Charleston is an interesting study in Southern cities. It has a wealth of history and variety, but it is not really a big city or a big metro area. There is an ocean port, a Naval base, and a variety of other industries around Charleston. The Citadel, one of the premier military acadamies of the USA is located here. I really like Charleston; the shortcomings are the narrow streets and difficulty parking and the strangest ghettos I have seen, sort of antebellum Detroit - if you can imagine that.

dont listen to anybody who tells you about the danger charleston presents..Its NORTH CHARLESTON you idiots....get it right the city of charleston is run by one of the top agencies in the country...If you want danger and a true shit hole go to charlotte...if you want beauty,beaches,palm trees,bright sun,carolina blue skies,this city will not dissapoint.Anyone who tells you the city of charleston is dangerous isnt from here or read that out of a book...Its NORTH CHARLESTON thats dangerous and there 2 totally different cities. the people are remarkebly friendly. Come here to see the old south as it once was in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world...and ive traveled the world

One of the top cities in the US. Charleston has tons of history, beautiful architecture, and friendly people. Definitely unique as far as US cities go, in that there aren't a whole lot of skyscrapers dominating the skyline. The pace of living seems much slower here too than other cities. Definitely one of the best places to get a feel for the old South. I'd say that Boston, San Francisco, Chicago and Charleston are my favorite big cities in the US.

Charleston was beautiful. Very well landscaped and gorgeous architecture!
Some part we weren't overly fond of because the areas looked unsafe, but for the most part it was nice. I highly, highly recommend Middleton Place. Incredible gardens, informed staff, and original 1600-1700's buildings. And the southern hospitality is tremendous.

Charleston is in a league of its own and among the most beautiful cities in the country. It has an atmosphere like no other with block after block of georgeous, colorful, and historic homes. Archetecture ranges from classic southern antebellum, lovingly restored 18th century homes, victorians and gracious churches with commanding steeples. Throughout Charleston there are narrow streets.. some cobblestone, parks, gardens, fountains, and waterfront views. I love the swings in the waterfront parks where you can relax and smell a salty breeze. Charleston is one of the nicest cities to walk around and look and say hello to a stranger.

Nearby are some wonderful and inviting beaches with warm water like Isle of Palms. Just recently this city erected a very impressive cable stay bridge (longest in the world) crossing the Cooper River. I love this place.

Great beaches nearby. If you say "Good morning to a stranger, you will probably get a "Good morning" back.

Beautiful, quaint, green, colonial, beachy...what more could you want? The South is different, so come with open eyes and take it all in. Not a tourist trap, but a working community, with carriage tours and cannon gardens, sweet grass baskets and sweet iced tea. Sometimes I lie and call it home. You'll want to do the same.

NORTH Charleston was ranked the #12 Most Dangerous city, not the actual CITY of Charleston. Who said the cops were poorly equipped? Charleston Police are some of the best in the nation and the department is known nationwide. Idiots would differ though.

Charleston is one f the most eautiful cities in the United States. Also ranked as most polite city in the US many years in a row.

this is the 3rd most dangerous city in america, after Detroit and Atlanta, and it has less than 100,000 people!!!!!

Great food, history and architecture. I would recommend it over New Orleans as a place to visit. Areas outside historic areas don't look great, but why would you want to go in them anyway?

Charleston is a great place to be mugged, or have your car broken into. The State/county simply does not have the resources to deal with the criminally insane in the system. If I were alive a few thousand years ago, I would say this place is LOADED with prophets and fortune-tellers. Real whack-jobs on the streets here, poorly- equiped cops.

Crime is almost non-existent(though the neighborhoods look kind of rough as you move away from downtown) haha!! yeah right. LOL Charleston was recently voted the 12th most DANGEROUS cities in America. New Orleans was 13. Downtown Charleston, NORTH of Calhoun Street, is the roughest place in America. Im a chef and I travel all over the country. And Charleston and New Orleans are both beatiful cities that I love (just like Savannah), with their own indigenous style of cooking, but at the same time they are also both definitely the toughest places in the country. That IVE ever been to. Everything south of Broad is pretty much OK. But the other half is a danger zone. Stop lyin to these people.

