Quick Summary:

  • Question: What are some budget-friendly attractions in Charlotte?
  • Answer: For visitors traveling to Charlotte on a budget, the largest city in North Carolina offers a wide variety of free cultural attractions, including contemporary art museums and public museum facilities on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus.
  • Question: How can visitors get around Charlotte to explore these attractions?
  • Answer: Many attractions are accessible via the city's CATS public transit system, including its LYNX Blue Line light rail system, Sprinter rapid bus transit system, and CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar system.
  • Question: Are there any attractions in Charlotte that are free on certain days?
  • Answer: Some attractions in Charlotte are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Schiele Museum of Natural History ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Schiele Museum of Natural History | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© The Schiele Museum of Natural History

2. The Mint Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Mint Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© The Mint Museum

3. President James K. Polk Historic Site

Category: Attractions
President James K. Polk Historic Site | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com

4. McColl Center for Art and Innovation

Category: Attractions
McColl Center for Art and Innovation | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© McColl Center for Art and Innovation

5. Matthews Heritage Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Matthews Heritage Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Matthews Heritage Museum

6. The Billy Graham Library

Category: Kids & Family
The Billy Graham Library | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com

7. The Greenways

The Greenways | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of Guy Bryant - Fotolia.com

8. Romare Bearden Park

Category: Activities
Romare Bearden Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

9. McAlpine Creek Park

Category: Activities
McAlpine Creek Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of Kelly Mercer - Fotolia.com

10. Bechtler By Night

Bechtler By Night | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com

11. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Category: Activities
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of robert Casacci - Fotolia.com

12. McGill Rose Garden

Category: Activities
McGill Rose Garden | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com

13. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center

Category: Attractions
ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center

14. Charlotte's Historic Fourth Ward

Category: Attractions
Charlotte's Historic Fourth Ward | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Charlotte
© Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com

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