City Market Palmetto Carriage Works

Every historical city needs an old market to bring past and present together. Charleston, South Carolina does not disappoint with one of the oldest markets in the country, the appropriately named, City Market.

The City Market was first established in 1807 on land given to the city in 1788. What was the catch? The city had to use the land, indefinitely, for the purpose of a public marketplace. They have kept their end of the bargain. Until the 1830’s the market was a place to find fish, meat and vegetable vendors. The original small shacks that housed this oldest part of the market are still alive and well today, host to charming vendors still selling meat and vegetables and often other homemade goods.

The current “new” structure with its grand entrance facing Meeting Street was constructed in 1840. Inside you will find four blocks of open air market space housing a variety of vendors offering an array of high quality items. Strolling through the market you will find original artwork including paintings, pottery, jewelry and Charleston’s famous sweet grass baskets. Clothing, souveniers, and arts and crafts abound. And if you work up an appetite while shopping, there’s a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants to choose from.