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The 10 best charleston walking tours.

Experience true southern hospitality as you explore Charleston on one of these strolls.

The Best Charleston Walking Tours

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Visit Charleston's top sights with an easygoing walking tour.

With plenty of secret alleyways and hidden gems, Charleston, South Carolina , is best explored on foot. To take in the Holy City's deep history, rich cuisine and vibrant scenery, slow down and see all the top attractions with a walking tour. U.S. News gathered 10 of the best walking tours in Charleston by consulting both traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Lace up your walking shoes and start exploring.

Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Let longtime locals lead the way on a trip with Two Sisters Tours. On this two-hour history tour, sibling guides take you through the charming streets their family has called home for seven generations. You'll hear tales of Charleston's famous historical characters and the events that have shaped the city. Along the excursion – which explores about 18 city blocks – you'll pass signature landmarks, including St. Michael's Church and Rainbow Row . Reviewers love the informative guides and the "insider's perspective" they share as Charlestonians, as well as the tour's scenic route. Tourgoers also appreciate that guides don't sugarcoat Charleston's role in the American slave trade.

Tours run at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. There is an additional weekday tour at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets start at $25 per person; reservations are required.

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Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 2.5 hours

From fried green tomatoes and collard greens to sweet tea and barbecue, Lowcountry cuisine is an integral element of the Charleston dining scene. On this 2 1/2-hour walking food tour, a local guide will take you and up to 11 other participants on a journey through the city to learn its history while making sure your inner foodie is fully satisfied. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Reviewers rave about the informative experience and variety of samples, as well as the helpful tour guides. Many suggest booking this tour for one of your first days in Charleston so you can make use of the guide's recommendations throughout the rest of your trip.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $90 per person and cover all tastings and water. Hungry for more? Bulldog Tours also hosts a walking tour dedicated to the restaurants and museums within the South of Broad neighborhood, such as the Edmondston-Alston House .

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Stroll through Charleston's picturesque alleys with the help of Lowcountry Walking Tours. During this two-hour tour, your guide will lead you through the network of lush (and often hidden) passages. Throughout the tour, you'll hear the historical anecdotes that tie the streets together. You'll visit between four and six alleyways within the historic district, as well as some other points of interest. Reviewers love the architectural angle and the charismatic, insightful guides.

Tickets cost approximately $30 per person. Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. When you're ready to see more, the company also hosts tours of historic downtown Charleston.

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Free Tours by Foot – Charleston Architecture Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Did you know that Charleston's buildings feature every style of architecture? On this two-hour tour, your guide will teach you the city's vibrant history through its architecture. St. Philips Church, the Nathaniel Russell House and the Miles Brewton House are among the sights you'll learn about along the approximately 1.5-mile walk. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic and accommodating guides and recommend the tour even for those who may not consider themselves architecture buffs.

While the cost is on a pay-what-you-like basis, there is a $3 administration fee per ticket and reservations are required. Tours are generally offered Monday and Thursday; exact times vary by day. Free Tours by Foot also hosts walking tours focused on ghost stories and the Civil War.

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Charleston Sole Walking Tours – History, Culture, & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $15 Duration: 2 hours

See Charleston through the eyes of a local with Charleston Sole Walking Tours. Brian Simms, a 10th-generation Charlestonian, or a member of his team will take you on a two-hour tour of the city. You'll stroll through hidden alleys and tree-lined streets to iconic landmarks and sites of famous Charleston historic events. Sights include St. Michael's Church, Rainbow Row, the Dock Street Theatre and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Your guide will go beyond the usual textbook tour, which reviewers love, and give you a rich walking layout of the city.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children 6 to 12. Tours run at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Charleston Sole also offers private and group tours.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Courtesy of Walks of Charleston

Learn all about Charleston's history on this stroll with Walks of Charleston.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

Satisfy your inner history buff with Walks of Charleston. On this roughly two-hour tour, you'll visit sites that date back to before the Civil War and Charleston's modern renaissance, including City Hall, the French Quarter and the Battery . Along the way, your guide will share stories of the city's founding, as well as insights into several of its signature buildings. Reviewers love the energy of the guides and the insider knowledge. If you're visiting Charleston in the summer, travelers recommend a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

Tours are offered multiple times daily starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $25 per adult and $18 per child ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free. Walks of Charleston also hosts tours of the city's alleys and private tours with custom experiences.

Tour Charleston at Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $35; students from $25 Duration: 80 minutes

Charleston is full of haunted tales, and there's no better way to acquaint yourself with the city's ghosts than on a walking tour. On this 80-minute excursion, a guide will lead you around the historic district past dusk to regale you with legends and supernatural occurrences derived from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book. During the evening stroll, you'll enter the Unitarian Church graveyard, a site that dates back to the late 1700s. Reviewers rave about the graveyard's eerie atmosphere and the educational, engaging tour guides. They also say this experience is suitable for families with kid ages 10 and older.

Tours are offered at 7:30, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets cost approximately $35 per adult and $25 for students with an ID; discounts are also available for seniors and members of the military. For a less spooky tour of the Holy City, consider the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're looking to experience Charleston through your taste buds, allow Charleston Culinary Tours to oblige. On this 2 1/2-hour walking tour of the French Quarter and City Market , you'll experience the city's food and beverage scene with the help of a knowledgeable foodie guide. Stop into four local restaurants and learn about culinary history while sampling classic Lowcountry flavors. Reviewers love the samples of local cuisine and the historical tidbits from the knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered multiple times a day (as early as 10 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m., depending on the day). Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. The company runs a variety of other tours, including a culinary tour of upper King Street.

Charleston History Walk by Eric Lager, Ph.D.

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2.5 hours

Let a history professor from The Citadel, a military college, show you around Charleston on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by Eric Lager, who has a doctorate in history, the tour covers everything from Charleston's founding in 1670 to the creation of the historic district in 1931. During the approximately 1.5-mile walk along the city's famous cobblestone streets, you'll pass by sites like the Heyward-Washington House , Huguenot Church, Fort Sumter and more. Travelers highly recommend this tour, praising its pace, the size (groups are limited to 10 people) and the passionate guide.

Tours are generally offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., though an additional 9:30 a.m. may be offered depending on the day. Ticket costs start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids age 7 to 17.

Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours – Highlights of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods on this approximately two-hour tour that offers plenty of sightseeing, in addition to a history lesson. As you stroll past sights like Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and more, you'll learn about Charleston's history, architecture, economics and geography. Travelers applaud the tour guides for their personable, humorous and thought-provoking delivery, as well as their storytelling abilities. Reviewers say this tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Charleston.

The Highlights of Charleston Tour is available daily as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 3 p.m., depending on the day. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for kids. Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours also runs a tour designed for visitors interested in the best photo spots around town; it's available by reservation only.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston
• The Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Tags: Tours , Travel , Charleston, South Carolina , Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations , South Carolina Vacations

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Charleston Tour: Self-Guided Walk

Tour Details

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Welcome to the charleston tour.

