Things to do in Charleston

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A large suspension bridge with tall towers and cables, spanning a body of water with a grassy shoreline in the foreground.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a stop sign, and a tree.
A tree-lined path in a park with moss-covered trees and a paved walkway.
A Confederate statue in a park with trees and a circular stone base.
A pathway under a large tree with moss-covered branches and a sign pointing to Legare/Warring House.

Things to do

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

￥7,844
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

￥8,472
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry

￥6,746
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Fort Sumter Access with Roundtrip Ferry
Downtown Charleston Food Tour

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

￥17,257
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Picture 7 for Activity Charleston: 1-Hour Carriage Tour of the Historic District

Charleston: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

￥7,844
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Charleston: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Charleston Iconic Sunset Sail - Lux Catamaran w/Bar & Bathrooms

Charleston Iconic Sunset Sail - Lux Catamaran w/Bar & Bathrooms

￥10,040
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Charleston Iconic Sunset Sail - Lux Catamaran w/Bar & Bathrooms
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket

￥5,726
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
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Charleston must see attractions

1. Charleston City Market

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.
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The Charleston City Market with a sign indicating it was established in 1807.

2. College of Charleston

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.
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A historic building with green shutters, a central archway, and mature trees in the foreground.

3. Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park reflects the character and history of the city’s architecture and gardens. At the southernmost point of the eight-acre (three-hectare) park, a wooden pier juts out over the Charleston Harbor.
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A tiered water fountain with a palm-like top, surrounded by well-manicured hedges and trees.

4. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium houses some 6,000 plants and animals. The 60 exhibits cover five major geographical areas in South Carolina. See ocean-dwelling marine life and water-based creatures that live in the mountains. There’s also the Madagascar Journey, where you’ll learn about this island’s species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world.
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A modern glass building with a unique geometric design, surrounded by trees and a paved plaza.

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.
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A calm lake surrounded by trees with Spanish moss, reflecting the sky and trees.

6. Marion Square

Visit Charleston’s seasonal farmers market or enjoy a picnic on the lawn of Marion Square, a picturesque spot for Charleston locals and visitors to this historic city. Surrounded by prestigious buildings, the park holds centuries of interesting history.
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A park with a church and a tall building in the background.

What to do in Charleston

Stay near popular Charleston attractions

The Charleston City Market with a sign indicating it was established in 1807.
Photo by Shelby Lehor
Open Photo by Shelby Lehor

Charleston City Market

8.8/10 (11,111 reviews)
Dating back to the 1700s, the Charleston City Market showcases local culture through artisan crafts and famous sweetgrass baskets. Browse vendors in historic open-air sheds while savoring Lowcountry cuisine aromas.
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Where to stay in Charleston

Find the best Charleston areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Charleston
Learn more about Charleston
A historic building with a clock tower, palm trees, and a street with cars and pedestrians.

Downtown Charleston

Travelers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

A row of colorful historic buildings with shutters, under a partly cloudy sky.

French Quarter

Travelers to French Quarter praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Dock Street Theater and Charleston City Market.

A beachfront with a row of historic buildings and palm trees.

South of Broad

If you're spending some time in South of Broad, Calhoun Mansion and Rainbow Row are top sights worth seeing.

A large brick building with a red roof, a pond in the foreground, and trees with Spanish moss.

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 Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

A tiered water fountain surrounded by manicured hedges and palm trees.

Charleston Historic District

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Charleston Historic District. Make a stop by Charleston City Market or Shops at Charleston Place while you're exploring the area.

Popular day trips from Charleston

A nighttime illuminated fountain with a pineapple-like top, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.

Summerville

A pier extending into the ocean with a sunset in the background.

Folly Beach

A large suspension bridge over a body of water with a cloudy sky in the background.

Mount Pleasant

A nighttime illuminated fountain with a pineapple-like top, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.

North Charleston

A calm lake with several trees standing in the water.

Goose Creek

A coastal wetland with grassy areas, dense shrubs, and a clear blue sky.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is visit South Carolina Aquarium. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's golfing and culture.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
Begin your day with a visit to Patriots Point and South Carolina Aquarium. Then, explore other areas of Charleston for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
You can't go home without exploring South Carolina Aquarium, ranked the top tourist attraction in Charleston.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days in Charleston is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. South Carolina Aquarium, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as North Charleston.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Charleston. Several top sights, like South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Charleston's best neighborhoods, Downtown Charleston is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Charleston Historic District is 0.32 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Charleston with kids.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Charleston, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Firefly Distillery or Credit One Stadium.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Sunrise Park Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.