walking tour map charleston

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Historic Charleston | A Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided tour takes you through a section of the city with a large density of 18th-century sites, including those open to the public for free and some that that charge admission.  

• Self-Guided Tour
• Audio Tour Option
• A Brief History of Charleston
• Nearby Attractions
• Walking Tours of Charleston

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

As an alternative to using the below self-guided tour, you can now use one of our affordable AUDIO TOURS ! 

We have partnered with Atlantis Audio Tours to provide you with a convenient way to experience our tours.

Of course, you can always join our pay-what-you-wish walking tours of Charleston .

But our audio tours of Charleston give you the chance to be led by an experienced tour guide at a time of your choosing.

The tour is also available with an off-line option to view the map and hear the audio of each stop so that you don't need to have GPS maps running with the app.

Here a sample of the tour.  "The Dock Street Theater".

This self-guided tour starts at the red marker on the map at the intersection of East Bay Street and Broad Street.

With houses and buildings that have remained intact since before the American Revolution, Charleston allows your imagination to travel back in time to the when stately horse-drawn carriages rode down quaint cobblestone streets.

It also is a reminder of America's darker past when slavery was legal and Charleston was one of the biggest hubs of the slave trade. 

This tour was designed to show you both sides of the city.

(1)  The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon , East Bay Street at Broad Street

By the 1770s Charleston’s population was around 12,000 people, half of whom were slaves. In one year, over 7,000 black Africans were channeled through the city to other parts of the colonies.

The city’s commercial center was Bay Street, anchored by the Custom’s House (Exchange Building) where public slave auctions were held outside and along the adjacent factors’ wharves.

Other enterprises included brokers’ offices and a large number of merchants who catered to the maritime trade. Rope, tar, lumber, canvas, and nails were kept in good supply.

Great sailing ships arrived with bulk cargo from Europe, while smaller boats and canoes arrived via the local waterways loaded with animal skins, corn, and other goods.

Walk west on Broad Street, turn right on State Street, walk one block north and then  left on Chalmers Street, one of the few remaining cobblestone streets in Charleston.

(2)  The Old Slave Mart 6 Chalmers Street

The building at this site, which now houses the Old Slave Mart Museum , is the only surviving building in South Carolina that had been used as a slave auction gallery.

In the antebellum period, the era leading up to the Civil War, Charleston was a commercial center for the plantation economy. Where there were plantations, there were slaves.

The Old Slave Mart was built in 1859 as a result of a city regulation that prohibited public sales of slaves.

The Old Slave Mart made it possible for the slave trade to continue in Charleston now that it had been moved to an indoor private location.   It only operated for four years, closing its doors in 1863 in the idle years of the Civil War. 

Two years later, slavery would be abolished in all the United States. After 1865, the building’s ownership and use changed many times. Between 1878 and 1937 the building was a tenement for African-Americans. 

In 1938, Miriam B. Wilson purchased the building, called locally the Old Slave Mart. Wilson established a museum featuring African and African-American arts and crafts.  

In 1964, Judith Wragg Chase and Louise Wragg Graves took over the Old Slave Mart Museum and got the Old Slave Mart building placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and operated it until 1987.

The City of Charleston bought the property in 1988, having recognized its importance in the history of the slave trade in Charleston.

(3) The Old Slave Mart Museum  located inside the Old Slave Mart

The museum displays accounts, many firsthand, of the slave trade from freed slaves told through photos and writings on display.  There are very few objects or interactive exhibits so children may be bored.

If you don’t know much about the history of the slave trade, you will find the museum interesting. It will take under an hour to go through the museum.  

Hours and Admission: Open Monday-Saturday. $7 (adults 17 and up);  $5 (ages 5-17 and seniors 60 and older); children under 5 free.

Continue on Chalmers Street one block.

(4)  The Pink House   17 Chalmers Street

Built around 1712, the Pink House is believed to be the second oldest remaining structure in Charleston. It never was a house; rather it was a tavern and rumored to have housed a brothel on the upper floor.

