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.
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.
The Citadel
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of The Citadel during your travels in Charleston. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its beautiful beaches.
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
Fantastic location and the hotel had a wonderful old fashioned atmosphere. Staff from bell hop to valet to front desk were amazingly helpful.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Hotel was clean & staff friendly. Great coffee shop and location was perfect to walk everywhere.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Emeline
Beautiful spot with tons of unique details
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
We arrived at midnight (January 9-10). The front desk was most helpful. Throughout our short stay, I have to stay every staff member we encountered was so pleasant and helpful. The breakfast variety was a nice touch as well. This is surely a hotel I would return to for a quick get away!
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
The Charleston Place
The staff are very professional, courteous and super keen to assist in any way possible. The room was clean and comfortable. Loved the central location.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Hotel Bennett
We will be back. Staff is amazing!
Reviewed on 10 Jan 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.
