Uptown Charlotte: Top things to do

Downtown Charlotte, which is actually called Uptown by locals, is a vibrant part of the city as well as home to one of the country's largest financial hubs. Uptown offers many attractions that range from historic museums and popular restaurants to roof top bars and immaculate parks. 

The following are some of the top things to do in Uptown Charlotte:

Top attractions

Mint Museum Uptown
500 South Tryon St.
704-337-2000

The five-story, 145,000-square-foot museum is dedicated to art and design including collections of American, European and contemporary art and a renowned Craft + Design collection.

7th Street Public Market
224 E. 7th St.
704-230-4346

This indoor market celebrates local food and promotes farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs. Buy something from a shop or bakery or grab a bite to eat at one of the market's restaurants where you can sit and eat at a counter.

NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.
704-654-4400

Since the Charlotte Motor Speedway is a popular attraction in the city, it's only fitting that it's also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The museum celebrates all things NASCAR with rotating displays and more. Among many activities, you can learn about how a NASCAR team prepares for race week or check out Glory Road, which features a banked ramp simulating various racetracks.

>>Charlotte Motor Speedway fan guide

Discovery Place
301 N Tryon S.
(704) 372-6261

For a family-friendly activity, visit Charlotte's science museum, Discovery Place, where guests will find two-stories full of exciting experiments, interactive exhibits and an aquarium. Discovery Place is also home to the state's largest IMAX theater.

Epi Centre
210 E. Trade St.
704-688-5980

Epi Centre is a social hub in the middle of Uptown. It delivers three stories of entertainment as the home to restaurants, bars, a movie theater, bowling alley and specialty shops. It's a great option to spend a rainy day.

Levine Museum of The New South
200 E. 7th St.
704-333-1887

For an in-depth look at the city's tumultuous past, present and promising future visit the Levine Museum of The New South. There you'll find over 1,000 photographs and artifacts that outline the city's growth all the way from Reconstruction-era to the modern towering skyscrapers.

Romare Bearden Park
300 S. Church St.
704-432-4280

​Get a glimpse of unparalleled views of the city and skyscrapers at Romare Bearden Park — a 5.4-acre urban oasis that sits right in the middle of the city. While the park is beautiful on its own with a sprawling lawn, two flower gardens and colorful waterfalls, it's the city views that are a main attraction.

Take in a ballgame
The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, plays at BB&T Ballpark in Downtown Charlotte. This gorgeous venue boasts amazing views of Charlotte's skyline while letting you enjoy the reasonable ticket and concession prices that make Minor League Baseball so popular. 

​Attend an event
There's always something going on in Downtown Charlotte, including concerts at the Spectrum Center, festivals such as Taste of Charlotte and special events such as the Heroes Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Notable restaurants 

Fahrenheit-Charlotte
222 South Caldwell St.
980-237-6718

Since Fahrenheit-Charlotte is located on the 21st floor above the Skye Condos, it offers amazing views of the city. The restaurant serves inventive American cuisine as well as local draft beers and an extensive selection of wines. The rooftop is the perfect place to hang out, since it has linear fire pits, a social pool and an herb garden.

5Church Restaurant
127 N. Tryon St., Suite 8 (corner of 5th and Church streets)
704-919-1322

5Church Restaurant earned best restaurant as well as best chef accolades from Charlotte Magazine's "Best of the Best" list in 2018. Menu favorites from the trendy restaurant include the "60 Second" NY Strip Steak.

Alexander Michael's
401 W. 9th St.
704-332-6789

The restaurant and tavern serves food prepared with fresh, quality ingredients as well as a large selection of beers. It's well-known for its spicy crab soup and Spring Mountain Farms chicken dishes.

Amelie's French Bakery
380 S. College St.
704-899-0088

As a local staple, the eclectically decorated Amelie's French Bakery is a must-visit for some of the best pastries and coffee in town. They're well known of their macarons and salted caramel brownies, but also serve savory options including gourmet quiches and flaky croissants.

Fuel Pizza
500 S. College St.
704-370-2755

Those looking for a quick and easy meal —and some of the city's best pizza — visit locally-owed Fuel Pizza. Not only are they known for their pizza, but the garlic knots are out of this world. As an added bonus they're open late night in case hunger strikes at an odd hour.

Merchant & Trade
303 S. Church St.
704-445-2550

For rooftop cocktails and skyline views, drop by the city's newest bar, Merchant & Trade, which is located on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. The bar offers an extensive drink menu with plenty of handcrafted cocktails and wine options. They also have a menu packed with delicious bar bites that includes dishes like country ham mac & cheese, a double pimento cheese burger and lobster corn dogs.

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