Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
Medical University of South Carolina
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Medical University of South Carolina during your travels in Charleston. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its lively bars.
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
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
"Hotel is in a great location and easy to walk to local attractions. Upon arrival we were notified of a wedding being held below our window and that the music would stop @ 10 pm. While it did stop at the promised time, it was not the peaceful and relaxing overnight stay we would have preferred."
Reviewed on 16 May 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"Lovely stay! Great location. Getting to the 4th floor was a little wonky as you need to take one elevator, walk down a hall, and take another, but if you don’t have the luggage trolly then won’t be an issue!"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"Great location, friendly staff and just made the trip perfect!"
Reviewed on 16 May 2026
The Vendue
"The hotel lobby filled with vibrant art work is a gem. Energy, energy, energy is all around. The staff was most helpful, answering each of our inquiries with positivity and professionalism. This is the place to stay."
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
The Charleston Place
"The hotel is perfectly situated to what we like downtown. Every staff member was helpful & nice. We stayed in suite 3D. The King bed is very comfortable. The American Leather pullout is very comfortable (our son slept on it). We were going to bring our dog, they even had a bed and bowls for him, ..."
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Hotel Bennett
"The staff was friendly and helpful. We experienced several operational glitches. We left our room at 7am and we we returned at 3pm the room was not cleaned. At 11:45pm, the smoke alarm weak battery signal starting chirping and waking us up. It was fixed. At 7am our curtains automatically opened and ..."
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Charleston
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
Radcliffeborough
While Radcliffeborough may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Music Farm and Charleston Music Hall.
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.
Charleston Historic District
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – 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.
