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.
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.
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
Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
Great
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
The Ryder Hotel
The staff was so accommodating. They brought up a box fan and rollaway bed which they set up and fixed for us. Pool area was fun, coffee shop was good.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
A lovely, well positioned hotel, with all the old world Southern charm you expect from an old established hotel. The rooms are spacious, quiet and comfortable. The spa and restaurant are top notch and the staff very helpful. If you are staying in Charleston this is the place to stay at.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Needed renovation. Most everything was in poor condition.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
The Vendue
Everyone is fantastic! Charleston is one of our favorite places and everyone at The Vendue couldn’t be nicer and treat us so special! We thank you for a wonderful and memorable weekend! We’ll be back!
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
We paid about 600.00 per night for the "city view" and our view was the back of the property, complete with 5 open dumpsters and a parking garage. Otherwise, the stay was really nice and the location is great.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
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 The Riviera Theater.
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.
