3 perfect days in Charleston
Charleston is everything you want in a three-day destination: walkable, historical, and super Instagrammable—think cobblestone alleys, wisteria-draped fences, palmetto-lined streets. It also has an impressive food scene, from oyster shacks and barbecue joints to high-end restaurants that are revamping Southern cuisine.
With this itinerary, you’ll be able to experience all the charm and culture Charleston has to offer, plus get a taste of its beaches and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. To help you make the most of your time, we grouped everything by area (no backtracking) and used Tripadvisor reviews and ratings to narrow down our picks (no duds in the bunch).
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DAY ONE
MORNING: Crepes and cobblestone streets
Fuel up for a day of sightseeing at Queen Street Grocery. This small corner store sits in the highly visited French Quarter but feels like a local gem. Order a sweet (Nutella, fruit, powdered sugar) or savory (fried egg, cheddar, pico, avocado) crepe, then snag one of the outdoor tables so you can watch the horse-drawn carriage tours roll by.
After, join a carriage tour yourself. It’s one of the best ways to get your bearings and learn about Charleston’s rich history. Plus, it only takes an hour, so you’ll still have time to do your own exploring.
Back on foot, step into City Market, which dates back to the 19th century. You’ll find everything from hot sauce and pottery to its most-sought-after item: sweetgrass baskets. Walk past The Dock Street Theatre on your way to Charleston’s oldest church, St. Michael’s. (Don’t miss the graveyard or the adjacent alley—it’s a prime example of the city’s famed picturesque passages.) Then head over to Rainbow Row (a strip of candy-colored Georgian row houses) and Waterfront Park, where you can see the iconic pineapple fountain and the wall that once surrounded the city.
End your DIY tour at The Battery and White Point Garden. You’ll be rewarded with views of antebellum and Victorian houses on one side, the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter on the other.
OTHER DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON TOUR OPTIONS
- Bring in the pros and let sisters Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe show you around. Their two-hour walking tour covers much of the same ground (St. Michael’s, Rainbow Row, The Battery), but you’ll get all kinds of extra tidbits.
- If you travel for the food, opt for Secret Food Tours’ walking/tasting tour instead. You’ll still get to see some of the major sites (Dock Street Theatre, Charleston City Market), and you’ll get to taste iconic dishes like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits.
- Or get a different perspective on downtown Charleston with a boat cruise. This 90-minute tour sails by Fort Sumter, Ravenel Bridge, the Sullivan Island Lighthouse, and other harbor highlights.
AFTERNOON: Eat some seafood, then see some art
Take King Street up to 167 Raw, a tiny oyster bar that manages to stand out in a city packed with oyster bars. If you have to wait for a table—and you probably will—pop into one of the nearby shops, like George C. Birlant & Co. (antiques), Ben Silver (classic menswear), the Preservation Society of Charleston Shop (locally made goods), or Buxton Books (bestsellers to regional authors).
Once you’re seated, put in an order for a dozen oysters and a lobster roll or shrimp po’boy. Not a seafood fan? The carnitas taco is a sleeper hit. Wash it all down with a blueberry frosé.
Legs rested, walk the block and a half over to Gibbes Museum of Art. Small enough for an afternoon, it has an excellent collection of American art. (Tripadvisor users regularly shout out the museum’s super charming collection of 600+ miniature portraits.)
Travelers say: “The Gibbes is like an old friend—solid, reliable, not flashy, but substantive. You won't find any blockbusters here, but you will find a thoughtful collection that is Charleston-specific. Such as: several paintings of Civil War bombardments, many paintings by African-Americans, and a room full of Charleston Renaissance pieces….Never crowded. Nice people. Reasonably priced. Go.” —@Svensota
EVENING: Rooftop cocktails and a Charleston staple
Charleston’s sunsets are legendary. The best photo op is at Citrus Club, a swanky rooftop bar (the highest in the city) atop The Dewberry hotel. Sip on a daiquiri or mai tai while taking in the stunning 360-degree view.
If you made a reservation at FIG (it books up months in advance), you’re in for a treat—the restaurant practically launched Charleston’s food scene. The menu changes seasonally, but standbys include ricotta gnocchi and chicken liver pâté (two must-orders). And if the tomato tarte tatin makes an appearance, order it immediately.
No res? If you’re lucky, you might be able to score a seat at the bar. (It’s saved for walk-ins.) Or stroll a few blocks east to Stella’s for spanakopita, grilled octopus, leg of lamb, and other Greek favorites.
