Sights Overview

Charlotte was laid out in four wards around Independence Square, at Trade and Tryon streets. The Square, as it is known, is the center of the Uptown area, which includes Discovery Place, the city's leading attraction, and the Fourth Ward neighborhood, Charlotte's "old city." Additional interesting sights, from gardens to museums, are farther afield in Greater Charlotte. Historic sites in Pineville and Locust, a speedway in Harrisburg, and a theme park on the South Carolina state line provide plenty to explore beyond the city.

Uptown Charlotte is ideal for walking (you'll be able to explore the Fourth Ward in an hour). Elsewhere, buses are adequate for getting around within the city limits; otherwise, you will need a car to tour.