10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Charleston

Situated at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, in the beating heart of historic downtown, South of Broad is an affluent neighborhood resplendent with impressive feats of architecture. Here opulent mansions rub shoulders with candy-colored townhouses that date all the way back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Wend your way through South Broad’s charming cobblestone streets to take in the grandeur of Charleston’s palm-fringed Battery that casts panoramic views across Ashley River and the wider Atlantic Ocean. The neighborhood boasts some of the city’s finest bars and upmarket restaurants including Brasserie La Banque and the Oak Steakhouse.

Established in the 1700s, leafy Harleston Village is an urban utopia of artisan eateries, Italianate and Georgian architecture, and iconic Charleston hotels including Wentworth Mansion and the Belvedere. Located north-west of Broad Street, this downtown neighborhood boasts a natural attraction in the form of Colonial Lake – an expansive tidal pond that’s lined with trees.

Culture lovers can easily spend an afternoon at the Charleston Library Society (one of America’s most historic) and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art (which focuses on emerging talent and mid-career creatives). After sundown, the streets come to life with an eclectic array of dining spots including Lowcountry cuisine specialist: Circa 1886.

Set in the original walled city of Charles Towne, the French Quarter is the most well-known (and photographed) neighborhood – home to must-see attractions including the Charleston City Market and the Confederate Museum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this charismatic district teems with architectural treasures, including the 17th century Pink House, the Old Slave Mart, and the French Huguenot Church (a Gothic Revival beauty).

Bordered by Broad Street, Meeting Street, and the Cooper River, romantic French Quarter is also celebrated for its cultural museums and epicurean establishments. Head to Magnolias for refined Southern cooking or grab a beer at the Irish pub Bumpa’s.

With its historic red-brick homes, sidewalks shaded by green palmettos, and wealth of notable architecture, Ansonborough may not be as well-known as its counterparts but it packs a real punch nonetheless. In the 1960s, the Historic Charleston Foundation began to restore the streets and buildings to their former glory, reestablishing the district as one of the city’s best kept secrets.

Located north of the French Quarter, this heritage hotspot is home to some rather interesting attractions including the grand Gaillard theatre and the South Carolina Aquarium. If you’re hankering after gourmet cuisine, look no further than the ritzy FIG restaurant which serves Sicilian Swordfish Ragù and Wagyu Flat Iron Steak.

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Hampton Park Terrace is distinguished by its American Movement and Revival architectural styles that date back to the early 20th century. At its heart, HPT Park is a verdant oasis that’s beloved by locals thanks to a green-roofed gazebo, grand old oak trees, and a collection of meandering paths.

Foodies will delight in the neighborhood’s diverse range of eateries that serve everything from cheesy Italian pizzas and hot American subs to Southern-style seafood. Try Little Jack’s Tavern for fat juicy burgers or the hip Huriyali Gardens for health-conscious mood-food.

Situated on Charleston Harbor and boasting a rich colonial past, Old Village Historic District is an English-style settlement in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina that showcases affluent homes, mom-and-pop shops, and charming Shem Creek shrimping boats. It also flaunts a unique dining scene that gives downtown a run for its money, including waterfront restaurants and harborside bars.

From Old Village’s hotels and resorts, one can enjoy a number of day trips to nearby attractions including historic Fort Sumter and Boone Hall Plantation. Alternatively, enjoy a Charleston Harbor cruise with a sumptuous 3-course meal and take in the sun as it sets on the water.

Located in Charleston’s upper peninsula, Wagener Terrace is an animated hipster enclave that is marked by microbreweries, historic cemeteries, and bars serving ice-cold craft beers. North of Hampton Park and The Citadel, this charismatic neighborhood isn’t as historic as other districts in the city but it boasts a vibrant community spirit that lends it instant appeal.

With architecture dating back to the 1930s and ‘40s (including pretty cottages and craftsman-style bungalows) Wagner Terrace is elevated by its trendy global dining scene. Try Rodney Scott’s BBQ for slow-smoked pulled pork or Sushi-Wa for Edomae-style Japanese.

A short scenic drive from Charleston, the compact neighborhood of Avondale is a Lowcountry favorite filled with independent shops, quirky bars, and restaurants dishing up feel-good food. Known as the “downtown” of West Ashley, this stylish district catches the eye thanks to its colorful collection of street art murals.

For live music and badass burgers hit Tin Roof after dark or pay a visit to Home Team BBQ for classic Southern comfort food. Alternatively, satiate a seafood craving at Pearlz Little Oyster Bar before heading to the upstairs lounge for a cocktail (or 2).

Cannonborough is one of downtown Charleston’s most distinct dining districts despite it being off the beaten path somewhat. Dating back to 1785, this revitalized west-side neighborhood is home to exciting global gastronomy – from atmospheric Vietnamese eateries to stylish Spanish tapas bars.

For those who have an appetite for all things unique, a visit to The Honey Hive is bound to delight. This decadent restaurant has everybody talking with its chocolate-coated bacon, squash blossom tempura, and elegant caviar service.

North Charleston is a sprawling collection of attractive neighborhoods in South Carolina’s Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties. Winner of a National League of Cities Award for Municipal Excellence, this bucolic Lowcountry region delivers plenty of visitor highlights.

Hit the Westcott Golf Course for a day on the emerald fairways or visit North Charleston City Gallery for regional, national, and international artworks. The Wannamaker County Park boasts 1,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands and offers a multitude of boating opportunities and idyllic picnic spots.