Worthy detours along the way
DAY TWO
MORNING: Southern biscuits with a side of history
There might be a line, but the buttery handmade biscuits at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit are well worth it. Mix and match flavors like buttermilk, country ham, and blackberry, or go all in and get the sausage, egg, and pimento cheese sandwich.
Less than four blocks away, The Charleston Museum is a great place to spend your morning. Considered America’s first museum, it covers Charleston history from before the European settlement to the Civil War. You can easily spend a few hours taking in the Edgefield pottery, Revolutionary War artifacts, period clothing, and prehistoric skeletons (like a 13-foot-tall giant sloth!).
Travelers say: “Comprehensive but not overwhelming. The Charleston Museum is an ideal way to get acquainted with the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry. If you opt for the combination ticket of $25, you will not only have access to the museum but also have access to the Heyward-Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House (which is across the street from the museum).”—@TLinHT
AFTERNOON: Cue the barbecue
For lunch, cab or bus it up to North Central for a taste of South Carolina barbecue. Rodney Scott’s dishes up some of the best pulled pork in the state along with all the star fixins (collard greens, baked beans, potato salad, mac ’n’ cheese). Don’t overlook the ribeye sandwich, served cheesesteak style in honor of the pitmaster’s Philly roots.
Walk it off at nearby Hampton Park. The 60-acre green space has lived a lot of lives—it’s been a plantation, a horse racetrack, a Civil War prison camp, and an exposition site. Soak in the history by strolling the paved paths and taking in the moss-covered live oaks and azalea bushes.
EVENING: A microdistillery tour and dinner in a body shop
If you have time to kill, join a tour at High Wire Distilling (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only). You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the process, plus get to sample the distillery’s New Southern Revival bourbon made from Jimmy Red corn—a favorite of bootleggers back in the day. If you miss the last tour, you can still stop in for a drink at the bar.
Make your way two blocks back to King Street for dinner. A former auto body shop, Leon’s still has an industrial feel (oversized garage doors, concrete floor), but the vibe—and the food—is pure comfort. Pair chargrilled oysters and hush puppies (or the wedge salad, if you need something green) with a frozen G&T, then move on to fried chicken and scalloped potatoes. Save room for soft serve with sprinkles. You’re on vacation after all.
CHARLESTON NIGHT TOUR OPTIONS
- Skip the nightcap and hop on The Death and Depravity Ghost Tour. The after-dark walking tour explores haunted sites like the Unitarian Church and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
- Paranormal fans should opt for Ghostwalk Charleston. They’ve been doing tours for over 40 years, and many Tripadvisor users claim to have had a brush with the supernatural.
- Charleston may be known as the Holy City, but this adults-only tour exposes the scandals and corruption that other guides skip over. (Note that it’s “rated R,” meaning no kiddos.)
DAY THREE
MORNING: Get off the peninsula
Pick up lattes and ricotta biscuits at Harken Cafe before making the 12-minute drive (or taxi ride) out to McLeod Plantation Historic Site. You won’t get a glossed-over take on history here—guided tours (included with admission) focus on the enslaved people who worked on the former sea island cotton plantation. As a result, it’s considered a heritage site for Gullah and Geechee people. Visits include the 19th-century main house, plus the slave cabins, cotton gin, and cemetery that are on the property.
Travelers say: “We’ve done at least a dozen plantation tours over the years and [the McLeod] tour was the most honest and truthful in presenting a picture of slavery and race relations in this country.”—@Phil N
AFTERNOON: Dip your toes in the Atlantic
Continue south across James Island to Folly Beach. (A rental car comes in handy here, but Uber and Lyft are options too.) Just 20 minutes outside the city, Folly is a laid-back little beach town that’s surprisingly packed with funky cafes, seafood shacks, tiki bars, and souvenir shops.
If you’re driving, park near the Folly Beach Fishing Pier then loop back to Jack of Cups. The local fave serves up veg-heavy dishes like tofu banh mi, curry nachos, and saag paneer.
After, head to the beach. On your way, drop into Bert’s Market for a scoop (or two) of Wholly Cow ice cream—or grab boiled peanuts or a growler of craft beer for later. Depending on what time of year it is, you could throw down a towel and go for a swim (or take a surf lesson). Or you can just walk out onto the pier and take in the scenery.
FOLLY BEACH AND MORRIS ISLAND TOUR OPTIONS
- If you don’t have a rental car (or just want someone else to do the driving and planning), book the Get Out of Town tour. You’ll be picked up at the Charleston Visitor Center and whisked out not only to Folly but also to The Citadel, Fort Moultrie, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse.