This self-guided walking tour of Charleston, SC, offers a taste of the authentic antebellum American South. Explore historic districts packed with lovely shops and beautiful architecture as you learn about the city’s founding, its growth into a major metropolis, and how the Revolutionary War and Civil War changed it forever. This tour offers a comprehensive view of this fascinating city and its past.

About the Tour

Your Walking Tour of Charleston begins at the intersection of Market Street and King Street. From there, you’ll stroll through historic Charleston and hear about its founding. At the historic Circular Congregational Church, you’ll get the story of a patriot who recruited hundreds to fight against the British during the Revolution. Then it’s on to Hibernian Hall, site of the chaotic 1860 Democratic National Convention.

After that, you’ll visit the famous Four Corners of Law, home to some of the city’s most storied institutions. Next, pass a collection of beautifully preserved historic homes while you learn about Charleston’s role in the American Revolution.

At the gorgeous White Point Garden, you’ll find out why South Carolina decided to secede from the Union at the outset of the Civil War. Plus, get a look at Fort Sumter across the water and hear about the battle that kicked off the war!

Then, you’ll stop by another pair of historic homes, the Palmer Home and the Edmondston-Alston House, before learning about the Great Charleston Fire and the Union attack on Charleston’s harbor.

Stop by the picture-perfect Longitude Lane next, before continuing on to Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-painted historic homes. Then pay a visit to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, which the British once used to house American prisoners of war.

Later, you’ll see a couple of sites where enslaved people were once bought and sold, and where you’ll hear about an attempted rebellion that predated the Civil War by a few decades.

Finally, you’ll reach the Charleston Historic City Market, where you can find just about any kind of food or souvenir you might be looking for. Your tour concludes here.

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Where To Start?

Starting Point: 152 Market St,  Charleston , SC 29401, USA

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to Charleston, dig into the fascinating stories of South Carolina’s biggest city.

King Street

Explore the vibrant streets with restaurants and shops, and learn about Charleston's journey from Native land to a beautiful city.

Native Nations

Discover the Native Cusabo people's role in Charleston's early history and their alliances with British colonists and other tribes.

The Cherokee War

Learn about the conflict between settlers and the Cherokee, and how it shaped the nation's expansion to the west.

Marion Square

Explore Marion Square named after General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," and his guerrilla tactics during the Revolution.

Charleston’s Tea Parties

Uncover the lesser-known tea party in Charleston that took place in protest against British taxes.

Siege of Charleston

Relive the intense battle where Charleston fell to British forces during the Revolutionary War.

Reclaiming Charleston

Learn how the colonists reclaimed Charleston after the British evacuated, marking a day of deliverance and independence.

Liberty Square

Understand the significance of this wharf, where the British evacuated and where the slave trade thrived afterward.

Grimke Sisters' Home

Visit the Blake-Grimke House, home of abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimke, who fought for the cause in the North.

Cotton & Slavery

Explore Charleston's economic boom built on the cotton industry and the harsh realities of slavery.

Historic Charleston City Market

See the market, once owned by Founding Father Charles Pinckney, relying on enslaved labor.

Sweetgrass Basket Weaving

Discover the art of sweetgrass basket weaving, passed down from West African ancestors.

William Lloyd Garrison

Learn about the abolitionist's efforts to fight slavery, even in the face of Charlestonian resistance.

Old Charleston Jail

Once held America's first known female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher.

Nathaniel Russell House

A glimpse into Charleston's complex past and the world of slavery.

Washington Square Park

Home to a statue of Confederate General Pierre Beauregard.

Edmondston-Alston House

Witnessed the first battle of the Civil War.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Offers a look into Charleston's two separate worlds of slave owners and the enslaved.

The Charleston Museum

Oldest museum in the nation, filled with South Carolinian artifacts.

Joseph Manigault House

Once owned by a wealthy rice farming family, built on the backs of over 200 enslaved people.

South Carolina Aquarium

Home to a variety of aquatic life and unexpected animals like a barn owl and bald eagle.

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Charleston Walking Tour: Self-Guided Tour of the Holy City

Charleston is full of history and culture. You might not be able to see the entire city during your visit, but we’ll be darned if we let you miss out on some of our most famous sites. Whether or not you have a car, you’ll be able to trace the history of Charleston — from the original settlers to contemporary residents — on our self-guided Charleston walking tour.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #1: Historic Downtown

Most visitors head straight to our historic neighborhoods when their planes land in Charleston. We can’t blame them, either. Our downtown has some of the most beautiful buildings and informative museums in the South.

Visitors also love the fact that they can get around Downtown without a car. It’s easy to get to some of Charleston’s most famous sites in under a 30-minute walk.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #2: Charleston’s Churches

Charleston’s nickname is the Holy City, so it probably comes as no surprise that there are dozens of churches here. You could spend your entire vacation visiting these structures and enjoying their architecture — and never see all of them!

If you want to check out a few of the most stunning and historically important churches, check out our guide to the churches of the Holy City .

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #3: King Street Shopping

Even if you don’t plan on leaving Downtown, you can still plan on doing some shopping. King Street is one of the most famous shopping districts in Charleston. Here, you’ll find locally owned boutiques, designer shops and chain stores.

Since Charleston’s weather is fair all year long, you can also enjoy the sunshine while you shop — no malls for Charleston, thank you very much.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #4: French Quarter

Charleston’s French Quarter might not be as popular as the one in New Orleans, but it’s just as beautiful. You could spend an entire day wandering the streets, visiting the museums and browsing the shops here. It’s probably one of the most famous tourist destinations in the historic downtown area.

Some of our favorite French Quarter attractions are right here on this list, including Rainbow Row, the Historic Charleston Market and the Old Slave Mart.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #5: Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of the most stunning sights in the city. It consists of an entire street of candy-colored houses that have been beautifully restored.

There are a lot of rumors going around about the history of these pastel homes. Spoiler alert: they weren’t painted these colors until the 1920s! Even though the colors aren’t historically accurate, you’ll still want to swing by. They make for great photo opportunities.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #6: Historic Charleston Market

The Historic Charleston Market is one of the most popular spots for lunch, a light snack — and souvenir shopping! It takes about an hour to wander through all of the stalls here, and it ranks at No. 1 on Charleston’s ‘most visited attractions’ list.

You can find all types of hand-crafted gifts here, including sweetgrass baskets and kids’ clothes. On Fridays and Saturdays during the spring, summer and fall, the market also hosts a nighttime version of its popular day market. Open until 10:30 p.m., you can check out all your favorite vendors by the light of the moon.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #7: Old Slave Mart Museum and Provost Dungeon

The Old Slave Mart was once where African-American slaves were bought and sold before the end of slavery in 1865. This museum does a great job of explaining the Transatlantic Slave Triangle, the conditions on slave ships and the gravity of the life of an enslaved person in America.