The Pink House was just one of the structures along cobble-stoned  “Chalmers Alley” part of the bawdy, rollicking tavern and bordello district that lay adjacent to the wharves. It remained a tavern through the 1700s when the neighborhood became more residential.

Since then it has been a publishing house, a law office and is now an art gallery. Some say that the Pink House has, from time to time, “visitors” long since departed from this earthly world.

Turn right on Church Street and walk about half a block.

(5)  The Douxsaint-Macauley House 132 Church Street

In 1726, a house was erected by a French Huguenot Paul Douxsaint. This is noted on the historic marker next to the front door.

The first house burned down in the massively destructive fire of June 13-14, 1796.  (Because of the close proximity of the houses in this area, the fire spread rapidly. It has been estimated that at least 300 families had lost their homes in the blaze).

The current house here was built after the fire and remains a fine example of early Federal period homes with its beaded weatherboarding on the exterior, 9-over-9 windows, and a roof with dormers. 

In the 19th century Daniel Macaulay, a member of one of Charleston’s leading Scottish merchant families, owned and occupied the dwelling.

Walk about 200 feet further along Church Street until you are standing in front of a very small graveyard. 

(6)  The French Huguenot (Protestant) Church   140 Church Street

The graveyard belongs to the pink neo-gothic building, the French Huguenot Church. Three church buildings have stood on this site, the current one was built in 1845.  

The first church building was completed in 1687, but during the great fire of 1796 was deliberately blown up to create a “firebreak” (a strip of cleared land made to prevent the spread of a fire).

The second church was built in 1800 but closed in 1823 as the congregation membership dwindled. Huguenot descendants revitalized the congregation in 1844 and the second church was razed and the current church was built.

The church came to be known as the C hurch of the Tides because Sunday services were held based on the tidal schedule as most in attendance came to town on boats from their up-river homes.

Throughout the 1900s, the church was used periodically by the Huguenot Society of South Carolina for special events. Today's congregation was reestablished in 1983 and is the only French Calvinist congregation in the United States today.

Across the street from the Church and graveyard, you will see an eye-catching two-story building with a balcony.

(7)  The Dock Street Theatre 135 Church Street

This ornate building with its intricate wrought-iron balcony is now home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company. However, it was built as a hotel around 1809.

Named The Planter’s Hotel, it is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. At that time the hotel’s guests were mainly planters from around the state who came to Charleston for the horse-racing season.

The hotel was well-known for its good food and delicious alcoholic drinks. Some believe that the South's famous Planter's Punch may have been created here. 

The building itself has had several additions to it over the years, as is evident from the different differences in brick coloration.  The prior building from 1730 is believed to have been the first building constructed specifically for theatrical performances in America.  

In 1736, the grand opening of the theatre featured a production of The Recruiting Officer by Irish playwright George Farquhar. Having left acting after accidentally stabbing a fellow actor on stage, Farquhar later served in the army as a recruiter and drew from those experiences in writing his play.

During the building’s days as the Planter’s Hotel, actors performing in nearby theaters routinely stayed at the hotel. Among the guests was Junius Brutus Booth, the father of John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin.

Cross Queen Street and walk straight ahead one block.

(8)  St. Phillips Episcopal Church  146 Church Street

The congregation who built the current church grew out of colonial congregation who built a small wooden church in 1681. That wooden church was the first Anglican church south of Virginia.

As such, St. Phillips is home to the oldest congregation in South Carolina. In the early 18th century, a brick church was built on this site but which burned down in 1835.

The church you know see was constructed from 1835 to 1838 by architect Joseph Hyde. Many notable people from the colonial era and post-Revolutionary War years are buried in the graveyard.  Several colonial governors are interned there, including Rawlins Lowndes, the governor during the Revolutionary War.

