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Neighborhood and central business district in North Carolina, US
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Bz3rk at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Uptown is the central business district of Charlotte. It is home to most of the city's major institutions, and is the historic core. It is also the geographic center of Charlotte, with the center point of the city at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets.
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One of the nation's most acclaimed children's museums, Discovery Place focuses primarily on the sciences, though special exhibits may have a more general focus. Step into the rainforest, see and feel fish, watch a hydrogen balloon explode and a frozen banana hammer, or check out a movie in the IMAX Dome theater.
An excellent introduction to the South's history and influences since the Civil War. Boasting an excellent standing exhibit with walk-throughs and hands-on experiences, this is a great museum for anyone even slightly interested in Southern culture and history.
This library/theater is fantastic for families. Very attractive and safe, ImaginOn appeals to both younger children and teenagers, and is a relatively quiet refuge for parents. The library features an extensive area for younger children on the ground floor, and a teens-only (no adults allowed) top floor. Also, the Children's Theatre of Charlotte maintains cutting-edge facilities including a very comfortable theater. ImaginOn is truly underrated and should not be missed by those looking for an educational experience.
An offshoot of the Mint Museum of Art with a particular emphasis on craft and design that has a much more accessible location in the center of the city. Its collection is outstanding and its staff quite knowledgeable. Visitors often express surprise that the museum's "niche" can be so interesting, especially due to its contemporary design collection.
Housed in a striking bright orange building across from the Mint Museum and facing The Green, the collection includes works from some of the biggest names in modern art. Outside the front door is the dazzling Firebird sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Features a regular schedule of cultural events and exhibits, including theater and gallery productions.
Housed in a cylindrical building across the street from the convention center, this slick museum has many interactive exhibits on the history of NASCAR, race cars, and simulators.
At the center of Uptown surrounding the intersection of its two main streets, this plaza is the bustling heart of the business district, hemmed in on all sides by towering buildings and holding fountains, statues, benches and food carts among its crowds of people.
A fascinating literacy-themed park tucked between an historic church and an apartment/shopping center. Children love the highly interactive landscaping (including ceramic sofas and a splash fountain) and adults can appreciate the literary references. It is surrounded by restaurants and a small library branch.
Though small, this central park is one of the city's most attractive. Tucked between the central business district and the Fourth Ward historic neighborhood, it is heavily traveled and safe at almost any hour. It features brick walking paths under shade, a gorgeous view of the skyline, and a booth with free maps for a walking tour of the Ward.
It's in the Second Ward near the government center. Marshall Park is a vestige of 1960s urban renewal. Though it offers an excellent view of the skyline and is a good place to eat carry-out lunch from nearby restaurants, it lacks the vibrancy of some other city parks. Though it should not be considered dangerous, wise travelers will find a way around it at night.
For weekend evening performances ImaginOn re-opens one hour prior to performance time. Box Office hours M-F 10AM-5PM, and one hour prior to all performances for walk-up guests (box office phones are not answered on weekends). Founded in 1948, it has been opening young minds to the wonders of live theater for over half a century. Annually, it reaches more than 320,000 young people and families from preschool to late teens, with four program areas: MainStage productions; Tarradiddle Players, the professional touring company; and Community Involvement Program.
The only strictly comedy venue in Charlotte. Made of up of Charlotte's most notorious improvisers, founded and directed by a 13-year Chicago improv veteran.
The Performing Arts Center has three performance spaces: the 2,100-seat Belk Theater; the 434-seat Booth Playhouse, and the Stage Door Theater which seats 150. The Center presents the Broadway Lights Series, featuring national touring Broadway productions and a wide range of special attractions. Home to the seasons of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Opera Carolina, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Carolina Voices, the Carolinas Concert Association, ArtsTeach, Community School of the Arts, and the Light Factory.
Founded in 2006, this small award-winning professional theatre company produces contemporary plays in various locations and the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival, a popular annual free summer festival, which takes place outdoors at the Green Uptown and indoors at the McGlohon Theatre in Spirit Square.
Active children's theatre. PlayPlay! creates plays specifically for children ages birth to age 3.
The local NFL team plays in the 73,000-seat Bank of America stadium. Due to a sudden surge in popularity, it is becoming more difficult to find tickets to home games. This is especially the case late in the season, when the team is expected to be in the playoff hunt. Scalpers roam the sidewalks in front of the stadium, so it is possible to find game day tickets at a premium cost. It is illegal to charge more than a small percentage above the face value of a ticket, though this law is generally unenforced.
