Walking tours in Charlotte, NC are practical and enriching ways to experience this dynamic Southern city. The best options include a well-organized 1.5-hour Fourth Ward ghost tour, which effectively combines local history with spooky tales along ancient Native American paths and Revolutionary War sites. The hour-long Queen City Ghosts Tour offers a solid introduction to the city’s most notable haunted locations, while the Uptown Funk tour stands out for its comprehensive coverage of Charlotte’s arts, culture, and food scene.
I especially recommend the Fourth Ward ghost tour for its expert storytelling and historical accuracy. The Uptown Funk tour gets my thumbs-up for hitting all the essential downtown highlights in an engaging way.
Let’s explore Charlotte’s most worthwhile walking tours.
Key Points
- Carolina History and Haunts offers a 1.5-hour ghost walking tour in Fourth Ward with a 96% rating from over 500 reviews, focusing on local history and ghost stories.
- Queen City Ghosts Tour provides a 1-hour exploration of Charlotte’s paranormal hotspots, with a 4.6/5 rating from 38 reviews, catering to ghost enthusiasts.
- Uptown Funk Guided Tours offers a 1-hour city tour through Uptown, highlighting art, history, sports, culture, and culinary offerings, with a 100% recommendation rate.
- Haunted Booze and Boos Tour is a 2-hour walking tour through the historic district, visiting up to 3 local bars and sharing haunted history, with a 5-star rating.
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour and Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt provide flexible, self-guided options for exploring the city, with high ratings and affordable pricing.
Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour
The Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour takes travelers on a 1.5-hour journey through the city’s Fourth Ward. Rated 96% by over 500 reviewers, the tour explores historic and haunted sites, sharing tales of ancient Indian trading paths, revolutionary battles, and local ghost stories.
Guests watch for various spirits under the guidance of engaging, knowledgeable tour guides, like the acclaimed Elizabeth. The wheelchair and stroller-accessible experience requires a minimum of four people and has a maximum group size of 30.
It’s recommended for anyone interested in Charlotte’s history and supernatural elements, though service animals are the only ones allowed. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and meets at the Fifth Third Business Banking location.
Read our full review: Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour Review
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Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
On the Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour, guests embark on a thrilling 1-hour exploration of the city’s most notorious paranormal hotspots.
Starting at The Dunhill Hotel, the tour uncovers 8 eerie locations, including a church where a sexton is believed to have been buried alive. Guests will also learn about a tragic apartment fire and the Bermuda Triangle area, all while guided by a local expert on haunted history.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and takes place rain or shine, making it a must-do for any ghost enthusiast visiting Charlotte.
With an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 38 reviews, this walking tour is a great way to experience the city’s spooky side.
Read our full review: Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour Review
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UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided City Walking Tour in Charlotte
While exploring the vibrant heart of Charlotte, travelers can embark on the Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided City Walking Tour, a captivating exploration of the city’s renowned art, history, sports, culture, finance, and culinary offerings.
This 1-mile, 1-hour tour takes visitors through Uptown, showcasing must-see landmarks and photo opportunities. Led by knowledgeable guides praised for their engagement, the tour provides an excellent introduction to Charlotte for first-time visitors and locals alike.
Priced at $15 per person, the tour includes bottled water, a postcard, and three signature photo ops. With a maximum of 25 travelers, the experience is both intimate and accessible, making it a popular choice with a 100% recommendation rate from past participants.
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Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte
Travelers seeking an immersive introduction to Charlotte’s vibrant history, arts, sports, and culture can embark on the Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour. Priced at $15 per person, this 1-mile loop covers notable sites like Romare Bearden Park, Bank of America Stadium, and the city’s art museums.
Led by an engaging guide, the tour explores Queen Charlotte’s legacy, Charlotte’s sports teams, and the importance of African American art. Participants receive a postcard, three photo opportunities, and bottled water.
While museum entries aren’t included, the tour provides a rundown of Charlotte’s evolution. With a 4.9/5 rating and flexible cancellation policy, this tour is suitable for various traveler types.
Read our full review: Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte Review
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Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
For those seeking a more chilling Charlotte experience, the Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration into the city’s spooky history.
Rated 5 stars, this 2-hour walking tour takes guests through Charlotte’s historic district, visiting up to three local bars while learning about the area’s haunted past from a costumed guide.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides an intimate and engaging atmosphere. Guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages at the stops and take home a commemorative can cooler.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is open to those 21 and older with a moderate fitness level.
Read our full review: Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour Review
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Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour
Offering a self-guided, smartphone-powered exploration of Charlotte’s haunted history, the Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour provides an immersive audio experience for visitors.
Priced at €6.16 per person and lasting 55 minutes, the tour takes participants on a journey through the city’s haunted sites, from cemeteries to pubs and hotels.
With a 3.8/5 rating based on 4 reviews, the tour features professionally produced audio with spooky narration, themed music, and sound effects.
Flexible booking and payment options, including a reserve-now-pay-later option and free cancellation, make it easy for travelers to fit the tour into their schedules.
The self-guided nature of the experience allows visitors to explore at their own pace, pausing for drinks or extended exploration as desired.
Read our full review: Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour Review
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Charlotte: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
Looking to explore Charlotte at your own pace? Consider the Charlotte: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour.
This 1.5-hour activity allows you to discover the city’s hidden gems at your convenience. Priced at $32 per person, the tour takes you through Uptown Charlotte, where you’ll solve clues and challenges using your smartphone.
With a 4.9-star rating from 205 reviews, this eco-friendly cart tour is a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Charlotte: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the Queen City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Dog on the Walking Tour?
Most walking tour companies allow visitors to bring their dogs, but it’s best to check with the specific tour operator beforehand. Some may have restrictions or additional fees for bringing a furry companion along.
What Is the Dress Code for the Walking Tour?
Most walking tours don’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire and walking shoes are recommended. Some tours may require closed-toe shoes for safety reasons, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Are the Walking Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The walking tours are generally wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to participate. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to ensure accommodations can be made for any specific needs.
Can I Take Photos During the Walking Tour?
Most walking tours allow participants to take photos along the way. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or guidelines regarding photography during the tour.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Water or Snacks?
Tour guides typically do not provide water or snacks, but some may offer them for an additional fee. Participants should be prepared to bring their own refreshments to stay hydrated and energized during the walking tour.
The Sum Up
Whether you’re interested in exploring Charlotte’s haunted history, discovering the city’s top attractions, or embarking on a self-guided adventure, there’s a walking tour to suit your preferences. With a range of options from ghost tours to scavenger hunts, visitors can enjoy the Queen City’s vibrant culture and uncover its unique stories.