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.
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.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
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.
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.
Things to do
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Charleston: Boone Hall Plantation Entry & Tour w/ Transport
Charleston Tour: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Emeline
We love this hotel for its central location, rooms, staff and restaurants!
Reviewed on 25 Mar, 2026
The Ryder Hotel
They overbooked our rooms so half of our party had to go to another hotel .4 miles away which was REALLY disappointing since we all live in different states and wanted to spend time together and not have to walk back and forth. The gym also was .4 miles away and had to pay a resort fee. Who wants ...
Reviewed on 24 Mar, 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Overall good experience with hotel. Friendly and helpful staff.
Reviewed on 24 Mar, 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Great staff. Our plane was delayed by 5hrs and we arrived at the hotel at 1am. They couldn’t have been nicer and upgraded us at no charge to a suite. The hotel is perfectly located for walking around the Downtown and the restaurant had great food and great service.
Reviewed on 24 Mar, 2026
The Vendue
Very attentive staff
Reviewed on 24 Mar, 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great location. Staff was outstanding! Will definitely stay there again
Reviewed on 23 Mar, 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 The Riviera Theater.
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.
