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.
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.
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.
The Citadel
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of The Citadel during your travels in Charleston. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its beautiful beaches.
Activities
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
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
"Great experience"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"Did not appreciate the hidden costs such as an amenities charge that I was not aware of when booking the reservation. Also, the charge of $58 a day to park your car is a bit too steep"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"Location was great / the hotel was reminiscent of the era it was built - beautiful"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
The Vendue
"It was a unique hotel. Quirky and very art-centric. The staff was wonderful and made every effort to help guests."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
The Charleston Place
"Staff was incredibly professional, there was nothing about the place that wasn’t great"
Reviewed on 23 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
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.
