Charlotte’s top city tours deliver solid, practical ways to explore North Carolina’s largest city. The Ultimate Southern Charm Tour stands out for its smart mix of history stops and local food sampling, while the Historic City Adventure Tour – using vintage cars – adds an authentic touch to the experience. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Eco-Friendly Cart Tour, which covers plenty of ground without breaking the bank.
Among the best options, the Queen City Quest Amazing Race keeps things exciting with its scavenger hunt format, and the Uptown Funk Walking Tour hits all the right notes for music and culture enthusiasts. The Premier Historical City Bus Tour earns high marks for its comprehensive coverage and comfortable pace.
Let’s look at our carefully selected top tours that make the most of your time in Charlotte.
Key Points
- A variety of highly-rated city tours in Charlotte offer immersive experiences, from the Ultimate Southern Charm Tour to the Eco-Friendly Cart Tour and the Uptown Funk Walking Tour.
- Tour pricing is accessible, with options ranging from $15 to $39 per person, and flexible booking and cancellation policies enhance the customer experience.
- Unique tour highlights include visits to iconic landmarks, engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides, and opportunities for interactive challenges and ghost stories.
- Tour durations range from 1 to 1.5 hours, providing flexibility to accommodate varying travel plans and preferences.
- Self-guided tours and recommendations for nearby dining, entertainment, and community events allow for further exploration and a deeper understanding of Charlotte’s local culture.
Charlottes Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour
Charlotte’s Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour provides visitors with a delightful and informative exploration of the city’s rich history.
With 927 reviews and a 4.9 rating, this tour is highly recommended by 98% of travelers. Costing €37.77 per person, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers in brand new, extra comfortable carts.
Knowledgeable and friendly guides lead the way, highlighting significant sites and local eateries. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour offers flexibility, switching to a bus in case of bad weather.
Travelers praise the tour’s informative and engaging style, making it a fantastic way to discover Charlotte’s charm.
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Charlotte: Historic City Adventure Tour by Vintage Car
Offering a unique glimpse into Charlotte’s storied past, the Charlotte: Historic City Adventure Tour by Vintage Car transports visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks aboard vintage automobiles.
Priced at $39 per person with a 10% discount, the one-hour tour takes small groups of up to seven participants to explore key sites like the Levine Center of the Arts, Mint Museum, and Bank of America Stadium.
Guided by knowledgeable hosts, the experience includes fun games, complimentary refreshments, and the opportunity for free family photos.
With an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 70 reviews, this tour provides an immersive way to discover Charlotte’s rich history and culture.
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Historical City Tour on Eco-Friendly Cart
Travelers can explore the heart of Charlotte aboard a fleet of eco-friendly electric carts on the Historical City Tour.
This premier 7-person golf cart experience offers a personalized way to discover the city’s top landmarks, from the NASCAR Hall of Fame to the Levine Museum of the New South.
With over 900 5-star reviews, this small-group tour provides unparalleled insights into Charlotte’s storied past and modern attractions.
Guides are praised for their engaging commentary, and the open-air carts allow visitors to soak in the sights and sounds of the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a fresh perspective, this tour promises an unforgettable urban adventure.
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Queen City Quest Amazing Race & Tour
An exhilarating adventure awaits participants of the Queen City Quest Amazing Race & Tour, where they embark on a captivating quest to uncover Charlotte’s hidden gems.
At €22.84 per person for a 2-hour experience, this tour promises free cancellation and a pay-later option.
Explorers will solve clues, tackle quirky challenges, and interact with locals as they alternate between indoor and outdoor activities.
Suitable for groups of all kinds, the tour features a leaderboard and a live host to provide hints and assistance.
With over 600 city adventures available, the Queen City Quest offers a unique and engaging way to discover the best of Charlotte.
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UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided City Walking Tour in Charlotte
The Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided City Walking Tour in Charlotte provides visitors and locals alike an engaging exploration of the city’s vibrant downtown.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes guests on a 1-mile journey through the heart of Charlotte, highlighting the city’s culture, sports, food, and history.
