Downtown Charleston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A historic pink building with green shutters, a black wrought iron fence, and lush greenery.
A grand room with a fireplace, ornate furniture, and a chandelier.
A cobblestone pathway flanked by trees and a building with a sign reading "SING".
A room with a red upholstered sofa, a wooden table with silverware, and a mirror on the wall.
A wooden staircase with a black railing, a wooden cabinet, and a fireplace in a room with yellow walls and wooden floors.

Stay near popular Downtown Charleston attractions

A historic building with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by lush trees and a paved sidewalk.

College of Charleston

8.8/10 (2,901 reviews)
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.
See properties

Activities

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

NZ$87
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

NZ$88
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

NZ$76
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

NZ$88
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Folly River Morris Island Dolphin and Exploration Adventure

Folly Dolphin Adventure (Private or Public) to 12 guests

NZ$92
per adult
Folly Dolphin Adventure (Private or Public) to 12 guests
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

NZ$64
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
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$352 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$352
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,408 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and wanted to do all they could to make our stay wonderful. The room was large, wonderful bed and clean. I’d recommend this hotel to all."

Reviewed on 27 July 2026

The Francis Marion Hotel
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street Charleston SC
The price is NZ$345 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$345
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 their ...
The Ryder Hotel
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St Charleston SC
The price is NZ$440 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$440
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,755 reviews)
"Always a must stay on our way north or returning south"

Reviewed on 26 July 2026

Emeline
The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place

5 out of 5
205 Meeting Street Charleston SC
The price is NZ$747 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$747
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
The Charleston Place
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston DWTN - Medical CTR by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston DWTN - Medical CTR by IHG

2.5 out of 5
250 Spring Street Charleston SC
The price is NZ$217 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$217
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston DWTN - Medical CTR by IHG
Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett

5 out of 5
404 King St Charleston SC
The price is NZ$868 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$868
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Not exaggeration to state that this was one of the best hotel stays we've ever had. Everything about this property was immaculate. Truly amazing experience. We would highly recommend staying here. We particularly appreciated the pool, and of course every interaction with hotel staff was wonderful. ..."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Hotel Bennett
See all 1,284 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Charleston

Find the best Downtown Charleston areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A horse-drawn carriage crossing a street at a city intersection.

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.

A large brick building with a red roof, a pond in the foreground, and trees with Spanish moss.

West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

A cityscape at sunset with a prominent bridge in the background, a historic church, and modern buildings.

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.

Princess St and King St intersecting with classic brick buildings and a street lamp.

King Street

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

Downtown Charleston Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: