Charleston City Market - Empty city market
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Charleston City Market

4.5
·27k reviews·Charleston, United States

A historic 4-block marketplace in Charleston, SC, showcasing local art, crafts, and the iconic sweetgrass baskets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Charleston City Market - Empty city market

Charleston City Market

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 4-block marketplace in Charleston, SC, showcasing local art, crafts, and the iconic sweetgrass baskets.

4.5
(27k reviews)

"A very Charleston-esque spot to visit, with something for everyone and hard not to find something you'd like to purchase."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Evening Market

Catch the 'swap-over' for a new set of vendors and a different vibe on Friday & Saturday nights!

💰 Haggle Respectfully

While prices can be high, polite negotiation might be possible for some items.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sweetgrass Baskets

Sweetgrass Baskets

Various vendors

Iconic Gullah cultural craft, intricately woven by skilled artisans. A true Charleston treasure.

Local Art and Crafts

Local Art and Crafts

Market stalls

Discover unique paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more from talented local artists and makers.

Gullah Cultural Experiences

Gullah Cultural Experiences

Various vendors

Explore the rich heritage of the Gullah people through their crafts, stories, and traditions.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Charleston City Market gets hot and crowded, especially in summer. Visit early morning or late evening for a more comfortable experience. Consider the indoor sections for a cool-down break.

Vendor Variety and Pricing

While the market offers unique local crafts and souvenirs, prices can be high. Be prepared for some vendors selling similar items. Look for the evening swap-over for a different vendor experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Friday & Saturday evenings
Why
Night market vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Indoor sections offer respite
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Black Cultural Things to Do in Charleston I did some research and asked around during my time in Charleston. Obviously there are historical landmarks but there are also elements of Gullah culture and iconic black-owned businesses that are part of the culture as well. I had a fantastic time in Charleston and I hope this little guide helps you navigate or plan your trip! #charleston #charlestonsc #c...
@cococamillee
32.3K likes • 538.4K views

🎯 Embrace the Evening Market

Catch the 'swap-over' for a new set of vendors and a different vibe on Friday & Saturday nights! InstagramReddit+1

💰 Haggle Respectfully

While prices can be high, polite negotiation might be possible for some items. Reddit

So I finally experienced being flooded out at the Charleston City Market #charleston #citymarket #southcarolina #rain #storm #flood #hightide #lowtide #historic
@adfolkart
17.5K likes • 424.6K views
Charleston City Market is a must-see for anyone visiting or moving to this charming city! 🌟 My friend Mechelle and I had a blast exploring the market's unique vendor booths, from Sweetgrass Baskets to local art. 🎨🧺 The food is to die for, and the live music creates the perfect vibe. 🎶🍽️ Check out my profile for my review of Frannie & The Fox! Let's make some amazing memories together. 🏙️✨ #Ch...
sheownsitall_official
0 likes • 3.3K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Charleston gets hot! Carry water, especially during summer months. TikTok

🛍️ Look for Unique Finds

Beyond souvenirs, discover handmade jewelry, art, and local delicacies. TikTokInstagram

Strolling through history and handmade treasures 🛍️✨ The Charleston City Market is the heartbeat of local charm—where tradition meets creativity! What’s your favorite find here?  🏺🍬 #CharlestonCityMarket#CharlestonCityMarket #CharlestonSC #ExploreCharleston #LocalTreasures #HandmadeGoods #HistoricCharleston #SouthernCharm #MarketAdventures #ShopLocal #CharlestonVibes
charlestonupdate
36 likes • 703 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Evening Market

Catch the 'swap-over' for a new set of vendors and a different vibe on Friday & Saturday nights! InstagramReddit+1

💰 Haggle Respectfully

While prices can be high, polite negotiation might be possible for some items. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Charleston gets hot! Carry water, especially during summer months. TikTok

🛍️ Look for Unique Finds

Beyond souvenirs, discover handmade jewelry, art, and local delicacies. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Four Blocks

The market spans several blocks; don't stop at the first section! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(27k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Charleston City Market a fun and essential stop, praising its wide variety of local crafts, art, and the iconic sweetgrass baskets. While prices can be high and crowds significant, especially in summer, the historic atmosphere and the unique evening market experience are highly valued. The surrounding restaurants also add to its appeal.

