The take
Why locals love it
Touristy but genuinely worth a walk-through for the sweetgrass weavers alone.
Word on the street
What locals are saying
Charleston City Market is widely seen as a must-visit landmark for its deep historical roots and living Gullah Geechee sweetgrass basket tradition, but locals and critics alike flag it as heavily tourist-facing — prices run high, vendor quality is inconsistent, and summer crowds can be overwhelming. The Friday/Saturday Night Market is called out as a meaningfully different, more festive experience worth seeking out separately. Long-time visitors note the market has shifted in character over the years, though the open-air atmosphere and basket weavers remain genuinely authentic anchors.
touristy but historically significantsweetgrass baskets are the real cultural drawhigh prices & inconsistent vendorsNight Market worth experiencing separatelysummer crowds deter localschanged character over the years
