Explore Charleston

Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn more
Charleston
Charleston
Hotels
All Charleston HotelsCharleston Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in CharlestonBy Hotel Type
By Hotel Class
By Hotel Brand
Popular Amenities
Popular Neighbourhoods
Popular Charleston Categories
More Charleston Categories
Near Landmarks
Near Airports
Near Colleges
Popular Hotel Categories
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar HireMore

Plan Your Trip to Charleston: Best of Charleston Tourism

About Charleston
Charleston delivers small-town charm in spades, from the shady courtyards and old Victorian homes to the horse-drawn carriages and six—yes, six—gorgeous beaches. But while the classic southern backdrop is a huge draw, this coastal stunner has plenty of big city attractions. So go ahead and do the historic sites—Middleton Place, Fort Sumter National Museum, the French Quarter, to name a worthy few—but work in time for checking out the city’s contemporary side. There’s the International African American Museum, 30-plus art galleries, and a dynamic, ever-evolving food scene, serving everything from Lowcountry staples (hello, fried chicken) to modern tapas.

Travel Advice

Find flight deals to Charleston

Search, compare, filter and read reviews to find the right flight for you
Start searching

Essential Charleston

Make it a beach day

Six of Charleston’s best are just a quick ride from the city
See more

A high-low eating tour of Charleston

In the almost two decades I've called this city home, there's one thing I can say for sure: Charleston may have deep roots but its culinary scene is always evolving. From classic soul food spots to some of the best local seafood and Carolina BBQ, here's my rundown of top eats.
Jai Jones, Charleston, SC
  • Jackrabbit Filly
    18
    I always recommend to go beyond the usual tourist map. One of my favourite spots is Jackrabbit Filly, a heritage driven Chinese-American restaurant in Park Circle. Get the O.G. chirashi rice bowl for lunch, or go for dinner with friends and order the entire menu—seriously. Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and dumplings are always a good way to start off.
  • FIG
    2,397
    This neighbourhood bistro is run by Jason Stanhope, a James Beard Award-winning chef who uses locally sourced ingredients to create his menu. Don't miss the classic chicken liver pate, followed by the ricotta gnocchi alla Bolognese. And for your main, make sure to order at least one fish dish (I love the steamed snapper).
  • Rodney Scott's BBQ
    634
    The South is known for whole hog bbq, and this is a top stop for good reason. Pitmaster Rodney Scott’s team smokes entire pigs right behind the restaurant, serving pulled pork, ribs, and more to fans. My go-to order? The 2 Meat Combo with mac & cheese + collard greens. If you're coming with a group, go for the Pitmaster Combo (whole hog, pork shoulder, chicken, turkey, brisket and ribs, alongside four classic sides).
  • Chubby Fish
    83
    Chubby Fish has been a local favourite since it opened in 2018. Chef James London's focus is all about locally caught seafood. I always recommend the whole fish (usually a b-liner snapper), yellowfin tuna crudo, and oysters. Come early to put your name down for a table since they don’t take bookings.
  • Hannibal's Kitchen
    152
    Soul food is core to Charleston—and the south in general. The 40-year-old Hannibal’s may look small and unassuming, but this family-run kitchen turns out incredible dishes like pork chops and crab rice.
  • Sorelle
    66
    Sorelle opened a few months ago and was an instant hit. The multi-concept experience includes the first floor Mercado, where you can stop for a morning coffee and pastry; a main bar with a wine room tucked behind it; and a dining room, with Southern-Italian dishes like ricotta tortellini (lovingly referred to as “Pillows of Gold”).
  • Daps Breakfast And Imbibe
    37
    Daps is a laid-back breakfast spot in downtown. Some of your childhood (or current) cereal favourites make an appearance, but not in the way you might think. The berry French toast is griddled in Fruity Pebble batter. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is baked inside a Hawaiian roll. If you're looking for something a bit heartier, order the breakfast club sandwich with coffee-rubbed turkey and bacon whipped cheese.

Explore Charleston by interest

Get immersed in Gullah culture

Essential tours, restaurants, and shopping

Drinks with a view

Rooftop bars with cocktails to write home about

For the children—and children at heart

Fam-friendly adventures, outings, and more

Best-kept secrets and hidden gems

If you know, you know

Feeling fancy-ish

Luxury experiences that are totally worth it

The best of King Street shopping

From local finds to big brands

History buffs, unite

Guided tours and iconic attractions you can’t miss

Charleston on a dime

Eats and activities that won't break the bank

When in Charleston

Unique experiences that set the city apart

Head to the water

Beach days, boat tours, and waterfront strolls