"The Charleston City Market is always a fun stop when visiting the city. There’s a little bit of everything here, so it’s easy to find souvenirs or unique gifts. Prices can be on the higher side, but that’s pretty standard for a tourist spot. On one of my first visits, a kid handed me a palm rose, and before I knew it, a man was chasing me down asking for $5—it gave off a bit of a New York street hustle vibe. The market is usually crowded and can get very hot in the summer, but there’s a small indoor section with food options, air conditioning, and surprisingly clean bathrooms, which was a welcome break."

Katherine Hilton

"I recently visited the Charleston City Market during my trip to Charleston and really enjoyed the experience. The market is surprisingly long and filled with a wide variety of vendors. There’s just about anything you can think of for sale like local crafts, handmade goods, art, souvenirs, and more. It’s a great place to walk through, browse, and find something unique to take home."

James Wood

"A very Charleston-esque spot to visit. It's a decent walk through the stalls; a feeling of old American abounds as you walk from building to building. Classic architecture, convenient to walk to, and quite a few carriage ride options nearby. Easy access to the cruise ship docks so be prepared for heavy tourist traffic while the ships are at port. There's something for everyone here and it's hard not to find something you'd like to purchase."

Brad Kosar

What People Like

Unique local crafts
Sweetgrass baskets
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

High prices
Crowded conditions
Similar vendor items

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Charleston City Market is centrally located downtown at 188 Meeting Street. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Many visitors also walk from nearby hotels or take advantage of ride-sharing services. Carriage tours often start or pass by the market, offering a scenic approach. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking garages within walking distance of the market, including the Charleston County Parking Garage at 197 Meeting Street and the Cumberland Street Garage. Street parking can be limited and metered. Reddit

Charleston's public bus system, CARTA, has routes that stop near the City Market. Check their schedule for the most convenient stops. Reddit

The market is generally accessible, with paved walkways. Some stalls may have slight inclines, but most areas are navigable for wheelchairs and strollers. Reddit

The Charleston City Market is conveniently located near the cruise ship docks, making it an easy stop for passengers. Be prepared for increased crowds when ships are in port. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Charleston City Market is free. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase from the vendors. TikTok

The market generally operates daily, with hours typically from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. However, there's an evening swap-over on Fridays and Saturdays where vendors change, and some stay open later, often until 10:30 PM. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Charleston City Night Market typically runs on Friday and Saturday evenings, with vendors often staying open until 10:30 PM. This offers a different shopping experience than the daytime market. Instagram+1

The Charleston City Market is usually open on most holidays, though hours might be adjusted. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for specific holiday operating times. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the Charleston City Market. It's a public space where you can browse the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere for free. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors

You can find a wide variety of goods, including handmade crafts, local art, jewelry, souvenirs, sweetgrass baskets, clothing, and local food items. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, many vendors are local artisans and small business owners showcasing their unique creations and products. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! Sweetgrass baskets are a signature item of the Charleston City Market, representing a significant part of Gullah culture. Instagram

While some vendors may be open to negotiation, it's not guaranteed. It's best to inquire politely. Prices can be higher as it's a popular tourist destination. Reddit

It's common for some vendors to offer similar products. Exploring different stalls might reveal variations in quality, craftsmanship, or price. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a small indoor section with food options, and numerous restaurants line both sides of the market, offering a variety of cuisines. Reddit

Many restaurants surround the market, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. Some TikToks highlight specific spots like Well Hung Vineyard for wine and charcuterie. TikTokReddit

While Callie's Hot Little Biscuit has locations in Charleston, it's not consistently listed as a vendor inside the main market stalls. You might find them nearby. Reddit