A great place to take a one-week vacation. It's got it all. Charleston is a must for history buffs. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, with tons of Revolutionary and Civil War attractions. Charleston is also said to rank ahead of even New Orleans in ghost sightings. Ghost walks through downtown Charleston are very popular. You can do anything from enjoying High Tea at a 5-star hotel with rich women and queers, to eating soul food at 1 in the morning after a bender. Charleston is a great shopping town; check out the Charleston Market, located downtown on (where else) Market Street. There are also a ton of flea markets and great antique stores if you want to drive to nearby locales like Mount Pleasant. Spectacular beaches are just a short drive away from downtown, and include Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. The water is clean and warm as elephant pee. My favorite aspect of Charleston is it is a town of Big Eats. There are a plethora of great Restaurants in downtown Charleston. You literally can't go wrong, especially if you are going for seafood. My favorites are Sticky Fingers (Best Ribs around), Starfish Grille in Folly Beach, and Hymans, a 5th-generation seafood restaurant that is a favorite of A-Listers [In the summer, You must get there by 4:00 PM or else you will be waiting for a long time]. Charleston was recently voted the friendliest town in the U.S. It's kind of true, the city does not have the abundance of rude dudes you see most everywhere else. The girls are mostly healthy-looking Southern Belles with sexy southern drawls. Crime is almost non-existent (though the neighborhoods look kind of rough as you move away from downtown). If you do go to Chasn., I guess my words to the wise are: 1) In the summer, downtown Charleston gets very crowded and parking is scarce. Get there in the morning to avoid the rush. 2) Charleston summers are very oppressive and humid. Dress for the weather and bring water. 3) If you want to save money, stay at the many hotels in North Charleston, which is about 15 miles from downtown. North Charleston is good for the family in that there is a nearby Mall, an Ice Rink, a Multiplex, and a Sticky Fingers. 4) One of the best ways to see the downtown is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

phenomenal city, wonderful people, beautiful places, rather inexpensive, lots of history, lots of activity.

Beautiful city. Reminds me of New Orleans. Friendly ,Southern hospitality. Big tourist destination for Southerners. Outside of the downtown it gets iffy though. A little too Old South for me. You can go on Ghost tours though.

It's a Myrtle Beach with some brick roads. It is pretty historical in the older parts though, so it gets some brownie points

A unique and very hospitable city that has a distinct personality and charm. I never tire of visiting.

Most beautiful city in the US

Great City!

Even though I do not think it is the greatest city in the south, as that title would go to Atlanta...it still is a nice little city with good people. There are some bad aspects to it, but what city doesn't have some problems?

Charleston is a treasure: the most beautiful city in the South, maybe the entire country. Great architecture, beautiful beaches, nice 'Old South' people, not at all loud and obnoxious like Dallas or Atlanta. Some of the atmosphere of New Orleans without Orleans-type problems. The only reason not to go it that you'll never want to leave.

One of the most beautiful and pristine cities in America. Worth returning to again and again.

I'm in agreement with an earlier reviewer--Charleston is my adopted hometown. I try to make it to Charleston about once or more a year, and I always enjoy my visits here. From Fort Sumter and carriage rides to great shopping, excellent Lowcountry dining and romantic B&B's, Charleston is a perfect destination for families, singles, or honeymooners.

What a great old city; full of historical tales, charm, fascinating well-kept and loved architecture and lots of things to do and see. To get your bearings and some background information, you might want to start out by taking a tour of the city on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Then check out one of the many interesting and excellent open-air restaurants tucked away in mysterious little vine-covered alcoves. Top it off with some shopping in the marketplace where, among many other things, you can find some unique handcrafted items. Very relaxing and well worth the two-day stop we made on a return trip from Florida one spring. Many more details can be found at http://www.charlestonchamber.net/home.asp or at the Charleston Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, 81 Mary Street, Charleston, SC 29403.