Charleston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston

Steeped in history, this Southern town is an ideal spot for walking tours of antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens and fine restaurants. 

Charleston is best explored on a walking tour or in a horse-drawn carriage with your driver telling stories about city landmarks. Learn about military history and the Southern way of life. Sample local foods of shrimp and grits, Lowcountry barbecue, collard greens and sweet pralines.

The American Civil War began here, when the seceding Confederacy fired upon and overtook federal Fort Sumter in the Charleston River. A later Union attack reduced the fort to rubble. Take a ferry to see the historic site, which also contains a complete timeline of U.S. naval activities along the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Across the harbour, walk along The Battery and White Point Garden to gaze at the fort, now a national monument. Reflect on this pivotal moment in U.S. history. Turn around to view pretty antebellum houses surrounded by flowers in this neighbourhood known as South of Broad. The writer Pat Conroy lived here. Many of his popular novels reveal not only Charleston’s geography, but also its cultural nuances.

To the west, the brilliant white Romanesque architecture of The Citadel gleams against a bright blue Charleston sky. Watch military cadets in dress uniforms during weekly parades or competing in weekend football games against other Southern colleges in the fall.

Nearby visit Middleton Place, a 1755 plantation with one of the nation’s earliest landscaped gardens. Something blooms here at any time of year. You might see an alligator sunning itself next to the Ashley River.

To the east, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an impressive modern structure, especially with its triangular arches illuminated at night. Walk, bike or drive across for excellent views of the river and harbour or run across during the Cooper River Bridge 10K Run in early April.

Spring’s Spoleto Festival offers opera, theatre, dance, music and artist talks. Throughout the year, visit the Charleston Historic Market to purchase locally made handicrafts. Famous hand-woven sweetgrass baskets, once used during rice harvesting, are still made by locals and treasured as artworks.

Where to stay in Charleston

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Charleston Historic District

5/5(35 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal to Charleston City Market – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Charleston Historic District
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Downtown Charleston

4/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and Charleston Music Hall.

Downtown Charleston
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West Ashley

West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site or Citadel Mall.

West Ashley
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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.

Cannonborough Elliotborough
Charleston

Harleston Village

While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and Colonial Lake.

Harleston Village
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French Quarter

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal to Dock Street Theater – discover French Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

French Quarter
The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
The price is £153 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
£153
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,783 reviews)
Francis Marion - First class!
"Francis Marion is first class! The room was perfect. The location can’t be beat. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone.we will be returning to The Francis Marion our next Charleston Trip. Oh and the views of Charleston are Beautiful from your room!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Francis Marion Hotel
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
The price is £169 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£169
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,645 reviews)
"Nice place. Nice staff. Good location."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Emeline
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The price is £182 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
£182
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Charleston. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,021 reviews)
"Super cute hotel. Definitely not your cookie cutter big box hotel. Every human I encountered has been coached in hospitality and has bought into the program. I had a great stay."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Ryder Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luxury yacht in downtown Charleston, SC

Luxury yacht in downtown Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC
Stay at this family-friendly houseboat in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
"Delightful experience! Loved hanging on deck. A little dated and only 1 shower. But i would rent it again."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Luxury yacht in downtown Charleston, SC
The Quarters on King

The Quarters on King

3 out of 5
288 King Street, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and concierge services. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (192 reviews)
Great Experience on King Street
"I had a great experience with the Check-in Charleston team and their 2 bedroom unit in Quarters on King. They, particularly Emily, couldn’t have been more prompt, helpful or friendly. The unit itself (202) exceeded my expectations. It has a large open family room/kitchenette space with 10’ or so ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

The Quarters on King
The Iris Charleston

The Iris Charleston

3 out of 5
84 Line St, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (103 reviews)
Our first time in Charleston
"Iris hotel at Charleston was great. I only stayed 1 night with my family. It was clean & have everything. Receptionist Savannah was nice & friendly."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Iris Charleston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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