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Charleston (South Carolina)

Southern Charm, History and Coastline

Charleston in South Carolina sits along a warm coastline where historic homes line tree-lined streets. The city’s layout shows British colonial influence with wide squares and old brick buildings. Local markets sell fresh seafood like shrimp and oysters, while nearby beaches provide quiet spots for walking or biking. Walking through downtown feels calm, with cafes serving sweet tea alongside shops selling handmade crafts. Charleston balances heritage sites such as Fort Sumter with modern galleries and parks where people gather year-round.

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City in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	8

Read details

5/5

English is universally spoken in Charleston. All services, signage, and tours are available in English, and you’ll have no trouble communicating. Spanish is also spoken in some businesses and by service staff.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Charleston (South Carolina) Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

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Read how our scores work

Strong in historic charm and southern food. Walk cobblestone streets, visit historic homes, enjoy seafood restaurants and relax in waterfront parks.

Place score

7.0

Best at:

Guided tours

Walkable

Spotless

Local cuisine

Architecture

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

❤️ 8

Couples

🛡️ 7

Travel Beginners

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Charleston (South Carolina), United States

🌤️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

🌦️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

⛈️

Aug

🌦️

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

🌦️

Dec

High season:	March - May, Oct.
Shoulder season:	June - Sep., Nov. - Dec.
Crowdedness:	8 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Hurricane season June to November, highest risk August to October, evacuations possible

Spoleto Festival USA, late May to mid June, books out hotels

Downtown streets flood at high tide and in heavy rain, especially in autumn

Don't miss

🛍️ Explore historic Charleston City Market for local crafts
🌈 Stroll the colorful Rainbow Row historic houses
🏰 Visit Fort Sumter National Monument, Civil War landmark
🌊 Relax at Waterfront Park and see Pineapple Fountain
🏛️ Discover history at the International African American Museum
🚴‍♂️ Bike across the scenic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

You've been here?

Why travel to Charleston (South Carolina)?

Charleston is a dream for anyone who loves history, architecture and good food. Wander cobblestone streets lined with antebellum mansions, tour lush gardens and discover stories from the city’s rich and complex past. The city’s culinary scene is legendary, from fresh oysters at a bustling market to upscale Southern cuisine in candlelit dining rooms. With six gorgeous beaches nearby, you can easily swap city strolls for sand and surf. Just be mindful: summers are hot and humid and hurricane season (June–November) can bring storms. The city is generally safe, but as in any popular destination, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and be cautious at night in less busy neighborhoods.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Kiawah Island
A quiet barrier island off Kiawah Beach, where pristine dunes and gentle surf offer a peaceful escape from Charleston's bustle. The resort features wide sandy shores, lush marshlands and calm waters perfect for relaxation and nature walks along the coastline.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Old Slave Mart Museum
2 Middleton Place
3 Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
4 Rainbow Row (South End)
5 The Nathaniel Russell House
6 The Aiken-Rhett House

🎡Places for activities

1 South Carolina Aquarium
2 Boone Hall Plantation
3 Charleston Tea Garden
4 Shem Creek

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Waterfront Park
2 Morris Island Lighthouse
3 Folly Beach
4 Beach Club Villas
5 James Island County Park
6 Ashley River
7 angel oak tree

🛍️Shopping

1 Historic Charleston City Market
2 Charleston Farmers Market
3 LePrince Fine Art Galleries
4 Towne Centre Way

🎈Events

Spoleto Festival USA
Charleston Wine + Food Festival
Charleston Fashion Week
MOJA Arts Festival
Holiday Festival of Lights
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Charleston International Film Festival
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Charleston Jazz Festival
Fourth of July Fireworks at Waterfront Park

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Book popular restaurants early; weekends sell out quickly.
Take a guided walking tour downtown; it covers history, alleys and hidden courtyards well.
Wear breathable clothes in summer; humidity is intense and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Pair Waterfront Park at sunset with a Fort Sumter ferry day for iconic harbor views.