Across the street is the Old Provost Dungeon. This dungeon was used by the British during the Revolutionary War and is now owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Head here to learn about Charleston’s Revolutionary history.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #8: Waterfront Park

This park runs along the eastern coast of Charleston’s downtown neighborhood. You can get great views of the harbor here — and awesome photos of our famous Pineapple Fountain.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #9: The Battery

The Battery is one of the most picturesque spots in Charleston. Right on the tip of the downtown peninsula, this park has great views of the harbor, Mount Pleasant and Fort Sumter. The name ‘Battery’ comes from an old battery that was built to defend the Charleston Harbor.

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #10: Alleyways and Passages

While you’re on your Charleston walking tour, you might want to pause at a few alleyways and passages that aren’t quite as famous as our Pineapple Fountain. Our alleyways and passages aren’t world famous (although they should be!) but offer insight into the lives of Charleston’s most famous residents.

If you love traveling off the beaten path, you’ll want to pass through a few of these hidden gems. If you need a little help finding them, our Hidden Alleyways and Passages tour will show you some of our favorites!

Charleston Walking Tour Stop #11: Mount Pleasant and Beyond

If you happen to have some extra time, rent a bike and head out to Mount Pleasant. This residential area will make you forget that city life is merely a bridge away. There’s plenty of shopping and restaurants out here — and some of the best beaches in South Carolina are accessible by this neighborhood.

You might also want to take a tour of Fort Sumter (where the first shots of the Civil War were fired); boats to the island leave from here every day, year-round.

Food and Drink on Your Self-Guided Tour

Charleston is known for its famous lowcountry cuisine. Our food is probably the biggest tourist attraction in the city (but don’t tell that to the Historic Charleston Market!). Here, you’ll find all your favorite southern dishes, including fried chicken, grits, shrimp, oysters, Frogmore stew and much more.

If you want to grab a light bite to eat and a cocktail, we recommend heading to the Planters Inn , where Planter’s punch was invented.

Or, if you’re craving something a little more substantial, you might want to head to the High Cotton Restaurant or the Lowcountry Bistro for some quintessential Charleston cuisine. Hungry for more? Check out our self-guided food tour or take a guided food tour of the city.

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Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways and Passages

Charleston’s alleys occupy spaces that blur the line between public and private areas and offer remarkable insight into the city’s history.

• Hour Glass 2-3 Hours

Charleston Private Walking Tours

Interested in booking a private tour with one of our talented guides? We are happy to accommodate private groups and can assist you in organizing a memorable event.

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Walking Tour: Charleston’s Historic District

Oct 11 2018.

A deep, deep dive through Charleston history. Plus: coffee, she-crab soup, and gourmet cheese.

Cranes dominate Charleston’s upper peninsula skyline, assembling hotels and apartments at a lightning clip, but one section of Charleston remains more or less the same. The historic residential neighborhood we call “South of Broad,” and the commercial blocks above it, keep a slower rhythm, with a harmonious hodgepodge of Colonial remnants, Antebellum ostentation, private gardens, and gas lanterns that flicker even by day.

This walking tour begins and ends at the southernmost tip of the peninsula at White Point Garden , flanked by ornate homes above and the confluence of two rivers below. The garden doubles as a rookery for black-crowned night herons, so don’t be surprised to encounter a baby heron on the path trying to take its first steps.

At the northwest corner of the park, follow King Street up to the Miles Brewton House , a Palladio-inspired Georgian home that has remained in the same family since 1769. Note the menacing spikes atop its iron fence. These were added following the city’s 1822 discovery of a plot for widespread slave rebellion, a thwarted conspiracy whose mastermind, an ex-slave named Denmark Vesey, was convicted and hung. Similar ironwork cropped up around town to give slave owners a false sense of security.

Backtrack the half-block south and turn west onto Lamboll Street, but first, pause at the Thomas Lamboll House , built in 1739. The third floor doubles as a two-bedroom bed & breakfast with its own piazza, to help pay for the home’s upkeep.

Turn right on Legare (pronounced Luh-GREE), walking south to north to admire the balconies of Italianate and Neoclassical villas positioned to catch sea breezes. Pause at 14 Legare Street, wrongly nicknamed the “ Pineapple Gates House ” by the general public despite its Italian pinecone pinnacles, where just beyond the gate, the garden speaks to secrets trapped in Charleston’s soil. When current owners purchased this circa-1800 property, they invited local archaeologists to sift beneath their lawn, an investigation that yielded an unexpected find: the shell-path outline of an ornate parterre boxwood garden dating to 1818, now fully restored. The dig also unearthed an 1803 brass slave tag, as well as Revolutionary War cannonballs, Antebellum hair combs, and 18th century delft tableware, all now in the collection of the Charleston Museum.

Pass by the impressive iron gates of the Sword Gate House at 32 Legare Street,  named so for obvious reasons, a Federal-style stunner constructed in 1803 by the man for whom Legare Street is named. From here, take a right on Tradd Street and your first left on Orange Street, which slices through a long-gone orange grove and spills onto Charleston’s original business artery, Broad Street , a palmetto-lined zipper of law firms, art galleries, and a resurgent food scene.

The John Rutledge House commands with its lacy two-story wrought iron balconies and checkerboard sidewalk. Built in 1763 by a signer of the Constitution, the building is now a luxury bed & breakfast where you can sip afternoon tea and nibble on savory canapés while ogling Revolutionary musket balls. The house is also famous for its turn-of-the-century butler, William Deas, who gussied up crab bisque with the addition of bright orange crab roe in anticipation of President Taft’s 1909 visit, thus the origin of one of Charleston’s delicacies, “ she-crab soup.”

By now, you’re probably hungry. Head east on Broad and left on King to enter Millers All Day , co-founded by local miller Greg Johnsman. By “miller,” I mean that Johnsman restores vintage grist mills on his family farm on Edisto Island, where he grows and stone-grinds heirloom corns and grains into grits and cornmeal. Drop in for coffee and super-salty country ham with fig jam on a biscuit, or opt for more substantial Lowcountry dishes like Hoppin’ John, a slow-cooked sea island combo of red peas and Carolina Gold rice folded with veggies and broth. Shrimp and grits is another must.

On King, check out the Preservation Society store for an excellently curated lineup of local artisanal products, including small-batch cocktail bitters, coastal salts, scores of Charleston cookbooks, plus free coffee and couches in the back. Then continue north to the steps of the Charleston Library Society , the third-oldest subscription library in the United States, whose main reading room is worth a peek. Directly across the street, you’ll see the gates to the Unitarian cemetery . Venture down this narrow shady path, past small tenements, to reach a hauntingly beautiful, lushly planted old cemetery. If the church is open, take a look at its Gothic Revival vaulted ceiling.

