Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

5.0 (53 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

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53 reviews

5.0

See St. Michael's Church, "God's Law" at the Four Corners of Law — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Step inside hidden gardens — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Step into Charleston’s past on a small-group walking tour led by a local Charleston guide. Explore cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways while hearing stories spanning the city’s colonial era, the Civil War, and its ongoing preservation efforts.

Discover Charleston’s iconic landmarks, elegant mansions, historic churches, colorful homes, and atmospheric graveyards. Depending on availability, your tour may include entry to 1–3 historic sites, including churches and theaters that remain active and in use by their congregations and communities.

See landmarks such as Rainbow Row, The Battery, Washington Square, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and Dock Street Theatre while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, events, and architecture that shaped Charleston.

What makes this experience special is the combination of local insight, engaging storytelling, historic architecture, and the opportunity to experience the interiors of select historic sites when available.

Private and Luxury Architecture Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Charleston by Foot

Ages: Youth (0–15 years) · Adults (16–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 2-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District
Included: Small-group experience
Included: Professional local historian and tour guide
Included: Entry to 1–3 historic sites, subject to availability

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Washington Square

10 min

Explore Washington Square, a peaceful historic park shaded by beautiful live oaks in the heart of Charleston. Discover the statues, monuments, and stories that reflect the city’s rich and complex history.
Fort Sumter National Monument

5 min

See Fort Sumter from Charleston’s waterfront and learn about its pivotal role in American history as the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The tour views the fort from afar; guests can visit independently.
Stop 3

5 min

Discover Charleston’s famous Four Corners of Law, where four historic buildings represent local, state, federal, and church authority. Learn how this unique intersection reflects Charleston’s history and the city’s distinctive character.
Rainbow Row

5 min

Admire Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, a collection of colorful historic homes and one of the city’s most photographed streets. Learn about the history and architecture behind these distinctive pastel-colored buildings.
Stop 5

5 min

Discover St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, one of Charleston’s most historic places of worship. Learn about its role in the city’s religious and cultural history and admire its distinctive architecture.
French Huguenot Church

5 min

Discover the French Huguenot Church, a historic Charleston landmark and one of the oldest Huguenot congregations in the United States. Learn about the French Protestant community and its important place in Charleston’s history.
Dock Street Theater

10 min

Discover the historic Dock Street Theatre, widely recognized as the site of America’s first purpose-built theater. Learn about Charleston’s rich theatrical traditions and the building’s role in the city’s cultural history.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

5 min

Step into Charleston’s history at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Learn about its role in the American Revolution, Charleston’s colonial past, and the stories connected to this remarkable building.
Charleston Waterfront Park

5 min

Enjoy beautiful views of Charleston Harbor at Waterfront Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the historic district. Take in the waterfront scenery while learning about the area’s history and its connection to Charleston’s past.
Old Slave Mart Museum

5 min

Learn about Charleston’s history and the legacy of slavery at the Old Slave Mart Museum. Explore an important and difficult chapter of the city’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and resilience of enslaved people.
Stop 11

10 min

Walk along Charleston’s historic Battery, a scenic waterfront promenade offering views of Charleston Harbor, historic artillery, and grand mansions. Learn about the area’s strategic importance and its role in the city’s history.
French Quarter Art walk charleston sc

5 min

Explore Charleston’s historic French Quarter, known for its charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, historic churches, and centuries of fascinating history. Learn how this vibrant district helped shape the story of Charleston.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Tour meets INSIDE Washington Square Park (98 Meeting Street) (map) Look for your guide next to the statue of George Washington. There are many other tour companies operating in the area, so be sure to look for Eric inside the park!

End point

Tour meets INSIDE Washington Square Park (98 Meeting Street) (map) Look for your guide next to the statue of George Washington. There are many other tour companies operating in the area, so be sure to look for Eric inside the park!