One of the United States’ oldest and most historical cities, Charleston is also among the best-preserved cities here. It played a stellar role in South Carolina and American history ever since its inception over 300 years ago. Despite all the natural calamities that strike this beautiful city—fires, war, earthquakes and hurricanes—it continues to live and breathe. In the historic part of this city, there are 73 pre-Revolutionary buildings and 136 late 18th century monuments. Visitors to Charleston tour the city either on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. There’s a lot to see and do here, so it’s no wonder that this city has won many top travel destination awards. For 16 consecutive years, Charleston has won the prize for the Best travel destination in the US by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine If you visit Charleston, do visit its historic side, comprising the Battery Park, the 19th century Aiken-Rhett house, among churches, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the 320-year-old Boone Hall Plantation with its oaken avenues, Charleston Tea Plantation and Cypress Gardens. Also, visit its many museums, forts and for night life, don’t miss the King Street Shopping District where you’ll find the widest range of restaurants, bars and shopping malls. Charleston is also home to art and culture and holds annual art festivals, besides also being known as America’s first theater center.