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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Emeline
Room cleaning, stuff great, service is great. Very convenient
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Great our door space
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Stay there for a girls trip and it was just perfect. The building itself is so gorgeous in historic next to a beautiful park with a lot of open grass area where locals spend some time and sun bathe. The hotel offers one breakfast daily snack, snacks, and happy hour which is amazing. The staff were ...
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
We can't wait to stay here again.The staff was very good. Housekeeping was fabulous! I havent had this service in a hotel in so long and this staff superb. The room was cleaned so quickly and I loved the turn down service.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
The Vendue
We were in The Enclave at the Vendue which is across the street from The Vendue. It has a more historic design and decor with exposed brick, and a gas fireplace. The location is perfect as it is in the heart of the French Quarter with access to restaurants, bars, shopping and historic sites. The ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great location. Staff was outstanding! Will definitely stay there again
Reviewed on 23 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 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.
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.