- The Folly River is incredibly calm, making it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. This tour teaches you the basics, then takes you out on the water, where you’re likely to spot dolphins and other marine life.
- Nearby Morris Island is another nice excursion, but it’s only accessible by boat. The Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise leaves from Bowens Island and takes about two and a half hours round trip. The sail there alone is worth it (dolphins! sea turtles! manatees!), but you’ll also have time to explore the uninhabited barrier island on your own.
EVENING: Enjoy a Lowcountry oyster roast
Leave Folly in time to catch sunset at Bowens Island Restaurant, a rickety, two-story shack just off the highway as you’re heading back to Charleston. It’s one of the best places to try an oyster roast (locally harvested September through May). You’ll get a plastic tray full of steaming oyster clusters, an oyster knife and a towel, and a plastic cup of house-made cocktail sauce. Then, get to shucking. (Thankfully, the steam makes it easy to pry the oysters open—even for the inexperienced.) It’s a meal you won’t get anywhere else.
Worthy detours along the way
Know Before You Go
Charleston is at its best in spring and fall when temps are mild. Spring gives you the prettiest blooms (azaleas, wisteria, jasmine), but you’ll also get high hotel rates and hard-to-get dinner reservations due to spring break, the Charleston Food & Wine Festival, and Spoleto Festival USA.
Winter can also be a good time to go. You’ll need a jacket, but Charleston rarely dips below 40—and you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds.
Charleston is great any day of the week. As with most cities, some restaurants are closed on Mondays; however, you’ll still find plenty to eat.
A handful of museums and historic homes are closed on Sundays, so if you have your heart set on one, check their hours ahead of time. Same goes for shops—many open later on Sundays, and some close altogether.
Most cafes and breakfast spots open between 7 and 9 a.m., and most restaurants are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (though some shut down between lunch and dinner). Oyster happy hours happen nearly every weekday, usually between 4 and 7 p.m.
Charleston nightlife usually kicks off around 10 p.m., with bars shutting down by 2 a.m. If you need a late-night bite, you can usually find a bar or diner serving food till 1 a.m. (or later, especially if you’re near the College of Charleston).
French Quarter: The historic neighborhood makes a great home base—close to all the must-see attractions and within walking distance of other popular areas like South of Broad and Upper King. Well-designed but not stuffy, Emeline and The Ryder are both excellent options. The rooms at Emeline come with custom Crosley turntables, plus a selection of vinyl from the hotel’s record collection, while the Ryder has a fun rooftop pool.
Ansonborough: Just north of the French Quarter, Ansonborough is a small residential neighborhood that’s still close to the action—but a little quieter. Keeping with those surroundings, Zero George Street feels like staying in a friend’s charming Charleston home—that is, if your friend owned a 19th-century, Federal-style estate. What really sets this place apart is the amenities: a free European breakfast spread, custom loaner bikes, wine and cheese in the evenings, and lovely shared verandas.
Upper King: Buzzing with restaurants, shops, galleries, and bars, Upper King has plenty to keep you busy. It’s also a good in-between spot if you plan on spending time above the Crosstown, in addition to downtown. On the Southern end of the neighborhood, The Dewberry gets high marks for its top-notch service, comfortable beds, and, of course, incredible views (see Day One). If you’re on a budget, travelers also like the Homewood Suites by Hilton, just a few blocks north.
Public transportation: Charleston has a free DASH shuttle that operates three routes downtown, making it easy to hop between major attractions. CARTA also runs a public bus system, but since Charleston is so walkable, most visitors won’t need it. Still, it can be helpful if you want to explore outer neighborhoods like NoMo and Park Circle.
By bike: Charleston is becoming more and more bike friendly, but there still aren’t any designated bike lanes downtown, so only experienced riders should attempt it. The West Ashley Greenway is a good option if you want to take a spin without dodging traffic. Both Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island are also quite bikeable. Holy Spokes is the city’s bike share system, while Lime does e-bikes and scooters.
By taxi: Taxis and ride-shares (Lyft, Uber) are plentiful downtown, though not so much outside the city. You can also call Charleston Cab Company or Charleston Green Taxi if you need a ride—or hail one of the pedicabs that circle the historic streets.
By car: Most of Charleston can be tackled by foot, but you’ll need a car if you plan on exploring the surrounding beaches or suburbs. Just keep in mind there’s limited parking downtown, and most hotels charge extra for valet.
Airport transfers: Taxis to downtown cost around $30-$35. You can also take the bus, which costs just $2-$3.50, and makes stops close to most hotels (though you may have to transfer).