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.
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.
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.
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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
The Ryder Hotel
Absolutely loved it here, just booked again
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Staff 5 stars
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Emeline
Staff was kind and attentive. The room and overall feel of the hotel was the star of the show. It’s hard to pull off feeling quaint and hospitable, but this place has it in spades. Bonus points for the Nespresso, fresh fruit, and water made available for each floor. Highly recommended!
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
HarbourView Inn
The room was spotless. The staff very pleasant. The Harbour View Inn is very quaint and in a great location.
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
Great
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
The Vendue
Fantastic hotel. Love the Enclave which is part of hotel across from main.
Reviewed on 10 Feb 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 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.
