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.
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 top-notch restaurants.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great location. Beautiful, clean, spacious room. Charming and comfortable lobby. We will be back.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Nice staff, great location, but the room could have been cleaner.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Emeline
Lovely hotel in a great location. Friendly, helpful staff and lots of thoughtful touches.
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026
Planters Inn
I am docking one star because I arrived early and was told I had to wait until my room was ready (which is fine) but after a couple of hours I heard the front desk checking someone else in and upgrading them to a room that was ready. They did not offer me the same curtesy.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
The Vendue
The room was clean and we'll appointed. The bathroom was incredibly spacious. Staff was nothing but friendly and helpful. The breakfast bag and sweets in the evening are lovely. The complementary bottle of wine was welcome too!
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Hotel Bennett
We will be back. Staff is amazing!
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
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 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.