Prominent early Americans are also buried there such as Christopher Gadsden, a general in the Continental Army, Daniel Huger, a member of the Continental Congress, Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Note:  The building and graveyard are open to the public Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Turn left on Cumberland Street.

(9)   The Old Powder Magazine   79 Cumberland Street 

This building is so old that when it was built the word magazine had only one meaning – it was an arsenal of gunpowder from 1713 until 1748.

At that time, the colony was young and was afraid of attacks by Native Americans, and French or Spanish forces also staking a claim in the New World.

The city was so fortified that the colonists built a wall around it, making Charleston one of only three fortified cities on the entire eastern seaboard of British Colonial America. The magazine is also the oldest public building in the state of South Carolina. 

By the 1740s the colony was fully protected by the British Crown and the local government felt the magazine was no longer necessary.

Although it was used as an arsenal again during the Revolutionary War, after that the building served as a stable, a print shop and a carriage house.

In 1902, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in The State of South Carolina   bought the building to ensure its preservation as a historical landmark. They converted the magazine into a museum and it has remained one ever since.

The museum is just one small room, as you can see from the size of the building. For history buffs and guns, powder and cannon enthusiasts, a visit might be worth your while.

Many people enjoy the thrill of being inside a building over 300 years old. The staff is enthusiastic and very knowledgeable and there is a diorama of the city when it was walled. Who doesn’t love dioramas!  

Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Walk half a block north on Cumberland to Meeting Street. Turn left on Meeting Street and about halfway down the block you will see the church and a gated path that enters the graveyard of the church.

(10) The Circular Congregational Church 150 Meeting Street

In 1681, Charles Town settlers including English Congregationalists, Scottish Presbyterians, and French Huguenots built a wooden meeting house in the northwest corner of the walled city.

As non-followers of the Anglican Church, these settlers were considered dissenters and as such was not allowed by law to call their place of worship a ‘church'.

They were allowed to call it a meeting house, and the street that led to the wooden building was called "Meeting House Street” later shortened to Meeting Street.

The current church building stands on the exact site of the wooden house. A century after its construction, the wooden meeting house was replaced with a circular brick building designed by esteemed architect Robert Mills.

That church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1861.  In 1890 the present-day church was constructed. The church is striking due to its Romanesque style that stands out among the surrounding buildings.

The graveyard is the city’s oldest burial ground with monuments dating from 1695. Among the gravestones, 50 slate stone markers were imported from New England and constitute the largest cluster of that region’s carvers in the Southeast. 

If you are not easily spooked, take our  Charleston Ghost Tour and learn more about the "residents" of the Circular Church's graveyard .

Follow the path in the graveyard and you will exit onto Meeting Street.

(11) Meeting Street

  In 1861, a devastating fire ripped through the city and Meeting Street (between Cumberland Street and Church Street) was one of many streets whose buildings were burned to the ground, including the second Circular Church.  

The fire started from an unknown source on the night of December 11, 1861, and burned a trail through the city until 5 am on December 12. The blaze covered 540 acres and over 500 hundred buildings were burned to the ground.

More than a third of the city was gone. At the time, the damages were estimated to be $7 million dollars. This fire caused more damage to Charleston than did the damage caused by the events of the Civil War.

The image on the right shows the scope of devastation along Meeting Street (image from Library of Congress).

At 108 Meeting Street, you will find a Visitor Center housed in a former Esso gas station. This is a great place for a pit-stop for restrooms, cold drinks, and sweets. There are exhibits on local history and special events are dynamic and informative.

The gift shop features a fully-stocked book store, loaded with works on history, architecture and public figures. Better still, purchases are tax exempt!  

Hours: Monday- Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12pm- 5pm.

Continue south one block until Broad Street. The intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets is known today as the "Four Corners of the Law" since the four buildings situated here represent four arms of law -- city, state, federal and clerical.

(12) City Hall 80 Broad Street

This hub of municipal government was constructed between 1800 and 1804 on the site of the city’s meat market from 1739 until it was destroyed by fire in 1796.

