//
Capital and most populous city of West Virginia, US
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Charleston, established in 1794, is the state capital of West Virginia. With a population of about 49,000 in 2020, Charleston is the largest city in West Virginia. It's at the junction of Interstates 77, 79, and 64, as well as the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, the latter of which flows prominently through the city.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The largest state capitol dome in the country, covered in 23-karat gold leaf. The complex also contains the Culture Center, the Governor's Mansion and the Holly Grove Mansion, as well as many historical statues on the grounds, which is a registered with the National Register of Historic Places and is odd among state capitols (alongside Oklahoma City) in not being located downtown.
Two floors of interactive science exhibits, an art gallery, and giant-screen films and planetarium shows in the ElectricSky domed theater. Performance home of the West Virginia Symphony.
West Virginia Culture Center
Three floors of exhibition space in the West Virginia State Museum, and research materials housed in the State Archives library.
The local baseball team, a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Games played from April through September. Tickets are $7 for one game, up to $490 for a season pass.
The second-largest Native American burial mound in the state. From the top, views of the surrounding neighborhoods, river and industrial facilities.
Locally made, world-famous salt. Tours available.
A locally popular, family-owned bakeshop since 1948.
In Cross Lanes. Chinese.
Has various flavors, including new weekly sorbet and ice cream flavors. This shop also sells coffee and various lunch foods including soups and several vegetarian dishes.
Local counter-serve chain featuring signature biscuits & other American classics from breakfast to dinner. Another location is located at 217 Lee St West.
A limited menu of Thai classics & some updated items, served at a counter in a simple setting.
Restaurant that specializes in hotdogs and artisan sausages including traditional West Virginia hotdogs.
Laid-back diner serving up classic daytime eats, including eggs, bacon, hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps, & salads.
Thai classics, well-executed with fresh ingredients.
BBQ served overlooking the Elk River.
Downtown eatery with classic Punjabi-American dishes.
Sandwich shop serving Vietnamese banh mi and bubble tea, other limited menu options.
Vietnamese classics, including phở.
The Charleston location of a Huntington institution, with quirky fusion burritos and locally brewed beer.
Old-school neighborhood-style restaurant.
Well-known, well-regarded staple for barbecue; also can be found as a food truck at local festivals.
Filipino-American fusion.
Mediterranean kabab in the Spring Hill neighborhood of South Charleston.
Pizza and more
Pizzeria
Excellent old-school neighborhood restaurant, famous for their burgers.
In St. Albans; Capitol Market (+1 304-343-3134) M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM.
In South Hills.
Brazilian steakhouse.
Indian restaurant which also offers delivery.
Authentic Jamaican classics in an unassuming downtown storefront.
Authentic Italian food, with delicious steak and pasta options and a good wine selection. Reservations are recommended but not necessary.
Fine dining, reservations recommended
Artisanal breads made fresh daily.
Tea house.
Pizzeria chain offering an array of craft beers, plus specialty pizzas, salads & sandwiches.
A hotel in downtown Charleston offering a health club, meeting and event facilities, swimming pool and Whitewater Grille.
Housed in a repurposed train depot, features several permanent indoor stalls, as well as one of the largest seasonal outdoor markets in the state. A great place for local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and souvenirs.
Well-known bookstore downtown, also features a small art gallery.
130 specialty stores, three major department stores, Picnic Place and specialty restaurants, and an atrium with a three-story waterfall and extensive greenery.
International spices and groceries
International spices and groceries
Most of Charleston's urban development is built along the banks of the Kanawha River in a linear fashion; thus, from the center of downtown, one can find 1960s-vintage suburbs within a 15 minute drive into the hills,…
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Charleston · Regional · CRW
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Charleston (West Virginia) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.