Charlotte's Premier Historical City Bus Tour

Charlotte , United States

Charlotte's Premier Historical City Bus Tour

Active

(169 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hope on and join us for a 90 min historical city tour through all 4 wards of uptown Charlotte. Our experienced guides can’t wait to show you our beautiful city and tell you all about its history. Expect to see historical churches, court houses, hotels, museums, theaters, homes dating back to as early as 1867 and more. For our sports fans we drive pass the Nascar Hall of Fame, the Spectrum Center (home of the Charlotte Hornets), Bank of America Stadium (home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC), and Truist Field (home of the Charlotte Knights). This tour is done in a heated/air-conditioned 13 passenger shuttle bus. Queen City Rides has been providing some of the best tours in Charlotte for over 7 years and we are so excited for you to join us! Meeting location is one block from the Light Rails Trade street station. Public parking garages are conveniently located on E 5th Street where we meet. Please arrive 10 minutes early!

Available options

Historical City Tour in Van

Shuttle Bus<br/>Experienced Local Tour Guide

What's included

Local guides

Price for children 5 to 12 years old is only $29.75

Heated/Air-conditioned Vehicle

Perfect tour for any weather!

Infants & up to 4 years old are FREE!!!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American and contemporary art.

St. Peter’s Catholic Church is a Catholic parish church at 507 South Tryon Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1851, it is the oldest Catholic church in Charlotte, and until 1940 was the only Catholic church in the city.

Stop 3 Pass by

Home of the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Football Club

Learn about home of the Charlotte Hornets NBA Team

Stop 5 Pass by

Blumenthal Performing Arts is a non-profit, multi-venue performing arts complex located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It opened in 1992 and is named in honor of the people of the state of North Carolina and the Blumenthal Foundation.

Our guide will tell you about this famous museum

Stop 7 Pass by

Now Named: Truist Field is a baseball stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States.[6] The Uptown-area stadium hosts the Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team in the International League. It is also the third sports building to be built in Uptown, after Bank of America Stadium (home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers and MLS's Charlotte FC) and Spectrum Center (home of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets).

Stop 8 Pass by

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a fresh perspective of art and culture into the city's nerves. Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte, the Bechtler is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Stop 9 Pass by

This hands-on science Museum in Uptown Charlotte features exciting interactive exhibitions, the Carolinas' largest IMAX screen and one-of-a-kind Accenture IMAX Dome Theatre and educational programs.

Decades before The Dunhill Hotel would open, local architect Louis Asbury Sr. was entranced by the great Italian craftsmen who created cathedrals famous for their soaring, elegant roof lines. Today, The Dunhill Hotel stands distinct on the Charlotte skyline, an amalgam of American, British, and Italian influences, something those with an eye for period detail can detect. Opened in 1929 as the Mayfair Manor apartment hotel, with half of its original 100 rooms permanent residences, today's Dunhill Hotel is a thoughtful evolution.

Stop 11 Pass by

Opened in 1995 and attracts more than half a million visitors each year. It was designed by Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates. It has 280,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space.

Built in 1867 at 523 N. Poplar St. in the Fourth Ward neighborhood, it is the oldest building uptown. Like many homes, it has seen additions and remodeling over the years. It remains occupied.

The Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a historic movie house currently undergoing restoration to become a performing arts center and civic convening space. The theatre is owned by the nonprofit Foundation For The Carolinas.

What's not included

Restroom on board

Gratuity

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

108 reviews

5★

100

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

61 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet at the Bank of America ATM located outside of 1 Bank of America Center at 150 N College St. Charlotte NC 28202 (Corner of E 5th St & N College St)
Look for the bus on E 5th St
WE DON'T HAVE AN OFFICE!! Parking options are along East 5th St, all are paid parking garages where prices vary.

Important notes

Company: Queen City Rides

We meet at the ATM outside of 1 Bank of America Center located at 150 N College St
Charlotte NC 28202. Tell the tour guide the name on the reservation or confirmation on your phone. No need to print paper ticket.
*Golf Carts and Bus will be parked on 5th Street right across from Fitzgerald's. Golf Carts will arrive 10-15 min prior to scheduled departure time.

Parking Information
-There's a parking Garage attached to 150 N College St. ( 1 Bank of America Center )
-And there's also the Wake Forest Parking Garage. It can be entered from 5th Street immediately after passing Fitzgerald's on the left (entrance is before the light rail tracks).
• Additional parking is available at other Charlotte garages, cost of parking is not included in cost of tour.
Should you require additional information regarding the tour, please contact Queen City Rides at +1 833-868-7258

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.