Free tours are offered and feature portraits of key Revolutionary War figures, including an odd portrait of General George Washington.  There are public restrooms and a rest area, as well as an early town archaeological exhibit on the first floor. 

Note: This is a secured public building, and visitors to the upper floors must pass through metal detector screening before getting on the elevator.

Look across the street to the northwest corner of the Four Corners of Law.

(13) Charleston County Courthouse   84 Broad Street

The Charleston County Courthouse is one of the most significant buildings in South Carolina as it served at the provincial capital for the state when it was still a British colony.

The first building was in 1753 and it was here in 1776 that the first public reading in the colony of the Declaration of Independence took place on the second story balcony overlooking Meeting Street. 

The first building was destroyed by a fire that occurred towards the end of the Revolutionary War and a new building was erected in 1792.

The building took another hit as it was badly damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It has since been restored to its 18th-century splendor.

Note : Before entering you must inquire at the entrance whether the building is open to the public because sometimes private events are happening. If it is open, you will have to pass through security screening by guards at the door.

Look across the street to the southwest corner of the Four Corners of Law.

(14) Post Office and Federal District Court  83 Broad Street

Built in 1896 in the Renaissance Revival style, this attractive building is the federal element on the Four Corners of the Law .

The post office is on the first level and above are the courtrooms.  You can walk in during normal business hours and you should. It’s simply sumptuous.

The interior is palatial with balustrade balconies, carved mahogany woodwork, a marble staircase, brass and ironwork, and stone columns. Who knew that buying a stamp could make you feel like royalty.

Cross over to the southeast corner for our next stop.

(15)  St. Michael’s Episcopal Church   71 Broad Street/80 Meeting Street

Here is the ecclesiastical corner of the Four Corners and it is the oldest and the oldest church in Charleston.  The church was built between 1752 and 1761.

St. Michael’s congregation grew out of  St. Philip's Episcopal Church a few blocks away. In fact, the first St. Philip's church stood at this site from approximately 1681 to 1727.

Then in 1751, the congregation split and St. Michael's was built. St. Michael's was the city’s focal point of Colonial resistance to the British. The church steeple was an easy target for British ship gunners.

At one point, the congregation had the steeple painted black hoping to decrease its visibility. The reverse effect occurred and it was even more visible against the blue sky.

Incredibly, St Michael’s has survived hurricanes, wars, fires, earthquakes and even a cyclone with little damage.

The interior of the church has a typical 18th-century English design, with native cedar box-pews. Pew Number 43 was used by George Washington in 1791 and later, in 1861, General Robert E. Lee sat in the same pew. 

The church and graveyard are open to the public Monday-Friday 8:45 am to 4:45 pm and Saturday mornings.

Continue south on Meeting Street for one block until Tradd Street. Turn left and enjoy one of Charleston’s most picturesque and historic streets, with at least 10 homes with landmark status.  After two blocks you will reach East Bay Street. Make a left and walk half-way up the block.

(16)  Rainbow Row  79-107 East Bay Street

Just one look and you know how this stretch of houses along East Bay Street acquired its name. This series of row houses, painted in bright colors, dates back to about 1740.

As it is near what was the waterfront district of the city back in the 18th century, the houses were owned to well-off merchants who had stores on the ground floor and lived on the upper floors.

You can read in-depth information on these festive houses in our post  What is Rainbow Row?

Continue north on East Bay Street and at 112-114 you will find the next and last stop on the tour.

(17)  Coates' Row   114-120 East Bay Street

This small simple brick and stone cluster of businesses and dwellings was built between 1710-1841.

A historic marker by the door of No. 120 says that "recently discovered documents and maps found in Scotland and the Netherlands" indicate that a seafarer's tavern was on this site as early as 1686, which would make this the oldest intact building in Charleston.  

The entire strip of buildings came into the possession of Captain Thomas Coates & his wife Catherine around 1775. It has been known as Coates’ Row ever since.  

