Downtown Charleston
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.
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.
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.
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
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Drayton Hall Admission Ticket with Interpreter-Guided Tour
Charleston Tour: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
Private 2 Hour Morris Island and River Cruise
Private Charleston Dolphin and Eco Boat Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel
The bar was lively with great drinks.
Reviewed on 19 Jan, 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Hotel was clean & staff friendly. Great coffee shop and location was perfect to walk everywhere.
Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026
Emeline
We were very happy with our stay.
Reviewed on 19 Jan, 2026
HarbourView Inn
Everything about the hotel was a great experience for us. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We especially loved the complimentary experiences. That was a very nice touch. Would definitely go back
Reviewed on 21 Jan, 2026
Planters Inn
The room and hotel is beautiful and perfect location. Factor in $50 a night for parking when evaluating price point. Was frustrated that lukewarm coffee and tea water was served every day in lobby (mentioned it 6 times to the main desk) but it was never addressed.
Reviewed on 19 Jan, 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
Room was cleaned and staff was great
Reviewed on 19 Jan, 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 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.
