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
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
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
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
We have stayed at Emeline multiple times throughout the years. Our first few stays after the opening were wonderful, the last few ones have been hit or miss. We didn't have a big issue this time but have been disappointed by the quality of the service and the cleanliness, or lack of. We booked a ...
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
The Ryder Hotel
We were the oldest folks there! It definitely has a young vibe, but we loved it!
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Loved the ambiance, nice and classical, and breakfast was great too!
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
The rooms could use a makeover… everything is
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
The Vendue
Very welcoming staff, beautiful artwork, awesome location!
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Just lovely!
Reviewed on 18 Mar 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 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.