Back on King, walk south past intimate wine & cheese hangout Bin 152 (a great rainy day spot), then turn left on Queen Street. You’ll pass the lauded southern restaurant Husk . You’ll want to return here for dinner (reservations needed) or for a classic lowball bourbon Old Fashioned at Husk’s adjacent bar.

Hook a right onto Meeting Street, proceeding to the intersection of Meeting and Broad we call the “ Four Corners of Law ” for its collection of city, state, federal, and church buildings.

Below the intersection, you’ll see Gullah basket-weavers, descendants of enslaved Africans, who maintain an ancient art form passed down through generations. Talk to them. They are happy to tell you about the sewing techniques and variety of natural grasses used to their shape bowls and baskets whose prices correspond to the hours required to weave and “sew” each piece.

Duck into City Hall for ground floor public restrooms (very well maintained) and exhibits, including bones excavated from the 18th-century meat market that stood on this very spot. Take the elevator up to the second floor chamber, hung floor-to-ceiling with a hodgepodge of political portraits, from racist statesmen to Confederate leaders to Civil Rights heroes. A 1791 portrait commemorates George Washington’s visit to Charleston, in which Washington’s horse appears to be preparing to urinate on our skyline. There is a chatty guide to fill you in.

Cut through Washington Square’ s mature live oaks, then exit north and turn right on Chalmers Street, one of the few remaining cobblestone streets in Charleston, strewn with old ship ballast. Turn left on Church Street to Queen. At right are the dainty pink spires of the French Huguenot Church. At left is the beautifully restored 1835 Dock Street Theatre , free for viewing. Note the Royal Coat of Arms hanging above the stage, a nod to the troupe’s Colonial beginnings.

Return to Queen and walk east. You’ll pass Philadelphia Alley , dating to 1766, where many a duel went down. Then, duck into Robert Lange Studios , an unpretentious artistic hub of talent in a 340-year-old former grain warehouse. There’s a piano “for those who play” and an indoor swing you can sit on while you admire works of contemporary realism. Continue to Waterfront Park’s pier, watch cargo ships creep by, and see kids playing in fountains.

Thirsty? Take the elevator to the Vendue hotel’s rooftop bar for deviled crab fritters with whipped benne butter. The views from the upper deck are worth the ascent. Keep the hotel’s Revival restaurant on your list for dinner options too, helmed by a talented chef whose passions lie with resurrected grains. Hushpuppies incorporate nearly extinct corns, and shrimp-&-grits use rare “forbidden black rice grits” revived by Anson Mills. There’s also subtly spiked velvety she-crab soup true to William Deas’ 1909 receipt (not the gloppy versions you’ll encounter in some other establishments).

From Vendue Range, turn south onto East Bay which, centuries ago, abutted wharves where tall-masted ships unloaded their goods and their frisky sailors, many of whom walked into a tavern called McCrady’s on the Bay . McCrady’s was built in 1778 by my fifth-great-grandfather, an Irish immigrant. You’ll want to check out its brick arcaded bar for cocktails and “caviar and tater tots.” 

Continue through Unity Alley, just as Edward McCrady himself did before he was arrested and imprisoned by the British for hosting revolutionary grumblings in his tavern. Turn left on State Street, then right on Chalmers, where we take a sobering pause. The Old Slave Mart Museum operates within the walls of a former auction house. The 1,900-square-foot space is unflinching in its treatment of this history—no “moonlight and magnolias” glazing here. Forty percent of all enslaved Africans were brought to North America through Charleston’s port. 

Diagonally opposite from the museum is one of the oldest houses in Charleston: the “ Pink House .” which has seen use as a coffee house, tavern, brothel, home, art studio, law firm, and art gallery. Next, take either Church or State Streets one block south to Broad Street. Duck into the Blind Tiger Pub , a low-slung 1803 establishment, whose majority of taps showcase Charleston breweries, from Westbrook’s lemon cucumber gose, to Low Tide’s peach habanero IPA. Or, grab a coffee across the street at Normandy Farms Bakery.

Walk east towards the Old Exchange Building,  then turn right onto East Bay until you reach the pastel-hued facades of thirteen Georgian row houses we call “Rainbow Row,” a colorful stretch of 18th-century vertical homes sharing common walls, built as storefronts beneath with residences above. Just north of Rainbow Row, head west on Elliott Street, then right on Church Street where you’ll find the city’s finest retail cheese shop, Goat.Sheep.Cow . Buy some provisions for an end-of-walk picnic, then stroll down sleepy Church Street, past the block nicknamed “Cabbage Row” for the fact that its 1920s inhabitants set cabbages and other vegetables on their window sills for sale, inspiring writer Dubose Heyward’s novel Porgy set to music in Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess . You’ll also pass the stately brick home of Thomas Heyward, Jr . , a signer of the Declaration of Independence who hosted George Washington in 1791. The house is open for tours, and its kitchen garden out back is exemplary.

Then, 58 Church Street is a 1754 home with a rear garden made famous by Emily “Cheeka” Whaley’s 1997 New York Times bestseller “ Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden ”—part memoir, part gardening advice. The garden thrives in the hands of Cheeka’s daughter Marty, an artist. Marty and her husband Charles are kind enough to leave the garden gate open to visitors, but as the small sign states, please slip some cash through the mail slot to help with upkeep and plantings. As Cheeka would say, relax on a garden bench to “let your soul catch up with itself.”

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20 Things to Know Before You Go to Charleston

Featured city guides.

Walk Charleston’s Historic French Quarter: Self-Guided Tour

• Post last modified: February 13, 2022
• Post author: Nicole

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Did you know Charleston is one of the oldest settlements in the U.S.? The city is full of unique old-world architecture, and of course, Southern charm. There’s no better way to see this historic city than just walking it. This 1.5-mile self-guided walk of Charleston’s historic French Quarter winds its way through the city’s most famous 17th, 18th, and 19th century buildings. It takes around 30 minutes to walk, but of course you’ll want to stop for lots of photos.

If it’s your first trip to Charleston, you may want to also check out our other posts on the area.

• What To Do on a First Visit to Charleston
• 10 Things Charleston is Known For

Start Your Walking Tour at Rainbow Row

Technically, this little spot on East Bay Street is just outside Charleston’s French Quarter, but it’s worth adding to the walk.

Built by merchants around 1740, these thirteen colorful houses, known as Rainbow Row, were originally on the waterfront before the land was filled in.

The story goes, after the Civil War, this area of the city became a slum. However, around 1931, Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge bought a few of the houses and started renovating them. She painted them pink, which really brightened up the area. Then, other homeowners started painting their houses in bright Caribbean colors. It’s been a tradition ever since.

Quick Stop at the Tavern at Rainbow Row

Almost directly across from Rainbow Row, at the intersection of East Bay and Exchange, is the oldest liquor store in the country .

