Discover Charleston’s history, architecture, and hidden gems on this guided walking tour through the heart of the historic district.
Charleston is one of America’s oldest cities, and its streets tell the story of centuries of change. Join Tours by Foot as you explore cobblestone streets, historic alleyways, elegant churches, colorful homes, grand mansions, and important landmarks that reveal Charleston’s fascinating past.
This 2-hour walking tour explores Charleston’s role in American and world history while highlighting the architecture, people, and events that shaped this remarkable city.
Depending on availability, guests may enter 1–3 historic sites during the tour. These locations vary because many are active churches and theaters.
Discover Charleston’s Historic District
Join Tours by Foot as we stroll through Charleston’s historic district, crossing cobblestone streets and exploring historic alleyways while discovering hidden gems, beautiful mansions, elegant churches, and historic graveyards throughout the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
This is the story of Charleston’s role in American and world history — from its architecture and traditions to the people and events that shaped this remarkable city.
Sights You’ll See on the Charleston Walking Tour:
- The French Quarter: Wander through Charleston’s historic district with its charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and centuries of history.
- Fort Sumter: Learn about the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. We view Fort Sumter from afar, but you can visit independently before or after your tour.
- Four Corners of Law: Discover the unique intersection where local, state, federal, and church laws meet.
- Rainbow Row: Marvel at Charleston’s famous pastel-colored historic homes and one of the city’s most photographed streets.
- St. Phillip's Episcopal Church and French Huguenot Church: Explore two historic places of worship and learn about their importance in Charleston’s history.
- Dock Street Theater: Visit America’s first building designed specifically for theatrical performances and learn about its place in Charleston’s cultural history.
- Old Exchange Building: Step back in time as you explore one of Charleston’s most important historic buildings and its role in American history.
- Waterfront Park: Enjoy scenic views of Charleston Harbor and the peaceful atmosphere of one of the city’s most beloved parks.
- Washington Square: Relax beneath beautiful live oaks while discovering the statues, monuments, and stories that reflect Charleston’s rich history.
- Phillip Simmons Iron Work: Discover the legacy of Charleston artisan Phillip Simmons and see examples of his intricate ironwork that helped define the city’s architectural character.
- Old Slave Mart Museum: Learn about a difficult but important chapter of Charleston’s history and gain insight into the lives, struggles, and resilience of enslaved people.
- The Battery: Walk along Charleston’s famous waterfront promenade, lined with historic artillery, grand mansions, and views of the harbor.
- Historic Mansions: Admire Charleston’s elegant historic homes and learn about the architecture and residents that shaped the city’s past.
Tour Information
Group Size: Charleston regulations limit each tour to 20 participants per guide, including children. This is a strict limit, so reservations are required and must include the accurate number of guests, regardless of age.
Meeting Point: Tour meeting locations vary depending on the guide. Please check your confirmation email for your exact meeting location.
Duration/Distance: Approximately 2 hours. Approximately 1.5 miles (2 km).
Schedule: View our Calendar
Pricing: Guests can choose the option that works best for them — reserve with our Pay What You Wish option or select a prepaid ticket when booking.
Refunds & Cancellation:
Tours operate rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions, we will contact guests by email and text with alternative options or refund information.
If you need to cancel, please reply to your confirmation email. Refunds are available with at least 24 hours’ notice. After that time, we are unable to provide refunds.
GPS Enabled Self Guided Tour of Charleston
Can't make one of our guided tours? No problem, we have recorded some of our best tour guides giving their tours and put them on a GPS-enabled app.
We have partnered with Atlantis Audio Tours to provide you with a convenient way to experience our tours.
Each tour offers an offline option to view the map and hear the audio of each walk so that you don't need to have GPS maps running with the app.
Here is how it works:
- Purchase a tour on our booking page.
- Receive a confirmation email with all the details.
- Enjoy the tour(s).
Listen to a sample of our Historic Charleston Tour.