Our call: qualified yes — walk through for the Gullah sweetgrass-basket weavers (a living 300-year craft) and the certified-handmade makers; skip the generic souvenir stalls.
Who it’s NOT for: Travelers who dislike crowded tourist-shopping and mass-produced souvenirs (a good chunk of the stalls are exactly that). Anyone seeking authentic local dining or a "hidden" experience — this is central and busy by design.
Skip it if: You have no interest in shopping/souvenirs and limited time — the sweetgrass weavers can also be seen without a dedicated stop, and your hours may be better spent South of Broad or on the water.
Time needed: 30–60 min for a walk-through; longer if shopping for a sweetgrass basket. (research: usnews, thecharlestoncitymarket)
Best time: Open daily ~9:30am–5:30pm, with seasonal Fri & Sat NIGHT market ~6:30–10:30pm. Weekday mornings are calmer; the night market has a different, livelier feel. Year-round, covered (weather-proof).
qualified yes — walk through for the Gullah sweetgrass-basket weavers (a living 300-year craft) and the certified-handmade makers; skip the generic souvenir stalls.
Who is The Charleston City Market for?
The Charleston City Market is for first timers, family multigen, celebration squad, and souvenir shoppers.
Who is The Charleston City Market not for?
The Charleston City Market is not for Travelers who dislike crowded tourist-shopping and mass-produced souvenirs (a good chunk of the stalls are exactly that). Anyone seeking authentic local dining or a "hidden" experience — this is central and busy by design.
When is the best time to visit The Charleston City Market?
Open daily ~9:30am–5:30pm, with seasonal Fri & Sat NIGHT market ~6:30–10:30pm. Weekday mornings are calmer; the night market has a different, livelier feel.
How expensive is The Charleston City Market?
The Charleston City Market is free (free). Meravella shows prices as bands and never publishes exact figures it hasn't verified.
Basis research · last verified Wed Jul 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time). Prices are shown as bands; confirm live before you go. We never rank by commission.
