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South Carolina, US, United States · Trip plan

3 days in Charleston

Pastel Rainbow Row, Southern cooking and oak-lined plantations.

Best time
Oct – Dec, Mar – May
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$300 per person
Trip for two
about $1,800

Planning a 3-day trip to Charleston? Here's a day-by-day Charleston itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Autumn is mild and pleasant, and the holidays bring candlelight tours of historic homes.

Charleston is one of America's oldest cities, with cobbled streets, grand homes, a deep and complex history and some of the best food in the South.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

October to December: 12–24°C.

Create my Charleston trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Charleston

  • 01

    Rainbow Row

    Pastel Georgian houses on East Bay Street.

  • 02

    The Battery

    Antebellum mansions overlooking the harbour.

  • 03

    Fort Sumter

    Where the Civil War began.

  • 04

    Plantations

    Magnolia and McLeod plantations, and their history.

Day by day

Charleston itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Historic Charleston

    Morning
    Walk Rainbow Row's pastel houses, the Battery's antebellum mansions and White Point Garden.
    Afternoon
    Ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
    Evening
    Dinner of shrimp and grits in a historic downtown restaurant.

    Ferries leave from Liberty Square.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Markets and history

    Morning
    Browse the Charleston City Market's sweetgrass baskets and crafts.
    Afternoon
    Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum and the Aiken-Rhett House to understand the city's history.
    Evening
    Rooftop drinks on King Street.

    The museum tells a vital part of the city's story.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Plantations and home

    Morning
    Visit McLeod Plantation, which focuses on the lives of the enslaved people who worked there, or Magnolia's gardens.
    Afternoon
    Lunch and a last walk under the live oaks.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Allow 30 minutes to the airport.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Charleston in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Charleston

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Plantations and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Charleston

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Puerto Rico.

What it costs

Charleston trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$150$900
Mid-range$300$1,800
Luxury$700+$4,200

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Charleston is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Charleston for every budget

  • Budget

    Hotels in North Charleston

    North Charleston

    Cheaper, 15 minutes away.

    from $120 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Inns in the Historic District

    Downtown

    Historic bed and breakfasts.

    from $300 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Dewberry

    Marion Square

    A mid-century hotel.

    from $600 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Charleston

  • Shrimp and grits

    The Lowcountry classic.

  • She-crab soup

    Rich and creamy.

  • Hush puppies

    Fried cornmeal bites.

Getting there

How to reach Charleston

Travel
Charleston airport is 20 minutes from downtown.
Getting around
Walk downtown; the free DASH trolley; a car for plantations.
  • Book Fort Sumter ferries ahead.
  • Plantation visits include the history of enslaved people; McLeod focuses on it.

Before you go

What to pack for Charleston

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Charleston trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Charleston?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Rainbow Row, The Battery, Fort Sumter. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Charleston trip cost?

Roughly $150 a day per person on a budget, $300 mid-range and $700+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,800 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Charleston?

Oct – Dec, Mar – May. Autumn is mild and pleasant, and the holidays bring candlelight tours of historic homes.

Where should I stay in Charleston?

Budget: Hotels in North Charleston (North Charleston), from about $120 a night. Mid-range: Inns in the Historic District (Downtown), from about $300 a night. Luxury: The Dewberry (Marion Square), from about $600 a night.

How do I reach Charleston?

Charleston airport is 20 minutes from downtown.

Is 2 days enough for Charleston?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Plantations and home". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Charleston?

October to December: 12–24°C.

What food should I try in Charleston?

Shrimp and grits: The Lowcountry classic. She-crab soup: Rich and creamy. Hush puppies: Fried cornmeal bites.

How do I get around Charleston?

Walk downtown; the free DASH trolley; a car for plantations.

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