Charleston is one of the country's oldest cities. This tour will take you from the past to the present.
Step into Charleston’s past as you explore its rich historical tapestry through a walking tour of its most iconic historic buildings. This tour will captivate and engage history enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike, offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual heart of this historic city.
We also offer an affordable self guided audio tour available at the bottom of this page!
This tour enters 1-3 Historic Sites throughout the course of the tour. Which sites are subject to availability as these are active churches and theatres.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Join Tours by Foot as we cross cobblestone streets and cut through back alleys, all while discovering the hidden gems, beautiful mansions, elegant churches, and a few graveyards of Charleston's historic center.
It's the epic story of Charleston's role in American and world history.
Sights we may cover on the tour:
- The French Quarter: Wander through the historic district with its charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.
- Fort Sumter: Learn about the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, a must-see for any history buff. We see this from afar, but you can visit it independently - find out how.
- Four Corners of Law: Discover the unique intersection where local, state, federal, and church laws meet.
- Rainbow Row: Marvel at the pastel-colored historic homes that are a photographer's dream.
- St. Phillip's Episcopal Church and French Huguenot Church: Explore these iconic places of worship and learn about their significance in Charleston's history.
- Dock Street Theater: Visit America's first building designed for theatrical performances.
- Old Exchange Building: Step back in time as you explore this pivotal building in American history.
- Waterfront Park: Enjoy the scenic views and peaceful ambiance of this beloved park.
- Washington Square: A charming and serene oasis in the heart of the city. Admire the stunning live oaks and picturesque landscapes, and enjoy the many statues and plaques that tell stories of Charleston's vibrant history.
- Phillip Simmons Iron Work: Immerse yourself in the legacy of Phillip Simmons, an iconic artisan known for his intricate ironwork. You'll have the chance to see some of his masterpieces up close and learn about his contribution to Charleston's architectural charm.
- Old Slave Mart Museum: See the Old Slave Mart Museum, a poignant reminder of a troubled past. Gain insight into the lives of enslaved people and their resilience, and better understand how this piece of history shaped Charleston and the larger American narrative.
- The Battery: Walk along The Battery, offering stunning views of the Charleston harbor. This scenic promenade is lined with historic artillery and stately mansions, providing plenty of photo opportunities and breathtaking vistas at every turn.
- Historic Mansions: Conclude your stroll by exploring Charleston's opulent historic mansions. Admire the southern charm and elegant architecture that has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Charleston’s past residents.
Tour Information
Charleston city regulations allow only 20 participants (including children) per tour guide. This is a hard cap. Reservations are required and must be an accurate number of persons, regardless of age.
Where: Tour meeting locations vary based on the guide. Please check your email confirmation for details.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Approximately 1.5 miles (2k) in distance.
When: View our Calendar
This tour runs on a ticketed basis with ticket prices from $19.00 - $29.00 with Adult and Child rates.
REFUNDS & CANCELLATION
Tours are rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather, we will email and text with alternative options or offer a refund.
If you need to cancel, please reply to your confirmation email. We hope you don't have to but if you cannot attend the tour, we can only offer a refund with 24 hours' notice. After that time frame, we are unable to refund.
You may reschedule for another tour (subject to availability) with any amount of notice!
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.