Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Charleston
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 top-notch restaurants.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
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.
Things to do
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Emeline
Room was exceptionally small. Poor privacy-we could hear the guests in the room next to us. No hot water in the shower-guess if you like waking up with frigid water then you’re in luck! The only friendly people were our waiter and barista. Front desk person was very rude and the hostess at the restaurant ...
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Wonderful hotel, beautiful room, great balcony, nice pool, and accommodating staff I would definitely return
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great location. The food and drinks at the Swamp Fox were excellent!!! Our bartender Kash was awesome !!!
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
The Vendue
Complimentary breakfast & evening snacks
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Hotel Bennett
Fantastic hotel. Luxury to the max. Clean. Friendly staff. Good location to be walking distance to most old town things.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
We paid about 600.00 per night for the "city view" and our view was the back of the property, complete with 5 open dumpsters and a parking garage. Otherwise, the stay was really nice and the location is great.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 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 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.
