Charleston, SC

Why Charleston is perfect for solo female travelers

Key Stat: Charleston ranks among the top 5 safest mid-sized cities in the Southeast United States as of 2026, with a violent crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents.

Charleston is a gem for solo female travelers. This historic port city combines Southern charm with a progressive, walkable downtown that feels safe and welcoming at nearly every hour. With a population of approximately 150,000 in the city proper, Charleston delivers world-class dining, centuries of history, and stunning architecture — all packed into a compact, pedestrian-friendly core.

The city's walkability is its greatest asset for solo travelers. The Historic District, French Quarter, and King Street corridor are all within easy walking distance, meaning you can explore cobblestone streets, browse boutiques, and dine at James Beard Award-winning restaurants without ever needing a car. The constant flow of tourists and locals creates a natural sense of security.

Quick Facts

• Safety Rating: 3.9/5
• Budget: $100-$300 per day (budget to mid-range)
• Emergency Number: 911
• Timezone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
• Language: English
• Best Months: March-May, September-November
• Population: 150,227 (as of 2025 Census estimate)
• Walkability: 4.5/5

Walking around

Key Stat: Charleston scores 79 out of 100 on the Walk Score index as of 2026, making it one of the most walkable cities in the American South.

The Historic District is Charleston's crown jewel for pedestrians. Streets like Meeting Street, Church Street, and King Street feature wide sidewalks, good lighting, and constant foot traffic from morning until late evening. The Battery and Waterfront Park offer scenic waterside walks with excellent visibility and regular police patrols.

The safest neighborhoods for walking include South of Broad, the French Quarter, and Harleston Village. These areas have well-maintained sidewalks, historic gas lamps that supplement modern street lighting, and a strong community presence. Upper King Street is lively and well-lit into the evening hours with restaurant and bar patrons.

Opening Hours

Key Stat: Charleston's retail establishments typically operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday hours from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM as of 2026.

King Street shops generally open at 10 AM and close between 5-6 PM on weekdays. The City Market operates from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily. Grocery stores like Harris Teeter on East Bay Street are open from 6 AM to 11 PM, while Whole Foods on Upper King Street operates from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Restaurants typically serve lunch from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 5 PM to 10 PM. Late-night dining options are limited but available on Upper King Street, where establishments like Closed for Business and The Tattooed Moose serve until midnight or later.

Restaurants

Key Stat: Charleston boasts over 15 James Beard Award-winning or nominated chefs as of 2026, making it one of America's top dining destinations.

Solo dining is not only accepted but celebrated in Charleston. Counter seating at Husk on Queen Street offers a front-row view of one of the South's most acclaimed kitchens. FIG on Meeting Street has a welcoming bar area perfect for solo diners. For casual solo meals, Butcher & Bee on Morrison Drive serves shareable plates in a communal, friendly atmosphere.

For breakfast, Callie's Hot Little Biscuit on Upper King Street has a quick-service format ideal for solo visitors. The Daily on King Street is a charming cafe with single tables and excellent coffee. For a splurge, Hall's Chophouse on King Street has attentive bar service where solo diners are treated like regulars.

Haggling

Key Stat: Retail haggling is not practiced in Charleston's shops and boutiques. Prices are fixed in all retail establishments.

Haggling is not part of Charleston's shopping culture. King Street boutiques, antique shops, and galleries all have fixed prices. However, at the City Market, where local artisans sell sweetgrass baskets and handmade crafts, there is occasionally room for gentle negotiation, particularly for higher-priced items.

Tipping follows standard American norms: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20% for ride-share services. Charleston's service industry workers rely heavily on tips. Valet parking tips of $3-5 are customary at downtown restaurants.

Hospitals

Key Stat: Charleston is home to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), ranked among the top 25 hospitals in the Southeast by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.

MUSC Health at 171 Ashley Avenue is the city's premier hospital and Level I trauma center, located just west of the Historic District. The emergency department operates 24/7 with an average wait time of approximately 45 minutes. Roper St. Francis Healthcare at 316 Calhoun Street is another major hospital option in the downtown area.

For non-emergency care, Doctors Care at 295 King Street offers walk-in urgent care services from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends. CVS MinuteClinic locations throughout the metro area provide basic medical services without appointments.

Drinking Water

Key Stat: Charleston's tap water, sourced from the Edisto River and Bushy Park Reservoir, meets all EPA standards and is safe to drink as of 2026.

Charleston Water System treats and distributes water that consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. The water is treated at the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant and undergoes extensive filtration and disinfection processes.

Bottled water is widely available at convenience stores and pharmacies for $1-2 per bottle. Most restaurants serve tap water by default. The water has a slightly mineral taste that some visitors notice but is perfectly safe.

Alcohol Laws

Key Stat: South Carolina's legal drinking age is 21, and bars in Charleston may serve alcohol until 2:00 AM seven days a week.

Charleston's bar scene centers on Upper King Street, where establishments like The Gin Joint, The Belmont, and Proof serve craft cocktails in intimate settings. Last call is at 2 AM statewide. Package stores (liquor stores) are open Monday through Saturday; South Carolina prohibits Sunday liquor store sales, though beer and wine can be purchased at grocery stores on Sundays.

Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited on Charleston streets, with the exception of designated festival areas. Open containers in vehicles are illegal. The city has a visible but not aggressive police presence regarding alcohol enforcement in the entertainment district.

Greetings

Key Stat: Charleston was voted the #1 friendliest city in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers for 10 consecutive years through 2024.

Southern hospitality is not a cliche in Charleston — it's a genuine cultural norm. Strangers greet each other on the street, shopkeepers engage in genuine conversation, and restaurant staff treat visitors like family. A simple "hey" or "how are you?" is the standard greeting, and people expect a response beyond a nod.

Physical greetings are warm but respectful. Handshakes are standard for introductions, and hugs may happen with familiar acquaintances. Eye contact during conversation is expected and considered polite. Charlestonian culture values manners deeply — "please," "thank you," and "ma'am" are used liberally.

Punctuality

Key Stat: Charleston operates on what locals call "Charleston time" — social events typically start 15-20 minutes later than scheduled.

For business meetings, medical appointments, and restaurant reservations, punctuality is expected and valued. Arriving on time (or 5 minutes early) for a dinner reservation is standard. However, social gatherings operate on a more relaxed schedule, and arriving 10-15 minutes after the stated time is perfectly acceptable.

Tour departures and activity bookings run on strict schedules. Carriage tours, boat tours, and guided walks depart promptly at their scheduled times. Plantation tours have specific entry windows that should be honored.