Downtown Charleston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston
Nathaniel Russell House

Popular places to visit

Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal

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.

Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal
College of Charleston

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.

College of Charleston
Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market

Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.

Charleston City Market
Waterfront Park featuring general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town

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.

Waterfront Park
South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium

See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.

South Carolina Aquarium
The Citadel

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.

The Citadel

Activities

Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

NZ$42
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

NZ$83
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

NZ$67
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall

Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall

NZ$358
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

NZ$82
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour

Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour

NZ$83
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour
See all activities in Charleston

Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals

The Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel
4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
The price is NZ$338 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$338
per night
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,745 reviews)
"Wonderful staff, great location, excellent restaurant. The room was very spacious with higher ceilings and to our delight, two bathrooms. The view from our room was also fabulous. if you’re in town for College of Charleston the location is practically on the campus, the best."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

The Francis Marion Hotel
Emeline
Emeline
4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
The price is NZ$448 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$448
per night
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,622 reviews)
5 star experience
"Fantastic staff. Love the decor great location. Service was excellent"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Emeline
The Ryder Hotel
The Ryder Hotel
3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The price is NZ$521 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$521
per night
17 July - 18 July
Stay at this hotel in Charleston. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent staff & great hotel would highly recommend"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

The Ryder Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
3.5 out of 5
337 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
The price is NZ$300 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$300
per night
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Loud noise with very thin walls! Also, How can you only have one bartender and cook on Fourth of July weekend? This hotel is understaffed and it was built in 1780’s so keep in mind when booking. Though I have to say is phenomenal and is very close to King Street, which is why I gave it a four ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
3.5 out of 5
560 King Street, Charleston, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$379 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$379
per night
14 July - 15 July
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Very friendly and clean property."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place
5 out of 5
205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The price is NZ$1,340 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$1,340
per night
21 July - 22 July
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Came for a 4th of July getaway and had high hopes but was absolutely so impressed by the property and incredible staff. I can’t wait to return!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

The Charleston Place
See all 1,328 properties in Downtown Charleston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Charleston

South Carolina which includes interior views and heritage architecture

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.

Radcliffeborough
Charleston

Harleston Village

While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and The Riviera Theater.

Harleston Village
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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.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
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King Street

If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.

King Street
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Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

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.

Charleston Historic District
South Carolina Aquarium featuring marine life

Ansonborough

If you're spending some time in Ansonborough, South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Ansonborough

Downtown Charleston Travel Guide

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