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Charleston Tour Guide

by Tyla

About Charleston

Charleston is the largest city of South Carolina known as the top city under the list of Travel and Leisure in the USA. Brimmed with cobblestone walkways, incredible historic sites, world-class restaurants, and miles of stunning beaches, there’s a lot to explore in the city. This Charleston tour Guide will be including merely everything you need to know about this town.

About Charleston

With a range of remarkable attractions and 400 church steeples, Charleston is a prominent city and ranked as the best place to spend a vacation in South Carolina. While this travel book can be a little overwhelming, you will certainly love each ounce of it as a hodophile.

Population ​

Charleston has a population of 408,235 as per 2020 U.S. Census. In addition, the Charleston metropolitan area comprising Berkley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties with approx 799,636 residents is the most densely populated region of the city. It has the third-largest population in South Carolina and is the 74th largest metropolitan area in the USA.

Charleston Population

Geography

Being the third-largest populated city, Charleston is nestled in the southern part of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina’s coastline-Charleston Harbor. Additionally, this harbor is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. Resembling a shape of a triangle, the city borders North Carolina in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and Georgia in the south and west.

History

Charleston city’s history came into picture when people arrived in South Carolina 50,000 years ago.  Additionally, native American tribes including the Cherokee, Creek, and Santee have been inhabited in this city for thousands of years. 

In 1670, English men established a large settlement in this region and named it Charles Towne and later divided it into two parts: North and South Carolina. Soon after, Europeans started the plantation of rice and indigo in Charleston, to be used as natural dyes for cotton. 

Furthermore, after fighting endless battles to achieve independence from England,  South Carolina achieved success and became a renowned state of the USA in 1778. In addition, in 1783, the Charles Town was reincorporated as Charleston.

Charleston city’s history
History of Charleston

Religion

Religion in Charleston is a whole another story and there’s a reason for that. Known as the “Holy City of the USA” Charleston boasts 400 church steeples. In addition, the city locals are majorly Christian(78%) with other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam (1%), Jewish(2%). Furthermore, the other religious denomination in Charleston is Roman Catholic Congregation(10%). 

Culture

Culture in Charleston is a traditional blend of various diversified cultures placed together, making it a multi-ethnic city. This bend includes Southern USA, English, French, and West African elements. Furthermore, the city annually organizes a cultural festival known as Spoleto Festival USA held in late Spring and was founded by Pulitzer Prize in 1977.  

Language

With the majority of African-Americans residing in the city, Gullah-English is the most spoken language in Charleston. Rest there are a total of 91 languages spoken in the town. With 3,552,240 English speakers, it is the second-most spoken language. Moreover, Spanish(110,030) and French(19,030) are next after English. Surprisingly, South Carolina has the highest number of Gullah speakers in the whole USA.

Currency

The official currency of Charleston is the U.S. Dollar ($, US$, USD).

Charleston Governance

Governance

Charleston has five neighboring boroughs: Radcliffe, Anson, Cannon, Elliot, and Wragg Borough. Additionally, the city has a strong Mayor Council Government, with an elected mayor acting as an administrator and the executive officer of the municipality. 

The council also consists of 12 members who are elected from single-member districts. The mayor also presides in city council meetings and has a vote. Moreover, the current mayor of Charleston is John Tecklenburg, in power since 2016.

Climate

charleston climate

Charleston encounters a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, hot humid summers, and moderate rainfall all year-long. However, freezing rain/snowfall is most common in January with temperature falling to 7 °F (−14 °C). Summers are relatively            hot and experienced during June to September with temperature reaching to 87.8°F(31°C).

When to Go

The best time to go and explore the city is an important factor to consider, when you really want to enjoy a vacation in Charleston, South Carolina. Nevertheless, if you have flexible dates, then travel here around March to May or from September to November, when the weather is mild and favorable enough.

Travel

Accommodation

From luxurious hotels to affordable B&Bs Charleston has a variety of accommodations to choose from. Let’s look at the best hotels in Charleston where you can consider staying during your trip in this city.

Market Pavilion Hotel

Market Pavilion Hotel

Address: 225 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-723-0500

The Charleston Place

Address: 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-722-4900

French Quarter Inn

Address: 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-722-1900

The Loutrel

Address: 61 State St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-872-9600

Harbourview Inn

Harbourview Inn

Address: 2 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-853-8439

Services

Etiquette

  • Dress Code
    One of the fun facts about Charleston state is that there’s no specific dress code followed in the city. However, many locals like to dress up or casually chic during the day but that doesn’t mean you need to wear a classy dress too. Dressing up like a gentleman is an option if you really like a bowtie or you can simply swore up in denim, if you like. 
  • Drinking
    Luckily, Charleston is a drinking-friendly town and it’s totally okay to say “yes” when asked “Would you like another?” However, follow social etiquettes while drinking and avoid indulging in any unnecessary chaos. 
  • Tipping
    Tipping in Charleston is a real thing even for locals. So, do remember to spare a minimum tip of 10% of your total bill even if the service provided isn’t up to your expectations. 
  • Photography
    While checking out this Charleston tour guide, you should also know more about photography trends in the city. Fortunately, clicking pictures in Charleston and might as well in South Carolina is completely legal, and in fact you will find tons of photoshoot spots in different corners of the town.

