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 lively bars.
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.
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
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Charleston: Boone Hall Plantation Entry & Tour w/ Transport
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
Worn out, sagging mattress. Dirty bathroom Narrow, noisy hallways. Paper thin walls and doors that slam. I won’t stay here again.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
The Ryder Hotel
The hotel was great but on the weekend the pool was packed and people left towels on chairs that were not being used. It wasn’t clear if all those people were even staying at the hotel. It would have been nice to enjoy the pool more. The place was clean and the location was excellent. The staff was ...
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
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Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Loved everything about this place! Great location, clean, and friendly staff
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
The Vendue
Central location. Staff phenomenal. Great restaurant and pleasant rooftop restaurant/bar. Service was super slow on the Rooftop both times, it helped that the weather was good. Artwork throughout the property made it unique. Who else serves milk and cookies at 9:00 each night? I would definitely ...
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great location. Staff was outstanding! Will definitely stay there again
Reviewed on 23 Mar 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 The Riviera Theater.
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.