Charlotte's NBA team plays in Spectrum Center (formerly Charlotte Bobcats Arena and Time Warner Cable Arena) in Uptown. Support for the team has been inconsistent due to an ugly divorce with the original Charlotte Hornets franchise in 2003. Ticket prices are low and it is generally not a problem to purchase a ticket on game day.
The newest team in Major League Soccer (until St. Louis City SC joins in 2023), Charlotte FC started play in 2022. It shares ownership with the Panthers, and also plays in Bank of America Stadium. For most games, the capacity is reduced to 38,000, but extra sections can be released for sale as ticket demand allows. Notably, CFC set a new MLS attendance record in its first-ever home game.
Minor-league hockey team, playing in Time Warner Cable Arena. This is perhaps the best entertainment value in Charlotte, with very low ticket prices for a relatively upscale experience. Charlotte was the first city south of Baltimore to host professional hockey when the first Checkers team was founded in 1956, and has had a team for most of the time since. The team is an affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
AvidXChange Music Factory is a campus of a wide variety of musical venues. It hosts large acts at the outdoor Charlotte Metro Amphitheater. More intimate indoor venues include The Fillmore and The Underground. AvidXChange is a large promoter in the city and brings in nationally touring acts. The campus also contains restaurants and bars.
This venue has become the primary destination for big-name concerts in Charlotte, especially in the colder months when an indoor venue is necessary. The location in the heart of Uptown's entertainment district makes this a great place to catch a show. Even "nosebleed" seats aren't very far from the stage.
It's not on the scale of Boston or NYC, but is always well-attended and a fun time to visit the Irish restaurants Uptown. The parade goes up Tryon St., and the best place to view is at the Square.
Festival in June is far and away the best time to bring an appetite to the city. Tryon St. closes down for the weekend and many of the city's best restaurants are represented with samples of their signature dishes.
A gay-pride festival in August. It has shifted locations to South Tryon Street. It has grown significantly since its inception.
Brings various dealers and buyers together. Usually in November. Adults $8, kids free.
One of the city's most beloved annual events. Televised regionally, this parade has run along Tryon St. for half a century. A great time to visit.
Founded in 1926, it is one of Charlotte's oldest establishments, and Uptown's oldest restaurant. A relatively simple diner atmosphere, with city memorabilia covering the walls. Order your hot-dog or hamburger "Carolina Style", and don't forget that it's cash-only!
A fast-growing, homegrown chain that started in a converted gas station (if you're curious, visit the original location on Central Ave. to see it for yourself). Fuel sells pizza by the slice, making it convenient and cheap to stop for a quick bite. There are two Uptown locations, both convenient to major attractions.
Once the only restaurant in Charlotte to serve pizza (back when it was considered an exotic delicacy), this restaurant continues to thrive on the outskirts of Uptown. It's not difficult to find three generations of patrons at a single table.
Roadside grill specializing in burgers and dogs.
Upscale soul food very near the city's entertainment center. Charlotte's most prominent African-American owned restaurant, Mert's is a favorite among people of all walks of life. The hip decor matches its proximity to clubs and Bobcats Arena. Don't count calories.
As authentic as Irish pubs get without requiring plane tickets; Ri Ra has come up with the clever idea of physically relocating Irish pubs to the United States. A very authentic menu and beer selection complement the warm surroundings and reasonable prices. Very convenient to nightclubs and the arena. Be ready to fight for a seat on St. Patty's Day.
Big-city visitors might smirk at the lack of Chinese options Uptown, but SoHo Bistro does its best to help fill the void. Not the kind of place to stop for a cheap box of noodles, but excellent if you're looking for a quality lunch or dinner.
One of the best restaurant locations in all of Charlotte, as part of historic Latta Arcade. Give some thought to passing by this restaurant, even if only to grab a drink. The ambience and service are both excellent, and the food quality is very high.
If you're touring Fourth Ward, a stop at "Al Mike's" is a must. The building is nearly a century old, and has probably never looked better. The menu is somewhat expensive but the food is good, and the beer selection is one of the best in the city. A slightly dim, pubbish atmosphere creates ambience. Kids are welcome but this is probably a better place for a date.
In the Fourth Ward neighborhood. The restaurant has operated since 1988 and serves a highly choreographed seven-course Continental and Southern dinner in a turn of the century Queen Anne Victorian Home. Well known for pairing wines with the courses. Reservations required, valet parking available.
