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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great old hotel in the heart of the city. Lots of shopping and restaurants. Valet parking was very handy and Uber was never more than 2 minutes from us. The staff were great and the Swamp Fox restaurant had delicious food and a wonderful server named Sylvie.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Emeline
Beautiful spot with tons of unique details
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Planters Inn
Hotel very charming. Dinner was spectacular both in terms of menu, service and ambiance. Highly recommend
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Very cozy-eclectic vibe - bar, pool, pool huts were great and our room was large, comfortable and cozy.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Very cleean and nice going through renovations so ask for a room that’s already renovated
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
The Vendue
They booked us not in the main hotel but across the street so we had to change and of course there was a $49/night up charge and then $49 a night for the valet to park the car which we never moved for three days, so the charges were kind of not fun to be confronted as you you first arrive. The decor ...
Reviewed on 14 Jan 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.
