Charlotte/Uptown

The four wards were the original political divisions of the city, and part of Uptown. The axis that determines their boundaries is along Trade and Tryon St., but few people consider the canyon of skyscrapers at the center of the city to really be identifiable as part of the wards. Each ward has its own personality:

• First Ward -- Very heavily residential, but beginning to feed commercially off ambitious projects such as the light rail and arena. This area was almost entirely public housing for several decades, but was redeveloped with great success as a mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood. Now it is a vibrant and well-kept neighborhood that seems quaint against the backdrop of skyscrapers nearby, and its attractiveness is verified by several major residential developments.
• Second Ward -- Now the city's government center, this area was the victim of a short-sighted urban renewal project in the 1960s. It had been the Brooklyn neighborhood: a largely impoverished but self-sufficient African-American district that was deemed unsightly and dangerous by city planners. Today, Second Ward is by far the most lifeless quarter of Uptown after working hours, as government workers disperse quickly and head to other parts of the city to live and play. A good place to find parking at night, but a bit of a social vacuum that can be a bit isolated.
• Third Ward -- Much of Third Ward was lost to the decline of industry in the center city, but what is left still largely reflects a very blue-collar industrial heritage. Bank of America Stadium (home of the Panthers) is the ward's most recognizable symbol, though a new park and a proposed baseball stadium have provided good reason to believe that this may be a major center of growth in coming years. Third Ward's largest current development is the gleaming Gateway Village, home to many offices and the Johnson and Wales University campus. Straddling W. Trade St. between Third and Fourth Wards, Gateway Village is one of the city's most bustling areas during the daytime.
• Fourth Ward -- The best-preserved part of Uptown, Fourth Ward is host to Charlotte's only remaining Queen Anne architecture. Shady streets and brick sidewalks make for some of the city's best walking, and the homes in this district are the object of envy. Fourth Ward Park is at the center of the neighborhood, and is a common ground for all kinds of city-dwellers. Several major condo projects have been proposed for this area, which will further densify it.

Parking is usually abundant in the center city, though it has become something of an issue during large events that overload the area with cars. Visitors will immediately notice the large number of surface lots at the edges of Uptown, which makes finding a parking space relatively easy. However, these lots can be somewhat expensive; their prices will reflect their proximity to Tryon St. Savvy travelers can save money by parking in the cheaper lots ($3 near 277) and using a Gold Rush trolley to take a free trip to the attractions of their choice.

Parking decks are also available in most of the highrises near the center of Uptown. However, they are usually much more expensive than lots and often reserve spaces for regular visitors. If you are interested in taking panoramic photos, park on the top of the 10-story Seventh Street Station parking deck for an open-air view of the city and surrounding areas (but do it quickly, or security guards will shoo you away).

There are curbside parking meters along most streets inside the Loop, which are usually much less expensive than using a lot or deck, and are free on the weekend. However, these meters are usually deactivated during high-traffic hours. It is worth an attempt at finding a meter, especially if you are only making a brief stop.

Uptown Charlotte is very dense, and almost all attractions in this part of town are easily reached by walking. Drivers are generally polite to pedestrians.

Compared to most large cities, Charlotte's central district is fairly auto-friendly. Unless there is a major event, you should have no problem making your way around the district in a car (provided you have the patience to wait at frequent stoplights). However, "cruising" (circling the district repeatedly) is against the law and is being targeted by local police in an effort to reduce other criminal activity, especially at night.

Uptown is laid out in a grid, with numbered streets running east-west with few exceptions. Streets running north-south have proper names. From any direction, it is fairly easy to know where you are relative to the central intersection of Trade & Tryon St. If you are using a paper map, you might note that the street grid is aligned at a 45-degree angle relative to the compass; "North" streets actually go northeast.

Taxis are fairly common in Uptown, and you can usually hail one from the curb. See "taxis" in the main Charlotte article for more information.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates buses throughout the city, including Uptown. The central bus terminal is across Trade Street from the Bobcats Arena.

