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.
Rainbow Row
Find out about the history of Charleston with a stop at Rainbow Row. Make time for the stunning cathedral and local tours in this walkable area.
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
Emeline
King suite comfortable and spacious
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Beautiful boutique hotel, such a great vibe! Excellent location with walking distance to all the shops and restaurants & waterfront. Staff is super nice and helpful! Especially loved the bar atmosphere and the amazing bartenders, phenomenal drinks! Rooms were clean and updated, nice retro look. We ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great location. Historic hotel. Nice rooms.
Reviewed on 2 May 2026
The Charleston Place
Excellent!!
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
The Vendue
The location is great. There is a horrible smell in the lobby and in our room. The smell was overwhelmingly horrible and you notice it as soon as you walk in the lobby.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Excellent restaurant “Iron Rose” on site and valet parking is very good.
Reviewed on 3 May 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 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.