Like the Corner Pub, Cedar Street Tavern is primarily a neighborhood bar. Friendly service, reasonable prices and an approachable crowd make for a good low-key drinking atmosphere.
Simple, unpretentious, and friendly. The Corner Pub is exactly what it sounds like, and feels disconnected from the trendy crush of College Street nightclubs. A great place to go for easy, uncomplicated drinking in a neighborhood atmosphere.
Fashionable and tenured, Tilt is one of Charlotte's most well-reputed clubs. House and industrial music keeps the crowded dance floor moving, but the bar and lounge are still comfortable and spacious.
A modern hotel that is part of the Marriott family, it sits atop the EpiCenter entertainment complex.
For value and location, this might be the best deal in town. It's two blocks from the Square, around the corner from the Bank of America and Wachovia headquarters. Immediate access to an array of restaurants, clubs, and other attractions. Pool, breakfast buffet, parking deck ($10/night).
A good value with immediate access to the center of the city. A short walk from the Convention Center. Location is excellent for nightlife, as it is on one of the safest and best-lit blocks in the city. A bit pricey, but surprisingly luxurious for its price range. Valet, restaurant, pool, parking deck.
This hotel features a roof-top pool. It's close to the arena.
There are Hiltons scattered across town, but this one has the swankiest location. Part of the complex containing Wachovia Bank's national headquarters, this hotel offers access to an indoor mall and YMCA (reportedly, rooms there include a complimentary guest pass), and is directly across the street from the Convention Center. Excellent views from the upper floors, except those facing the adjacent office tower. Fitness center, restaurants, pool, parking deck.
Listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this is one of only a handful of historic high-rises in Charlotte. Its attractive location on Tryon St., 19th-century decor, and high-end restaurant (the Monticello) make this boutique hotel a favorite for honeymooners and other romantics.
It doesn't get more central than this; the shard-shaped Omni is located directly on the Square. Aside from its excellent views and relatively affordable package deals, the Omni is also on top of an indoor mall area. In addition, it is connected to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and features a rooftop pool with excellent skyline views. Most rooms have great views, except those on the backside of the building. Business travelers tend to favor this one for location. Pool, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, airport shuttle, sauna.
A favorite for visitors to Panthers games. Features a large number of suites, making this a favorite of celebrities who are in town for the game. Most rooms face the stadium and it is a short walk to the game and surrounding amenities. Restaurant, fitness center, continental breakfast.
Charlotte's largest hotel, and one of its best-located. The distinctive shape of the hotel gives an indication of its prominence in connecting Uptown and South End, both of which are within walking distance. An added bonus: the streetcar stops right at the base of the hotel and the Gold Rush trolley passes close by. The in-house restaurant has an excellent reputation. Fitness center, pool, grand ballroom.
Uptown's first 5-star hotel, and with LEED Gold certification, the greenest Ritz ever built. On site spa and BLT Steakhouse.
Contemporary property offering American dining & a bar, plus 2 pools & a fitness center.
Founders Hall, the atrium of the Bank of America Building, has several upscale shops, including Bank of America Heritage Center and Company Store, an unusual store selling bank memorabilia and featuring a small museum, as well as plenty of clothing and gift stores like Belle Ville, blis, Burke & Co., Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Julie's Too, and The BookMark, an independent bookstore. The atrium is spacious and comfortable, and contains a few restaurants. It generally gets little traffic from outside the Bank of America complex, making it somewhat unknown (even among locals) as a shopping destination. Before 1PM on weekdays, you might consider touring the WBTV Studio, which hosts live morning and noon broadcasts.
Locally grown fresh fruits & produce in-season. Fresh seafood & flowers, jewelry and crafts.
A fairly new area of downtown, next to the Charlotte Transportation Center. This complex has dining, entertainment, shopping, a bowling alley and a movie theater. Offers restaurants such as Jason's Deli and shopping such as AT&T Store and CVS Pharmacy. On the College Street side it connects to the Bank of America building via a pedestrian bridge.
Parking
Parking is usually abundant in the center city, though it has become something of an issue during large events that overload the area with cars.
By car
Compared to most large cities, Charlotte's central district is fairly auto-friendly.
By public transit
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates buses throughout the city, including Uptown. The central bus terminal is across Trade Street from the Bobcats Arena.
Other
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Charlotte · International · CLT
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