Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Charleston with a trip to Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.
College of Charleston
Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
Waterfront Park
Stroll the city’s waterfront esplanades at sunset, when the afternoon sun begins to dip and the harbor is lit with soft colors.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
The Citadel
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of The Citadel during your travels in Charleston. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its beautiful beaches.
Activities
Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall
Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
The Francis Marion Hotel
Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025
Emeline
Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025
The Ryder Hotel
Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025
The Charleston Place
Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Charleston
Radcliffeborough
If you're spending some time in Radcliffeborough, Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul and Brith Shalom Beth Israel Synagogue are top sights worth seeing.
Harleston Village
While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and The Riviera Theater.
Cannonborough Elliotborough
If you're spending some time in Cannonborough Elliotborough, Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum are top sights worth seeing.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
Charleston Historic District
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal to Charleston City Market – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Ansonborough
If you're spending some time in Ansonborough, South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum are top sights worth seeing.
- Places of interest
- What kind of hotels are in Downtown Charleston?
- Hotels Near Charleston, South Carolina