The Charleston City Market is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Its energy, its history, the hum of local artisans chatting with visitors. It all blends together into this warm, quintessential Charleston moment you can’t quite recreate anywhere else. Located right in the heart of the historic district, this beloved marketplace has been welcoming travelers, locals, and curious wanderers for more than 200 years. There are more than 300 vendors. An atmosphere that shifts throughout the day. And both indoor and outdoor sections to explore. So, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most-visited spots in the city.

Get ready to slip on your comfy shoes, grab your reusable tote (trust me, you’ll want it), and stroll through everything there is to see, shop, and explore at the Charleston City Market.

Charleston City Market Guide: What to See, Shop, and Explore

A Walk Through History: How the Charleston City Market Began

Before you dive into the shopping, take a moment to appreciate just how historic this place is. The Charleston City Market dates back to the early 1800s and has operated continuously ever since. Picture horse-drawn wagons, merchants selling produce, and families gathering to buy daily essentials. This was the beating heart of commerce in old Charleston.

Today, it’s evolved into a vibrant artisan marketplace. But the original spirit of community and craftsmanship still runs through every stall.

Exploring the Open-Air Sheds

The Charleston City Market’s three long open-air sheds are the backbone of the experience. And they’ve been standing for more than two centuries. Walking through them feels like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist.

You’ll find:

• Local artwork inspired by Charleston’s marshes, beaches, and pastel buildings

• Handmade jewelry crafted with shells, beads, copper, and Lowcountry symbolism

• Homemade soaps and candles scented with magnolia, sweet tea, and lavender

• Children’s toys and books created by local authors and makers

• Snacks and spices featuring classic southern flavors

These small businesses aren’t just selling products. They’re sharing stories. Most vendors are happy to tell you how they started, what inspires their work, and which items make the best gifts.

It’s the kind of place where you end up chatting with a potter about clay textures and suddenly, you’re walking away with a mug you didn’t know you absolutely needed.

Use my travel guide during your family vacation in Charleston. 

Inside the Great Hall: Air Conditioning + Beautiful Finds

If the southern humidity is starting to make your hair do its own thing, the Charleston City Market’s Great Hall is your refuge. Opened in 2011, this air-conditioned indoor corridor added more than 18,000 square feet of polished, comfortable shopping space.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Fine art galleries showcasing Charleston’s coastal charm

• Specialty food shops filled with grits, benne wafers, tea blends, and local honey

• Upscale gift boutiques perfect for souvenirs that feel more polished

• Sweetgrass basket weavers, offering Charleston’s most iconic handmade craft

Sweetgrass baskets deserve their own spotlight. These intricately woven treasures have deep roots in African traditions brought to the Lowcountry centuries ago. Watching an artist weave one in real time is mesmerizing. Buying one? That’s like owning a piece of Charleston history.

Don’t Miss the Charleston City Night Market

If you think the daytime market is fun, just wait until you see it glow at night. The Charleston City Night Market, open Friday and Saturday evenings from March through December, transforms three city blocks into a lively nighttime celebration.

This is where Charleston really shows off its creative side.

Expect:

• String lights glowing overhead

• Live music setting the vibe, acoustic guitar, jazz, folk, you name it

• More than 100 local vendors, all selling handmade goods

• A festive, relaxed atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll

You’ll find treasures here you won’t see in the daytime market. Leather goods, original paintings, quirky gifts, photography, custom tees, handmade toys, and more. And because the night market is strictly artisan-only, everything you see has been crafted with intention and skill.

Hungry? Grab a snack as you go. Not hungry? You’ll probably change your mind once you smell the kettle corn, fudge, or southern-style treats drifting down the walkway.

Tips for the Best Charleston City Market Experience

Go Early if You Want Space to Browse

The market gets busier as the day goes on. Especially in spring and fall. Morning visits feel calmer and cooler.

Bring Cash AND Cards

Most vendors take cards, but some smaller artisan booths prefer cash.

Talk to the Vendors

Many have worked here for years and are full of Charleston stories. Some even offer custom or personalized items.

Plan for Heat

The sheds are open-air. If you’re visiting in the summer, bring water and pop into the Great Hall for some AC breaks.

Don’t Rush

You’ll want time to admire the artwork, sample treats, and discover hidden gems.

Check out Charleston’s Tea Garden during your vacation. 

What to Explore Near the Charleston City Market

Once you’ve made your way through the market, you’re perfectly positioned to keep exploring:

• Historic homes and mansions just a few streets away

• Rainbow Row, the city’s most famous pastel lineup

• The Battery and Waterfront Park, ideal for scenic harbor views

• Horse-drawn carriage tours, which begin steps from the market

This part of Charleston is a walker’s dream. Everything is charming, photogenic, and full of character.

If the Charleston City Market is calling your name, I’d love to help you turn this into a full Lowcountry getaway. From market shopping and coastal views to historic tours and incredible food, Charleston is one of those destinations that wraps you in warmth the minute you arrive.

I’ll design a custom itinerary that fits your travel style, whether you want family-friendly fun, a relaxing escape, a romantic weekend, or a foodie-forward adventure.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary that includes a visit to the Charleston City Market?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.