The Lynx Blue Line light rail service, which connects Uptown to the South End and neighborhoods further southwest. In Uptown, Lynx uses the same route and most of the same stations as the Charlotte Trolley line. Frequency varies from 7-10 minutes on weekdays to 20-30 minutes on weekends.

Fares for buses and for Lynx are $2.20 one-way (seniors and youth $1.10), $4.40 for a round trip and $6.60 for a day pass (Aug 2018).

The CityLynx Gold Line is a free tram that runs from the Time Warner Cable Arena to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center with six stations along the way. The Gold Line runs every 30 minutes:

• M–Th ​6AM—11PM
• F 6AM—midnight
• Sa ​8AM—midnight
• Su ​9AM—7PM

• Rickshaws, ☏ +1 704-777-4508. W-Sa 7PM-2AM. In the past few years, rickshaws have begun to appear in Uptown as an alternate mode of transportation. They are mostly a novelty for tourists, though they can actually be quite useful in avoiding the steep hills that slope away from the Square. They are recognizable blue carriages with a cyclist in front. At night they use blinking lights and bells to attract customers. $5 for a one-way ride. 
• Carriages. Horse-drawn carriages are becoming increasingly popular as a romantic form of transport around Uptown. They can be rented for either short- or long-term trips, and will not require reservations as long as you can find one vacant. Typically they will only run during the warmer months, when tourists are present and the climate favors open-air rides. There are a few carriage rental companies available, including Southern Breezes Carriages, picks up on Tryon between 6th and 7th, +1 704-301-5111.

• 🌍 The Square, Trade and Tryon Streets. At the center of Uptown surrounding the intersection of its two main streets, this plaza is the bustling heart of the business district, hemmed in on all sides by towering buildings and holding fountains, statues, benches and food carts among its crowds of people. 
• 🌍 The Green, on Tryon between 1st and 2nd Streets. A fascinating literacy-themed park tucked between an historic church and an apartment/shopping center. Children love the highly interactive landscaping (including ceramic sofas and a splash fountain) and adults can appreciate the literary references. It is surrounded by restaurants and a small library branch. Free. 
• 🌍 Fourth Ward Park. Though small, this central park is one of the city's most attractive. Tucked between the central business district and the Fourth Ward historic neighborhood, it is heavily traveled and safe at almost any hour. It features brick walking paths under shade, a gorgeous view of the skyline, and a booth with free maps for a walking tour of the Ward. 
• 🌍 Marshall Park. It's in the Second Ward near the government center. Marshall Park is a vestige of 1960s urban renewal. Though it offers an excellent view of the skyline and is a good place to eat carry-out lunch from nearby restaurants, it lacks the vibrancy of some other city parks. Though it should not be considered dangerous, wise travelers will find a way around it at night. 

• 🌍 Carolina Panthers (NFL), 800 S Mint St (almost no on-site parking; several lots are adjacent but fill quickly on game days), ☏ +1 704-358-7000. The local NFL team plays in the 73,000-seat Bank of America stadium. Due to a sudden surge in popularity, it is becoming more difficult to find tickets to home games. This is especially the case late in the season, when the team is expected to be in the playoff hunt. Scalpers roam the sidewalks in front of the stadium, so it is possible to find game day tickets at a premium cost. It is illegal to charge more than a small percentage above the face value of a ticket, though this law is generally unenforced. $43-220. 
• 🌍 Charlotte Hornets (NBA), 333 E Trade St (park in adjacent lots and decks; they are generally easy to spot), ☏ +1 704-688-8600. Charlotte's NBA team plays in Spectrum Center (formerly Charlotte Bobcats Arena and Time Warner Cable Arena) in Uptown. Support for the team has been inconsistent due to an ugly divorce with the original Charlotte Hornets franchise in 2003. Ticket prices are low and it is generally not a problem to purchase a ticket on game day. $16-154. 
• Charlotte FC (MLS), 800 S Mint St (see Carolina Panthers entry). The newest team in Major League Soccer (until St. Louis City SC joins in 2023), Charlotte FC started play in 2022. It shares ownership with the Panthers, and also plays in Bank of America Stadium. For most games, the capacity is reduced to 38,000, but extra sections can be released for sale as ticket demand allows. Notably, CFC set a new MLS attendance record in its first-ever home game. 
• Charlotte Checkers (Ice Hockey), 333 E Trade St (it is usually easy to find parking in adjacent lots and decks for hockey games), ☏ +1 704-342-4423. Minor-league hockey team, playing in Time Warner Cable Arena. This is perhaps the best entertainment value in Charlotte, with very low ticket prices for a relatively upscale experience. Charlotte was the first city south of Baltimore to host professional hockey when the first Checkers team was founded in 1956, and has had a team for most of the time since. The team is an affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. $15-100. 