Rated 5.0 out of 151 reviews, the tour is a popular choice, with 100% of travelers recommending it. Priced at $15 per person, the experience includes a postcard and three signature photo opportunities.
Accessible and convenient, the tour starts at Romare Bearden Park and ends at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, offering participants a valuable introduction to the Queen City.
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Charlotte: Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour
Though less immersive than guided tours, the Charlotte: Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour allows visitors to explore the Queen City at their own pace.
This 55-minute audio tour, accessible via smartphone, provides an affordable and flexible way to discover Charlotte’s landmarks. At just $6.50 per person, the tour offers an optional audio guide to supplement the GPS-enabled map.
Reviewers praise the tour’s convenient self-guided format, which enables them to explore at their own rhythm.
While it may lack the personal touch of a live guide, the Charlotte: Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour provides a budget-friendly and customizable sightseeing experience for independent travelers.
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Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City
Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City offers visitors a flexible and immersive way to explore the city’s vibrant center.
Hosted by actor and tour guide Phil Biedron, the tour takes guests on a 2-hour journey through notable sites like the Old Settlers Cemetery and The Green.
Travelers can access the tour through the VoiceMap App, which provides offline audio, maps, and geodata.
While some users report technical difficulties, many praise the tour’s historical insights and the freedom to explore at their own pace.
With lifetime access, this self-guided experience allows visitors to discover Charlotte’s independence and other captivating tales.
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Charlotte: Historical City Tour by Shuttle Bus
Explore Charlotte’s rich history and iconic landmarks on the Charlotte: Historical City Tour by Shuttle Bus.
This 1.5-hour tour takes you around the city, showcasing its popular destinations and trendy neighborhoods. Priced at €37.82 per person, the tour includes transportation by a heated/air-conditioned van and a knowledgeable guide who shares insights and fun facts.
Visit key sites like the Spectrum Center, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Mint Museum, and historic homes in 4th Ward.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 27 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative guides and engaging experiences.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot with no upfront payment.
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Charlottes Premier Historical City Bus Tour
Charlotte’s Premier Historical City Bus Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with 82 reviews, this tour is recommended by 95% of travelers and has earned a Badge of Excellence.
For $39 per adult and $29.75 per child, participants can experience the city’s highlights, including the life of Queen Charlotte and the Phoenix statue. The knowledgeable and engaging guides, like Danny and Keith, receive praise for their ability to navigate traffic and answer questions.
With an air-conditioned vehicle, restroom on board, and free cancellation, this tour provides an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors to Charlotte.
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Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
For those seeking a spine-tingling journey through Charlotte’s haunted history, the Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity.
This 1-hour walking tour explores 8 paranormal hotspots, including the ghost of a church sexton believed to have been buried alive and the eerie legacy of a tragic apartment fire.
Guests will learn about the city’s dark past from an engaging local guide and have the chance to capture genuine spirits on camera.
With a reasonable price of $32, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation, this tour provides excellent value and an unforgettable experience for those intrigued by Charlotte’s ghostly side.
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Charlotte: Historical City Tour on Eco-Friendly Cart
Visitors to Charlotte can embark on a 1.5-hour historical city tour aboard an eco-friendly electric cart. This exciting tour covers Uptown Charlotte’s 4 wards, showcasing iconic museums, parks, churches, and sports stadiums.
Passengers will learn about the city’s past, present, and future from a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes a stop at the Carolina Panthers Stadium for photos and an exploration of the historic 4th ward with its 19th-century architecture.
Customers consistently praise the tour’s value, with an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 205 reviews.
Flexibility is encouraged, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now-pay-later option.
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The Sum Up
Charlotte offers a diverse range of city tours that showcase the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture. From guided walking tours to vintage car adventures, there’s something to suit every interest. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique way to explore the Queen City, these tours provide an engaging and informative experience.