Charlotte Historical Bus Tour: Fourth Ward & Southern History

See Charlotte's buried stories and living neighborhoods on one guided ride

Charlotte's Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Bus Tour is a guided bus tour through Charlotte covering over 300 years of history, with stops at Fourth Ward, Old Settlers' Cemetery, Bank of America Stadium, Discovery Place Science and the city's downtown landmarks. The tour runs roughly 90 minutes with a live English-speaking guide narrating from the bus and at each stop for photos. Kids under 4 ride free, and you get 15% off at Rí Rá Irish Pub plus validated parking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bank of America Stadium5m
2. Discovery Place Science5m
3. Fourth Ward10m
4. Old Settlers’ Cemetery10m

Charlotte historical city bus tour

• Visit NASCAR Hall of Fame
• See Bank of America Stadium
• Explore Romare Bearden Park
• Visit Discovery Place Science Museum
• Tour Fourth Ward historic district
• View Bank of America Corporate Center
• Visit Old Settlers’ Cemetery
• See oldest Catholic Church in Charlotte
• Explore additional city attractions

The experience

You board at Market at 7th Street and settle into air-conditioned seating for a tour that moves through Charlotte's layers, from Revolutionary War graves at Old Settlers' Cemetery to the Fourth Ward's Victorian homes and charming older architecture. The guide covers gold mining, the origin of the "Queen City" nickname, where Elvis performed, and stories of the city's first hospital and the "medicine man." Sports fans see Bank of America Stadium (home of the Carolina Panthers) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The bus travels down Main Street showing art, museums and landmarks throughout the downtown core.

Stops happen at each location so you can step off for pictures and take in the sights directly: Discovery Place Science, the Bank of America Corporate Center, and Charlotte's oldest Catholic Church are among the sites. The tour covers far more than what's listed here. The operator notes the full scope of attractions on the route. Travel time with the guide's narration is built into the roughly 90-minute total, so the day stays compact without feeling rushed.

Parking is validated or discounted when available, and you walk away with a 15% discount voucher for Rí Rá Irish Pub and Restaurant plus a $1 discount coupon from It's Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Korn. The bus runs in all weather, and the route is wheelchair accessible. Children under 4 are free. Children under 8 or under 80 pounds must bring their own car or booster seat.

What’s included

• Guided bus tour with live English-speaking guide narration.
• stops at Fourth Ward, Old Settlers' Cemetery, Bank of America Stadium, Discovery Place Science, and downtown Charlotte landmarks.
• 15% off meal at Rí Rá Irish Pub and Restaurant.
• $1 off It's Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Korn.
• validated or discounted parking when available.
• comfortable air-conditioned seating.
• free admission for children under 4.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Southern Charm Rides

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided bus tour covering Fourth Ward and downtown history without navigating yourself. You'll stop for photos at each location and hear stories from the 1700s onward, plus get food discounts at select stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Charlotte historical tour leave and where do I meet it?

The tour leaves promptly from Market at 7th Street (224 E. 7th Street at the front entrance). Arrive a few minutes early so the bus can depart on schedule.

What is the Fourth Ward neighborhood like, and why is it a stop on this tour?

Fourth Ward is Charlotte's historical district, known for charming older homes and Victorian architecture. The guide walks you through the area's history and residents often share personal insights about the neighborhood's past and character.

Does the tour include entry to Discovery Place Science or Bank of America Stadium?

The tour passes by and stops at both Discovery Place Science and Bank of America Stadium so you can see them and take photos, but entry to either attraction is not included in the bus tour price.

Are there food or drink discounts included with this tour?

Yes. You get a 15% discount voucher for Rí Rá Irish Pub and Restaurant and a $1 off coupon from It's Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Korn to use after the tour.

How long is the Charlotte historical bus tour?

The tour runs roughly 90 minutes total, including travel time with the guide's narration and stops at each location for photos and information.