Cover image for the best romantic things to do in Charlotte NC blog by Inspired Backpacker

I could spend forever writing about all of the great things to do in Charlotte for couples. After our wedding my husband and I traveled around the US for a year and Charlotte was one stop that didn’t disappoint. The nice weather, green spaces, vibrant neighborhoods, small city charm and lots of things to do make it easy to enjoy it with a partner. Read this guide to find out the 15 best romantic things to do in Charlotte NC.

List of the Top Romantic Things to Do In Charlotte NC

Cocktails overlooking the Charlotte skyline at Nuvole Rooftop

Charlotte’s many rooftops make the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening in Queen City which is why it’s my #1 choice for the best thing to do in Charlotte NC for couples.

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo is great because they have fire pits, tables and couches to sit at and it’s all the way on the 22nd floor, making the view really cool. It’s actually the highest of all the indoor/outdoor rooftop bars in Charlotte as of writing this!

A couple smiling and posing in front of Charlotte high rises lit up at night, to show that Nuvole rooftop is one of the most romantic things to do in Charlotte
Someone sitting next to us offered to take our photo during our date night at Nuvole Rooftop
A fireplace enclosed on the rooftop of Nuvole with a Charlotte high rise and sunset sky in the background

Although it’s on the smaller side, I’ve found this one tends to be less crowded and is better for couples, but if you want to ensure a spot make sure to call them in advance or be willing to wait a little bit. Also, it can get chilly up there so bring a few extra layers to be safe.

Couples massage Charlotte NC : Relax together

There’s nothing better than the feeling after a massage, and it’s even better when you and your significant other both feel great!

The Ballantyne Hotel’s world-class Spa offers couples massages at the best price in the city, where you won’t have to pay extra as a couple. (Shhh it’s a secret!)

The indoor pool and hot tub area at the Ballantyne Resort with a palm tree off to the side and a jet shooting down from the stone wall
The luxury pool and hot tub area you get access to when you book a spa session at the Ballantyne. Yes pleaseeeee!
The beautiful atrium and staircase at the Ballantyne Resort, which is one of the most romantic places to stay in Charlotte

For some extra alone time, consider staying at the Ballantyne for a night or a few so you can take advantage of their multiple pools and hot tubs, beautiful hotel grounds, luxurious rooms with oversized bath tubs and maybe even one of their romance packages with chocolate-covered strawberries and breakfast in bed.

Have custom cocktails at Idlewood, Charlotte’s intimate no-menu cocktail bar

A no-menu cocktail bar is the date night experience I didn’t know I wanted! My husband and I love cocktails, and we got tons of recommendations for Idlewild.

Although we waited until the last minute to get a reservation they were able to squeeze us in, and the service was fantastic.

Cocktails on a dim, intimate table setting at Idlewild Charlotte, which is a no menu cocktail bar featuring a romantic atmosphere
Our first round of cocktails curated by the bartender! We got different things but they brought the drinks out in similar glasses for aesthetic
Dimly lit bar with high ceilings and candles throughout

We were surprised to find out it was a no menu cocktail bar, and the bartender made us custom cocktails based on our preferences.

Each round was so good and it felt like a really intimate experience, from the amazing services, cozy atmosphere, comfy plush chairs, dim lighting, hit but not-too-loud music and the relaxed but elegant ambiance.

Ivey's Hotel including images of a soaking tub in the sunlight in one of the rooms, a luxurious looking room with a plush bed and an elegant interior space with a chandelier
The gorgeous Ivey’s Hotel

If you love speakeasy-style bars and find them romantic like I do, consider staying at the Ivey’s Hotel in the center of Uptown. The hotel has an elegant, timeless feel and you’ll find luxurious touches everywhere. The rooms are gorgeous!!

Do a self-guided Art Walk together in NoDa Charlotte

There’s art everywhere in Charlotte, especially in NoDa. That’s why my favorite suggestion for couples in this area is to do a self-guided art walk tour through NoDa Charlotte NC.

I love how a self-guided tour is something where you can enjoy alone time with each other without the distraction of others. Visit Art Walk NoDa to find out where to go and what you’ll see!

The Confetti Stripes wall mural in NoDa Charlotte with Inspired Backpacker Lauren Kessel standing in front

Some of the best photos I got in Charlotte were in front of the murals. Make sure to bring a tripod if you want to get some photos together – if you’re lucky you may get the streets all to yourself like we did! This TONEOF folding tripod is my favorite one to bring around in my backpack. I have about 5 or so in different bags, at my parents house etc.

Watch the sunset over the Charlotte skyline at Romare Bearden Park

One of the best free things to do in Charlotte NC for couples is to watch the sunset over the romantic city skyline.

The city lights up at dusk with colors that are coordinated with the lights and fountain at Romare Bearden Park, making it the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

Photography of Romare Bearden Park, done by Inspired Backpacker
The rooftop at Kimpton Tyron Park hotel, Merchant and Trade, with a fire pit and the sun setting in the background, with romantic ambiance
Photo of the Rooftop bar at the (credit) Kimpton Tyron Park Hotel

P.S., the romantic Kimpton Tyron Park hotel next door is known as one of the best romantic hotels in Charlotte, with stunning views, a rooftop bar and restaurant, and rooms with views of Romare Bearden Park, wet-room style bathrooms and oversized soaking tubs.

Have a picnic at one of the many Charlotte city parks

I always lean toward nature and things that make you feel good when thinking of romantic Charlotte dare night ideas.

Since Charlotte has so many amazing city parks, a picnic is the perfect way to see the city while getting to enjoy the beautiful weather and the benefits of being outdoors.

