Charleston City Market

About

Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States, drawing visitors since the 1800s to its four-block stretch in the heart of downtown Charleston. What began as a bustling produce and meat market has evolved into a vibrant cultural destination where more than 300 local vendors sell handmade goods, artwork, jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, and Southern food specialties.

The market runs between Meeting Street and East Bay Street, divided into several connected open-air and enclosed buildings. During the day, you'll find artisans weaving traditional Gullah sweetgrass baskets right at their stands, a craft passed down through generations with roots in West African culture. Local vendors offer pralines, hot sauce, benne wafers, and other Lowcountry treats you won't find anywhere else.

On weekend evenings, the market transforms into a Night Market from March through December, where the energy shifts and even more artists and craftspeople set up shop under string lights. It's a great time to browse without the midday heat.

The surrounding blocks offer easy access to some of Charleston's best restaurants, historic churches, and waterfront parks. Waterfront Park is just a short walk east, where you can catch harbor views from a shaded swing bench. Many of the city's popular food tours and walking tours start near the market as well.

Plan to spend at least an hour browsing, though you could easily fill a whole morning here. The market is free to enter and open daily. Arriving early on weekdays means thinner crowds and easier movement through the aisles. Summer months bring heat and humidity, so hydration and shade breaks matter. Several restaurants and cafes with indoor seating line the surrounding streets if you need to cool down.

Whether you're picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir, sampling fresh pralines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a market that's been gathering people together for over two centuries, Charleston City Market is a must-visit.

Accessibility

The entire length of Charleston City Market is flat and wheelchair accessible, making it one of the most mobility-friendly attractions in the city. The market's layout runs along a level path with exits to the street between buildings, so visitors can enter and leave at multiple points rather than needing to travel the full four-block stretch.

Power wheelchair and scooter users should be aware that some vendor arrangements inside the enclosed market buildings can be tight, particularly during peak hours. The open-air sections tend to offer more room to move. Visiting on weekday mornings typically means fewer crowds and wider clearance between vendor tables.

Street parking with accessible spaces is available in the surrounding blocks, and several nearby parking garages serve the market area. The Charleston Visitor Center on Meeting Street, about two blocks away, also offers parking and serves as a helpful starting point.

The market's ground surfaces are generally smooth and paved, though some transitions between indoor and outdoor sections may have slight changes in surface texture. Restroom availability varies by section, so visitors with specific restroom needs should check with market staff upon arrival.

The surrounding streets in this part of Charleston feature a mix of sidewalk conditions. Some historic sidewalks are uneven, so planning your route along the main roads near the market will give you the smoothest path.

Contact the Charleston City Market directly or visit the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau's accessibility guide for the most current details on restroom locations, companion seating, and any temporary construction that might affect access.

More accessible places in South Carolina

• Fort Sumter National Monument (Charleston)
• South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston)
• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (Charleston)
• Rainbow Row (Charleston)
• Congaree National Park (Hopkins)
• Charles Pinckney National Historic Site (Mount Pleasant)