(843) 853-8000
Market St
Charleston,
SC
29401
32.781
-79.93
Neighborhood: South of Broad
What People Are Saying About Old City Market
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
The Background – The land on which the market sits was donated by a wealthy Charleston family in the early 1800s to be used as a marketplace. The main building, Market Hall, was erected in 1841. Modeled after a Greek temple, the building houses the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. Behind Market Hall, four open-air buildings span from Meeting Street to East Bay Street, near the waterfront. The market originally sold foodstuffs, including meat, fish and fresh produce grown locally. – – The Appeal – Today, more than 100 vendors sell everything from local foods to…
Editor's Tips
- The Extras:
- Planning to take a carriage tour? Most tours start and end at the Old City Market.
My Disaster Trip but a memorable one
by Tough Susan
On April 21, 2012 I visited your market. This was not my first visit, but was my most memoriable. I tripped on a curb going from one building to another. The lady weaving baskets did not offer to help me, but two total strangers did. A woman with a booth in front of my fall made the comment that she had told the owners that area needed to be fixed. I landed on my knees and then falling forward flat on my face. One of my knees already has a total knee replacement. Thank God it was not damaged. My other knee is having some problems. I ruined my glasses when I hit the pavement. My nose is cracked which is something I will have to live with because I live on a fixed income. I busted my upper lip, which was swollen for several days. I am very thankful I did not break my teeth. I did not report this but I do feel you need to know about it so the curb can be taken out. I am not sure of the building but I belive it was the second to the front on the right hand side, if you are heading back out toward the waterfront. I loved what I saw of your market But after my fall my sister and brother-in-law thought we better go, We had to take our car rental back and catch our flight. Thank you for listening
Love the Old City Market
by bgarner60
I so enjoyed the City Market. My first trip to Charleston SC was last July. My sister and our daughters and I had a wonderful visit to Charleston and really enjoyed the City Market. We had to visit one more time before leaving the city. I am going back to Charleston SC (I have to say that as I live in Charleston WV) this Aug and can't wait to go to the Market. The experience is well worth it to me. I enjoyed the crowds and the entire experience. I also enjoyed the small market in Marion Sq. Just my cup of tea - not King Street.
On parking and Rudeness
by OverEasy
As far as parking tickets go, just because you're a tourist you shouldn't expect special privilege. Saying you'll never come back again is just childish. Guess the reviewer who said that has never driven in NYC, SanFran, Boston or any other city worth visiting.
As foor rudeness, I've witnessed my share on several visits to Charleston. The worst was the oh-so-genteel lady guide on a wagon ride who wold my 90 year old mother that she'd have to be quiet or get. This was after my mother asked me a single question when she couldn't understand what the tour guide had said. I, too, live in a tourist area and we pride ourselves on treating our guests nicely. Those who don't--if they're working in the trade--get reminders--or fired.
Ups and downs but mostly Ups and Worth It!!!
by JoAnnJewelry
After reading some of these reviews, I just had to say something. The Market Street experience is so worth having. I guess you are always going to find some cranky people and there are always going to be some "too commercial" types of articles. I found the most amazing hair combs that aren't charleston made but I loved them and wear them all the time. The Sweetgrass baskets are so worth the trip and watching the artisians make them is half the fun. The fabulous restaurants and shops on either side of the market are perfect. The whole experience is A+ so don't let anyone talk you out of visiting.
- Pros: Culture, art, artisians, food, people
- Cons: stay away from the horses
parking tickets
by MAXWILKS
My wife and I was in Charleston for 4 days. we injoyed the visit but parking is a problem. I got a $25 parking ticket. I thought it was un called for. If a person comes to your fine town to spend their hard earned money and get a ticket I don't think they will return. Other than that we had a good time.
- Pros: places to dine
- Cons: parking