How to travel to Charleston (South Carolina)

Charleston International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown, with taxis, shuttles and rideshares available. Amtrak and Greyhound serve the city and major highways connect Charleston to the Southeast. Ferries and harbor tours depart from the waterfront for local excursions.

Access summary

From Charleston International (CHS): Taxi, rideshare or bus, about 20–40 minutes.
From Atlanta: Drive or bus roughly 5 hours; limited direct flights.
From Savannah: Coastal drive or shuttle services, usually around 2–2.5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Charleston (South Carolina)

Charleston offers everything from luxury hotels in historic mansions to boutique inns and budget-friendly motels. The historic district is the most atmospheric and convenient, but nearby beach areas and Mount Pleasant offer quieter options. Book ahead for festival weekends and spring/fall peak seasons.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Francis Marion Hotel

9.0

The Vendue, Downtown Art Hotel

9.0

Andrew Pinckney Inn

9.3

Planters Inn - Charleston

9.4

Wingate by Wyndham Charleston Coliseum

8.0

The Restoration

9.3

Tides Folly Beach, Charleston's Oceanfront Hotel

8.7

Tru by Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate

9.2

Wyndham Garden Summerville

8.2

Elliott House Inn

8.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Charleston (South Carolina)

The historic district is best explored on foot or by bike – many streets are narrow and lined with beautiful homes and gardens. DASH trolleys (free downtown shuttles) and local buses cover most city routes. Rideshares and taxis are widely available. For beaches or plantations, renting a car is convenient, but parking downtown can be limited and expensive.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+34 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 34% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£74	£200	£551
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£30	£90	£225
🍝 Food per day	£38	£104	£302
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£6	£24

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£17
🍟 Fast food combo	£9.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£14
☕ Cappuccino	£5
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.50
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£14
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£110
🤧 Cold medication	£7
💇 Basic haircut	£15

Safety information overview

General safety

Charleston is generally very safe, especially in tourist areas. Use common sense: keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night and be cautious during hurricane season.

Health & Medical

Medical care is excellent, with hospitals and urgent care clinics available. Summer heat and humidity can be intense — stay hydrated, use sunscreen and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Tap water is safe to drink.

Accessibility

Most main attractions and parks are accessible, but cobblestone streets and historic buildings may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Public transport and many hotels are wheelchair-friendly.

Tap water

Tap water in Charleston is safe and widely available. Public fountains exist in parks and squares, but carrying a refillable bottle is handy, especially in the heat.

Packing recommendations for Charleston (South Carolina)

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

👕

Light, breathable clothing

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Popular districts of Charleston (South Carolina)

Kiawah Island

Wildlife, Beaches and Luxe Retreats

7.4

A quiet barrier island off Kiawah Beach, where pristine dunes and gentle surf offer a peaceful escape from Charleston's bustle. The resort features wide sandy shores, lush marshlands and calm waters perfect for relaxation and nature walks along the coastline.

Highlights:

🚴‍♀️ Cycle along the peaceful island trails through maritime forests
🌅 Watch sunset from the pristine Kiawah Beachwalker Park
⛳ Play a round of golf at the Ocean Course

Nearby recommended places

Asheville

Savannah

Hilton Head Island

Kiawah Island

Myrtle Beach

South Carolina

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Summary:	Cool and mild, occasional cold snaps
Temperature:	7 – 14 °C
Water temp.:	17 °C
Rain:	36 mm (On-and-off light rain)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy

Summary:	Cool and mild, good for walking
Temperature:	9 – 16 °C
Water temp.:	17 °C
Rain:	52 mm (Some rainy days)
Crowdedness:	Few tourists

Summary:	Mild and sunny, azaleas and wisteria bloom
Temperature:	12 – 19 °C
Water temp.:	17 °C
Rain:	56 mm (Some rainy days)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Warm and sunny, gardens in full bloom
Temperature:	16 – 23 °C
Water temp.:	20 °C
Rain:	72 mm (Moderate rainy days)
Crowdedness:	Very crowded

Summary:	Warm and pleasant, good for sightseeing
Temperature:	20 – 27 °C
Water temp.:	23 °C
Rain:	73 mm (Moderate rain nearly daily)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists