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.
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.
The Citadel
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of The Citadel during your travels in Charleston. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its beautiful beaches.
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
Emeline
The restaurant in the hotel was outstanding. The food and the service were excellent. The room was ok. The shower was terrible. At one point it lost complete water pressure by itself. The water temperature went from extremely hot to ice cold by itself. It’s a shame because we loved the hotel but ...
Reviewed on 6 Jan, 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Server Sylvie was amazing. Breakfast was good, Sylvie was great. Dinner just okay, but pricey. One of our dinner servers was good, but the other was rude. She called everyone Babydoll and couldn’t stop talking about how much one of us ate. She “couldn’t believe it” that we ate almost half of our ...
Reviewed on 7 Jan, 2026
Planters Inn
Great staff, quiet and comfortable room, great bathroom, convenient location to dining, shopping and museums. Excellent breakfast.
Reviewed on 8 Jan, 2026
Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District
Clean room, staff were friendly, and great breakfast offerings!
Reviewed on 5 Jan, 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Very cozy-eclectic vibe - bar, pool, pool huts were great and our room was large, comfortable and cozy.
Reviewed on 5 Jan, 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great location and decor. Staff was friendly and everyone was helpful. The rooms clean and comfortable.
Reviewed on 4 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 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.