• 🌍 Spectrum Center, 333 E Trade St, ☏ +1 704-688-9000. This venue has become the primary destination for big-name concerts in Charlotte, especially in the colder months when an indoor venue is necessary. The location in the heart of Uptown's entertainment district makes this a great place to catch a show. Even "nosebleed" seats aren't very far from the stage. 

• CIAA Basketball Tournament. Will come to Charlotte in early March for the next several years. Historically-black colleges from across the country bring their teams, alums and fans to Uptown for a week of games, which are held in Spectrum Center. Other events take place throughout the city, including a festival along Tryon St. 
• St. Patrick's Day Parade. It's not on the scale of Boston or NYC, but is always well-attended and a fun time to visit the Irish restaurants Uptown. The parade goes up Tryon St., and the best place to view is at the Square. 
• In mid-May, Speed Street brings half a million people to Uptown for major musical acts and events related to the NASCAR All-Star Race, which is held at nearby Concord. This event shuts down several major streets, and covers the entirety of Uptown with crowds after sundown. Parking is usually stretched to the limit, and hotels will be difficult to find. However, this is an excellent time for hard partiers to see the city at its most active.
• Taste of Charlotte. Festival in June is far and away the best time to bring an appetite to the city. Tryon St. closes down for the weekend and many of the city's best restaurants are represented with samples of their signature dishes. 
• Fourth of July Fireworks Display has shifted locations several times lately, but is always somewhere in Uptown. This event draws nearly 100,000 visitors to the center city at once; be prepared to sit in gridlock, especially during the display when streets will come to a complete halt. If coming in from another district, using public transit to park-and-ride is recommended.
• Also in July, comic book collectors meet for the annual Heroes Convention at the Convention Center.
• Charlotte Pride. A gay-pride festival in August. It has shifted locations to South Tryon Street. It has grown significantly since its inception. 
• September is one of the best times to visit the city. The city's Labor Day Parade along Tryon St. is modest, but a well-established annual event. The Charlotte Film Festival is a collaboration between the city's most prominent theaters in and around Uptown.
• Charlotte International Auto Show (in the Convention Center). Brings various dealers and buyers together. Usually in November. Adults $8, kids free. 
• Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. One of the city's most beloved annual events. Televised regionally, this parade has run along Tryon St. for half a century. A great time to visit. 
• For college football fans, the Belk Bowl is a chance to catch a great game as well as a football-themed festival. An ACC team and an SEC team close out their seasons in Bank of America Stadium. Price varies year-to-year.

• 🌍 Green's Lunch, 309 W 4th St, ☏ +1 704-332-1786. M-F 7:30AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-2PM. Founded in 1926, it is one of Charlotte's oldest establishments, and Uptown's oldest restaurant. A relatively simple diner atmosphere, with city memorabilia covering the walls. Order your hot-dog or hamburger "Carolina Style", and don't forget that it's cash-only! (updated Aug 2018)
• Fuel. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. A fast-growing, homegrown chain that started in a converted gas station (if you're curious, visit the original location on Central Ave. to see it for yourself). Fuel sells pizza by the slice, making it convenient and cheap to stop for a quick bite. There are two Uptown locations, both convenient to major attractions. 
• 🌍 Open Kitchen, 1318 W Morehead St, ☏ +1 704-375-7449. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa 4PM-11PM, Su 4PM-10PM. Once the only restaurant in Charlotte to serve pizza (back when it was considered an exotic delicacy), this restaurant continues to thrive on the outskirts of Uptown. It's not difficult to find three generations of patrons at a single table. 

