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
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
Room cleaning, stuff great, service is great. Very convenient
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Breakfast menu was fine but the bakery items, croissants in particular, could be much better. Room clean, comfortable and stylish. Staff helpful and friendly. Welcome drink a nice touch. Bar inside and out was attractive and comfortable. The cushions another pool need to be recovered. I do not think ...
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Overall, people were friendly and professional. Location is a great plus. However, the room, especially the restroom and furniture needs to be upgraded. this would have a higher rating if the restroom was in better condition. Everything was fairly clean just very outdated.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Enjoyed 4 nights at The Francis Marion Hotel. Great location, walkable to all downtown attractions and restaurants. The Swamp Fox had a great menu, and it was nice to have a Starbucks on site. Staff was attentive and helpful. We we’re in town for the Cooper River Bridge run. Would definitely stay ...
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
The Vendue
Clean and comfortable. Staff was very nice.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great location in the Historic French Quarter. Rooms good size, nice to have a balcony. Only complaint is there was no mini fridge and the shampoo/conditioner dispenser made the shower feel crowded. It should be on the opposite end of shower head. Great happy hour, check your bill to make sure you’re ...
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026
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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.