Serving Charleston since 1686, it’s a fun place to pop in and do a few tastings. They pride themselves on rare finds. Plus, if you’ve been after some South Carolina Moonshine, this is your place to get it.

Learn Some History at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Next door to the Tavern is the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon .

Over the centuries, this building was once an exchange, a military headquarters, a customs house, and even a post office. Today, visitors can tour the creepy dungeons where the British kept prisoners of war.

After touring the dungeon, visitors are welcome to go upstairs to learn about the building’s political significance and role in the slave trade.

Take a Peek Down Gillon Street

Before heading down Broad Street, it’s worth taking a moment to go next door to Gillon Street.

One of only eight cobblestone streets left in Charleston, it’s a picture-perfect spot full of old-world charm. 

Admire the Intersection of Meeting and Broad Street

Arguably one of the prettiest intersections in Charleston is at Meeting and Broad Street, also known as The Four Corners of Law .

On the southeast corner, Saint Michael’s bright white spire stretches to the heavens. Built between 1752 and 1761, it is the oldest church building in the City of Charleston.

Across the street, on the northeast corner, Charleston City Hall exemplifies an elegant Adamesque style of architecture. Built between 1800 and 1804, the building was originally only one of eight branches of The First Bank of the United States.

The magnificent gray brick and granite building on the southwest corner is the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse built in 1896. With a square tower and balustraded balconies its design is meant to resemble an Italian Renaissance palace.

Finally, on the northwest corner, is the Charleston County Courthouse , first built in 1753 and then reconstructed in 1792. Look carefully, does it look familiar? The architect, James Hoban, also designed the White House. His original design was very similar to the courthouse. However, on George Washington’s guidance, he amended the design into a two-story house with eleven windows across.

Hibernian Hall

From the intersection of Meeting and Broad, take a stroll through the peaceful Washington Park, before walking down Meeting Street to Hibernian Hall .

With the look of a Greek Temple, it’s quite an unusual find. Built in 1840, the “temple” is an historic meeting hall and social venue. It’s mostly used for weddings today.

In 1860, the Democratic Party held the Charleston Convention here and failed to agree on a presidential candidate. The lack of agreement in the party most famously led to the election of Abraham Lincoln and the anti-slavery Republican party.

Chalmers to Church

Next, walk down another of Charleston’s tree-lined cobblestone streets, Chalmers Street.

A little past the intersection with Church St., at 17 Chalmers St., is one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina, and the second oldest residence in Charleston. Built between 1694 and 1712, Pink House is now a private residence, but it’s worth seeing while you’re in the area.

Next, follow Church St. north. You’ll spot the tall spire of St. Philip’s straight away. Founded in 1680, it is the oldest congregation south of Virginia. It’s often considered the “Westminster Abbey of South Carolina,” as many founding fathers are buried here.

Before you reach St. Philip’s, you’ll pass the historic French Huguenot Church . The current building is from 1845, but the original building stood on this spot in 1687.

Historic Charleston City Market

Continue north on Church St. to S Market St. Then follow the shop-lined street west for one block, to the intersection of Meeting and Market. 

At the head of the Historic Charleston City Market is a replica of the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece. Built in 1841, the building was originally a Masonic Hall. Today, it sits above the entrance to the popular city market and serves as a Confederate Museum .

The city market’s covered buildings run for four blocks and include over 300 vendors. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the city and worth a browse.

U.S. Custom House

At the end of the market, on S Market Street, is the US Custom House . In our opinion, it’s one of the grandest buildings in the city. Construction started on the federal building in 1852. However, in 1859, construction halted due to the concern of South Carolina’s possible secession.

Construction didn’t restart until 1870, and finally finished in 1879. 

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

End your tour of Charleston’s historic French Quarter with a walk along the harbor at Joe Riley Waterfront Park .

In front of the park is the Waterfront Park Pier , which is great for views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge . We always tell folks to keep a lookout for dolphins here, they are a common sight.

The elaborate Pineapple Fountain in the center of the park is a local and visitor favorite. You’ll actually notice pineapples all over the city and decorating many of the souvenirs. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Charleston’s welcoming Southern hospitality.

Looking for more on the South Carolina coast? Here are a few other posts you may be interested in.

• Could Mount Pleasant be an Alternative to Charleston?
• Weekend in Mount Pleasant
• Weekend in Murrells Inlet
• Day Trip to Brookgreen Gardens

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Charleston History Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Map Marker Departure Location: In front of City Hall at 80 Broad St. on the corner of Meeting St. and Broad St.

Enjoy a Walking Tour Through Historic Charleston

On our walking tour through this wonderful city, we encounter hundreds of historic homes and buildings and stately churches as well as perfectly manicured lawns and impressively designed gardens. From 1670 through the Civil War and up to the Charleston Modern Renaissance period, our licensed guides entertain you with Charleston’s rich and colorful history.

Please note that stops along the tour vary depending on the tour guide, but you can generally expect to see some of the following points of interest on the tour:

• Rainbow Row
• French Quarter
• Old Exchange Building
• St. Philip’s Church
• St. Michael’s Church
• Views of historic Fort Sumter
• White Point Gardens, the “Battery”

Admission to the Powder Magazine Museum is included with the price of your walking tour!   Just show them your ticket at the door.  Visit the museum at your leisure before or after your walking tour.  Located at 79 Cumberland St.  Click here for more info and opening hours:   The Powder Magazine Museum

Charleston’s Finest History Tour

Our Charlestonian tour guides tell you everything you want to know about the history of Charleston — and more. Whether you need directions to your next tour, recommendations on where to get the best grits, or just a few cool facts about Charleston history, we’ve got you covered. Our licensed guides have over 130 years of combined tour guiding experience. Most of us are Charleston natives, and some of our guides are even accomplished historians and docents. What we all have in common? A passion for Lowcountry history.

Related Charleston Walks

• Small Group!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages

This is the most popular tour offered by our sister company, Lowcountry Walking Tours, which specializes in small-group tours for a more intimate experience.

• Hour Glass Varies

Private Tours

Take a private tour of Charleston to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy City. Allow us to create the perfect tour for your group!

12 of the Best Charleston Walking Tours

Years ago, I decided to move to Charleston while walking around its historic downtown .

All Charleston is beautiful, but one of the most unique aspects of the city is the peninsula. And walking around it is the best way to experience it.

But free Charleston walking tours (led by you) can only get you so far. You could theoretically do your research before you go, then try to find the places you found online or in books.

Table of Contents

But that sounds like a lot of work.

Save time by linking-up with one of the local Charleston walking tours . The city of Charleston certifies all tour guides by:

• requiring they buy a giant book on Charleston history and trivia
• taking a rigorous test on all that information

How do I know this?

Because I bought the book shortly after moving here, thinking I could become a tour guide and make some money on the side. I got another job before I took the test, and moved into a different industry.

