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
"Perfect location, thoughtful styling and decor, and a very lively bar / restaurant"
Reviewed on 5 June 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"I always enjoy staying at the Francis Marion Hotel. The location is ideal for shopping and seeing Charleston."
Reviewed on 5 June 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"The Little Palm restaurant is fabulous and has a great vibe!"
Reviewed on 5 June 2026
The Charleston Place
"Everything about this hotel is amazing"
Reviewed on 6 June 2026
The Vendue
"Service was outstanding, hotel was well appointed and a great location. Also, very thoughtful extras such as breakfast bags, coffee in lobby, umbrellas and water bottles, etc. Only semi-negative... plastic glasses at the roof top bar and bartender did a "dirty dump" (used ice from shaker in your ..."
Reviewed on 6 June 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston DWTN - Medical CTR by IHG
"We love the Best Western in Bandara! Fun decor, clean, and the staff is great!"
Reviewed on 6 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.
