Charleston Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 3-5 days

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"A city of vintage dreams"

Charleston Tourism

Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and centuries-old mansions- Charleston owns all the props for a classic vintage picture. This port city's beauty shuffles different shades throughout the year, making Charleston a destination with a unique mesmerizing allure every time you visit here.

Charleston is a city every vintage lover dreams to live in. River banks, plantations, upscale dining, crafty eateries, old-style mansions, historic sites, adorable beaches and picturesque churches- you can never get enough from Charleston. In spite of unfortunate nuisances caused by wars, fires and natural disasters in the past, this lovely city has managed to retain the antique treasures of its timeless beauty. The emerging tourism from all over the world has thrived countless new upscale restaurants, salons, art galleries, boutiques, breweries and what not! Even after being added to the list of 'modern cities', Charleston happily reserves the right to be called as a beautiful old-style town.

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Currency in Charleston

USD is the only currency used, and can be exchanged easily with any currency. Banks in Charleston are open on weekdays from 9:00 - 17:00.

Shopping in Charleston

The Market area is a shopping destination being the most popular among tourists. There is a huge string of shops, selling a wide variety of stuff. Sweetgrass crafts and gel candles with seashells are some popular souvenirs to take away as a memory from Charleston. For upscale shopping, head to the downtown area, where you can find several shops along the King Street.

Nightlife in Charleston

Charleston has got a thrilling nightlife, mainly concentrated around the market area, East Bay Street and King Street area. The top-rated spots include Voodoo Tiki Bar, Recovery Room Tavern (Dive Bar), Wet Willies, The Blind Tiger, and The First Shot Bar.

History of Charleston

The city was established on the west bank of Ashley river in 1670. In its earliest times, it was called 'Charles Towne', which now has become 'Charleston'. The grown settlement moved towards the peninsula by 1680. A fortified wall was constructed by the English colonists sometime around 1690, which was diminished around 1720. The cobblestone streets from this era are still there in the city, remarking the English walled town. Charleston was acquired back in the Civil War, luckily without much damage to the properties. Charleston was the first city to pass a Historical Preservation Ordinance in the United States; as a result of which most of the historic architectures have been successfully preserved till date.

Language of Charleston

Most of the locals can communicate in English. There are minor groups of people who speak in Gullah, Spanish or French. But they're less in number, so you can easily go with Standard American or British English.

Charleston Customs

If you have a booking with an upscale restaurant, you're expected to dress-up in a business-casual attire. Exploring the city area requires intensive walking, so it's better to wear comfortable footwear all the time. You must pay atleast 15% of your total bill to the waiting staff as a tip.

Religion of Charleston

The religions followed by the people of Charleston are varied forms of Christianity (Catholicism, Baptism, Methodism, Presbyterianism, etc.), LDS, an eastern faith and Islam.

Daily Budget for Charleston

For food, drinks, transportation and entertainment, the estimate daily expenses for a budget traveller would be around USD 55 - 60; for Mid-ranged budget USD 130 - 150; and for luxury travellers the cost would be above USD 300.

Exchanging Money in Charleston

For changing currency, there are many banks and currency exchanges in the city. Still, the best option is to withdraw the local currency from ATMs which are available throughout the city. It is advised to make it clear with your bank about their policies prior to your trip.

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How to Reach Charleston

How to Reach Overview

Charleston is connected to the world with an airport 12 miles northwest of downtown. There is an Amtrak Train Station located 10 miles north of downtown for people travelling from another US city. The main bus station is the Greyhound Station situated in North Charleston.

How to reach Charleston by flight

Charleston International Airport serves the city, from where you can take a taxi, shuttle or express bus to get into Charleston.

How to reach Charleston by road

A self-driven car can be a great idea for day excursions to nearby cities. You can also book a taxi for the same.

How to reach Charleston by train

Amtrak offers train services to travel from nearby cities, the station being in North Charleston.

How to reach Charleston by bus

A number of buses by different operators are available for commuting to cities around Charleston.

Local transport in Charleston

The best way to get the complete essence of Charleston is to get around on foot. For faraway spots, you have the options of taking a taxi, bus or trolley. Trolleys are totally free to use; and while taxis can be booked on reasonable rates, buying a 1 or 3 day bus pass would let you hit all the major attractions in a bus. You can also rent a car and drive on your own, if you're okay with paying a lot of bucks for parking.

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FAQs on Charleston

What is the best time to visit Charleston?

Charleston is a place you can visit at any point of the year- it remains charming all year round. However, the best seasons for a lovely weather combination are Spring and Fall. During Spring season (March - May), the nature is in full bloom, and the city covers itself in the blanket of magical hues. Hotel prices hike up during this time, but if you plan a mid-week trip, you'd be able to avoid some crowds and high rates. Summers are hot, humid, showery and not that pleasing, but if you can endure the weather conditions you might visit the city with lots of sunscreen and water bottles. Autumn (September - November) in Charleston offers mild temperatures and a chance to witness great festival celebrations such as Charleston Restauran Week, MOJA Arts Festival, and Holiday Festival of Lights (Novermber to January). If you travel to the city during Winter, you'd definitely find some great price deals.
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What are the places near Charleston?

The top places near to Charleston are Washington dc which is 730 km from Charleston, New york city which is located 1028 km from Charleston, Orlando which is located 491 km from Charleston, Las vegas which is located 3232 km from Charleston, Los angeles which is located 3539 km from Charleston

What are the top hotels in Charleston?

There are 275 in Charleston which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Charleston are Live Oaks River House, Waterway, Celtic Carriage House, KING ST DISTRICT - Walk Everywhere!, KING STREET- Historic Renovation w/ Parking+Bikes!, Fiddlers Marsh. You can see all the hotels in Charleston here

What is the best way to reach Charleston?

Charleston is connected to the world with an airport 12 miles northwest of downtown. There is an Amtrak Train Station located 10 miles north of downtown for people travelling from another US city. The main bus station is the Greyhound Station situated in North Charleston.
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What is the local food in Charleston?

The dining scene in Charleston has so much to offer that you'd never find yourself empty-stomach. Some of the most iconic dishes in the city are she crab soup, boiled peanuts, grits, shrimps, and oyester roasts. Some great eating joints and restaurants to try in Charleston are Peninsula Grill, Oyster House, Circa 1886 Restaurant, Charleston Grill and Lee's.
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