Mrs. Coates took over Harris' Tavern, (which before that was The Tavern on the Bluffs) and renamed it "Mrs. Coates's Tavern on the Bay."

Regardless of the name, the taverns on that site were a happy site for thirsty sailors pulling into port and seeking grog, rum, and flavored beer. 

Be sure to ask the storekeeper at the liquor store about the secret tunnels that run from under the row.

Just north of Coates' Row is Old Exchange Building, where your journey through historic Charleston began.

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HISTORY OF CHARLES TOWN

In 1670 English settlers pulled into port on the west banks of the Ashley River. They named their settlement Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England.

Charles Town (renamed Charleston in 1783) was the political, social, and economic heart of the center of South Carolina during the colonial and antebellum (pre-Civil War) eras and was the state capital until 1790.

Plantation life and high merchant activity made Charleston one of the busiest ports along the East Coast of the British colonies.

During the Revolutionary War, the soon-to-be American forces defeated the British fleet in the attack of Charleston in June 1776.  Another victory against the British Army was when a palmetto tree log fort (later named Fort Moultrie) on Sullivan's Island withstood an intense barrage of British cannonballs.

Today the South Carolina flag features a palmetto tree. Charleston's place in American history will never be forgotten because of its role in the Civil War.

In April 1861,   Fort Sumter  a federal stronghold was fired upon by Confederate forces signaling the start of the Civil War.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• When you are finished touring, be sure to visit Ft. Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island north of the city. 
• Charleston Museum , directly across from the Visitors Center on Meeting Street, has an outstanding display of colonial-era dishes, furniture, fabric, art, and militaria. 
•  The Charleston City Day Market , which is over 200 years old. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and features several hundred artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs.

Be sure to check out our pay-what-you-wish walking tours of Charleston and make the most of your time and money in this beautiful city.

RELATED POSTS

• Charleston Architecture Tour
• Charleston Civil War Tour
• Charleston Plantation Tours

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The 10 best charleston walking tours.

Experience true southern hospitality as you explore Charleston on one of these strolls.

The Best Charleston Walking Tours

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Visit Charleston's top sights with an easygoing walking tour.

With plenty of secret alleyways and hidden gems, Charleston, South Carolina , is best explored on foot. To take in the Holy City's deep history, rich cuisine and vibrant scenery, slow down and see all the top attractions with a walking tour. U.S. News gathered 10 of the best walking tours in Charleston by consulting both traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Lace up your walking shoes and start exploring.

Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Let longtime locals lead the way on a trip with Two Sisters Tours. On this two-hour history tour, sibling guides take you through the charming streets their family has called home for seven generations. You'll hear tales of Charleston's famous historical characters and the events that have shaped the city. Along the excursion – which explores about 18 city blocks – you'll pass signature landmarks, including St. Michael's Church and Rainbow Row . Reviewers love the informative guides and the "insider's perspective" they share as Charlestonians, as well as the tour's scenic route. Tourgoers also appreciate that guides don't sugarcoat Charleston's role in the American slave trade.

Tours run at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. There is an additional weekday tour at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets start at $25 per person; reservations are required.

View & Book Tickets : Two Sisters Tours

Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 2.5 hours

From fried green tomatoes and collard greens to sweet tea and barbecue, Lowcountry cuisine is an integral element of the Charleston dining scene. On this 2 1/2-hour walking food tour, a local guide will take you and up to 11 other participants on a journey through the city to learn its history while making sure your inner foodie is fully satisfied. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Reviewers rave about the informative experience and variety of samples, as well as the helpful tour guides. Many suggest booking this tour for one of your first days in Charleston so you can make use of the guide's recommendations throughout the rest of your trip.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $90 per person and cover all tastings and water. Hungry for more? Bulldog Tours also hosts a walking tour dedicated to the restaurants and museums within the South of Broad neighborhood, such as the Edmondston-Alston House .

