City Market

Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., and with good reason. In this city where hospitality is an art and the palm-lined streets are fragrant with magnolia blossoms, visitors have a wealth of historical attractions and great dining and shopping at their fingertips. One of areas of the city that tourists make a beeline to when visiting Charleston is Market Street, which houses the City Market and Sheds. Only a few such open-air market areas still exist in the United States, and these market buildings have been named a national historic landmark.

A Bustling City Marketplace Then and Now

Each morning this market quickly becomes a colourful explosion of sights and sounds as merchants gather and set up shop. It was much the same in the 1840s, after these market buildings were constructed to replace the original collection of structures that were destroyed by fire. The land which all this bustling commercial activity takes place on was donated to the City of Charleston in 1788 for use as a city marketplace. To this day, beef, fish and local produce are sold in City Market, as well as traditional Lowcountry arts and crafts such sweet grass baskets. Permanent shops are located in the Sheds selling local art and souvenirs.

Visiting the City Market

The City Market and Sheds are located on Market Street, stretching between Meeting and East Bay Streets. Vendors in the Sheds are open every day between approximately 9a.m. and 6p.m.