Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, We earn a small commission if you make a purchase. We only recommend companies we've used and trust and the income goes to keeping our site running and ad free. Read our full disclosures and privacy policy here.

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and as such, it is a great place to visit. Close to the mountains and just over the border from South Carolina, Charlotte is a great place for a 48 hour weekend trip. We will go over an itinerary that shows you all the art, outside, and delicious food to be had in Charlotte. There are so many unique and interesting activities to do in Charlotte. North Carolina is a fun state with plenty to do. As an agricultural state, the food is fresh, and the beautiful weather allows for lots of outdoor activities. Charlotte truly has something for every traveler.

48 Hours in Charlotte Itinerary

We assume you landed the day before and will, therefore, spend a full 48 hours in Charlotte.

Day 1 – Exploring Uptown & South End

Breakfast and Exploring

Charlotte is a very walkable city. With the hotels in uptown and South End mentioned below, you’ll have great access to the most walkable aspects of Charlotte. So head out of your hotel and take a quick walk to breakfast at the 7th Street Public Market, where you can pick up some coffee at Not Just Coffee.

There is a light rail in Charlotte called the LYNX Light Rail. The station is right outside the 7th Street Public Market. It’s a cheap and convenient way to get around Charlotte for your morning exploring. Just be cautious while walking around as the light rails are above ground and cross streets.

A vintage firetruck in uptown Charlotte

South End

Taking the light rail, we will head to Bland Street Station to explore the South End. Here you’ll find amazing restaurants, ice cream shops, art galleries, and plenty of local shopping. There is also the Rail Trail, which is a 4.5-mile park and pathway that runs parallel to the LYNX Blue Line. It’s a great place to discover cafes and see artists ‘ work. It is a fun area to walk and maybe stumble onto an impromptu concert. This is definitely a great place to stop somewhere for lunch, such as at The Eagle Charlotte.

Craft Brewing and Dinner

One thing you’ll find a lot of in North Carolina is craft breweries. Charlotte is not an exception. Aside from local beer, the breweries are bustling with activities. So if you take the Light Rail up to Parkwood station, then you can hit up the different breweries in NoDa. NoDa is another fun and walkable neighborhood of Charlotte and a great place to explore during your 48 hours in Charlotte.

Some of the best breweries include Birdsong and NoDa Brewing Co. in NoDa. There are also several great ones in the South End. After some walking around you’ll notice that NoDa has lots of beautiful art, many shops, and music venues. If you’re looking for an afternoon coffee, head over to Smelly Cat Coffee. Then, after enjoying some brewery hopping and some walking around, head over to Haberdish for a very Southern dinner.

Day 2 – Outdoors Charlotte

Brunch at Optimist Hall

After so much walking around yesterday, for day two of 48 hours in Charlotte, I will have a later morning and head out to brunch. We suggest going to Optimist Hall for brunch. But if you are early risers like us, we’d recommend heading to Elizabeth to eat at Biscuit Belly. It’s our favorite breakfast spot. Then you can head to Optimist Hall for lunch!

48 hours in Charlotte wouldn't be complete without the US Whitewater center

Whitewater Center

This is the best stop for a day outdoors and full of adventure. The US National Whitewater Center is an amazing 1,300-acre woodland of outdoor activities and thrill-seeking. You can whitewater raft, whitewater or still water kayak, do yoga, rock climb, zipline, or mountain bike. It is also super pet friendly if you’re traveling with your dog. With more than 50 miles of trails for walking or mountain biking, there is so much to do. Afterwards, you can enjoy craft beers and bites at River’s Edge. Otherwise, head over to Optimist Hall or Camp North End.

Camp North End

Camp North End is an old Ford factory turned into an industrial campus filled with outdoor and indoor activities. It has lots of cozy places to hang out, top-notch food stalls, an airstream bar, some galleries, and many walkable pathways. There is a bookstore, a plant shop, and a farmers’ market in the spring and summer. All the businesses and restaurants are locally owned. Check out Gravity Sourdough Pizza for some amazing pizzas with unique toppings.

Outside of Optimist Hall

Extra Time? Check Out These Fun Activities for Your 48 Hours in Charlotte

  • Discovery Place: This science museum is great if you are traveling with kids! They’ll have so much fun exploring the hands-on exhibits.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: While the Charlotte Speedway isn’t far away, the Hall of Fame in uptown is a great place to learn all about NASCAR history and how it intertwines with Charlotte and North Carolina.
  • Glass Blowing at Hot Glass Alley: A fun place to try your hand at glass blowing or to watch the experts at work.
  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: This wonderful botanical garden is a great place to see the native plants of North Carolina. They also host many different events.
  • Carrowinds Amusement Park: This fun amusement park is found on the border with South Carolina. It also has a water park along with an amusement park. It is open seasonally.
  • Sullenberger Aviation Museum: This is an awesome museum found near the Airport Observation Deck (which is a great place to see planes taking off and landing at the Charlotte airport). Here you can see the plane that Captain Sullenberger landed on the Hudson River.

Looking for more things to do in Charlotte? Check out the 18 best things to do in Charlotte here!

Things to Know About Spending 48 Hours in Charlotte

How To Get To Charlotte?

Getting to Charlotte for a 48 hour trip is fairly easy because there is a large airport in Charlotte. Flying into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is very easy as it is a hub for American Airlines. Additionally, you can drive to Charlotte from many places as several major interstates lead to Charlotte. There is also an Amtrak rail station. It is very easily accessible from many different areas.

two master glass blowers creating a piece in Charlotte

How To Get Around Charlotte?

  • Walking: Uptown, NoDa, and South End are very walkable areas of Charlotte. While you may not need a car to get around these areas, you might need it for other areas. Luckily, Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful.
  • Light Rail: This is an inexpensive and easy way to get around Uptown, NoDa, and South End. It is easily accessible and covers much of the city.
  • Driving: This is the easiest way to get around Charlotte, especially if you are not staying in Uptown or South End. Most places have free parking except South End and Uptown, but you can park at the light rail station and take the light rail in to save money.

Where To Stay In Charlotte?

  • The Morehead Inn– This beautiful bed and breakfast is a wonderful stay for your holiday in Charlotte. Not only do you get breakfast, but it is also pet friendly.
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte Uptown– This perfectly located hotel is in Uptown, and it includes breakfast. It is steps away from the Light Rail station.
  • Hilton Charlotte Uptown- With a pool, this hotel is a great place to stay in Charlotte, especially over the summer. It is centrally located in Uptown.

Wrap-Up: 48 Hours In Charlotte, NC

There are so many things to do in Charlotte and its surrounding areas. It is a bustling city and perfect for a 48 hour getaway. From the food, walkability, and constant festivals and fairs, there is truly so much to explore. Charlotte’s surrounding areas with the lakes, rivers, and mountains are a perfect gateway to the rest of North Carolina. It truly offers something to every visitor.