Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

With its celebrated restaurant scene, architectural treasures, historic wonders and serene coastal landscapes, it’s no surprise that lovely Charleston is a popular vacation destination. Explore the area’s culture through local food and music festivals, dine on Lowcountry cuisine and browse for Sea Island crafts. Wander through Charleston’s historic district and peer past wrought-iron gates into mysterious courtyards and fragrant gardens. Take one of many tours exploring the city’s culinary hot spots, antebellum mansions, historic churches, breweries and more. Stay at a charming inn, a historic hotel or a beach resort. Discover the people, flavours, traditions, sights and sounds found only in Charleston.

Population:

134,385

Currency:

US Dollar, $1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Most stores are open seven days a week 10am to 5pm, or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am.

Newspapers:

Post and Courier
Gazette Mail

The City

Charleston has received a large number of awards for being an outstanding destination. For three consecutive years Charleston was been named "Top U.S. City" by Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards. Other awards have been given to Charleston by such distinguished travel companies as Travel + Leisure and Southern Living magazine. Its people are mannerly and welcoming, showing the very best of southern hospitality to Charleston visitors.

Charleston is filled with early 20th century architecture that is renovated and perfectly maintained. Nowhere is this more evident than at Charleston’s historic King Street. This historic shopping, dining and design district is defined by three distinct areas: the Upper King Street Design and Dining District, the Middle King Street Fashion District and the Lower King Street Antiques District. So, you can find everything you could possibly want, from electronics to crafts.

Stroll past many familiar brands along with dozens of unique local retailers. Many are housed in historically significant buildings – a Charleston convergence of old and new. Expect to see many familiar brands such as Anthropologie, Apple, Banana Republic and Gap. But also visit the many local establishments that offer a little piece of Charleston to take home with you. Blue Bicycle Books is a local favorite, offering new and used books and supporting local authors. At King Street’s Antiques District, check out notable George C. Birlant & Co., which has been selling upscale antiques from around the world since 1922.

Do & See

Walking along King Street in the historic district, you will find great shopping. There are three distinct areas – the design and dining area, the fashion district and the antiques shopping area – so you can find everything you could possibly want, from garments to electronics and crafts.

Dining

Charleston, South Carolina, is a culinary capital. So what are its secrets? First: an abundance of fresh, local ingredients that inspire rich culinary traditions and delicious signature dishes. Second: award-winning chefs – inspired, if not attracted by, that abundance and tradition – who have established landmark restaurants in the city. Finally, the expanding offering of craft beverages pairs beautifully with Charleston’s can’t-miss cuisine.

Cafes

Cafes in Charleston fit with the hospitality of this charming southern city and will delight both in the morning and at lunch. The cafes offer a wide variety of aromatic coffee drinks, fine cocktails, sweet and savory temptations, all in a relaxing ambiance and often accompanied by a spectacular view. Coffee at the dewy Charleston sunrise is a must!