• 🌍 Mert's Heart and Soul, 214 N College St, ☏ +1 704-342-4222. 11AM-3PM daily; Tu-Su 3PM dinner start, Sa Su 9AM brunch. Upscale soul food very near the city's entertainment center. Charlotte's most prominent African-American owned restaurant, Mert's is a favorite among people of all walks of life. The hip decor matches its proximity to clubs and Bobcats Arena. Don't count calories. 
• 🌍 Ri Ra, 208 N Tryon St, ☏ +1 704-333-5554. M-Sa 11:30AM-2AM, Su 11:30AM-midnight. As authentic as Irish pubs get without requiring plane tickets; Ri Ra has come up with the clever idea of physically relocating Irish pubs to the United States. A very authentic menu and beer selection complement the warm surroundings and reasonable prices. Very convenient to nightclubs and the arena. Be ready to fight for a seat on St. Patty's Day. 
• 🌍 SoHo Bistro, 214 N Tryon St, ☏ +1 704-333-5189. M-Th 11AM-10PM; F Sa 11:30AM-11PM; Su 11:30AM-10PM. Big-city visitors might smirk at the lack of Chinese options Uptown, but SoHo Bistro does its best to help fill the void. Not the kind of place to stop for a cheap box of noodles, but excellent if you're looking for a quality lunch or dinner. 
• 🌍 French Quarter Restaurant, 321 S Church St, ☏ +1 704-377-1715. One of the best restaurant locations in all of Charlotte, as part of historic Latta Arcade. Give some thought to passing by this restaurant, even if only to grab a drink. The ambience and service are both excellent, and the food quality is very high. 

• 🌍 Alexander Michael's, 401 W 9th St, ☏ +1 704-332-6789. M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM. If you're touring Fourth Ward, a stop at "Al Mike's" is a must. The building is nearly a century old, and has probably never looked better. The menu is somewhat expensive but the food is good, and the beer selection is one of the best in the city. A slightly dim, pubbish atmosphere creates ambience. Kids are welcome but this is probably a better place for a date. 
• 🌍 The McNinch House Restaurant, 511 N Church St, ☏ +1 704-332-6159. Tu-Sa 6:30PM-midnight. In the Fourth Ward neighborhood. The restaurant has operated since 1988 and serves a highly choreographed seven-course Continental and Southern dinner in a turn of the century Queen Anne Victorian Home. Well known for pairing wines with the courses. Reservations required, valet parking available. 

• 🌍 Tilt on Trade, 127 W. Trade St, ☏ +1 704-374-0111. M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa Su 7PM-2AM. Fashionable and tenured, Tilt is one of Charlotte's most well-reputed clubs. House and industrial music keeps the crowded dance floor moving, but the bar and lounge are still comfortable and spacious. 

• 🌍 Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the EpiCentre, 210 East Trade St, ☏ +1 704-333-1999, fax: +1 704 333-0699. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A modern hotel that is part of the Marriott family, it sits atop the EpiCenter entertainment complex. $80-150. 
• 🌍 Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Uptown, 201 South McDowell Street, ☏ +1 704-372-7550. 
• 🌍 Courtyard by Marriott City Center, 237 S Tryon St, ☏ +1 704-926-5800, fax: +1 704-926-5801. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. For value and location, this might be the best deal in town. It's two blocks from the Square, around the corner from the Bank of America and Wachovia headquarters. Immediate access to an array of restaurants, clubs, and other attractions. Pool, breakfast buffet, parking deck ($10/night). $89-170. 
• 🌍 Marriott City Center, 100 Trade St, ☏ +1 704-333-9000, fax: +1 704 342-3419. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A good value with immediate access to the center of the city. A short walk from the Convention Center. Location is excellent for nightlife, as it is on one of the safest and best-lit blocks in the city. A bit pricey, but surprisingly luxurious for its price range. Valet, restaurant, pool, parking deck. $99-169. 
• 🌍 Holiday Inn Center City, 230 North College St, ☏ +1 704-335-5400, fax: +1 704 376-4921. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. This hotel features a roof-top pool. It's close to the arena. $90-230. 
• 🌍 Hilton Charlotte Central City, 222 E 3rd St, ☏ +1 704-377-1500, fax: +1 704-377-4143. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. There are Hiltons scattered across town, but this one has the swankiest location. Part of the complex containing Wachovia Bank's national headquarters, this hotel offers access to an indoor mall and YMCA (reportedly, rooms there include a complimentary guest pass), and is directly across the street from the Convention Center. Excellent views from the upper floors, except those facing the adjacent office tower. Fitness center, restaurants, pool, parking deck. $75-199. 

