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.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
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.
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.
Things to do
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: See it All City Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Staff was wonderful. Hotel is in a great location.
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
The only good thing about the place was the cleaning service. Check in was terrible and frustrating. Location was awful the hotel behind it is abonden. The area it’s in is so sketchy you cannot walk to any bars. The breakfast yuck. So disappointing
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Emeline
Great hotel. Lovely accommodations. Fantastic location. Excellent customer service.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
This hotel is beautiful!! The rooms were very clean and comfortable. Loved the central location of the hotel to be able to walk to just about everything we wanted to see and do. Loved sipping cocktails outside by the fire place.
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
The Vendue
Room was exquisite. The staff was so friendly and attentive. I will be back. Highly recommend The Vendue
Reviewed on 22 Feb 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 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.
