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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Emeline
Beautiful hotel in great location.
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
The Francis Marion Hotel
Staff courteous. Rooms ready. Elliott delivered our meals. He was nice
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Planters Inn
We just mentioned to the Belman that we were there for our 40th anniversary didn’t tell anyone else they had a big slice of cake some sparkling wine in our room waiting when we got there that fast it was so nice.
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Lovely staff and good breakfast
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
The Ryder Hotel
Great design
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was absolutely beautiful just like the hotel itself! The holiday decorations made me feel very festive!
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
Check Downtown Charleston hotel availability
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.
