Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
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.
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.
Rainbow Row
Find out about the history of Charleston with a stop at Rainbow Row. Make time for the stunning cathedral and local tours in this walkable area.
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
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
"So many options for places to stay in Charleston & very glad we chose The Emeline! Great boutique hotel - upscale, safe, clean, quiet, well maintained, nice amenities. Centrally located - easy walk to City Market, the waterfront & the shopping district. Will definitely stay here again."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"The hotel itself had a great aesthetic, a beautiful pool area, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately, the actual room experience was very disappointing. The room was extremely small for my husband, daughter, and myself. The space felt very cramped, including the bathroom, and it ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"I love this hotel. It’s in a great location and is historic and one of a kind."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Vendue
"Great location and friendly staff"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
The Charleston Place
"There were so many highlights with our stay. We were upgraded to a room with a balcony, which we found delightful. Our room was newly renovated and beautiful. Very comfortable bed and immaculately clean bathroom. Housekeeping was exceptional. Breakfast in the Palmetto Room was an outstanding start ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Hotel Bennett
"Hotel Bennett is unbelievable. It had been awhile since we had stayed here and I thought things might show some wear. I was wrong. Everything was fresh and absolutely awesome. Every staff member was friendly and helpful. When you stay at a luxury hotel, you expect this kind of environment. You rarely ..."
Reviewed on 23 May 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.
