Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
Port of Charleston
Explore the waterfront in Charleston with a trip to Port of Charleston. 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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
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.
Charleston Music Hall
Enjoy a performance at Charleston Music Hall, a popular theatre in Charleston. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.
Activities
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
We weren’t crazy about the style of the room. The shower floor was slippery and I had to put a towel on the floor to keep from slipping. The bed was not very comfortable since it was a mattress on a platform. There wasn’t enough lighting in the room. The breakfast was very expensive and the food ...
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great hotel that is well kept and beautiful. Seriously 10/10 - 1 thing that sucked (not the hotel’s fault), there was
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
The Vendue
Southern hospitality + customer experience. Is the true highlight of this trip. Both Cameron and Virginia were amazing to work with. They helped me set up to have champagne and rose petals in my room for my wife. It was truly a magical experience
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
The Charleston Place
Beautiful hotel, wonderful staff
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Clean spacious room. Helpful courteous staff. Very nice complimentary breakfast. Well stocked refreshments shop.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fabulous stay in a great location.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Charleston
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.
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 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.
Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
- Places of interest
- What kind of hotels are in Downtown Charleston?
- Hotels Near Charleston, South Carolina