Yes, several establishments near the market offer drinks, including wine bars and restaurants. TikTok

The indoor food court options are generally more affordable than sit-down restaurants, but prices can still be tourist-oriented. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant stalls, unique crafts, and the historic architecture. The sweetgrass basket weavers are particularly photogenic subjects. TikTokInstagram

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific merchandise. TikTok

The market can get very crowded, especially during peak hours and tourist seasons, which can make getting unobstructed photos challenging. Early mornings or late evenings are best. TikTok

Early morning offers softer light and fewer people. The evening market can also provide interesting lighting opportunities. TikTok

The market itself, with its historic buildings and bustling atmosphere, is the main attraction. The surrounding historic Charleston architecture also provides great backdrops. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Charleston City Market offers a lively environment for families. Kids will enjoy browsing the colorful stalls filled with unique toys, crafts, and souvenirs. The sweetgrass basket demonstrations can be particularly captivating for younger visitors. TikTokInstagram

To make the most of your family visit, consider going earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat. The indoor sections provide a cool place to rest and grab a snack. Keep an eye out for vendors selling fun, kid-friendly items, and be prepared for the bustling atmosphere. TikTokReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While the Charleston City Market is a popular tourist spot with potentially higher prices, budget travelers can still find value. Focus on browsing and enjoying the atmosphere, which is free. TikTok Look for smaller, more affordable souvenirs like postcards, magnets, or local snacks. TikTok

Consider visiting during the evening market on Fridays and Saturdays, as some vendors might offer different price points or deals. Also, take advantage of the surrounding restaurants for more budget-friendly meal options compared to some of the market's indoor food vendors. InstagramReddit+1

🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters

The Charleston City Market is a paradise for shoppers seeking unique finds. From handmade jewelry and local art to the iconic sweetgrass baskets, you're sure to discover special mementos. TikTokInstagram+2

Don't miss the evening market for a different selection of vendors and a vibrant atmosphere. Take your time exploring all four blocks to compare offerings and find exactly what you're looking for. Remember that prices can vary, so comparing between vendors is a good strategy. InstagramReddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Evolution of Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is one of the nation's oldest public markets, with a history stretching back over 200 years. Established in 1807, it was originally designed to provide a central location for farmers and merchants to sell their goods. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple marketplace to a vibrant hub for local artisans and a significant tourist attraction. The market spans four blocks and has undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate its growing popularity. Reddit

Today, the market is renowned for its Gullah cultural heritage, particularly the iconic sweetgrass baskets woven by descendants of West African slaves. These intricate baskets are a testament to a rich tradition passed down through generations. Beyond baskets, the market showcases a diverse array of local art, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, offering visitors a chance to take home a piece of Charleston's unique charm. TikTokInstagram

The market's structure itself is a blend of historic architecture and modern updates, with some sections offering air-conditioned comfort while others remain open-air. This mix provides a unique shopping experience, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The market's central location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring historic Charleston, South Carolina, and it plays a vital role in supporting local small businesses and preserving cultural traditions. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Charleston City Market: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Visiting the Charleston City Market can be an exciting experience, but it's helpful to have a few tips to make your visit smoother. The market can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and summer months, so arriving early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid the largest crowds and the intense heat. TikTokReddit

Be prepared for a wide range of vendors, some of whom may sell similar items. While this offers variety, it's also worth noting that prices can be on the higher side, typical for a popular tourist destination. Some visitors have noted a 'New York street hustle' vibe with certain vendors, so staying aware is advisable. Reddit The market operates an 'evening swap-over' on Fridays and Saturdays, where most vendors change, offering a fresh experience if you visit during the day and then again at night. InstagramReddit+1

Beyond shopping, the market is surrounded by numerous restaurants and eateries, providing ample opportunities for dining before or after your exploration. The indoor sections offer a welcome respite from the heat, complete with restrooms and food options. Reddit Remember to explore all four blocks of the market to fully appreciate the diversity of offerings. Reddit

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