Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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 lively bars.
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.
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.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Ferry Round Trip between Waterfront Park and Daniel Island
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Our pick of the best Downtown Charleston Hotel Deals
Emeline
Perfect location in historic downtown. Beautifully renovated facility. Friendly staff, clean room and spaces. Loved it!
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Excellent location and such a fun, and cool hotel! We loved our stay there
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great staff and lovely hotel
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Awesome
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
The Vendue
This stay was amazing! Close to food, shops, tours, and entertainment. Also only steps away from the waterfront. Very beautiful decor and great staff! 10/10 would recommend!!!
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Nice size well appointed room and bathroom. Convenient location for Historical section sightseeing. Great restaurant in the Hotel.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 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 Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
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.