But I still enjoy knowing all the local legends and trivia. So I enjoy a good walking tour once in a while.

Most visitors have no idea how many fantastic walking tours are available to them for their Lowcountry expedition. But even locals learn something on these tours that you can then turn around and spout-off to visiting friends and family to sound smart. Hence my argument that it’s not just a tourist thing.

Get a quick, hour or so, introduction to Charleston on a carriage ride. That works if you’re only here for a day. After that, get something more in-depth.

And you’ll be able to skip the standard tourist questions, like, “why do all the porches point in the same direction?”

Get a Quick Virtual Tour of Charleston

Before you drop the $20-45 per person necessary for a typical tour, check out this video of Robert Phillips, longtime tour guide and Charleston native, as he gives a quick introduction to Charleston.

Read on to find the best fit for you.

Considering that, you’ll find ten of the best walking tours in Charleston listed below. Make sure you don’t overlook them if you want to see the city in the best light and uncover lots of fascinating information.

Uniquely Charleston Tours

This tour company is highly recommended by the above-mentioned Kyndra Luce. She says that taking a tour with proprietor Paul Garbarini is so good that she as a native has spent money attending one of his tours.

Paul Garbarini is a docent at McLeod Plantation , the Charleston plantation devoted to the African-American experience as opposed to that of the white slave owner. As such, his Unique Charleston tours are heavily researched and knowledgeable. And he gives awesome custom tours.

Two Sisters Historic Walking Tours

This two-hour walking tour is perfect for people who want to experience the charm of Charleston with some genuine local flavor. You get to stroll through some of the most beautiful streets in the city and learn more about the rich history. With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor with over a thousand reviews, these ladies must be onto something. Two Sisters Historic Walking Tours start from Washington Park.

Charleston Footprints Walking Tours

Anyone who takes part in these tours will benefit from the vast knowledge of a seventh generation Charleston native. Award-winning journalist and author Michael Trouche has garnered 2,000 positive reviews on TripAdvisor for good reason. Discover the beauty and history of Charleston with a relaxed walk around impressive local architecture with a local expert.

Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours

Founded by College of Charleston graduates, Bill Harris and Palmer Stowe, this is a newer addition to the list. They offer walking tours introducing visitors to the history and major attractions of Charleston. Or they can create a customized tour based on your unique interests about the city. Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours meet at 200 East Bay Street, or the Old Customs House.

Not at Oyster Point, or White Point Gardens , as their name would imply.

Things that make you go, “hmmm”.

Charleston Sole Walking Tours

For people who want to learn more about historic Charleston folklore and legends, Sole Walking Tours are the best company to contact. Visitors will get to know the city from the unique perspective of respected native Brian Simms.

Get your fill of “sole” puns at the Charleston Sole Walking Tours website . And then book or whatever.

Bulldog Tours

At this point, everyone and their mom has heard of Bulldog Tours . They definitely don’t need my plug to be found. They’re like the Hyman’s Seafood of tours in Charleston. Except their product is actually palatable.

If you enjoy ghost tours, history tours, or culinary tours, Bulldog Tours can supply everything you desire. They also offer some of my fahisvorite Charleston ghost tours . Exploring Charleston’s enchanting graveyards and cobblestone streets while hearing a few spooky stories along the way is a Halloween tradition for me.

Say Charleston Photo Walking Tours

Charleston local Liz Legare Duren runs these tours to guide you through the city her ancestors helped build. Guests enjoy professional photographs taken along the route.

Lowcountry Walking Tours

There are three different tours available from Lowcountry Walking Tours at the moment, and they include:

• the Downtown Walking Tour
• Charleston’s Most Beautiful Walk
• Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages

Charleston In A Nutshell

If you’re not going to be in the city for a long time, this walking tour will ensure you see all the most essential sights with local historian Jeff Zimmerman. He offers a morning walk, an early afternoon Civil War walk, and a twilight stroll by candlelight. Charleston In a Nutshell also offers group and private tours on request.

Free Tours By Foot

Free Tours By Foot offers “name your own price” tours of cities across the country, including Charleston. That means they could be free if you want. That seems to be rather unfair of the freelance tour guide takes the time to take you around the city.

But whatever, you do you.

Ghost City Tours of Charleston

These all-ages ghost tours of haunted Charleston are for anyone who wishes to visit the most ghostly locations in the historic area of the City. Ghost City Tours of Charleston provide fun and excitement for all the family. It’s a decent way to learn more about Charleston’s chilling history.

Usually the researching process is the part that stops me from actually doing an activity. So I’ve done the research for me, and you now, so you’ve got no excuse.

Pick a warm (not too hot) day, and schedule a walking tour already. Enjoy!

Related Hipster Charleston Guides You May Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Ghost Tours in Charleston, SC
• Romantic Weekend Getaways in Charleston, SC: the Ultimate Guide
• Charleston City Market: the Best Parts You Need to Know
• Discover the Beauty of the Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston, SC

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About the author.

An avid traveler, Colin Pearson loves to settle in an area and discover every little bit of that spot. And having lived on various places on three continents, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of his favorite places he's ever lived.

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South of Broad Charleston – DIY Walk of the Prettiest Streets of Charleston

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: February 7, 2023

Categories City Guides , More US States , North America , Travel Guides , USA

South of Broad Charleston is by far the prettiest area of Charleston with stunning pastel southern homes.

Along with the French Quarter of Charleston, South of Broad is a place not to be missed in a romantic Charleston getaway. There are seriously tonnes of romantic things to do in Charleston , you’ll never fall short of cute things to do with bae!

South of Broad Charleston

There are various ways to explore South of Broad – you can drive the streets, go on a horse drawn carriage ride or explore by foot.

A horse drawn carriage ride is fun and quintessentially Charleston but to appreciate the little details of the lanes and houses we would suggest exploring South of Broad by foot.

There are many streets to explore in South of Broad. You could literally spend hours getting lost looking at the gorgeous houses located in South of Broad Charleston.

If you are on a tight schedule, we have prepared a walking route to see the best of South of Broad Charleston. This walking route of South of Broad will take 1-2 hours.

If you have more time to spare after we would suggest continuing on with our French Quarter walking route (around 2 hours walking time)

South of Broad District Walking Map

Do your own walking tour of the prettiest Charleston Streets with this map (save it to your phone).

Alternative, click here to view the map .

Where to park your car in Charleston?

If you park your car in the historic centre of Charleston, you will need to feed the metered parking. Personally, I hate metered parking as it gives me anxiety about not getting back in time to my car.

You can park your car for free for 2 hours in Charleston at White Point Garden.

Conveniently, this is the ideal place to start your walk of South of Broad as White Point Garden is located within the South of Broad area of Charleston.

White Point Garden is a beautiful park in itself in Charleston with beautiful oak trees overhanging.

