Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
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 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
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
The Ryder Hotel
"Beautiful place. Close to everything!"
Reviewed on 18 June 2026
Emeline
"Had a water leak in our room floor near table was wet smelled a bit musty. Wanted a late night snacker and nothing realistic and no sweet tea!"
Reviewed on 19 June 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"We got to the property a little early and they more than accommodating. Since our room was ready they let us in early. We had a clogged sink and they were quick to address it. Perfect location."
Reviewed on 19 June 2026
The Charleston Place
"Everything was fine"
Reviewed on 15 June 2026
The Vendue
"You enter into an art gallery with lots of paintings, sculptures and more to look at and engage with. A very nice fine dining restaurant and a great rooftop bar/cafe. Excellent service and can walk to almost anywhere you'd want to go."
Reviewed on 19 June 2026
Hotel Bennett
"Best hotel experience I've ever had"
Reviewed on 18 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.
