Whether you’re a resident of Charlotte who is ready to experience the nightlife in a way that you never have before, or if you’re simply visiting Queen City and would like to make the most of your trip, you have options. Charlotte has a vibrant drink scene, with a little something for everyone. These tips can help you have a great experience, whether you’re on a weekend trip or are looking to enjoy your home city in a new and exciting way.

Choose the Right Night for Your Adventure

There’s pretty much always something to do in Charlotte, but choosing the right night for your adventure can make a big difference in your experience. A weeknight might be your best choice if you’re looking for a more low-key exploration of the city’s drink scene.

If you’re looking to mix and mingle with a bigger crowd, a weekend night- or a holiday- may be better. Check out the events that are going on in downtown Charlotte on the night that you’re planning for your adventure to get an idea of how busy the city might be and what the vibe will be like.

Dress for the Part

Of course, you’ll want to dress up for your night on the town. There’s certainly nothing wrong with looking your best, but keep in mind that you will probably be doing quite a bit of walking from one establishment to another.

Therefore, you’ll want to keep the weather in mind and likely want to wear comfortable shoes. If you plan on visiting higher-end establishments, check their dress code beforehand to ensure you’re dressed appropriately. You certainly don’t want to be turned away at the door due to not wearing the appropriate clothing.

Arrange for Transportation

Drinking and driving is a big no-no in Charlotte or anywhere. You don’t want to ruin your night of fun with an arrest and potential criminal record, nor do you want to put yourself or others at risk. If you’re going to be consuming alcohol, make sure that you take the city’s public transportation system, a taxi, or a ride from a ride-share service. It’s a good idea to make transportation arrangements beforehand so you aren’t stuck without a ride late at night and so you don’t have to figure things out when you’re inebriated.

Sign Up for a Bar Crawl

One great way to truly experience the drinking culture in the city is to sign up for a Charlotte bar crawl. This is a particularly good idea if you’re a visitor or haven’t really experienced the city’s drink culture and don’t know about the hot spots you should visit. You’ll have the chance to mix and mingle with others, and you’ll have a guide who will take you to all the city’s greatest spots. Plus, in many cases, you’ll save money on drinks and entry fees by participating in a bar crawl, so it’s a good way to stick to a budget while you’re out on the town, too.

Be Willing to Try New Things

You might have a go-to order that you like to ask for when you’re at a bar. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having your favorites, but one great thing about some of Queen City’s bars is that they have local beers and specialty cocktails. You can enjoy the scene if you’re willing to try new things.

Pick a Great Hotel

If you don’t live in the downtown area, you’ll likely want to find a hotel where you can spend the night after your night on the town. Luckily, there are plenty of great hotels in the Charlotte area, many of which have spectacular views. Start planning for a hotel in advance so you can book your room and ensure you have accommodations when needed.

It’s entirely possible to have a great night on the town while you’re taking in Charlotte’s exciting drink scene. If you follow these tips, you will hopefully have one of the best nights you’ve had in a while. Then, you can feel good knowing you have experienced a scene in the Queen City that not everyone gets to experience.