Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Charleston
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
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.
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 churches or amble around its beautiful beaches.
Things to do
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Folly Beach: Morning Dolphin Boat Trip to Morris Island
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: City Bus Tour Ticket with Live Commentary
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
Nice location, close to downtown but still quiet. Our room was clean, and the bed was comfortable. Would definitely stay here again.
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025
The Francis Marion Hotel
Stay was great! Great location and walkable area
Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025
Emeline
Great experience
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025
The Charleston Place
Excellent service
Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025
The Vendue
Clean room, friendly staff, free champaign
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Room was fine. Staff was nice. Valet was excellent. Breakfast food not good. Egg& cheese not warm, not good . Turkey bacon not good. Scrambled eggs were good but needed to be hotter. Coffee was good. Enjoyed the fire pit.
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Charleston
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 Port of Charleston and Music Farm.
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.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
Charleston Historic District
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Port of Charleston to Charleston City Market – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Ansonborough
If you're spending some time in Ansonborough, Port of Charleston and South Carolina Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.
