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 top-notch restaurants.
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.
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 Ryder Hotel
Everything was great, very nice and comfortable room. Great amenities, and friendly team. Would definitiley stay again, but we would ask for a room with a better view. The room was cave like because we face a wall and overlooked the driveway to the parking.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Everything good
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Emeline
The beds are beyond comfortable after a long day of exploring. The restaurant is delicious anytime of day and the service is friendly no matter the request. This is our second time staying here while on vacation and its a fast favorite for us.
Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026
Planters Inn
Perfect all around
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026
HarbourView Inn
The room was spotless. The staff very pleasant. The Harbour View Inn is very quaint and in a great location.
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
The Charleston Place
Absolutely stunning! We were greeted by name every where we went. Complete white glove service from valet to check in. We received a free upgrade to their new King reimagined room and wow! One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in.
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
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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.
