Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City

Charlotte , United States

Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City

Active

(32 reviews)

2h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Uptown Charlotte at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Get acquainted with the who’s who of Charlotte’s fearless patriots and hear the controversial and contested story of how North Carolina declared independence from the British a full year before the rest of the colonies
• Hear from producer Phil Biedron, an actor with a knack for hosting tours and telling stories.
• Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

This self-guided audio tour starts opposite Thomas Polk Park. You'll hear the history of the city and see the park before starting your walk.

The tour passes by the First Presbyterian Church, the oldest recognizable structure in the city.

Stop 3 Pass by

You'll pass by the Old Settlers Cemetery, where you’ll find the graves of American Revolutionary War heroes, and the predecessors of US Presidents.

You’ll pass the Dunhill Hotel where a dozen businessmen leapt to their deaths which locals believe is still haunted by their ghosts to this day.

The tour passes by St Peter's Episcopal Church. You'll hear about the church and its history while you walk.

The tour passes by the small theatre which is housed in the former First Baptist Church.

The tour passes by Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library. The main library for the city of Charlotte closed for construction on October 29th, 2021 but you'll hear about it while you walk.

You'll pass by The Green, Charlotte's literary-themed park where part of The Hunger Games movie was filmed.

The tour passes by the oldest Catholic Church in Charlotte dating back to 1851, and it was the only Catholic church in the city for nearly 100 years!

Stop 10 Pass by

The tour passes by the Mint Museum and the original Branch Mint which was moved to this location, brick by painstaking brick.

Stop 11 Pass by

The tour passes by the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. You'll hear about the building while you walk.

The tour passes through the Latta Arcade. You'll hear about the arcade while you walk.

By the time we reach Romare Bearden Park, where our tour ends, you’ll have a much greater appreciation for the Queen City, its history and its cultural corners.

The tour goes through Uptown in the city center.

What's not included

Food/Drink

Smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.6

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and major sports teams. As the largest city in the state, it offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern urban living, making it an appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

NASCAR Hall of Fame

This interactive museum celebrates the history and heritage of NASCAR. Visitors can explore exhibits, try simulators, and learn about legendary drivers.

Museum 2-3 hours $29 for adults, $22 for children

Carowinds

One of the largest amusement parks in the region, Carowinds offers thrilling rides, water attractions, and family-friendly entertainment.

Entertainment Full day $70-$100 depending on the season and special offers

U.S. National Whitewater Center

This outdoor recreation area offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and mountain biking, set in a natural environment.

Adventure Half day to full day Varies by activity, generally $30-$80 per person

Discovery Place Science

A hands-on science museum perfect for families and curious minds, featuring interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and a planetarium.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 for adults, $22 for children

Freedom Park

A large urban park with walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pulled Pork BBQ

Slow-cooked pork shoulder served with a tangy BBQ sauce, typically accompanied by coleslaw and pickles.

Main Course Contains pork, gluten (in the sauce and sides)

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy, a classic Southern breakfast dish.

Breakfast Contains dairy, gluten, and meat

Shrimp and Grits

Creamy grits topped with sauteed shrimp, often flavored with bacon, cheese, and various seasonings.

Main Course Contains dairy, shrimp, and gluten (if using flour)

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-fried chicken with a flavorful seasoning, often served with sides like mashed potatoes and collard greens.

Main Course Contains gluten (in the breading) and poultry

Popular Activities

Whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center Zip-lining at the U.S. National Whitewater Center Hiking at Freedom Park Picnicking at Freedom Park Boating on Lake Norman Shopping at SouthPark Mall Visiting the Mint Museum Exploring the Levine Museum of the New South

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is vibrant with various festivals and events.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, French, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Charlotte is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it has its share of crime. Visitors should take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Charlotte Douglas International Airport • 11 km from city center

By train

Charlotte Amtrak Station

By bus

Charlotte Transportation Center

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary form of public transportation in Charlotte. It is affordable and covers most major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Uptown (Downtown) NoDa (North Davidson) Dilworth South End

Day trips

Huntersville

25 km north of Charlotte • Half day to full day

A charming small town with a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Concord

30 km northeast of Charlotte • Half day to full day

Home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame, Concord is a must-visit for motorsports fans.

Rock Hill

35 km south of Charlotte • Full day

A scenic town with a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports.

Festivals

Charlotte Pride • August NoDa Fringe Arts Festival • September Charlotte Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame for an interactive and engaging experience, especially if you're a motorsports fan.
Explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center for a unique outdoor adventure, with activities like whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and mountain biking.
Stroll through NoDa for a taste of the city's artsy and eclectic side, with its galleries, live music venues, and unique shops.
Take a day trip to nearby towns like Huntersville, Concord, Rock Hill, and Fort Mill for a mix of history, outdoor activities, and shopping.
Attend a festival or event to experience the city's vibrant culture and community spirit, such as Charlotte Pride, NoDa Fringe Arts Festival, or the Charlotte Film Festival.