Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.

Charleston City Market consists of three blocks of open-air sheds and a 19th-century hall with stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs and many other items. The historic complex has a Greek-revival design with an imposing yellow-and-red façade. The rest of the vast market is spread out in numerous shops. Chat with local vendors about the spices, works of art and handicrafts on display along these blocks.

Stand across the street from the main complex and admire its outstanding architecture. Twin green staircases run from the lower red level to the upper yellow part of the building. Capture photos of the Greek-inspired portico with four imposing Doric columns supporting an elegant pediment.

Watch people going by to get a sense of the local culture and lively atmosphere. Relax with snacks and refreshments at an elegant café or purchase food from the market for your own picnic on a grassy plaza nearby.

Inspect the sweetgrass baskets, which were originally deployed in the harvesting of rice on plantations. Chat with more than a dozen vendors who sell these carefully handcrafted items. Purchase some of these special creations as works of art or souvenirs.

The main market structure, the Great Hall, was designed in 1841 by architect Edward B. White to replace a previous version that burned down. A major 2011 renovation provided updated facilities and air conditioning for the Great Hall. For a small fee, visit the Confederate Museum to see the cannons, war memorabilia and photo displays. View old clothes, letters and household items from the period of the American Civil War.

Note that the market, which is free to enter, opens daily from morning to late afternoon. A night market runs from late afternoon to late evening on Fridays and Saturdays from March through December.

The Charleston City Market is in the downtown area of the city. Ride a bus to one of the many stops that surround the complex. Visit some of the nearby attractions, such as Waterfront Park, the Charleston Crafts Co-Op and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. Pay for a few hours of street parking near the market.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Charleston City Market

Reviews of Charleston City Market

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1442
" "5 - Excellent 48.29202947086403%
4 - Good
1253
" "4 - Good 41.96249162759545%
3 - Okay
264
" "3 - Okay 8.84125920964501%
2 - Disappointing
22
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7367716008037508%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 0.16744809109176156%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Mar 25, 2020

Over rated in my opinion.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 22, 2019

This is a great area but it closes so early that we weren’t able to enjoy it. So if you want to enjoy what they have to offer go during the day or early evening.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 12, 2019

A wonderfully laid out market, super clean and tidy. Best visited when a cruise ship is not in town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 10, 2019

Fun with a wide variety of vendors. Music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Sep 23, 2019

Very touristy but worth a walk through

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 22, 2019

Fun, artistic market with lots of things to eat and buy!

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