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Stroll through Charleston's picturesque alleys with the help of Lowcountry Walking Tours. During this two-hour tour, your guide will lead you through the network of lush (and often hidden) passages. Throughout the tour, you'll hear the historical anecdotes that tie the streets together. You'll visit between four and six alleyways within the historic district, as well as some other points of interest. Reviewers love the architectural angle and the charismatic, insightful guides.

Tickets cost approximately $30 per person. Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. When you're ready to see more, the company also hosts tours of historic downtown Charleston.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Free Tours by Foot – Charleston Architecture Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Did you know that Charleston's buildings feature every style of architecture? On this two-hour tour, your guide will teach you the city's vibrant history through its architecture. St. Philips Church, the Nathaniel Russell House and the Miles Brewton House are among the sights you'll learn about along the approximately 1.5-mile walk. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic and accommodating guides and recommend the tour even for those who may not consider themselves architecture buffs.

While the cost is on a pay-what-you-like basis, there is a $3 administration fee per ticket and reservations are required. Tours are generally offered Monday and Thursday; exact times vary by day. Free Tours by Foot also hosts walking tours focused on ghost stories and the Civil War.

View & Book Tickets: Free Tours by Foot

Charleston Sole Walking Tours – History, Culture, & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $15 Duration: 2 hours

See Charleston through the eyes of a local with Charleston Sole Walking Tours. Brian Simms, a 10th-generation Charlestonian, or a member of his team will take you on a two-hour tour of the city. You'll stroll through hidden alleys and tree-lined streets to iconic landmarks and sites of famous Charleston historic events. Sights include St. Michael's Church, Rainbow Row, the Dock Street Theatre and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Your guide will go beyond the usual textbook tour, which reviewers love, and give you a rich walking layout of the city.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children 6 to 12. Tours run at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Charleston Sole also offers private and group tours.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Courtesy of Walks of Charleston

Learn all about Charleston's history on this stroll with Walks of Charleston.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

Satisfy your inner history buff with Walks of Charleston. On this roughly two-hour tour, you'll visit sites that date back to before the Civil War and Charleston's modern renaissance, including City Hall, the French Quarter and the Battery . Along the way, your guide will share stories of the city's founding, as well as insights into several of its signature buildings. Reviewers love the energy of the guides and the insider knowledge. If you're visiting Charleston in the summer, travelers recommend a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

Tours are offered multiple times daily starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $25 per adult and $18 per child ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free. Walks of Charleston also hosts tours of the city's alleys and private tours with custom experiences.

Tour Charleston at Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $35; students from $25 Duration: 80 minutes

Charleston is full of haunted tales, and there's no better way to acquaint yourself with the city's ghosts than on a walking tour. On this 80-minute excursion, a guide will lead you around the historic district past dusk to regale you with legends and supernatural occurrences derived from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book. During the evening stroll, you'll enter the Unitarian Church graveyard, a site that dates back to the late 1700s. Reviewers rave about the graveyard's eerie atmosphere and the educational, engaging tour guides. They also say this experience is suitable for families with kid ages 10 and older.

Tours are offered at 7:30, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets cost approximately $35 per adult and $25 for students with an ID; discounts are also available for seniors and members of the military. For a less spooky tour of the Holy City, consider the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're looking to experience Charleston through your taste buds, allow Charleston Culinary Tours to oblige. On this 2 1/2-hour walking tour of the French Quarter and City Market , you'll experience the city's food and beverage scene with the help of a knowledgeable foodie guide. Stop into four local restaurants and learn about culinary history while sampling classic Lowcountry flavors. Reviewers love the samples of local cuisine and the historical tidbits from the knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered multiple times a day (as early as 10 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m., depending on the day). Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. The company runs a variety of other tours, including a culinary tour of upper King Street.

Charleston History Walk by Eric Lager, Ph.D.

