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.
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.
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.
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 Francis Marion Hotel
"From start to finish, our experience was delightful. Check-in was smooth, the front desk staff was hospitable, and we were able to get into our room right away. The lobby is epically beautiful and the amenities are easy to locate. Our room was spacious, albeit the fixtures are a tad outdated. The ..."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
Emeline
"Definitely use the Valet because parking is a nightmare in downtown Charleston. Make sure when you book your stay to call the restaurant to make reservations as they get filled up quite quickly. Minutes away from the open air market. Beds are very comfortable."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"Strange and confusing layout. Shower didn’t work well, pool was not super clean and overall found it to be overpriced for what you get."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
The Charleston Place
"The absolute best hotel experience my wife and I had in a long time! Everything was designed and maintained at the highest level! We couldn't be more happy with our room and the pool."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
The Vendue
"Worth the price. Champagne with the room which had its own fireplace. Nicest thing was we didn’t make it to the continental breakfast but someone still put a little box together of food and left it by our door. Crazy thoughtful. Great location too."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
Hotel Bennett
"It’s a beautiful hotel worth visiting when you’re in Charleston"
Reviewed on 20 June 2026
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
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.
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.
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.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
