Charleston, South Carolina is a quaint southern city known for its history and beautiful scenery.  It also recently earned one of the top spots in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Cities List. From the amazing architecture to the ever-growing restaurant scene, it’d be easy to spend a week perusing the cobblestone streets and finding secret gardens.

However, if you only have a weekend to get away, don’t worry! Travel + Leisure put together the perfect itinerary to make sure you hit all the sweet spots of Charleston.

Day One

Start off with a horse drawn carriage ride and get a tour of this classic city from a unique perspective. On this ride, you can pick out all of your must-see spots so you can make the most of the 72 hours you’re there.

Then, you can feel the warm ocean breeze at the City Market as you make your way to Rainbow Row, which is a cluster of brightly painted homes that date back to the 18th century. Want to make the most of your visit? Check out Lowcountry Walking Tours for a guided tour!

After seeing the sights of the second largest collection of historic buildings on the world (#1 is Rome, Italy), head downtown for a bite to eat and to rest your feet.

Day Two

Start out with a filling Southern breakfast of chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits before heading out to see more sights. Then head out to see the city’s collection of restored mansions like The Wentworth Mansion, Joseph Aiken Mansion, Nathaniel Russell House, and Calhoun Mansion. Each home will need about an hour to be toured, so make sure to split your day accordingly.

For a delicious mid-day meal, check out a restaurant with one of the best seafood dishes in town – 167 Raw in the French Quarter. They’re best known for their scallop po’boy, which is Travel + Leisure’s recommendation.

After you’ve worked up an appetite from your second round of mansion tours, unwind at the Charleston Grill– a restaurant located in the freshly renovated Belmond Charleston Place. Rest your feet and your mind as you find yourself serenaded with smooth jazz as you stuff your growling stomachs and reflect about the views you saw.

Day Three

This being the last day in Charleston, mix things up by getting your sea legs with a boat tour around the harbor. Enjoy the views from a unique perspective with Adventure Harbor Tours, who offer a variety of family-friendly tours.

Once you’ve made it back to land, make sure to check off any last shopping on King Street or just grab a coffee and a snack at any one of the small boutiques and coffee shops.

Before you hit the road back home, make the most of your last meal in Charleston by stopping at FIG for a southern classic meal, like suckling pig or egg duck tartine.

Next time you’re in Charleston, check out this complete guide to exploring every inch of the city and ideas to fill up your itinerary!

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