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 lively bars.
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.
Charleston Music Hall
Enjoy a performance at Charleston Music Hall, a popular theatre in Charleston. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the churches in the area.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
"This is an older hotel, however it is very well maintained and the rooms and baths are modern. It has a charming atmosphere and a beautiful court yard area with lots of seating. Each floor had a station with a coffee maker, ice, fresh fruit and bottled water for your convenience. The hotel is also ..."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"Great location and the pool was a nice bonus. Good value for that area."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"Area"
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
The Charleston Place
"We had a wonderful stay at Charleston Place. The location is excellent, the rooms were spacious and clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful throughout our visit. We would gladly stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
The Vendue
"Great location, very good amenities."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
"The place was great but I won't use Hotels.com for future bookings. They gave me a hard time on another booking when they neglected to make the reservation and didn't want to refund my payment. Over an hour on the phone after a long drive!"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Charleston
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.
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.
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.
Harleston Village
While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Colonial Lake.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