• 🌍 Dunhill Hotel, 237 N Tryon St, ☏ +1 704-332-4141, fax: +1 704-376-4117. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this is one of only a handful of historic high-rises in Charlotte. Its attractive location on Tryon St., 19th-century decor, and high-end restaurant (the Monticello) make this boutique hotel a favorite for honeymooners and other romantics. $199-269. 
• 🌍 Omni Hotel, 132 E. Trade St, ☏ +1 704-377-0400, fax: +1 704-347-0649. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. It doesn't get more central than this; the shard-shaped Omni is located directly on the Square. Aside from its excellent views and relatively affordable package deals, the Omni is also on top of an indoor mall area. In addition, it is connected to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and features a rooftop pool with excellent skyline views. Most rooms have great views, except those on the backside of the building. Business travelers tend to favor this one for location. Pool, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, airport shuttle, sauna. $99-229. 
• 🌍 Residence Inn by Marriott, 404 S Mint St, ☏ +1 704-340-4000, fax: +1 704-358-1211. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A favorite for visitors to Panthers games. Features a large number of suites, making this a favorite of celebrities who are in town for the game. Most rooms face the stadium and it is a short walk to the game and surrounding amenities. Restaurant, fitness center, continental breakfast. $144-289. 
• 🌍 The Westin Charlotte, 601 S College St, ☏ +1 704-375-2600, fax: +1 704-375-2623. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Charlotte's largest hotel, and one of its best-located. The distinctive shape of the hotel gives an indication of its prominence in connecting Uptown and South End, both of which are within walking distance. An added bonus: the streetcar stops right at the base of the hotel and the Gold Rush trolley passes close by. The in-house restaurant has an excellent reputation. Fitness center, pool, grand ballroom. $119-209. 
• 🌍 The Ritz-Carlton, 201 East Trade St, ☏ +1 704-547-2244, fax: +1 704-549-4179. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Uptown's first 5-star hotel, and with LEED Gold certification, the greenest Ritz ever built. On site spa and BLT Steakhouse. $200-1,800. 

The main branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library is on North Tryon St, a short walk from the central Square. It is easily recognizable by its green copper roof, and the authorial quotes which adorn its columns. Among its resources is an Internet cafe which offers free visitor access. On the third floor is a special library of local and regional history, including old maps and photographs of the city. The library is one of the best places to get directions if you need them.

Permanent public restrooms are relatively rare in Charlotte, though portable restrooms are usually provided for major public events. It is generally OK to duck into a bar or restaurant to use the restroom, though it is considered good etiquette to make at least a trivial purchase to compensate the business.

• 🌍 First United Methodist Church, 501 N Tryon St, ☏ +1 704-333-9081. Based in an historic neo-Gothic building in the center of the city. Very convenient if you are staying in an Uptown hotel. 
• 🌍 Little Rock AME Zion Church, 401 N Mcdowell St, ☏ +1 704-334-3782. Uptown location with a distinctive modern steeple. One of several AME Zion churches in a small radius. 
• 🌍 St. Peter's Catholic Church, 507 S Tryon St, ☏ +1 704-332-2901. Not to be confused with St. Peter's Episcopal only a few blocks away. Immediately next door is a small park with shops and restaurants. 
• 🌍 St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W 7th St, ☏ +1 704-332-7746. Historic church near the city's major tourist district. One of the oldest continually-operating religious communities in the city.