10 Things to Do in Charleston at Night

From its architecture and quaint streets, to its history and countless churches, there are many things to see and do in Charleston by day and night. This beautiful coastal city in South Carolina is considered one of the largest and most interesting cities in the United States, and you'll see why.

Discover Charleston's nightlife, with its bars and nightclubs, art shows, wine tastings, as well as all the coastal charm and must-see tours of the area's most haunted spots. As you can hear, Charleston has a long history of ghost sightings, so you can't miss out on this supernatural experience. Are you ready? Here we go!

Take a walking tour of Charleston's scariest sites. A knowledgeable guide will show you all the secrets of this coastal city, famous among other things for its ghosts and apparition stories.

Among the southern states of the United States, South Carolina, with its plantations and traditional houses from the beginning of the last century, is a real gem worth visiting. If you are one of those who are not afraid of anything, sign up for this ghost tour, where you can stroll through the most historic alleyways and corners of the city.

The tour ends at one of the most interesting and intimidating places in the city, as well as one of the most haunting, I am referring of course to the Charleston Unitary Cemetery, which dates back to the late 18th century. A unique place to understand part of the dark past of this region.

Bear in mind that it was precisely here, in this city, that the American Civil War began. It is also known for having been the main hub of the slave trade with Africa, as ships from the Ivory Coast and Kenya arrived in Charleston harbour, bringing hundreds of people, who were sold daily in the market.

This Charleston ghost tour has been running for over 20 years, so you can be sure that this is an experience not to be missed, and absolutely worthwhile.

Information of interest

• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
• Price: From 31 €.
• Location: Starts at Buxton Books bookshop.

Step aboard a catamaran to explore the darker places of Charleston's past and present. Places that can't be accessed by land, where some chilling stories have taken place, from pirates who arrived on these shores centuries ago, tales of fortunes tragically lost, to fateful love affairs and all manner of true stories that will make your blood run cold.

You will learn a little of the history of the place from your local guide, a certified specialist who will tell you all the best kept secrets of the Holy City, while you feel the cool breeze of the river and the sea on your face.

The narrated ghost cruise tour is one of the best boat tours in Charleston, and is an incredible experience, full of surprises and the best nighttime views of one of the most haunted cities in the southern United States.

An ideal tour to enjoy with the whole family, where you can also enjoy a stroll along the waters of the Cooper River and the Ashley River, Charleston's two most important rivers, while seeing the houses and fortifications of days gone by.

Interesting information

• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
• Price: From €36
• Location: Starts at the Charleston Maritime Center

If you thought Charleston was all about ghosts and horror stories, well, you'd be wrong. This southern US city has plenty of other options when it comes to nightlife. From bars and nightclubs to carriage rides and, of course, art.

If you're someone who enjoys art exhibitions and installations, you should explore the fantastic The Art Walk, an evening stroll through the city's major art galleries.

On the first Friday of every month, the Charleston Art Gallery Association organises an evening tour to discover the best of American art in general, as well as the most important artists on the local art scene today.

While enjoying a glass of fine wine, you can browse the various exhibitions and displays of painting, sculpture and photography presented here. Please note that the doors of Charleston's galleries are open from 5pm to 8pm so that everyone can come and appreciate the art for free.

An experience not to be missed, ideal to enjoy alone, as a couple or as a family.

Interesting facts

• Duration: 1st Friday of every month from 5pm to 8pm
• Price: free
• Location: takes place in over 30 local galleries

Experience Charleston's nightlife by sampling some of the best craft beer in the area. Craft beer has been gaining fans around the world for several years now, and Charleston is no exception. The city has more than 25 producers who brew the most exquisite varieties of craft beer. In addition, every weekend there are events where you can sample the flavours of the local Lowcountry cuisine.

Some of Charleston's best craft beers and wines can be sampled at places like the Forty Eight Wine Bar, which hosts wine tastings and other culinary events. It's a great place to savour the flavours of Charleston in depth.

Another place to sample some of Charleston's best craft beer is the Frothy Beard bar, one of the city's best. They're brewers themselves, and they make XXL-sized pizzas that are not to be missed.

If you're looking for a romantic night out in Charleston, nothing beats a ride in a quaint carriage from the last century through the streets of the city. You'll see everything light up in your path and experience the feeling of being driven as if you were in the 1900s.

Known as The Holy City for its many churches, Charleston is a visual delight, and as you walk through its streets, day or night, you'll marvel at its beauty. An experience full of magic and romanticism that you can't miss with your partner, you can ride through its streets in an antique carriage that will take you back to another era.

