South Carolina is home to various flea markets, farmers markets, and craft fairs all around the state. Markets like these are a melting pot for cultural flair, for finding locally made and sourced items, and as a meeting spot for communities to come together. One of the best flea markets in South Carolina, however, might just be Charleston's City Market. Charleston's City Market has been a melting pot for all of the above since 1804. In the beginning, the sheds that make up this popular city market primarily housed meat, vegetable, and fish vendors, each paying $1.00 per day for their space - $2.00 if their table had a marble slab. Today, not much has changed in the market. The buildings erected centuries ago remain a major center of commerce making this market one-of-a-kind for shopping in South Carolina.

Charleston's #1 most visited attraction is a must-see anytime you're in town. At Charleston's City Market, you'll find an eclectic mix of items and hundreds of vendors who show up - and set up - every day rain or shine.

Locally sourced and Charleston-themed items aren't the only things you'll find here, although there is an ample amount of product for you to find just the right gift or souvenir from your visit to the Lowcountry.

If you're looking for that one-of-a-kind handmade item, you'll have much to choose from at the Charleston City Market.

A combination of open-air sheds and a fully-closed marketplace deliver a versatile and fun shopping experience.

In 2011, the City Market renovated the arcade under the historic Daughters of Confederacy building at the intersection of Market and Meeting Streets.

The result was a phenomenal indoor marketplace with 20 vendors. The renovated addition to this small section of the City Market is called "The Great Hall."

The three open-air sheds are equally attractive and have ceiling fans for cooling, plus ample space in between the two rows of vendor booths that line each wall.

Plan to spend a while browsing the thousands and thousands of unique items you'll find at this unique market. They include everything from Christmas ornaments to bonsai trees, locally made soaps, sauces and preserves, and clothing items.

In love with the iconic sweetgrass baskets found all over Charleston? You'll find approximately 50 vendors who make and sell them at the City Market.

It can be mesmerizing to watch them craft these amazing works of art.

The City Market's Day Market is open every day of the week, even Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

But wait. There's MORE.

March through December on Friday and Saturday nights you can hit the Night Market. During the summer it's also open on the third Thursday in June, July and August.

Night Market features more than 100 of Charleston's finest artisans, plus live entertainment.

There's definitely a relaxed and fun vibe at Night Market. Plan an evening out in historic Charleston with dinner at your favorite restaurant or a walk along the battery and then hit the Night Market for entertainment.

The City Market is centrally located right in the heart of historic Charleston and within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants making this the perfect destination. Plenty of parking is available nearby. The market's website has a page dedicated to insider parking tips and locations of lots and garages.

Charleston City Market

More Information, including hours

Have you been to Charleston's #1 attraction, The Charleston City Market? We'd love to hear about your experiences and see your photos in our comments! Do you think this is one of the best options for shopping in South Carolina?

A perfect time to wrap this market into a visit to Charleston would be during the annual Spoleto USA Festival and Piccolo Spoleto Festival. There's Nothing Better Than This Epic Festival In South Carolina.