Overview
Greenville has been described as Athens, Georgia for adults. It is the county seat and largest city of Greenville County, South Carolina, United States. Greenville is also the center of the largest metropolitan area of South Carolina. Columbia, Charleston, and North Charleston have more people, but the urban area around Greenville is larger. With its historic homes and modern office towers, Greenville is said to be where "Old South" meets "New South".
12 sights · 23 things to do · 19 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Greenville
Falls Park on the Reedy
South Main Street. This is a unique and beautiful urban park. The park surrounds the 60-foot Reedy Falls. It creates an oasis in the midst of the bustling city. This is also the original birthplace of what would eventual…
Greenville County Museum of Art
If you weren't expecting great art in this corner of South Carolina, you will be in for a surprise. Regular traveling exhibits combine with the museum's own 32 paintings by Andrew Wyeth to make this a worthwhile stop for…
Sigal Music Museum
Contains among many other things a 1761 harpsichord played by Mozart and an 1845 piano played by Chopin.
Upcountry History Museum
Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery
A thorough presentation of European Old Masters from the fourteenth through the nineteenth centuries including one of the finest collections of Italian Baroque painting in the United States. Includes religious art by Rub…
Cleveland Park
Adjacent to the Greenville Zoo, this park features four playgrounds, six tennis courts, two sand volleyballsu courts, and a dog park. There are 4½ miles of paved paths used for running and biking which connect to the lon…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 32°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Aug.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- GSP Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg — 10 mi away. Directions
- AVL Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville — 41 mi away. Directions
- CLT Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte — 86 mi away (major hub). Directions
Greenville is served by two airports. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), in nearby Greer, is the state's second busiest airport. Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is used for private and some cargo air service.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $5 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Falls Park on the Reedy, Peace Center, Centre Stage, Greenville's Professional Theater
- Lunch Pomegranate on Main
- Afternoon The Warehouse Theatre, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library
- Dinner Chicora Alley
- Evening O-CHA Tea & Coffee Bar
Day 2
- Morning Furman University, Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville County Museum of Art
- Lunch Roost
- Afternoon Upcountry History Museum, Saturday Market
- Dinner Trappe Door
- Evening Methodical Coffee
Day 3
- Morning Sigal Music Museum, Greenville Little Theatre
- Lunch Pita House
- Afternoon Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Dinner The 05
- Evening Northampton Wines & The Wine Café
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
With over 80 restaurants in Downtown, Greenville has become known as a culinary center in South Carolina. Below are the most popular in distinct Greenville areas.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Greenville is the primary city of "the Upstate" of South Carolina, an area that includes the six counties of northwestern South Carolina along the borders of North Carolina and Georgia. It is the principal city of the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin Metropolitan Statistical Area (2018 estimated population: 906,626) which is included in the greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Combined Statistical Area (population 1,478,658 according to 2018 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau). Greenville County is both the most populous and most dense in the state at 407,383, but because its city limits enclose less than 30 square miles, the population of the city is 67,453 (2015 estimate). Perhaps a more accurate representation of Greenville's size is the urbanized area, which includes all of the city plus adjacent unincorporated areas and some suburbs that have a high population density — this figure is 302,194 (2015 estimate).
Tourist information
- Visit Greenville website
Get in
By plane
Greenville is served by two airports. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), in nearby Greer, is the state's second busiest airport. Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is used for private and some cargo air service.
By train
Amtrak serves Greenville via its Crescent line, running daily from New Orleans to New York City's Penn Station, with stops including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C. Northbound trains are in Greenville at 5AM and southbound trains at 11PM. Greenville station 1120 W Washington St.
By car
Greenville is on the Interstate 85 corridor, linking it to Atlanta and Charlotte, and Interstate 26, which is in nearby Spartanburg, goes northwest through Asheville on to Tennessee, and southeast on to Charleston. It is also at the northern terminus of the Interstate 385 corridor. The other freeways that converge in the area include Interstate 185 and U.S. Highway 123 (Calhoun Memorial Highway). Other major highways include U.S. Highway 25, Business U.S. Highway 25, U.S. Highway 29 and U.S. Highway 276. Main Street is home to many of the downtown area's shopping and dining destinations.
By bus
Greyhound offers service to Greenville on its route between Charlotte and Atlanta. The station is at 9 Hendrix Dr.
Get around
- Greenlink, Main Office: 1021 S. Main St; Transfer Center: 100 W. McBee Avenue, +1 864-467-5001. Greenlink offers 11 fixed routes to destinations all across Greenville County. All Greenlink buses are wheelchair-accessible, and each Greenlink bus is equipped with a bike rack to make commuting easier for bike riders. Free WiFi is available on all Greenlink Buses. Single rides $1.50; day passes $5.00; 20-ride pass $27.00; discounted fares available for children and seniors.
- Yellow Cab of Greenville, 529 W Washington St, +1 864-233-6666,
- Downtown Pedicab has eight pedicabs in downtown Greenville.
