Charleston Market is a historic and vibrant market in South Carolina offering unique shopping experiences since 1804.
South Carolina is dotted with flea markets, farmers markets, and craft fairs. These markets bring together many cultures and are a place to find locally made and sourced goods, as well as a place for communities to socialize. However, perhaps one of the best flea markets in South Carolina is the Charleston Market. Since 1804, the Charleston Market has been a gathering place for all of the above. Initially, the stalls at this popular city market primarily sold meat, vegetables, and fish, with each stall charging a daily fee of $1, or $2 if the stall had a marble top. Today, the market remains largely unchanged. Buildings dating back centuries still serve as important hubs for commerce, making this market a unique shopping destination in South Carolina.
Charleston’s most popular attraction is a must-see whenever you’re in town. The Charleston City Market features a wide variety of merchandise and hundreds of vendors who set up shop every day, rain or shine.
While there is a wide variety of merchandise on offer, you’ll find more than just locally made goods and Charleston-themed items that make great gifts or souvenirs to purchase while visiting the Lowcountry.
If you’re looking for unique, handmade items, Charleston City Market has something for everyone.
The combination of open awnings and completely enclosed markets makes the shopping experience varied and interesting.
In 2011, City Market renovated the arcade beneath the historic Daughters of the Confederacy building at the intersection of Market and Meeting Streets.
The result was a wonderful indoor market with 20 stalls. This part of the city market was restored and called “The Hall”.
The three open sheds are equally attractive, with fans mounted on the ceiling for cooling and plenty of space between the two rows of stalls along each wall.
Plan to spend some time browsing the thousands of unique items at this unique market. From Christmas decorations to bonsai trees, locally made soaps, sauces and jams, and clothing, you can find it all here.
Do you love the iconic sweet grass baskets that you see all over Charleston? At the city market, you’ll find about 50 vendors making and selling sweet grass baskets.
The Day Market at City Market is open every day of the week, even on Sundays, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
From March to December, you can visit the night market every Friday and Saturday evening. In summer, it is also open on the third Thursday of June, July and August.
The Night Market definitely has a laid-back and fun atmosphere. Plan an evening in historic Charleston with dinner at your favorite restaurant, a stroll through the Battery, and a visit to the Night Market.
Located in historic downtown Charleston, within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants, City Market is the perfect place to shop. There is ample parking nearby. The market’s website has a dedicated page with on-site parking tips and parking garage locations.
Have you been to Charleston’s top attraction, the Charleston City Market? We’d love to hear about your experience and see your photos in the comments section! Do you think it’s one of the best shopping options in South Carolina?
The annual Spoleto American Festival and Piccolo Spoleto Festival are great times to include this market in your Charleston trip. There is nothing like this grand festival in South Carolina.
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Post time: May-16-2025