If you are interested in the Civil War there are cannons and statutes to prominent figures in the Civil War in the park. It said that orders were given to start the Civil War from here.

Many people disagree with their place in the park and there are regular protests in the park. You may notice this as you walk by.

East Battery Street

From White Point Garden head down East battery Street down the Battery Promenade .

The Battery Promenade is particularly nice at sunset so you may like to return to see a stunning orange sky at some point during your time in Charleston.

Along the bay there are a lots of lovely mansions including a gorgeous pink house. Keep an eye out for the red brick with white grout mansion with two full Greek style pillars which don’t seem to marry up correctly to the balcony. 

The Battery Promenade is a really popular popular place to get lots of beautiful photographs of the houses, and the bay.

As you cast your gaze onto the bay you can often see a variety of marine life including many Pelicans fishing. We overheard a local guide say she has seen dolphins and even on a rare occasion a manatee in the bay so keep an eye out!

Also keep an eye out for the owl on the corner of Atlantic Street. Is that a real or fake owl? We will let you be the judge of that one.

The cool thing about Charleston is as you are walking around the city you will see little plagues telling stories of the houses and area so it is really easy to do a DIY walking tour and feel like you received adequate information about the area.

Outside the historic Charleston foundation headquarters,  a prominent building along the battery promenade you will see a sign dedicated to Robert Smalls. One of my favorite tales from Charleston.

Robert Smalls was born into slavery. He was sent to work in Charleston for his owner. When he was 23 he was a crewman for the confederate army. 

In 1862, Smalls with a group of other slaves made a dash for freedom, guiding the ship to the Union ships. He has been credited as a National Hero for aiding the Union War efforts. Following the Civil War, Smalls was elected to the South Carolina legislature. A very happy ending to a once enslaved life.

One of my favourite houses in Charleston located in Battery Street. Many houses in Charleston have cute, original gas lamps, a feature we love!

Further down the street you will find the most photographed area of Charleston – Rainbow Row .

Undoubtedly the most photographed attraction in Charleston is the Row Row. A row of Georgian townhouses which have been painted in pretty pastel colors of the rainbow. Blue, orange, green, pink and purple.

As if the pastel colours of the rainbow weren’t enough the houses have pretty flowers hanging from windowsills and cute painted window shutters.

Houses at Rainbow Row also have the Charleston gas lanterns we completely love!

Rainbow Row, the most photographed area of Charleston

Broad Street

The top the north east corner of Broad Street that meets Rainbow Row is actually part of the French Quarter.

We wrote a seperate guide on the best of the French Quarter .

If you don’t have a lot of time to explore the French Quarter in great detail and want to add parts of it to your adventure of South of Broad we would suggest to make sure you see St Michael’s Church – the most beautiful white church in Charleston and also the Pineapple Fountain , another popular spot for photography and Instagram in Charleston.

St Michael’s Church – the unmissable parts of the French Quarter of Charleston

Elliott St, South of Broad Charleston

From East Battery Street take a left down a super cute street called Elliott St in Charleston.

Elliott St in Charleston is not one to be missed.

From E. Bay St. which intersects with Elliott, you can see very quaint houses.On the right is a pastel pink building, on the left is a cute red brick cottage with wife grout and black window shades.

The  proud owners decorated the house perfectly for Halloween with the pumpkins and flower baskets to complement which overflow from the window sills.

The narrow lanes of Elliott St, overhanging with old oak trees and colorful, cute houses make it one of the prettiest in Charleston.

Some of our favourite houses in Charleston are found in Church St. One of our favourite houses on the street has pastel blue shudders and pink paint.

Church St is particularly beautiful as large oak trees overhang the street.

Many people take romantic horse drawn carts down church street. We even saw a horse drawn carriage with “Just Married” on the back as we walked along Church St which was particularly cute.

There is an interesting antique maps and prints store located on Church St along with a cute clothing store. Note: clothing store had a closing down sale sign so it may not be available when you take this walk – let us know!

On Church St you will also find the historic Heywood Washington house . Around since 1772, it is now a national historic landmark in Charleston.

If you would like to take a tour of the house it is possible Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunday there is reduced hours of operation.

Tradd Street East, South of Broad

From Church St go down Tradd East Street, another totally adorable street in Charleston.

Many of the houses in Charleston are historic and have a story to tell. The great thing about the city of Charleston is little plaques have been erected informing passers by of the history of each historic house.

No. 40 Tradd St is one of the most historic houses in the street – Pollock house . 

Other interesting houses on the street to check out are  51, 53, 56 a yellow house constructed in 1739 by George Ducat.

Meeting Street

Meeting St is another of the best streets of Charleston. Meeting Street is part of South of Broad and also the French Quarter of Charleston .

Keep an eye out for the Presbyterian Church in Meeting Street. You really can’t miss it – the scale and  architecture of the church is pretty amazing.

On meeting street you will find seriously impressive houses with large gates. If you feel like a spooky walk of Charleston, Meeting Street is a great place.

Meeting Street is a pretty good example of a Charleston Street as it features stately homes, mansions, old churches and roads featuring overhanging hundred year old oak trees.

If you walk down Meeting Street early evening as we did you are as likely to see a horse-drawn cart or jogger as you are to see a car pass by which is pretty cool.

Off meeting street there are some cute lane ways to explore including Fort Ct .

One of the most interesting and historic houses on the street is the Nathaniel Russel House. If you are interested, it runs tours from 10 to 4pm daily. It is a historic Charleston foundation property and registered as a historic landmark.

Nathaniel Russel House – A historic Charleston property in South of Broad that you can tour

Next to the Russel House is a cute alley called Prices Alley that you might like to explore further.Across the street is the First Baptist Church. 

The most spectacular house on the street is undoubtedly however Calhoun Mansion . Listed on the national register of historic places it is Charleston’s largest private residence and open daily for tours from 11am to 5pm.

If you are wondering inside is an italianate house museum. A feature which may give way its Italian heritage is the nude water feature in the front garden.

We have walked past the Mansion in both the day and at night. If you don’t want a tour, it is particularly beautiful at night as the door glitters.

If you would like to stay in this super cute area we would suggest Two Meeting Street Inn with Southern charm and impressive architecture. You will find this darling Inn with seriously impressive architecture and rocking chairs on the porch at the end of Meeting Street.

South Battery St

At the end of Meeting Street you will find yourself back at the White Point Garden on South Battery St.

If you would like to explore the South of Broad area in more detail, South Battery St has some of the most impressive houses in the Charleston area.

If you walk along South Battery St you will find another cute street – King Street.

At the beginning of the street is a totally adorable pink house that I would very much like to move into!

South of Broad Charleston Tour: Summary

This section of South of Broad featuring the best and cutest houses in Charleston will take you 1-2 hours to complete, walking at a steady pace without stopping.