- Downtown Trolley. The City of Greenville operates two downtown trolleys.
See
See Falls Park on the Reedy
South Main Street. This is a unique and beautiful urban park. The park surrounds the 60-foot Reedy Falls. It creates an oasis in the midst of the bustling city. This is also the original birthplace of what would eventually become known as "Pleasantburg" - later renamed, "Greenville."
See Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery
A thorough presentation of European Old Masters from the fourteenth through the nineteenth centuries including one of the finest collections of Italian Baroque painting in the United States. Includes religious art by Rubens, van Dyck, Reni, Tintoretto, Le Brun, Cranach, Ribera, and Murillo set among period furniture, sculpture, tapestries, and porcelains. Closed for renovation through 2019, but selected artworks are on display in the Gustafson Fine Arts Center Atrium and Rodeheaver Auditorium 1st and 2nd floor lobby.
See Cleveland Park
Adjacent to the Greenville Zoo, this park features four playgrounds, six tennis courts, two sand volleyballsu courts, and a dog park. There are 4½ miles of paved paths used for running and biking which connect to the longer 1½ mile Swamp Rabbit Trail. Cleveland Park also includes a fitness trail with pull-up bars, parallel bars, climbing rope, and other body-weight exercise stations.
Do
As the largest city in the Upstate, Greenville offers many activities and attractions. Greenville's theaters and event venues regularly host major concerts and touring theater companies. Four independent theaters present several plays a year.
Places
Do Centre Stage, Greenville's Professional Theater
Stage is a year-round, 285-seat professional theater offering a wide range of entertainment that includes music, comedy, drama and special events within easy walking distance of Falls Park and the historic West End. Free parking, assistive listening devices, art exhibitions, chamber music concerts, independent film screenings, galas and more await visitors to this state-of-the-art performance facility, noted for its unique configuration, comfort and intimacy.
Do Fluor Field
Do Greenville Drive
Greenville's minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox plays at Fluor Field in Greenville's West End. Fluor Field boasts its own "Green Monster," a 30-foot-high wall in left field, equipped with a manual scoreboard. The dimensions all around the outfield wall are to the same specifications as Fenway Park, including "Pesky’s Pole" in right field. Tickets purchased prior to the day of game - at the Drive Box Office, by Phone or Internet - are $5 for Lawn and Deck; $6 for Reserved Terrace; $7 for Reserved and $8 for Box Seats. Tickets purchased on the day of game will cost $1 more than advance sale tickets.
Do Craft Axe Throwing (Axe, Hatchet or Tomahawk Throwing)
A destination for axe-throwing, tomahawk, and hatchet enthusiasts. Craft beverages are available. Groups and parties welcome. Experts will guide you through axe-throwing, ensuring a safe and entertaining experience for all skill levels.
Annual events
Do Living Gallery
Around Easter each spring, employs drama, music, and live portrayals of great works of art to bring the works of the Old Masters to life. Reproduced paintings, some as large as 20 ft square, feature live models and extraordinary detail. Each year's production is unique and the program is offered several nights each spring. Annually attended by over 10,000 people.
- Greek Festival is a major street festival that is held in May by members of the Greek Orthodox Church that offer Greek food and cultural activities.
- Art in the Park is a major arts festival that takes place in Reedy Falls Park near downtown Greenville.
- Reedy River Run a 10K race that is held in late February or early March.
- The Red Party annual dance party, held at the History Museum of the Upcountry, is a fundraiser for AID Upstate, an AIDS Service Organization serving Upstate South Carolina (Anderson, Oconee, Pickens and Greenville counties). AU serves, on average, more than 750 clients and families touched by HIV/AIDS.
Buy
Downtown
Eastside
Shop Shops at Greenridge
Outdoor shopping center anchored by PetSmart, Best Buy, Marshalls, World Market and numerous small specialty stores and restaurants.
Falls Park and the West End
Shop Lilly Pulitzer - West End
Colorful women's boutique shop offering designer resort and beachwear.
Southside
Shop The Plaza
Shopping square with a grocery store and other smaller boutique shops and eateries.
Eat
With over 80 restaurants in Downtown, Greenville has become known as a culinary center in South Carolina. Below are the most popular in distinct Greenville areas.
Downtown
Eat The Cazbah
Tapas restaurant and wine bar. Outdoor seating available.
Eat Nose Dive
A casual gastropub offering high quality pub fare, unique cocktails, a distinctive wine list and handcrafted brews that provides a neighborhood social scene on Main Street.
Eat Ristorante Bergamo
Modern Northern Italian cuisine. Try the in-house made limoncello. Reservations highly recommended.
Eat Roost
Focused on local, organic, and seasonal food.
Eat Soby's New South Cuisine
Soby’s is a blend of contemporary cuisine infused with traditional southern ingredients. Signature dishes include Barbecue Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes with Jalapeno Pimento Cheese, and Crab Cakes Remoulade. The wine list offers more than 500 selections and is a Wine Spectator Magazine award-winner for the past eight years, a 'Best of Award of Excellence' the past two.
