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.
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.
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.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
The Emeline was located in the perfect location right next to the Market making it easily walkable to everything downtown. The courtyard was an excellent place to enjoy a night cap. I do wish I had upgraded our room. It was very small. We barely had room to put our luggage and walk around. Bedding ...
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
The Ryder Hotel
The staff were very friendly and helpful throughout my entire stay. I loved the proximity of the hotel to sites/restaurants and that it was in an easily walkable/safe area. The hotel pool/lounge area was a great plus although I wish you could order from QR codes from your lounger without having to ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
We did not eat breakfast. The bar offer a very good selection.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Great breakfast, friendly staff and valet
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
The Vendue
Excellent location, clean nice room but location was on lower level which made it loud, coffee in lobby was luke-warm, no hot water or tea selection, room did have a Kuerig with coffe and tea, bath linens were far from plush and not what you would expect, valet parked and car was apparently left ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
We paid about 600.00 per night for the "city view" and our view was the back of the property, complete with 5 open dumpsters and a parking garage. Otherwise, the stay was really nice and the location is great.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
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 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.
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.
