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.
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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
USS Yorktown Ghost Tour with Exclusive Night-Time Access
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
Hotel Emeline was a 5-star experience. Existing pictures and reviews don't do this place enough justice!!! We were on a girls' trip (4 girls in their early 40's from all over the US) and we would stay back here in a heartbeat if returning to Charleston in the future. The hotel has such a welcoming ...
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Friendly staff, amenities, location
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion is a lovely old nostalgic hotel. The location is fantastic. I would suggest upgrading to a bigger room. The rooms seem to be a worn. I think back in the day it was probably a very luxurious hotel. I think the bathrooms could be updated. I think most of the Queen bed rooms were ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Awesome
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
The Vendue
Great place to stay, well located in the historic district! Great customer service. Easy check in and check out! Highly recommended!!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Yrs
Reviewed on 10 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 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.