Moreover, you can click pictures of any subject as long as you’re in public, but capturing photos is strictly prohibited in any private establishment.

Neighborhood

  • The area of Charleston city which is of high interest for tourists is known as South of Spring Street. Being renowned as the “Historic Charleston,” it comprises 5 boroughs: Radcliffe Borough, Anson Borough, Cannon Borough, Elliot Borough, and Wragg Borough. Let’s have a look at each of these boroughs which is also considered as one of the best things to do in Charleston.

    • RadcliffeBorough 
      This neighborhood is nestled between Rutledge Avenue and King Street (West to East) and Morris Street to Calhoun Street (North to South). In addition, it is a residential area blended with vibrant dining scenes and nightlife.
    • AnsonBorough 
      Settled somewhere between Meeting Street and East Bay (West to East) and George Street to Pinckney Street (North to South) this neighborhood consists of houses built in the 17th century. Furthermore, the area is well known for clustered bakeries and the best restaurants in Charleston. 
    • CannonBorough and EliotBorough
      Both of these neighborhoods are situated between President Street and Meeting Street (West to East) and Line Street to Bee Street (North to South). In addition, they attract young professionals, considering the area is devoted to colleges, cafes, and wood-front houses. 
    • WraggBorough
      You will find this neighborhood in between Meeting Street and East Bay (West to East) and Mary Street to Calhoun Street (North to South). Moreover, this neighborhood is known for 18th century historic museums and many
      activities to do in Charleston. 

Entertainment

Museum and Cultural Tour

Museum tour is a crucial part of Charleston tour guide and luckily, there are tons of museums you can explore in this city. From historical centers to popular art museums the city receives a lot of appreciation for the conservation of American culture. 
In addition, the boroughs of Charleston are immensely dedicated to such world renowned museums and art galleries that augment the beauty of this place and attract several tourists here. 

Top Museums and Art Galleries

Charleston Sightseeing

Charleston Food and Wine Tour

High End Dining

If you’re thinking about the best restaurant in Charleston, then here comes a list of all the eateries you can have a delicious bite in. Additionally, Charleston boasts plenty of delectable restaurants that often attract tourists visiting the city.

With a decent amount of finest restaurants, this foodie town pays a considerable respect to culinary traditions of South Carolina. The creative chefs of Charleston are gifted with a talent to sprinkle flavors of America in each dish they prepare.

So, let’s explore the list of top-rated delectable restaurants this city has to offer. But do remember to check the latest travel restrictions in Charleston.

Oak Steakhouse

Oak Steakhouse

Address: 17 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-722-4220

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Address: 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-853-7828

Halls Chophouse

Halls Chophouse

Address: 434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-727-0090

Charleston Grill

Address: 224 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-577-4522

The Ocean Room

Address: 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, United States

Contact: +1 843-768-6260

Casual Dining

High Cotton Charleston​

High Cotton Charleston

Address: 199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-724-3815

Revival

Address: 162 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-414-2335

Eli’s Table​

Eli’s Table

Address: 129 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-405-5115

Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

Address: 75 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Contact: +1 843-518-5115

39 Rue de Jean

39 Rue de Jean

Address: 39 John St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-722-8881

Bars & Lounges

Stems and Skins ​

Stems and Skins

Address: 1070 E Montague Ave # B, North Charleston, SC 29405, United States

Contact: +1 843-805-4809

Edmund’s Oast

Address: 1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-727-1145

The Royal American​

The Royal American

Address: 970 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-817-6925

The Commodore

Address: 1070 E Montague Ave # B, North Charleston, SC 29405, United States

Babas Cannon

Address: 11 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-284-6260

Spas & Wellness Resorts

The Dewberry Spa​

The Dewberry Spa

Address: 334 Meeting St 2nd floor, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-872-9045

Stox and Co. ​

Stox and Co.

Address: 725 Coleman Blvd #110, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, United States

Contact: +1 843-884-7233

Woodhouse Day Spa​

Woodhouse Day Spa

Address: 10 Westedge, Suite 150, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 843-203-1772

Hotel Bennett Spa

Address: 404 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Contact: +1 855-411-9695

Wild Dunes Resort​

Wild Dunes Resort

Address: 200 Grand Pavilion Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451, United States

Contact: +1 866-359-5593

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