Jun 4, 2024
5 min read
The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Charleston
The Holy City of Charleston radiates historic charm from the walls of pastel homes along cobblestone roads all the way to Fort Sumter. Balanced with its past is a hip and young population; there is no shortage of swanky restaurants, bars, and shopping. There's a lot of information out there, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about Charleston's best neighborhoods from the travel mavens we all know and trust.
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a hip residential area near historic landmarks.
"First established in the 18th century with historic houses to prove it, Mount Pleasant's oldest neighborhood is easily its most charming. Once a summer retreat for affluent Charlestonians, the waterfront community today buzzes with residents and visitors year-round." -
Southern Living"Crossing the Ravenel Bridge leads you to Mount Pleasant. Equal parts suburb, shopping destinations, bars, restaurants, and outdoor activities, Mount Pleasant is one of the largest towns in South Carolina. While there, head to Old Village Historic District to catch the unparalleled views from Pitt Street Bridge—which used to connect the town to the adjacent Sullivan's Island." -
Travel + LeisureCannonborough/Elliotborough
Cannonborough and Elliotborough are hip, residential areas in Downtown Charleston that have an exciting food scene.
"The Cannonborough / Elliotborough neighborhood of historic downtown Charleston, SC is known best for its laid back, residential streets, and great selection of off the beaten path eateries your the guide books won't tell you about." -
USA Today"...two neighborhoods so close it can be difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins. Cannonborough and Elliotborough are home to a mixture of college students, families, and young professionals. In this hip, partially residential area, you’ll find unusual restaurants, bars, and cafés..." -
Culture Trip
French Quarter
The French Quarter is Charleston's prime destination for foodies, has tons of local shops, and is near other landmarks.
"The French Quarter is a classic stop for Charleston first-timers; Charleston City Market, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the South Carolina Historical Society are all in the area." -
Travel + Leisure"While this is an area where many of Charleston’s iconic sites are located — Rainbow Row, the Battery, the infamous Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon — there are plenty of hidden delights to be found while wandering down the cobblestone alleys as well. Significant events of the American Revolution took place here..." -
Washington Post"Charleston City Market...Built in the early 1800s, this former meat/seafood/vegetable market is now a destination for local crafts, souvenirs and food...You’ll find a wealth of certified locally-made goods, gifts, and foods...From April-December, the Night Market on Friday and Saturday nights features live entertainment alongside vendors." -
Time OutHarleston Village
Harleston Village is a charming upscale and hip residential area, home to many college students.
"Harleston Village is perfect for the bibliophile, foodie or jock. While the area’s borders technically encase parts of the King Street Fashion District, most Charlestonians know it as a place apart from the rush of tourists and traffic." -
Washington Post"Harleston Village is a multifaceted neighborhood of historic downtown Charleston, with everything from quiet residential streets, restaurants and bars, to Charleston's grandest historic hotel, Colonial Lake, and the College of Charleston campus, all within its district." -
USA Today"...this swanky part of downtown is also home to many affluent residents. When visiting this neighborhood, stroll through the campus to admire the hauntingly beautiful Spanish moss dangling from live oaks planted in front of antebellum-era houses-turned-campus buildings..." -
Culture Trip
South of Broad
The South of Broad area in Downtown Charleston is home to most of the city landmarks.
"For art and architecture, the historic “South of Broad” area downtown is the best neighborhood. You can start by exploring the Gibbes Museum, then stroll over to Broad Street to peek in all the locally-owned art galleries like Ann Long Fine Art and George Gallery. From there, follow the charming homes along Longitude Lane and Jacob’s Alley, and you’ll ultimately wind up at the historic waterfront Battery." -
Forbes"The Battery...An old defensive seawall-turned-promenade that runs along the Charleston peninsula...Stroll along the promenade and enjoy the breeze with views of the harbor and historic antebellum homes. Pick up a sandwich at Fast & French and picnic under an oak at White Point Gardens. Or stick around for fabulous sunset views and catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter." -
Time OutKing Street
Also called the King Street Fashion District, this upscale and hip area of Downtown Charleston is a shopper's paradise.
"...Named for King Charles II, King Street is more than 300 years old. Yet through urban revitalization, it is the trendiest, most vibrant street in the city. From the Lower King Street Antiques District and Middle King Street Fashion District to the Upper King Street Design and Dining District, you’ll find hip restaurants, buzzy art galleries, sophisticated cocktails, and fabulous shopping." -
Time Out"Although more chain stores have moved into this multi-block stretch in the last few years, it's still a walker's paradise with local spots still tucked in and filled with treasures. Belmond at Charleston place anchors the center of the shopping with an underground mall feel, but the best bets are sparkles, silver, art and antiques offered in the shops facing the street." -
Conde Nast Traveler
Ansonborough
Ansonborough is a hip, upscale, historic area in downtown Charleston.
"...[Ansonborough has] stately old townhouses, some shops, bars, and restaurants (mostly along East Bay and Meeting streets), carriage horse stables, and hotels. The historic Charleston quarter has more shade and is more residential than others this far down the peninsula, so walking or biking around provides a nice break from the business area and gives you a glimpse of how people have adjusted to life in a historic place." -
AFAR"For a quieter night, Ansonborough is the place to unwind. Nestled between the busier City Market and King Street, it’s perfect for enjoying a quiet nighttime stroll among stately homes, 250-year-old churches, parks and intimate restaurants." -
Washington Post
