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.
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.
Activities
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
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
The Francis Marion Hotel
Good location and nice staff. Breakfast is very good.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Nice staff, great location, but the room could have been cleaner.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Emeline
Clean comfortable room. Helpful staff. Wonderful coffee shop and restaurant/bar.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
HarbourView Inn
Everything about the hotel was a great experience for us. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We especially loved the complimentary experiences. That was a very nice touch. Would definitely go back
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
Planters Inn
Clean room,staff, good balance between historic and modern amenities
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
Great
Reviewed on 26 Jan 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 Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
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.
