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.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
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.
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.
Rainbow Row
Find out about the history of Charleston with a stop at Rainbow Row. Make time for the churches 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
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
"Never had the room serviced, had to call house keeping to receive fresh towels. Also had a lamp missing its chandelier."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"Pros: convenient location, beautiful historic hotel Cons: small elevators, odor from cleaning grease traps, big cockroach in room"
Reviewed on 11 June 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"I love staying at the Ryder Hotel. I travel a lot for work and it’s the perfect place to stay. Close walking distance to anything. They have a cute coffee shop in the hotel as well as a restaurant. The pool is always nice too! Highly recommend this hotel"
Reviewed on 11 June 2026
The Charleston Place
"Great stay!"
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
The Vendue
"The hotel and staff were amazing from start to finish. Wine served as soon as we walked in. We were checked in by a personal assistant while seated at a table. Our luggage was removed from the car and taken straight to our room. The room was complimentary upgrade to a premier king. We received a ..."
Reviewed on 12 June 2026
Hotel Bennett
"The room and amenities on property were fantastic; staff was pleasant and helpful. Breakfast had many choices and I especially enjoyed the noon checkout."
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Charleston
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.
West Ashley
West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
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.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
Harleston Village
While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
