Narrow streets and one-way signs are bound to make you a little nervous when trying to get to the theater in time. So we’ve put together some tips and to help make navigating downtown Charleston a little easier, whether you need to map out a parking strategy or want a tour in a horse-drawn carriage. For weather information to help you plan your mode of transportation, get the latest conditions and forecast from The Post and Courier.

Walking
We prefer strolling, seeing as how it’s amight hot, heyah. It’s the best way to see the city, no doubt, and you can do some window-shopping and people-watching as you go. Use this map of festival venues to plan your route. Here is a Spoleto walking-times map that will give you an idea of how long it takes to get from venue to venue. Janet did the walking, so actual time could vary if you have young children or long legs. She suggests comfortable, well-fitting shoes.

Park and ride
Inside advice: There are a lot of construction projects under way downtown and driving can be — shall we say — an interesting experience in a city teeming with tourists, horse-drawn carriages and traffic cones. If you drive, you’ll need patience and a parking space. There are plenty of garages downtown, but be warned: Some of them have itty bitty spaces. It can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re in a big SUV. Sporadic traffic updates are available on Twitter: Look up #chstrfc for real-time information from the Lowcountry community. Feel free to tweet snafus you see with #chstrfc!

This City of Charleston map shows garages and street parking. You’ll need change and an accurate watch for metered spaces, if you want festival tickets to be the only kind you get. Most metered spaces are free after 6 p.m. We suggest allowing plenty of time to get where you are going. Or better yet, ditch the car and try one of these alternatives:

The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers transportation throughout the historic district. Tourists can park at Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St., or at any city-owned parking garage while they ride. Single rides are $1.50 (Note: Exact change required!), 75 cents for seniors weekdays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends and holidays. It’s only $5 for an all-day pass and if you’re staying awhile, your best deal is a three-day pass for $11 or a monthly pass for $37.50. Maps and schedules are available at the Visitor Center at 423 King Street or at www.ridecarta.com. 843-724-7420

Bike Taxis and rentals
A very relaxing way to get around. Companies who offer bicycle taxi rides include Charleston Rickshaw, Charleston PediCab and Bike Taxi. If you would rather bike yourself, check out The Bicycle Shoppe downtown on Meeting Street to rent all you need.

Carriages
You can hire carriages or take established tours. If you head down to the City Market, you’ll have no problem finding a tour guide happy to sign you up. For more information, visit these sites:
Classic Carriage Company
Olde Towne Carriage Company
Charleston Polo and Carriage Company
The Old South Carriage Company
Palmetto Carriage Company

Personal pedaling
If you want to ride your own bike (or rent one), you’re in good company. Do lock your bike up when you leave it. There are city-provided racks along King Street and most garages have racks, too. Check out these locations and read up on the rules as well in this pdf brochure.

May we suggest squeezing in time to bike the Ravenel Bridge over the Cooper River? The view is spectacular and it’s the closest you’ll get to a hill in these parts. You can walk it, too. Or walk the bike and ride down.

Want to know more? If there’s a topic on getting around downtown that we haven’t covered, drop us a line at spoletotoday@postandcourier.com.