A carriage tour of the city is one of Charleston's classics, so there are many companies that offer this service, although not all of them do night tours, which is why the experience is so much more intimate and special.

And if you like the ride, find out which are the best Charleston carriage tours to take during the day, I assure you that it will be a completely different experience than the nighttime one, but highly recommended.

As a city full of college students, its nightlife is known to be quite hectic. If you're the type who likes to party and have a great time dancing, Charleston is definitely the place for you. All along King Street you'll find bars with live music, nightclubs, and a party atmosphere even in the middle of the street.

The entire Downtown Charleston area is perfect for an unforgettable night out. Places like Mynt or Trio Nightclub are packed every night and are highly recommended.

If you want to listen to a good live jazz show, the best place to go is The Commodore. With a more chill out atmosphere and the best drinks.

But if you prefer a place where you can dine deliciously and enjoy live music, you can go to Henry's on the market, open until 2am, an ideal place to spend an incredible night alone, with your partner, family or friends.

A walk along Charleston's waterfront is one of those things you can't miss in this beautiful southern US city. Being located on a peninsula, it has a privileged location with lovely views of both the Cooper River and the Ashley River.

From The Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, a symbol of the city, you can walk along the waterfront and walk along The Battery, a beautiful waterfront promenade, formerly used as a defensive point, so you can see, among other traces of its past, its imposing cannons, which were used during the American Civil War.

The Battery is an ideal place to stroll both day and night, beautifully preserved to enjoy its timeless charm.

And if you wish, you can also book your place on one of the best guided tours of Charleston, as it's a great way to learn all the details about this historic city. Together with your knowledgeable local guide, you'll visit Charleston's most iconic landmarks, from the harbour to Rainbow Row, from the traditional marketplace to the plantations.

Taking a guided tour is always a great choice, and something I often recommend.

If you're a theatre lover, you can't miss a performance at what was once the first theatre in the United States. That's right, the Dock Street Theater opened in 1736, no less. This beautiful and picturesque theatre is the first building in the country to be used exclusively as a theatre.

The Dock Street Theater is a beautiful building with centuries of history located in the French Quarter. While the original structure has undergone some renovations and changes, the venue remains in pristine condition. After a major fire destroyed much of the French Quarter buildings and the American Civil War, much of the interior and front of the building had to be rebuilt. Today, the Dock Street Theater is a Charleston institution.

When purchasing your tickets, keep in mind that the plays and musicals performed here are almost always in English.

At the impressive Charleston Gaillard Center you can enjoy a different show every night. With a truly beautiful building, the concert hall is one of the city's jewels.

The Gaillard Center also serves as a training institute for musicians, so you're sure to hear the various student ensembles play, or maybe catch a masterclass if you're up for it.

Some of Charleston's most popular festivals are held here, such as the Lowcountry Jazz Festival. Check the venue's schedule for the dates of your visit and book your ticket.

In addition, the Gaillard Center also hosts chamber music concerts, musicals, famous operas and dance performances, such as the Christmas classic The Nutcracker. This is truly a luxurious place to spend an unforgettable evening in Charleston.

Enjoy the most classic flavours of Creole and Lowcountry cuisine aboard a luxury cruise ship as you cruise the calm waters of Charleston.

Watch the most enchanting sunset as you savour American Southern fare from a four-course menu. All while being dazzled by some of the best views of The Battery, Ravenel Bridge and Fort Sumter, as well as the entire peninsula.

A unique experience that can be enjoyed as a family, but is recommended for couples or small groups of friends. And if you're travelling with your little ones, don't despair, there are plenty of things to see and do in Charleston with children.

Useful information

• Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (boarding at 6:30pm)
• Price: from €79 from Sunday to Friday and from €85 on Saturdays
• Location: cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf

Visiting an unfamiliar city at night can be a bit intimidating. Here are a few tips that I think you may find useful when enjoying Charleston at night.

• As you know, Charleston is located on a peninsula, so it can get a little cooler at night. Depending on the time of year you plan your visit to this charming American city, you may need to bring more or less warm clothing. In the spring and summer months, it never hurts to pack a light jacket or jumper, especially if you decide to walk along the waterfront or take a cruise.
• Unlike other cities, Charleston is extremely safe, so you can stay out late at night and walk back to your hotel - it's safe. The city has no dangerous areas and robberies are not common.
• The city is truly picturesque, so no matter what time of night it is, you won't be able to stop taking pictures. From The Battery area, to the amazing churches, parks, colourful houses and the waterfront, absolutely everything in Charleston is worthy of an Instagram story, so keep your eyes peeled and your eyes peeled.