Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

5.0 (562 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

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562 reviews

5.0

Magnificent mansions! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

A look at sweetgrass baskets! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Our walk is a journey through time starting in the historic French Quarter where we stroll down enchanting alleyways and cobblestone streets. The architecture of houses of worship and public buildings are discussed as we point out interesting features and tell unique stories about Charleston’s fabled past. We continue to the South of Broad area where beautiful 18th & 19th century houses abound. We enter the Nathaniel Russell House garden to get a glimpse of Charleston off the beaten path. The waterfront Battery is a perfect place to take in the sights of Charleston Harbor and imagining the opening volley of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter located just a few miles in the distance. This is not just another boring history lesson, but a walk back in time culminating the life of Charlestonians and visitors alike. Come see what makes Charleston such special place to visit. Whether being your first time or your twentieth, Charleston always has more to see and learn!

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Charleston Sole Walking Tours

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tour guide

Itinerary

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

15 min Admission not included

Our starting point is one of the most historical buildings in South Carolina, c. 1771. The Declaration of Independence was read here in 1776, it was used a British prison for roughy two years during the American Revolution, US Constitution ratified in SC in 1788, George Washington was entertained during week-long visit in May 1791, plus many more events.
Rainbow Row

5 min

See the longest row of attached Georgian row houses in the country. These were mariner's stores in the 18th & 19th centuries. Restored in the 1930's during Charleston's preservation efforts to a bright Caribbean color scheme.
Old Slave Mart Museum

10 min Admission not included

Known as Ryan's Slave Mart in the 1850's, this building was an auction site of the interstate slave trade. We will speak about Charleston's role in the slave trade. The City of Charleston operates the museum and tours are available on site. We do not enter the building.
French Huguenot Church

5 min

A beautiful Gothic Revival building from 1845 houses one of the only practicing Huguenot (French Protestant) in the country.
Dock Street Theater

10 min

Entrance depending on availabilty. Built on the site of the first theater in the British colonies, The Dock Street Theatre, c. 1937 was restored from the old Planter's Hotel, c. 1809. The Charleston Stage company operates as the largest professional theater company in South Carolina. Roughly 120 performances take place every year.
Charleston City Hall

2 min

This building sets on one the "Four Corners of Law", named by Robert Ripley (Ripley's Believe it or Not). Built in 1801 as a bank, City Hall has been as such since 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously run city hall's in the country. During the weekdays, visitors can enter the council chamber and see their collection, complimentary.
St. Michael's Church

15 min

Entrance depending on availability. Oldest house of worship in the city, c.1761. We speak about Charleston's religious history of the past and present. The building has much of the original woodwork and beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows. John Rutledge and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, US Constitution signers, are buried in the churchyard.
Nathaniel Russell House

10 min Admission not included

We enter the garden of this beautiful Federal style townhouse built in 1808 and owned by Nathaniel Russell. Reigning from Rhode Island, he was a wealthy merchant involved in shipping.
Edmondston-Alston House

10 min Admission not included

We walk up on the High Battery wall to take a look at the waterfront mansions and discuss the beginning of the Civil War. Ft Sumter is in view. The Edmonston Alston House has been in the family since 1838 and was a site where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter with other onlookers.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet on the north side of the building. There is a tree and two park benches next to a Gillon Street (cobblestone).

End point

We meet on the north side of the building. There is a tree and two park benches next to a Gillon Street (cobblestone).

Using your ticket

We meet at 122 East Bay St. OUTSIDE on the north side of the Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon . The Old Exchange IS NOT directly related to Charleston Sole Walking Tours.