Explore Charleston’s historic district on a guided Charleston walking tour focused on the city’s history, architecture, landmarks, and the people who shaped it.
Charleston is one of America’s oldest cities, and its streets reveal centuries of history. Join Tours by Foot as you walk through historic alleyways and cobblestone streets, past elegant churches, colorful homes, grand mansions, and important landmarks.
This approximately 2-hour walking tour explores Charleston’s role in American and world history while highlighting the architecture, people, and events that shaped the city.
Depending on availability, guests may enter 1–3 historic sites during the tour. These locations vary because many are active churches and theaters.
Explore Charleston’s Historic District
Charleston’s historic district is best experienced on foot. As we walk through some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, you’ll see historic buildings, beautiful homes, churches, graveyards, and hidden corners while learning the stories behind them.
Your guide will put Charleston’s architecture and landmarks into context, from its colonial beginnings through the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the many changes that shaped the city that exists today.
You’ll also learn about the people and communities whose lives and work helped shape Charleston, including the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout the city’s history.
Charleston Walking Tour Highlights
Our route includes many of Charleston’s best-known landmarks and historic sites. The exact route and stops may vary depending on the guide and conditions.
- The French Quarter: Walk through one of Charleston’s most historic neighborhoods, known for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, churches, galleries, and centuries of history.
- Fort Sumter: Learn about Charleston’s role in the Civil War and the significance of Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the war were fired. We view the fort from afar; it can be visited independently before or after your walking tour.
- Four Corners of Law: Discover the unusual intersection where local, state, federal, and church laws are represented.
- Rainbow Row: See Charleston’s famous row of colorful historic homes and learn about the neighborhood surrounding one of the city’s most photographed streets.
- St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and French Huguenot Church: Discover two historic places of worship and their importance to Charleston’s religious and architectural history.
- Dock Street Theatre: Learn about the history of Charleston’s theater tradition and the significance of this historic building.
- Old Exchange Building: Explore one of Charleston’s most important historic buildings and learn about its changing role throughout American history.
- Waterfront Park: Enjoy views of Charleston Harbor while learning about the waterfront and the city’s relationship with the sea.
- Washington Square: Walk beneath the live oaks and discover the monuments, statues, and stories connected to this historic park.
- Philip Simmons Ironwork: Learn about Charleston artisan Philip Simmons and his lasting influence on the city’s architectural character through his distinctive ironwork.
- Old Slave Mart Museum: Learn about the history of slavery in Charleston and the experiences, struggles, and resilience of enslaved people and their descendants.
- The Battery: Walk along Charleston’s famous waterfront promenade, surrounded by historic homes, defensive fortifications, live oaks, and views of the harbor.
- Historic Mansions: Admire Charleston’s elegant historic homes while learning about their architecture, owners, residents, and place in the city’s history.
Charleston Walking 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: Our Charleston walking tour meets inside Washington Square Park at 98 Meeting Street.
Duration & Distance: Approximately 2 hours and 1.5 miles (2 km).
Schedule: View our Calendar
Pricing: Choose the option that works best for you — 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 Charleston walking tours? You can also explore Charleston independently with our GPS-enabled self-guided audio tour.
We have partnered with Atlantis Audio Tours to provide a convenient way to experience Charleston at your own pace. Each tour includes an offline option for viewing the map and listening to the audio, so you don't need to keep GPS maps running while you walk.
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.