South Carolina’s largest city, Charleston is a portal back in time with its antebellum architecture, horse-drawn carriages and storied Southern hospitality. It played a key role in American history, with the first shots of the Civil War fired at Fort Sumter. There are also several islands off the coast of this port city, which are home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the United States.
Home to over 2,800 historical buildings across eight distinctive architectural styles, Charleston is an open-air museum for architecture lovers. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets of downtown’s French Quarter, where you can admire the pastel-painted houses of Rainbow Row and the Greek Revival facade of Charleston City Market. At the tip of the peninsula lies The Battery – a defensive seawall and promenade lined with ornate mansions.
From sprawling plantations to manicured parks, Charleston is dotted with several pockets of green where you can unwind on a lazy afternoon. Take in the Pineapple Fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, where you can enjoy sunset views over the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. For a glimpse of old world charm amidst tranquil nature, you can head to plantations like Middleton Place – home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens – and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, overflowing with gorgeous blooms. Elsewhere, the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is well worth a visit simply for its kilometre-long avenue of moss-draped oaks that served as the spectacular setting for iconic Hollywood movies and celebrity weddings.
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Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | US$10 = £7.97 |
Language | |
Average weekend price | £139 per night |
Average weekday price | £144 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
We enjoyed our trip to Charleston.
29 April 2024
We enjoyed our trip to Charleston. We did a 2 hour walking tour through the city and it was very interesting. Our tour guide, Fran, with Bulldog Tours was very knowledgeable and passionate about the city. Loved seeing The Battery and all of the beautiful historic homes. These homes have the most beautiful window boxes filled with flowers. We also did a harbor cruise with Harbour Tours which was very informative. We got right up to the USS Yorktown. There is an abundance of restaurants and bars to choose from. We went to Rue de Jean and Coast Bar and Grill. Both were located in Hutson's Alley. Good food and reasonable prices. If you love to shop you have to go to King Street. There were many boutiques and high-end shops. Lots of places to eat or stop for a drink or coffee. Charleston is a very walkable city, and we definitely got our miles in! Now that I am more familiar with certain parts of the city I would try other small hotels on our next visit.
Charleston is always a delightful visit.
26 April 2024
Charleston is always a delightful visit. The hotel was close to the venue for a wedding (Charlestown Landing at the Legare Waring House). Charlestown Landing, with the gorgeous azaleas and other flowers in full bloom, was breathtaking and the perfect setting for the outdoor wedding under the ancient live oaks that epitomize quintessential Charleston. The hotel was conveniently located to various restaurants (Boxcar Betty's did run out of chicken Friday evening so go early!) in the area and was very easy to maneuver with GPS. Stella's is a great restaurant featuring Greek cuisine and you're hard pressed to find better, fresher oysters (and other delicious fare) than at the Darling Oyster Bar.
It’s a beautiful historic city.
25 April 2024
It’s a beautiful historic city. If you are downtown there is a free bus and it is easy to walk to many sites. We had a wonderful dinner to celebrate a special birthday at Halls Chop House, expensive but worth it. Also had a delightful lunch at Magnolia. Everything was crowded and expensive. Reservations at popular places are a must even on weekdays in April!
Plan on doing some walking.
24 April 2024
Plan on doing some walking. We enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage tour - an hour long, $50, well worth it, and a great tour guide. Shopping at the Marketplace is a must, 3 blocks of warehouse buildings full of unusual items. The Waterfront is a beautiful walk, as is Rainbow Row (a collection of pastel colored homes). We had Lunch at Magnolia's at the bar, which was Outstanding. We spent our first afternoon at Boone Plantation - HIGHLY Recommended! Beautiful gardens, "Entrance of Oaks", a Cafe' on site, and a Tractor tour of the property, all wonderful. If you can only do 1 plantation, this one is CLOSE, 20 minutes from downtown, and beautiful.
Charleston is an awesome walking city.
10 April 2024
Charleston is an awesome walking city. So much history. Definitely take a walking tour, as soon as you arrive. A great way to learn the lay of the land and what Charleston is all about. Restaurants are way above most cities. You can tell the chefs take great pride. We enjoyed "Southbound Restaurant!" Every bite was incredible with different taste that we could not pinpoint but enjoyed immensely! Make reservations well in advance, as the weekends are full. Great city for couples and girls weekend. Lots and lots of shopping! Fun City!
This was my third time in Charleston.
7 April 2024
This was my third time in Charleston. I really love this city! We went to the South Carolina aquarium again and had a fabulous time. We also went out to Fort Sumter, which was an amazing trip. However, it was very windy that day. We also went out to Boone Hall plantation, and that was very informative and very interesting as well. Shem Creek and Sullivans Island were also wonderful.
North Charleston, Charleston
From £380 per night
Downtown Charleston, Charleston
From £542 per night
Downtown Charleston, Charleston
From £370 per night
North Charleston, Charleston
From £265 per night