Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
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.
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 top-notch restaurants.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
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.
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.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
The Francis Marion Hotel
Yes, the room was very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The staff was nice, too. And most importantly, The Francis Marion is in a great location - right on King Street, within walking distance to anything worth visiting. Fabulous time, thank you!
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Cute boutique hotel in a great location! Walking distance to shops and restaurants and the beds were very comfortable. Parking is a challenge and expensive, and the “hot” water doesn’t get very hot (barely warm shower) and they couldn’t fix it.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
Very clean, staff friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
Emeline
Clean and nice room. Helpful staff and great experience.
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
I everything was great
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
The Vendue
The room was very clean. The staff friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back again.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 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 Colonial Lake.
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.
