Charleston Was Once Named The BEST City In The World…And We Couldn’t Agree More

The first time since, well, EVER, readers of Travel & Leisure ranked an American city the Number One City In The World. That's right. Step aside Paris, Sydney, Vienna, and Florence. Charleston, South Carolina was the 2016 Number One City In The World and we've been shouting it from the rooftops ever since because we couldn't be more proud of the Holy City. It truly is the best city to visit in South Carolina.

In recent decades Charleston has faced natural disasters (Hurricane Hugo), a devastating blow to the economy (the 1996 closure of the Navy Base in North Charleston), and personal inconsolable tragedies (among them, the 2015 shootings at Emanuel AME Church). With each and every hit, this city, its people and its government have not only prevailed but have conquered what seemed to be the impossible. But with Grace, anything is possible.

Here are some of the things we find most charming, alluring, delectable and well, amazing about the Number One City In The World.

Battery Row

We love how most of these lovely homes are still single-family dwellings and that each and every one of them is so well-loved and well-maintained by their owner.

The brick-lined alleys...

that pull you into the mystery of where they lead and what you may see along the way.

...and the cobblestone streets.

Most accounts say these cobblestones were used as ballast to weigh down ships with little or no cargo. We love that tidbit of history for some reason.

We adore how much love is shown to departed members of the community.

You can see and feel it in the many historic cemeteries in the city.

Steeples, steeples...

...everywhere!

There's a reason Charleston's nickname is The Holy City.

We love seeing these medallions on the historic buildings.

They're given to properties that have been perfectly maintained or restored to adhere to the original architectural integrity. Translation: you're looking at a labor of love. It's difficult to get this award.

The Southern charm that oozes from the big old mansions in the historic district.

There are many of them. (Remember to pick your jaw up off the sidewalk as you stand there and gawk.)

A carriage ride through the historic district.

Ok, maybe not in heat of the summer, but it's still one of the best ways to see this historic city.

The U.S. Customs House

We love how even the government buildings are all so perfectly preserved. The U.S. Customs House sits quietly, passively watching over East Bay Street.

The hustle and bustle of the City Market...

and all the interesting things you'll discover there.

The city's dedication to the perfoming arts.

The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's oldest theatre.

And the Gaillard Center is the newest performance hall.

The Gaillard Center also hosts trade shows and a variety of events.

Charleston is home to several historic plantations.

Middleton Plantation on the Ashley River is one that is not only open for tours, but also has a B&B, a restaurant and regularly hosts events.

(The College of Charleston) We love how the Charleston penninsula is not only home to two historic colleges...

(The Citadel)

but that the thousands of young students who attend them bring their great energy to the city and are tomorrow's leaders.

We love all the city parks in historic Charleston, especially Waterfront Park.

The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. This is one of two gorgeous fountains at this one park.

And the food, OH THE FOOD. It may be last on this list, but it's certainly not the least important!

The masterpieces dished up by the culinary art geniuses in Charleston are beyond words.

With all her charm and decadence, Charleston makes it look easy to be perfect and wonderful. Just like a long lost love, she has a way of captivating your soul and leaving you to want more. And so, we raise our glass to Charleston, South Carolina. You've managed to capture the hearts of the entire world. It really is the best city to visit in South Carolina. Cheers!

If you're looking for some lesser-known and underrated towns in South Carolina to visit, follow the link!