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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
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.
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 Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
The Francis Marion Hotel
I loved my stay here. Joey at the front concierge desk was so helpful, especially as I had a few bags with me. He also provided me with great advice on local restaurants. My room was amazing and I had a view of the park!
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
The hotel is in need of some uplifts - the paint is chipped in the rooms, the carpet is shabby, there were some marks on the wall behind the toilet, etc. The breakfast was great - the evening receptions was great, the staff we met were great but the property is a bit off.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Emeline
Lovely hotel and location
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
The Charleston Place
Great hotel. Second time here. My only regret, is that I didn’t know they were remodeling, and the pool was closed.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
The Ryder Hotel
I almost don’t want to share this hidden gem. Even though this hotel is small, it has everything you need for a great stay at affordable price. Our room was clean and spacious. Our shower broke and they immediately replaced a new shower head. Beautiful courtyard where my husband watched a game while ...
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
We picked a city view delux room but were given a view of the parking lot and trash cans. The trash trucks came to empty the bins every morning around 5am, waking us all up. I was not happy.
Reviewed on 25 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 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.
