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
Emeline
Room was exceptionally small. Poor privacy-we could hear the guests in the room next to us. No hot water in the shower-guess if you like waking up with frigid water then you’re in luck! The only friendly people were our waiter and barista. Front desk person was very rude and the hostess at the restaurant ...
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Ideal location for walking to points of interest around Charleston. Most importantly accommodations were very clean, room was spacious and staff helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a reasonably priced hotel in Charleston especially if they don’t have a car.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
The lobby in this historic hotel is very pretty. Also, great location! We did like our room. However, the bathroom was tiny!
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
The Vendue
Great location! They exceeded our expectations.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Hotel Bennett
Fantastic hotel. Luxury to the max. Clean. Friendly staff. Good location to be walking distance to most old town things.
Reviewed on 18 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
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.
