Historic Charleston City Market

188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Address:	188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Phone:	+1 843-937-0920
Site:	thecharlestoncitymarket.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

John Hibbeler

Im not a big fan of this type of shopping, so my view is skewed. Things I noticed: The market is basically on the first floor of a two story building(s?) That stretches for a block. Its mostly in doors and air conditioned. The shops in the "outside" setting were nice and cool from the shade of the building above them. Many of the vendors were selling the same as other vendors. Example: there are multiple Sterling silver jewelry sellers. One of the last Sterling sellers, when walking north, located on the left is run by a grumpy, rude man. My friend and her son were looking a jewelry, every time her soon picked one up or pointed at one he stated how much it would cost if broke. There were multiple vendors selling palm frond weavings and baskets. Lots of knick knack venders. There is a horse drawn buggy loading area near by, when walking outside the building, or in the open air shops, the smell is strong. I liked that all areas were well lighted. There are several restrooms, some busier than others. I didnt venture in to see how well kept they are, the outward appearance wasnt promising. There is one vendor that sticks out positively. She runs a shop that caters to elementary aged children. My friends son was given the money to pay for his item, the clerk politely walked him through the sell process. She was sweet and kind. I think its a fun place to visit and experience,I wont go back the next time Im in Charleston, but maybe my third or fourth trip in to look for changes.

Fernando Rodriguez

Típico Historic City Market que tanto abundan por la costa Este; pero el de Charleston ofrece muchas más cosas que otros. El edificio en sí ya es una preciosidad, y las tiendas son casi todas encantadoras, muy bien montadas y con mucha más oferta que los típicos souvenirs. La oferta gastronómica también es muy variada, y hay un par de puestos de limonada recién hecha estupendos (nos tomamos una granizada de melocotón riquísima). Es un poco una turistada, pero es imprescindible echarle un vistazo si pasas por Charleston.

Terzia82

Die teilweise sehr enthusiastischen Bewertungen können wir nicht ganz bestätigen. Der Markt ist nett und für amerikanische Verhältnisse sicher eine kleine Attraktion, aber jetzt auch nichts besonderes. Man kann da kurz durchschlendern, wenn man ohnehin einen Stadtbummel macht. Ein schönes Mitbringsel ist Charleston Reis und Tee. Beides wird noch dort kultiviert. Wenn man generell wenig Zeit in Charleston hat, sollte man lieber die Plantagen besuchen, die sich in der Nähe befinden (wie Drayton Hall, Magnolia).

Amy Carroll

My husband was excited to bring me here but he said it wasnt as historically interesting as it was 15 years ago when he first visited. We came to the night market. I thought it was ok. Maybe I was under-enthused because were involved in a culturally-rich arts & crafts community in WNC (and my hubbys an artist) so while I appreciate handcrafted goods, its just not that unique to me? I did buy a sweetgrass rose bouquet from one artist who was making them on-site. There were some unique items I liked but thought they were a little pricey (consider I understand the time it takes to hand make something & "get" why it costs more) I concur with others in their opinion its like an upscale flea market catering to tourists. I did enjoy the historical architecture and walking the area around the market. Lots of restaurants & other unique stores around the immediate area.

Joe Katon

A great place to say youve been on your vacation, but there are some things to keep in mind. Some items are unique. The Gullah have some stands worth noting. I highly recommend the spice tables. Baskets are incredibly expensive here though from the.. Other items from other vendors can be extremely tchotchke. Looking for a good cookbook reflective of Charleston, it can be found here though. Take your time and maybe come back here after you explore other places. There are many cheaper places for a shirt for example. Try the stores that flank the market on Market Street. Other things to note: The place is massively crowded. I am always concerned about pick pockets. Historically, slaves ran the market here; they were not sold here. Slaves were sold down on Chalmers.

Jing Yu

Old historic market place composed of 4 long, open-air buildings running down the middle of Market st. I suppose its a "should go" for tourists, but I found the market repetitive, with booths selling overpriced crafts, jewelry and other trinkets. Check out the fried Okra stall in the food hall, a tasty southern treat - otherwise this should be a 15-30m pit stop (unless you really like shopping for souvenirs). While youre there dont forget to check out the specialty shops that flank the Charleston City Market. In my opinion, the groceries, Pepper Palace and candy stores are even more fun and unique than whats inside the City Market.

Benjamin Davis

A lovely historic market, it is a pleasant sight for anyone who enjoys an open space and the thrill of craft shopping. One must, however, beware of people reselling cheap goods at high markups masquerading as local produce. These are not too much of a problem though, and a clever shopper can easily make out the difference. The cheap goods may even be useful at times, I found a lovely pair of $10 sunglasses inside the market, compared to $30 at a nearby store. Nicer and more niche goods can be found in the stores in the enclosed section of the market, most notably one of the most extensive hat stores I have seen.

Pedro Pesantes

Step back in time at this wonderful destination. Created in the late 1700s, it is one of Charlestons most iconic and vibrant hot spots! There are open air sheds as well as an air conditioned portions which are perfect for Charlestons summer heat. You will find locally made products ranging from sweetgrass baskets to authentic BBQ. Experience the citys rich past and iconic architecture. There is something for everyone of all cultures and ages. You can easily spend the whole day here shopping and experiencing the historic center. It is Charlestons #1 most visited attraction after all.

jason williams

It was just ok. Lots of vendors just reselling crap. As you walk through there are a few great vendors that are either local artist or atisan crafters but all the crap detracts from them. There is a guy that does really cool glass work and he is very reasonably priced, super friendly as well. It is winter so maybe their variety changes in their peak season. Still probably worth a visit if you are looking for something to do but dont expect some magical historical market with local artisans selling hard to find treasures. You will find a lot of touristy gift shop items.

Michele R

There are so many things to see at the Charleston City Market! Come check out vendors of all different types of art, jewelry, candles, clothes, etc; there is something interesting at each table. Many of the vendors are local artists, and some are based locally, but travel to different shows and festivals, and come set up at the market when theyre home. I found all sorts of gifts for folks, and a few things for myself. Plus, its in the perfect location to be able to walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and hotels. Its a must-see!

Jamie Virkler

Its an interesting venue. This City Market has kept up much better than many others. This is the type of venue that can really run downhill and start to feel like a flea market. That being said, Charleston City Market does not feel that way. The air is hot and you can smell the horses, but that just adds to the historic feel as you walk up the open brickwork buildings. The vendors feel like normal regular people, and The Craft are unique and interesting. Historic Charleston City Market is definitely worth stopping by to see