Charleston on a Budget: 3 Days of Fun!

Discover the charm of Charleston without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Charleston is a charming southern city with plenty to offer visitors, even on a budget. Explore the historic district on foot or by bike and admire the colorful architecture and lush gardens. Sample low-cost but delicious cuisine at local food trucks and happy hour specials, and take advantage of free activities such as visiting the Angel Oak tree or strolling along the beach at Folly Island.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting to Know Charleston

  • Check into the affordable Belmond Charleston Place hotel, right in the heart of downtown
  • Stroll through the historic district, taking in the beautiful old houses and cobblestone streets
  • Stop by the Charleston City Market to browse through local vendors' offerings
  • Visit the Nathaniel Russell House, a stunning example of Federal-style architecture and interior design
  • Enjoy a seafood dinner at 167 Raw, a low-key spot with some of the freshest oysters in town
Day 2

Exploring the Artistic Side

  • Grab breakfast at the cozy Black Tap Coffee
  • Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art, which features a rotating collection of Southern-inspired works
  • Check out the eclectic Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art on the College of Charleston campus
  • Take a scenic walk along the Battery, soaking in the views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor
  • Have dinner at Husk, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its creative cuisine and southern charm
Day 3

Plantations and Gardens

  • Start the day early with a visit to the spectacular Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • Grab lunch at The Glass Onion, a quirky eatery that focuses on locally sourced ingredients
  • Visit the Boone Hall Plantation, which has a rich history and a stunning oak-lined driveway
  • Explore the Charleston Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in the United States
  • Relax with a drink at the rooftop Pavilion Bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel, with views overlooking the city
  • Charleston is full of Southern charm and surprises – embrace the city's history and culture, but don't forget to carve out some time to simply wander the picturesque streets and soak in the relaxed pace of life.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Charleston, United States by plane is to fly into Charleston International Airport. There are many airlines that offer direct flights to Charleston, including Delta, American Airlines, and United.

Car

Driving to Charleston is a great option, as the city is easily accessible via the I-26 and I-526 highways. There are also many rental car companies that operate out of Charleston International Airport.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no train stations in Charleston, so it is not possible to get here by train.

Boat

Charleston is located on the coast, so it is possible to arrive by boat. Charleston Harbor provides a popular docking location for cruise ships, and there are also many marinas where you can dock your own boat or rent a charter.

Bus

Taking a bus to Charleston is a great option, with Greyhound being the most popular bus company that offers trips to the city. The Greyhound station is located downtown and offers connections to many other destinations throughout the country.

Destination

Charleston

Welcome to the city of undeniably charming Southern accents and deliciously sweet tea. Charleston – where the history is rich, the beaches are gorgeous, and the humidity is always lurking.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Charleston, United States is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and charming Southern hospitality. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic district, take a tour of the plantations, and enjoy the delicious Lowcountry cuisine. With a variety of museums, art galleries, and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Charleston.