is just beginning. Next up is a fun-filled Saturday complete with walking tours, museums and of course, plenty of amazing cuisine.

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast. There are plenty of fancy places to enjoy breakfast, but some of Charlotte's most beloved destinations have greasy spoon vibes. The Landmark Diner is well-known because it was featured on the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Eddie's Place offers breakfast at any hour, so don't worry if you sleep in; you can enjoy fluffy pancakes all day long.

• Explore the trendiest coffee shops. If you prefer a lighter breakfast and a trendier experience, you can grab a pastry and a latte at one of Charlotte's cozy coffee shops. This is your chance to relax with a good book or simply gear up for a fantastic day in Charlotte. Locations such as the Smelly Cat or Summit Coffee in NoDa are recommended and popular spots.

• Hit up the Fourth Ward. No weekend trip in Charlotte NC is complete without at least a cursory glance at the iconic Fourth Ward, which boasts distinctive architecture and friendly vibes. Self-guided walking tours are available from the Friends of Fourth Ward, although tours are also available on Segway, in carts and on foot alongside helpful guides.

• Learn about Charlotte's fascinating history. Your time in Charlotte will feel a lot more meaningful if you understand the complex events that made this town what it is today. Fascinating insights await at the Charlotte Museum of History and the Levine Museum of the New South, with exhibits tackling difficult topics and providing a more nuanced understanding of the Charlotte area.

• Grab lunch. Following your hearty breakfast, you might not yet be ready for a big meal; thankfully, there are plenty of light lunch options around town. Stop by Café Monte for amazing French cuisine — the French onion soup and the croque monsieur are especially enticing. Another great option would be the Bento specials at Saku.

• Explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame. There are multiple museums worth visiting in and around Charlotte, but nothing compares to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You don't need to be a hardcore fan to enjoy this attraction; this homage to racing will introduce you to all the legends.

• Visit a wine bar or tasting room. You've tried Charlotte's best brews and trendiest cocktails; now, it's time to discover the local wine scene. Head to the Barcelona Wine Bar for tapas and to examine an extensive wine list. For a truly memorable outing, stop by The Bohemian: A Wine Bar, where you'll find funky aesthetics and delectable desserts.

• Make reservations at a fancy restaurant. Discover Charlotte's foodie scene as you visit one of the hottest restaurants in town. An elegantly Bohemian experience awaits at Mico, where you are encouraged to explore the best of Argentinian cuisine. Play up the Southern dining vibes at Supperland, which is situated in a restored church and boasts a reservation-only speakeasy. Sea Level NC provides the chance to eat and drink for a good cause with its Rising Tide initiative. If you prefer walk-in dining, stop by The Degenerate for short ribs or pan-seared duck.

• Brave the city during a haunted tour. As one of America's oldest cities, Charlotte has a fascinating history that includes several spooky phenomena. You can learn all about the city's haunted past during one of several Uptown tours. The most entertaining experiences are led by enthusiastic, costumed tour guides. Your tour will be even more rewarding if you've already spent time in the Uptown area during the day; it feels like a brand-new neighborhood after sunset.

Sunday

End your weekend trip to Charlotte on a high note with a leisurely Sunday morning that showcases the city's highlights. Following a busy Saturday, you may feel inclined to take it easy; however, adding an extra activity and dining experience to your weekend itinerary will ultimately prove rewarding.

• Sleep in and get ready to check out. Many Charlotte hotels offer late check out, but since this is your last chance to see the city, you might not want to sleep the day away. Still, sleeping in is half the fun of getting away for the weekend and, with the right hotel, you can make the most of a leisurely morning and lots of hotel amenities. Depending on where you stay, you might even have time to hit up the spa. This is a highlight of staying at The Ballantyne.

• Disocver the hottest brunch destinations. Brunch is a big deal in Charlotte, so add it to your Sunday schedule and get ready for a mouthwatering meal. The Asbury offers mimosas by the pitcher, plus Southern favorites like chicken & waffles. If cocktails are a priority, you'll fall head over heels for The Crunkleton, where you'll also find beignets, plus a French toast and fried chicken creation known as the Charlotte Hot Brown.

• Enjoy an urban escape at Wing Haven. Head to the gorgeous Myers Park neighborhood and stroll through the lovely Wing Haven garden. This peaceful experience encourages you to slow down and reflect as you enjoy a feast for all the senses: the sights and scents of the flowers, plus plenty of bird songs. The botanical gardens at UNC Charlotte are also worth exploring.

• Shop for a souvenir. Perhaps you'd like a token to help you remember your perfect weekend in Charlotte NC. If so, you'll definitely want to spend some time at Charlotte's best shopping areas. There are some excellent outdoor malls in town, including the delightful Phillips Place, where you'll enjoy a luxury experience complete with your favorite high-end stores. Check out Birkdale Village in nearby Huntersville for a Main Street USA experience.

• Set aside time for one final activity. If you're not in a rush, you may have time for one last outing. Why not check out the Mint Museum? There are multiple locations — but no matter which museum you visit, you will encounter hundreds of thought-provoking works of art. The Mint's motto "Art is for everyone" will certainly ring true during your visit.

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