Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
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.
Charleston Music Hall
Enjoy a performance at Charleston Music Hall, a popular theatre in Charleston. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.
Activities
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Ferry Round Trip between Waterfront Park and Daniel Island
Charleston: City Bus Tour Ticket with Live Commentary
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
USS Yorktown Ghost Tour with Exclusive Night-Time Access
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
Extremely clean, nice accommodating staff, great amenities
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
The Francis Marion Hotel
The staff (check-in and conceirge) were friendly and very helpful.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
The Ryder Hotel
Charming decor and the staff were nice and responsive. The room could have been cleaner when we checked in but the staff took care of it right away.
Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
My stay at the hotel was overall satisfactory. The room was clean, and the hotel’s cleanliness and accommodations met expectations. My only complaints are that they need more bell carts—I spent 35 minutes walking around the two hotel properties looking for one—and the pool was very cold. Please purchase ...
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
The Vendue
Incredible hotel. Our third staying here. Perfect location and the staff is awesome!!
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
The Palmetto Hotel
Our room was lovely and I am so grateful to the staff who left champagne for my daughter's 26th birthday. Everyone was absolutely wonderful and we enjoyed our stay very much.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 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 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.
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 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.
