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 Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
"Upon checkout I left my sunglasses on the counter. I went back within a few minutes. Staff refused to look at security camera. Unhelpful, unprofessional I have never had any personal items taken at a hotel. I would not recommend this hotel. The front desk did not answer their phone all weekend. I ..."
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"We loved our stay here! Will definitely stay here again"
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"The Little Palm restaurant is fabulous and has a great vibe!"
Reviewed on 5 June 2026
The Charleston Place
"This Place checked all the boxes; excellent service, great food, location, amenities and most comfortable beds & bedding ever. This is the finest hotel in South Carolina, not to mention their secret connection with sister property The Cooper! This is my home away from home in Charleston!"
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
The Vendue
"Our hotel room was beautiful. did not know we had to climb stairs to get to it but that was not a super big deal. We did have air conditioning issues. AC was freezing up by morning. We like our room cold and by morning the temp would be 75 from 70. The staff helped and gave us reasonable explanation ..."
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
Hotel Bennett
"Absolutely loved this stay in downtown Charleston. Perfect location to restaurants and shopping. The afternoon tea at Camelia’s and the rooftop pool really sets this 5 star property apart from the others. 10 out of 10 stay."
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
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 Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
