Spring, fall and winter are all excellent times to visit Charlotte, depending on what you’re looking for. Spring (March through May) is particularly beautiful — the weather is warm but pleasant, flowers are blooming, and parks and patios are abuzz with activity. Fall sees fewer visitors and spectacular foliage if you go in mid-to-late October. Hotel rates and airfare tend to be the cheapest from December through February.

Visas: Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money: Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health: Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should check for vaccination, proof of negative COVID-19 test and face mask requirements, as well as any travel restrictions, before planning their trip. Refer to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date information and guidance. In addition, travelers can check Count On Me NC to see a list of businesses (lodging, accommodations and attractions) that have undergone training and implemented COVID-safe procedures. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown — rent a car, take a taxi, use a rideshare app, take public transit (the CATS Sprinter Service) or book a private shuttle to get to your destination. Alternately, three Amtrak routes serve the city, and daily Greyhound service to and from Charlotte is available with connections in Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and other cities.
Getting Around: The best way to get around Charlotte is by car — either rental car, taxi or rideshare, all of which are readily available. Public transit includes the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) light rail and bus service. There are also bike-sharing options throughout the city.

Local Lingo: English is the primary language spoken in Charlotte. Note that Charlotte’s Uptown is what is usually called downtown in other cities.
Must-Have Apps: Uber; Lyft; CATS​
Insider Tip: Check out what many consider to be the best venue for live music in Charlotte: The Visulite Theater. Diverse acts include country, indie rock and jazz, and pretty much everything in between.