Charlotte’s walking tours offer practical ways to explore North Carolina’s largest city. Most tours run between 1-3 hours and cost $6 and up, making them affordable options for budget-conscious travelers.
The city’s ghost tours through historic Fourth Ward stand out for their combination of spooky stories and architectural history.
For independent explorers, the self-guided smartphone tours deserve special mention – they’re flexible and let you set your own pace through uptown’s main attractions.
We especially recommend the professionally guided history walks, which bring Charlotte’s 18th-century past to life with well-researched stories and stops at key landmarks.
These tours efficiently cover the essential sights while providing cultural context.
Let’s explore our favorite Charlotte walking tours.
Key Points
- The Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour is a highly rated option for exploring Charlotte’s 18th-century history and paranormal activities.
- The Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour – Smartphone Guided Audio/GPS Tour provides a self-guided experience to discover the city’s spooky landmarks at one’s own pace.
- The Sunset Walking Tour: Bronze Statues Tell the Story of Charlotte offers an inclusive, 90-minute experience focusing on the city’s iconic bronze statues and their captivating tales.
- The Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game combines interactive challenges with a flexible, smartphone-guided exploration of Charlotte’s history and culture.
- The Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour offers a thrilling, one-hour guided tour covering eight haunted locations, providing an immersive experience into the city’s supernatural side.
Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour
The Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s past. Rated 5.0 out of 509 reviews, with 95% of travelers recommending the tour, this 90-minute experience takes guests through 18th-century areas and a cemetery, bringing Charlotte’s history and ghost stories to life.
Led by a professional guide in period attire, the tour features engaging storytelling, thematic elements, and opportunities for group interaction. While some reviewers noted a perceived scripted delivery, the overall feedback emphasizes the guide’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and the tour’s informative and entertaining nature.
With a price starting at $27 per person and a minimum group size of 4, this walking tour is a popular choice for those seeking a unique historical and haunted adventure in Charlotte.
Read our full review: Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour Review
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Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour – Smartphone Guided Audio/Gps Tour at Your Own Pace
One of the most affordable and flexible ways to explore Charlotte’s haunted history is the Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour – a smartphone-guided audio and GPS tour that allows you to discover the city’s eerie past at your own pace.
Priced from $6.75 per person, this self-guided tour provides audio narration as you stroll through the streets, starting at the Old Settlers Cemetery and ending at the Bootleggers House.
With an average rating of 4.5/5 based on 8 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative and enjoyable content, though some users note construction challenges and navigation issues at the end.
Accessible by public transportation, this private tour is suitable for most visitors, excluding those requiring wheelchair access.
Read our full review: Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour – Smartphone Guided Audio/Gps Tour at Your Own Pace Review
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Sunset Walking Tour: Bronze Statues Tell the Story of Charlotte
Sunset Walking Tour: Bronze Statues Tell the Story of Charlotte offers visitors an engaging exploration of the city’s history and culture.
Starting at 7:00 pm from the Petco on Metropolitan Ave, the tour takes participants on a leisurely stroll to discover the city’s iconic bronze statues, each with its own captivating tale.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers.
At the end of the 90-minute excursion, participants receive a stamped postcard souvenir of Charlotte, mailed for them.
With a maximum of 25 travelers, this sunset tour promises an intimate and personalized experience for those eager to explore Charlotte’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Sunset Walking Tour: Bronze Statues Tell the Story of Charlotte Review
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Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game takes participants on an engaging exploration of the city’s landmarks and hidden gems.
Priced from $24.50 per person, this 2-3 hour tour offers an interactive and flexible experience. Guests can access the scavenger hunt challenges through their smartphones, following clues and completing tasks throughout the city.
The tour ends back at the meeting point, with opportunities for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Though most surfaces and transportation are wheelchair accessible, visitors should plan ahead for parking and refreshments, as the area may be pricey.
With an overall rating of 3.0 based on one review, this tour provides a chance to learn fun facts while navigating Charlotte’s vibrant streets.
Read our full review: Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game Review
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Charlotte: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
Priced at $24.50 per person, the Charlotte Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour offers an engaging and flexible exploration of the city’s landmarks and hidden gems.
Spanning 1.5 hours, this activity allows participants to discover the Queen City at their own pace while solving clues and challenges along the way.
With its user-friendly app and GPS-enabled guidance, the tour invites visitors to embark on a fun and informative adventure, uncovering Charlotte’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time explorer, this self-guided experience promises an immersive and memorable way to experience the best of what Charlotte has to offer.
Read our full review: Charlotte: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour Review
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Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
As night falls, the Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour offers a spellbinding journey through the city’s paranormal hotspots.
Priced from $25.60 per person, the 1-hour tour explores 8 haunted locations, including the First Presbyterian Church and Bootlegger house. Guests may encounter the ghost of a church sexton believed to be buried alive or experience the spooky legacy of a tragic apartment fire.
The tour operates rain or shine and is wheelchair accessible. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour covers over a mile of ground.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 and positive feedback on the engaging storytelling, the Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour provides a unique and thrilling way to explore Charlotte’s supernatural side.
Read our full review: Charlotte: Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour Review
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Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour
For those seeking a more self-paced and flexible haunted walking experience in Charlotte, the Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour offers an immersive alternative to the guided Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour.
At just €6.17 per person, this 55-minute audio tour allows participants to explore the haunted sites of Charlotte’s Fourth Ward at their own pace, pausing for breaks as needed.
The tour features professional narration, themed music, and sound effects, providing an engaging and informative experience.
With the ability to take the tour anytime and as many times as desired, this smartphone-guided option offers convenience and flexibility for those interested in uncovering Charlotte’s spooky history.
Read our full review: Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour Review
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Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte
The Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte takes participants on a captivating journey through the heart of the city.
Priced at $15 per person, the tour covers a one-mile loop in Center City, showcasing Charlotte’s history, arts, sports, and culture.
Led by an experienced guide, the tour highlights iconic locations like Romare Bearden Park, Bank of America Stadium, and the Mint Museum Uptown.
Participants can engage with fellow travelers, take stunning photos, and gain insights into the city’s past and present.
With a mix of historical context and current events, the tour is suitable for both visitors and new residents, providing a well-rounded introduction to the vibrant city of Charlotte.
Read our full review: Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte Review
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Break Down
Charlotte offers a variety of walking tours that cater to different interests. Whether you’re fascinated by history, haunted tales, or seeking a fun scavenger hunt, there’s a tour to suit your preferences. These guided and self-guided options provide an engaging way to explore the Queen City and discover its rich culture and hidden gems. With diverse tour options, visitors can tailor their Charlotte experience to their liking.