Photos of Freedom Park and a couples picnic set up to show that a picnic at Freedom Park is a romantic thing to do in Charlotte NC

A few of the parks that work best with picnics are First Ward Park and Freedom Park, but there’s so many great ones that will do! My husband and I like to use this cooler backpack and these lightweight picnic folding chairs to make it easiest to pack everything up.

Picnic chairs and backpack I found on Amazon

Pro tip: The Homewood Suites right next to First Ward Park is known to be one of the best value hotels in the city, with spacious suites that are perfect for both short and long-term stays in Uptown.

The terrace and fire pit and a spacious suite-style room at the Homewood Suites First Ward Park

An alternative to setting up a picnic yourself is to purchase this Private Picnic Experience where they set everything up for you, so all you have to bring is yourself & your special someone.

Example of the set up you’ll get with this Private Picnic Experience in Charlotte

Line dance together at Coyote Joes

Line dancing might not be the first thing comes to mind when you’re brainstorming romantic things to do in Charlotte NC for couples but hear me out!

Coyote Joe’s has free line dancing lessons each Wednesday and a lot of the time they’ll do a few couples dances.

People lined up practicing a line dance in a brightly lit Coyote Joes with a big sound stage behind
A picture I took while we were taking a break from line dancing to have a breather
Couples line dancing at Coyote Joes, which is one of the best romantic things to do in Charlotte NC for couples

This got my husband into it with me, which ended up being so much fun and the perfect date night! If you’re uncomfortable you can always just people watch, so there’s really no going wrong here.

One of the most romantic things to do in Charlotte NC for competitive couples: See who can putt putt better at Puttery Charlotte indoor mini golf

The Puttery Charlotte is a fun AND romantic thing to do in Charlotte for couples that will bring out your competitive side.

This combined indoor putt putt and cocktail bar is 21+ and definitely more intimate that usual mini golf, making it perfect for couples.

Woman about to hit her ball at the Puttery in Charlotte NC mini golf

There’s great theming on two different courses, plus plush seating areas and really great food (surprisingly).

Take a stroll through the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

Taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens should be a must-see on every couple’s list. It’s a little bit of a drive from Charlotte but that will pay off.

Daniel Stowe botanical gardens in the sun, which is a date idea in Charlotte
Credit: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Facebook

Something really unique is that you’re able to purchase wine, beer and snacks to walk through the gardens with at their trail shop.

Have a romantic dinner at Charlotte’s fine-dining steakhouse, Dressler’s

The personal touch they put into your service and meal at Dressler’s Charlotte makes the whole experience really special, which is why this is my pick for the best romantic restaurant in Charlotte to try.

Juicy steaks, brussel sprouts and a big baked mac n cheese plate on a white tablecloth
Our dinner at Dressler’s. The steak was delicious and the mac n cheese was so soooo good (thank you to the waitress who recommended it to us!)

The atmosphere is intimate and dimly lit, and the food is SO great. Make sure to try the baked mac n cheese along with your steak!

See a movie at the intimate Independent Picture House

The Independent Picture House is a little intimate movie theatre that shows independent films as well as more indie mainstream type films.

Collage of photos showing the Independent Picture House, which is a small theatre and one of the best things to do in NoDa Charlotte

Come here to discover your new favorite movie together and support local artists!

Try the sweets at the Crave dessert bar

Crave Dessert Bar is a classy bar dedicated to luxurious desserts that are sure to satisfy any cravings you’ve been having. Treat yourselves to a sweet treat together here for a sweet cocktail and delicious piece of cake.

The Crave dessert bar in Charlotte NC, which is a great date night spot

One of the most romantic things to do in Charlotte NC for music lovers: Dance the night away at one of the city’s live music spots

Dancing is the best and even better when you have someone to dance with!

Live music show at the Fillmore Charlotte, with people in the air and enjoying the show
A photo I took during a Hip Abduction & Moon Taxi show at the Fillmore which my husband bought me tickets to for Valentine’s Day!

There are a bunch of music venues you’ll find in the city, but a few great choices are the cozy and intimate NoDa Charlotte NC staple Evening Muse, Fillmore Charlotte for a bigger but still still intimate venue and Camp North for a really cool outdoor venue.

Have brunch at the beautiful rooftop garden at the RH Rooftop Restaurant

RH Rooftop Restaurant is one of Uptown Charlotte’s many rooftop restaurants and bars. Although RH Rooftop is beautiful at any time of day really, their brunch is something extra special because of the huge windows the sun can shine in.

Romantic table at the RH Rooftop Restaurant garden patio

This is one of my favorite romantic things to do in Charlotte NC because I really think it shows off the city’s character while also being super elegant and unique.

Try to get a seat near the center fountain for the most romantic spot.

*Side note: RH Rooftop doesn’t sell cocktails at the time of posting this but they do have wine, mimosas and drinks of that nature.

Take a cooking class together at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen

Connecting with someone by cooking something delicious together and learning a new skill at the same time can be such a great bonding experience, which is why taking a cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is on my list of the most romantic things to do in Charlotte NC.

Chef Alyssa's Kitchen space, to show it's a great idea for a Charlotte date night

Some examples of the foods you can learn to cook together during classes here are Japanese Street Food, French Steak Bistro and more general classes like One-Pot Cooking which you can use at home every day.

Map of the Best Romantic Things to Do In Charlotte NC For Couples

Romantic Things to Do In Charlotte NC Map Link

Want more ideas for things to do while visiting Queen City? Read my full guide on 100+ things to do in Charlotte NC for couples for lots of ideas.

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Lauren Kessel

Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.