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.
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.
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.
The Citadel
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of The Citadel during your travels in Charleston. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its beautiful beaches.
Activities
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
We stayed five nights at Emilie. The room we originally booked was really small. There was no way I could stay there five nights. We asked the front desk if they could upgrade our room or give us a bigger room and they did so. That made a world of difference in our stay. It’s a really pretty hotel ...
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Staff was amazing!! Everyone was so pleasant and friendly. The hotel was beautiful.
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
Planters Inn
We have been wanting to stay at the planters inn for years. It’s a great location and a wonderful inn. We stayed in the Governors suite which was very lovely. It was very quiet and cozy and we are looking forward to returning.
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Very cozy-eclectic vibe - bar, pool, pool huts were great and our room was large, comfortable and cozy.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Clean room, staff were friendly, and great breakfast offerings!
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was absolutely beautiful just like the hotel itself! The holiday decorations made me feel very festive!
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
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 Colonial Lake.
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.