Eat Sushi Murasaki
Delicious, fresh assortment of sushi in a modern restaurant. Licensed to serve beer, wine and liquor.
Eat Trappe Door
Belgian restaurant and bar, with a huge selection of Belgian and Belgian-style beers and excellent mussels.
Eat Trattoria Giorgio
Offering traditional Italian cuisine, this was a favorite dining spot for actors George Clooney and Renee Zellweger during the Upstate filming of the 2008 film, Leatherheads. The dining room is elegantly casual, and reservations are strongly recommended. Patio dining is available if the weather permits.
Eat Trio Brick Oven Café
An eclectic fare of gourmet wood-fired pizzas are a specialty, with sauces made fresh daily and in such intriguing combinations as roast chicken with basil pesto. A wide variety of homemade pasta dishes like sautéed crawfish and rotini are another specialty of the house. Rotisserie chicken as well as a variety of wraps and sandwiches round out the menu. Enjoy your meal outdoors, weather permitting.
Falls Park and the West End
Eat Chicora Alley
Veggie-friendly and tasty food. Southern cooking meets Tex-Mex, so expect collard greens in your quesadilla.
Eat Larkin's On The River
Premium cut steaks, fresh seafood, and fine wines.
Eat The Lazy Goat
A Mediterranean-themed restaurant with a "made from scratch" menu featuring global influences from Spain, Morocco, Italy, France, Greece, Africa and the Middle East.
Eat Pomegranate on Main
A modern, inviting atmosphere with an open dining room accented by traditional Persian touches. Iranian artists provided the amazing one-of-a-kind pieces of art. The outdoor patio offers a cozy feel under the pergola and beautiful sky.
Eastside
Eat Henry's Smokehouse
Get your BBQ fix at what some aficianados consider the best BBQ in town. As befits the food, simple decor, but a pleasant outdoor seating area with a view of the highway.
Eat Pita House
The best Middle Eastern food in Greenville is at the Pita House. Casual dining and a family atmosphere.
Southside
Eat Augusta Grille
Classy restaurant offering New American small plates & entrees, plus wine and a full-bar.
Eat Davani’s
Warm, relaxed restaurant lined with wine racks that serves both French and Italian food.
Eat The 05
New and upcoming bar and grill offering American fare.
Drink
Alcohol
Drink Carolina Ale House
Sports bar. Rooftop seating available, open air weather permitting.
Drink Northampton Wines & The Wine Café
Retail store and wine bar.
Coffee & tea
Drink Coffee Underground
Locally-owned coffee house and bistro with a cozy & friendly atmosphere. Take in performances in the Theater, where weekly performances by comedians, poets & singer-songwriters are hosted. Coffee roasted in-house. Also serving beer, wine, and cocktails.
Drink Methodical Coffee
Cool, hip and cozy coffee spot serving college kids & locals.
Drink O-CHA Tea & Coffee Bar
Cozy corner cafe spot serving bubble & loose-leaf teas, pastries, sandwiches and coffee too.
Sleep
Go next
Upstate
- Clemson - home of Clemson University, 45 minutes away from Greenville by car
- Lake Hartwell - bordering Georgia and South Carolina, this lake is used for fishing, sailing, and waterskiing. Boats can be rented for the day at numerous marinas.
- Spartanburg - Greenville's sister town with a charming downtown and numerous college campuses for biking or taking a stroll.
Out of state
Due to being within an hour of North Carolina and Georgia, there are many out of state day trips available from Greenville.
- Western North Carolina - A great way to spend the day away from Greenville is by taking a day trip to go hiking in western North Carolina. Take the scenic US 276 from downtown Greenville towards Brevard, NC. Stop by Dupont State Forest, where part of The Hunger Games was filmed, and hike to see some of the numerous waterfalls. Continue towards Brevard for a stop for lunch, and follow US 276 into Pisgah National Forest. Take a trip down Sliding Rock, a 60 ft high natural water slide into a pool of water, or stop and see the roadside Looking Glass Falls, one of North Carolina's most popular waterfalls. This area is particularly beautiful in autumn.
Continue on US 276 until it reaches the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take pictures over the gorgeous overlooks as the sun dips in the sky, and continue to Asheville for dinner. Take I-26 south back to Greenville to complete the loop. Dupont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are all free.
Nearby
Mauldin
City / town · 2 listings · 7 mi away
Five Forks
City / town · 4 listings · 10 mi away
Greer
City / town · 7 listings · 11 mi away
Simpsonville
City / town · 21 listings · 11 mi away
Fountain Inn
City / town · 2 listings · 16 mi away
Belton
City / town · 3 listings · 23 mi away
Clemson
City / town · 52 listings · 27 mi away
Spartanburg
City / town · 11 listings · 27 mi away
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