Charleston Neighborhoods

Technically part of the historic district, the French Quarter is generally considered to be the area bordered by Market Street to the north, Broad Street to the south, Meeting Street to the west and the Cooper River to the east. French merchants once ran their business along this stretch of harbor, and their influence is still visible in the ornate architecture. Today, the French Quarter is home to some of Charleston's prettiest hotels and restaurants. It's an especially pleasant place to stroll in the evening, as it's somewhat removed from the louder, more densely trafficked parts of the historic district.

The lower part of the Charleston peninsula is a living museum of Antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets and shady, jasmine-scented parks. It's by far the most photogenic part of the city, with an awe-inspiring church or painted row houses on nearly every block. It's also, in high season, jam-packed with photo-snapping visitors and draft horses pulling carriage tours. The vast majority of the sights, restaurants and interesting hotels are in the historic district, so, if your wallet can handle it, stay here.

West of Charleston on the other side of the impressive Arthur Ravenel, Jr., bridge, Mount Pleasant is largely residential. The stretch of Highway 17 that runs through the area is lined with chain motels and restaurants, though there are a few hidden gems. Good seafood restaurants cluster around the fisherman's hamlet of Shem Creek. Nearby, Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are home to some of the city's best beaches. Bikers will enjoy peddling across the bridge to Mount Pleasant just for the soaring views over Charleston Harbor.

Downtown Charleston's trendiest area, Upper King is a rapidly gentrifying stretch of boutiques, bars and coffee shops. The street passes through the College of Charleston campus, so the average age skews significantly lower than it does further south. If twin sets and pearls aren't your thing, you'll have a blast. It's an especially fun place to go for after-dinner drinks, when dressed-up twenty- and thirty-something professionals come out to play. The further north you go, the grittier the street becomes. Take care, especially at night.