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.
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.
Charleston Music Hall
Enjoy a performance at Charleston Music Hall, a popular theatre in Charleston. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the churches in the area.
Things to do
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Emeline
"This is an older hotel, however it is very well maintained and the rooms and baths are modern. It has a charming atmosphere and a beautiful court yard area with lots of seating. Each floor had a station with a coffee maker, ice, fresh fruit and bottled water for your convenience. The hotel is also ..."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"We arrived on a sat excited to sit by the pool and have a drink. We were quickly told by the hostess that we couldn’t sit in the open table areas without a reservation. It was near the fireplace and no one was sitting there. She was little help and was very rude. Poor first impression. We then continued ..."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"Area"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
The Charleston Place
"We had a wonderful stay at Charleston Place. The location is excellent, the rooms were spacious and clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful throughout our visit. We would gladly stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
The Vendue
"Great location, very good amenities."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
"Great location. Clean spacious room. Great brreakfast."
Reviewed on 25 May 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.