Time your self-guided walking tour right and you will arrive to South Battery around sunset for some of the most impressive tones of orange and yellow.

It’s the perfect way to spend an early evening on a weekend getaway .

The Pineapple fountain is actually in the French Quarter of Charleston but could be added to your exploration of South of Broad

Where to Stay in Charleston South Carolina?

We would recommend staying in one of the following places for luxury, comfort and a whole lot of southern charm!

• Best Budget Hotel : (3*) Clean, Comfortable and provides delicious warm cookies upon arrival. Good location to Boone Hall Plantation. Car required.
• Best Mid Range Hotel : (4*) Authentic southern charm architecture, luxurious accommodation, walking distance to historic centre, highly rated with guests. No car required.
• Best Luxury Hotel : (5*)  The absolute essence of comfort and charm in Charleston. Stunning – see for yourself. No car required.

Looking for where to travel next on a road trip? Greenville SC is always a good option and only 3 hours away! 

Save South of Broad to Pinterest so you can find it again later!

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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Wednesday 15th of November 2023

I loved this house-viewing walk. I saw one house with a beautiful blue-painted kitchen. I was able to find that blue at Home Depot. I can't wait to do some cabinet painting and update my kitchen.

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Charleston Perspective

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843.460.8671

Discover the history, architecture and culture of Charleston with a local guide!

• All Charleston Perspective   walking tour guides are local Charlestonians.
• Explore the cobblestone streets, hidden passages and alleys, as you uncover the history, the architecture and the culture that make up the framework of this centuries old town.
• From the founding in 1670 through wars, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, religious diversity, the slave trade, the Gullah/Geechee culture, economic swings to present day growth and expansion.
• See many historic sites along the route including Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange, the Old Slave Mart museum, Churches, the Harbor, High Battery and more.
• The 2 hour walking tour will end the courtyard of the Middleton Family Home, built in 1783, in the heart of the walled city district. Prince Charles visited the same courtyard in February of 1990.
• Check out our Things To Do  page to continue your experience in Charleston.

Charleston Perspective     Walking Tours

D iscover the history of Charleston with a local, licensed and   certified guide.

E xplore the cobblestone streets as you uncover little known history   of Charleston including the 50 years of Proprietory rule, the   Charleston Tea Party, the 1st decisive victory of the Revolutionary   War at Ft Sullivan, the African art form of the Gullah/Geechee sweet   grass baskets, the trash fill that makes up 50% of the peninsula of   Charleston, the religious diversity of the holy city, the unique   architectural style of the Charleston Single House and more.

C ome away from the walking tour with a better understanding of the   complex history of this centuies old town, and a better knowledge of   the distinctive architectural styles and features. You will have a   better understanding of the the culture and people who lived in and   built the structures that have withstood centuries of hurricanes,   wars, earthquakes and fires.

D iscover Charleston's history with Charleston Perspective !

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2 Hour Daily Walking Tour

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Charleston Walking Tours

See our Calendar Below for All Tours, as well as Things to Do & Travel Tips

Featured tours.

Historic Charleston

Historic charleston highlights.

Architecture Tour

Architecture tour highlights.

Ghost Tour Highlights

Pirates Tour

Pirates tour highlights.

Gardens & Alleys

Gardens & alleys highlights.

Civil War Charleston

Civil war charleston highlights.

Free Tours by Foot is pleased to present free, self-guided and name-your-own-price guided Charleston walking tours.

We provide a platform for licensed, professional, freelance tour guides to lead sightseeing tours where you decide what the tour is worth at the end of the tour.

Whether you are here for a weekend or an extended visit, you can enjoy a quality experience no matter what your budget. 

Enjoy a guided Charleston city tour for a price you feel it was worth - even free! 

No two tours are the same. All tours are memorable.

Be sure to also check out our guide on tourist discount passes .

Our guided walking tours are one of the best things to do in Charleston.

Enjoy your trip with an expert guide who can answer questions, and offer advice on places to visit in Charleston and where to eat.

Charleston Tour Calendar

We run tours all year long but we only post the schedule a few months in advance! We are unable to run tours on certain holidays.

If one of our tours does not fit into your schedule, look into our Audio Tours or contact us about a Private Tour.

Searching Availability...

We offer many different types of walking tours:

• Historic Charleston Walking Tours for an introduction to the Holy City.
• History buffs will certainly enjoy our Civil War Charleston Walking To ur
• Charleston Architecture Tours will explore the city looking closely at the historic buildings.
• If you're interested in the darker side of history, join us on an evening stroll for the Charleston Ghost Tour .
• Learn about the nautical history of Charleston Pirates.
• Explore the gardens of Charleston's Window Boxes.

Sightseeing doesn't have to be expensive and boring.

That's because we must be at our best at all times to ensure that your guided tour is interesting and of the highest quality. 

If you don't like what you see, all you lose is your time. It's the best guarantee in the business. 

So join us on one of our city tours and discover the beauty of this wonderful and enchanting city.

Want a Private Tour of Charleston?

We also offer our guiding services for private groups where we can guide you in the Historic District and anywhere else in Charleston.

Any of our tours are available as private tour options in Charleston.

Tours are limited by law in Charleston to 20 guests.

But, some tours are smaller by guide choice and some tours can be arranged with multiple guides for larger groups.

Email us and we will get back to you with a timely quote.

OTHER TOURS

There are other ways to explore Charleston - by boat, carriage, or bike!

• Ghost Tours in Charleston SC
• Options for Charleston Carriage Tours Explained
• Charleston Plantation Tours
• Which Charleston, SC Boat Tours Are Best?
• Reviews of Best Charleston Food Tours

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Charleston's Best Downtown Walking Tours

Welcome to JWalk Tours

Charleston , South Carolina

Let's Take a Walk!

Jonathan green, founder, walking guide and history buff.

Hi, I'm Jonathan and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance and would further enjoy the opportunity to meet you in person and take you on a walking tour of Charleston, SC, the amazing place I call home. I am licensed by the city to give our visitors tours and tell you all about Charleston's unique history and appeal. I like to keep tours fun, informative and tailored for my guests. Let's take a walk and get to know each other while we explore one of our America's most intriguing cities and its rich history at the crossroads of the American Revolution, the Civil War and America's founding.

Chicora Walking Tour

Book your tour today, “Let's take a walk!”

Read More about the tour.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

French huguenot church, dock street theater, chalmers street, the pink house, ryan's mart, 8 1/2 state street, old exchange, rainbow row, robert smalls, stoll's alley.

JWalk Tours

Let's take a walk.

Visit Charleston, SC and take a walk with us! " Walking the streets of Charleston, one of the oldest cities in America, is walking through an important part of the tapestry of American history.

Contact Info

Questions + booking group and private tours.

+1 843-608-1911

[email protected]

Featured Tour

Every badass history has a badass HERSTORY... join us in celebrating Charleston's badass broads.