48 Hours in Charleston

Andrew Colacchio - (andrewloves_)
Itinerary created by
Andrew Colacchio
What you’ll do

Charleston is a city that effortlessly blends history, charm, and incredible food, making it the perfect place for a quick getaway. There is so much to do there and so many places to go try, it can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes you have more than just 1 night in a city, and if you do, this guide takes you through what to do if you have 48 hours in Charleston—where to stay, what to eat, fun activities and more, so you can maximize your time.

Day Total

12.8 km (7.9 mi)

39 min

I never like rushing down to Charleston. It's such a low key city - I like to get into the mindset of relaxing before I arrive. I'll typically mosey on down and aim to get there at 11AM - just in time for lunch. If I get there before lunch though, I'll grab a coffee or tea to kick things off.

1

This one is optional

Sorelle
Sorelle
Charming Italian restaurant with modern twist
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
Any
Direction
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The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
Cozy bakery with delicious eats
Category
Café
Est. Price
$
Direction
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3.2 km (2 mi)

9 min

2

Leon's
Leon's
Classic Spot for Fried Chicken & Oysters
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
American
Direction
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4.2 km (2.6 mi)

8 min

After lunch, I'll drive over to the hotel and check in.

3

The Palmetto Hotel, Charleston
The Palmetto Hotel, Charleston
Charming Southern hospitality in Charleston
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Direction
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1.1 km (0.7 mi)

4 min

King street has everything from Home Decor Shops to Clothing Boutiques to Antique Stores and more. So after I check in to the hotel, I'll walk over to King Street and do a little shopping. I rarely buy anything, but it's fun to pop in and out of the shops and see what they have.

4

Shopping on King Street
Shopping on King Street
The main street in Charleston
Category
Shop
Direction
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2 km (1.2 mi)

7 min

After walking around, I start getting thirsty - so I'll grab a mid afternoon beverage.. The goal is to quench my thirst - so it's usually a tea or coffee, and Babas on Cannon is a Charleston essential. Plus they have some great stacks if you need something to tide you over till dinner.

5

babas on cannon
babas on cannon
Cute cafe in Charleston
Category
Café
Est. Price
$
Direction
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308 m (0.2 mi)

1 min

If your room wasn't ready when you checked-in, it should definitely be ready by now. So at this point, it's time to head back to the hotel and freshen up before dinner. Relax a bit, shower if you want, and change into something cute. I tend to go for an early dinner around 5:30PM/6PM, so I can do something after dinner, like a tour and/or drinks.

6

Legami
Legami
Modern Italian restaurant in Charleston
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
italian
Direction
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2 km (1.2 mi)

6 min

I order way too much food at dinner - and probably one too many drinks, so I want to walk around after. A Haunted Tour is the perfect activity - it gets you walking around, plus its more fun with a slight buzz at night.

7

Haunted Tours across Charleston
Haunted Tours across Charleston
Tour Charleston's most haunted sights
Category
Tours
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
1-2h
Direction
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IF it's not too late at this point, I'll grab a drink at the bar of the Palmetto Hotel - before I head up to my room. They have THE BEST espresso martini in town. It's topped with a Dulce de Leche foam that just makes it perfect.

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