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2.5 hours

Let a history professor from The Citadel, a military college, show you around Charleston on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by Eric Lager, who has a doctorate in history, the tour covers everything from Charleston's founding in 1670 to the creation of the historic district in 1931. During the approximately 1.5-mile walk along the city's famous cobblestone streets, you'll pass by sites like the Heyward-Washington House , Huguenot Church, Fort Sumter and more. Travelers highly recommend this tour, praising its pace, the size (groups are limited to 10 people) and the passionate guide.

Tours are generally offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., though an additional 9:30 a.m. may be offered depending on the day. Ticket costs start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids age 7 to 17.

Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours – Highlights of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods on this approximately two-hour tour that offers plenty of sightseeing, in addition to a history lesson. As you stroll past sights like Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and more, you'll learn about Charleston's history, architecture, economics and geography. Travelers applaud the tour guides for their personable, humorous and thought-provoking delivery, as well as their storytelling abilities. Reviewers say this tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Charleston.

The Highlights of Charleston Tour is available daily as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 3 p.m., depending on the day. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for kids. Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours also runs a tour designed for visitors interested in the best photo spots around town; it's available by reservation only.

You might also be interested in:

The best charleston tours.

• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston
• The Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South

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Walk Charleston’s Historic French Quarter: Self-Guided Tour

• Post last modified: February 13, 2022
• Post author: Nicole

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Did you know Charleston is one of the oldest settlements in the U.S.? The city is full of unique old-world architecture, and of course, Southern charm. There’s no better way to see this historic city than just walking it. This 1.5-mile self-guided walk of Charleston’s historic French Quarter winds its way through the city’s most famous 17th, 18th, and 19th century buildings. It takes around 30 minutes to walk, but of course you’ll want to stop for lots of photos.

If it’s your first trip to Charleston, you may want to also check out our other posts on the area.

• What To Do on a First Visit to Charleston
• 10 Things Charleston is Known For

Start Your Walking Tour at Rainbow Row

Technically, this little spot on East Bay Street is just outside Charleston’s French Quarter, but it’s worth adding to the walk.

Built by merchants around 1740, these thirteen colorful houses, known as Rainbow Row, were originally on the waterfront before the land was filled in.

The story goes, after the Civil War, this area of the city became a slum. However, around 1931, Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge bought a few of the houses and started renovating them. She painted them pink, which really brightened up the area. Then, other homeowners started painting their houses in bright Caribbean colors. It’s been a tradition ever since.

Quick Stop at the Tavern at Rainbow Row

Almost directly across from Rainbow Row, at the intersection of East Bay and Exchange, is the oldest liquor store in the country .

Serving Charleston since 1686, it’s a fun place to pop in and do a few tastings. They pride themselves on rare finds. Plus, if you’ve been after some South Carolina Moonshine, this is your place to get it.

Learn Some History at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Next door to the Tavern is the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon .

Over the centuries, this building was once an exchange, a military headquarters, a customs house, and even a post office. Today, visitors can tour the creepy dungeons where the British kept prisoners of war.

After touring the dungeon, visitors are welcome to go upstairs to learn about the building’s political significance and role in the slave trade.

Take a Peek Down Gillon Street

Before heading down Broad Street, it’s worth taking a moment to go next door to Gillon Street.

One of only eight cobblestone streets left in Charleston, it’s a picture-perfect spot full of old-world charm. 

Admire the Intersection of Meeting and Broad Street

Arguably one of the prettiest intersections in Charleston is at Meeting and Broad Street, also known as The Four Corners of Law .

On the southeast corner, Saint Michael’s bright white spire stretches to the heavens. Built between 1752 and 1761, it is the oldest church building in the City of Charleston.

Across the street, on the northeast corner, Charleston City Hall exemplifies an elegant Adamesque style of architecture. Built between 1800 and 1804, the building was originally only one of eight branches of The First Bank of the United States.

The magnificent gray brick and granite building on the southwest corner is the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse built in 1896. With a square tower and balustraded balconies its design is meant to resemble an Italian Renaissance palace.

Finally, on the northwest corner, is the Charleston County Courthouse , first built in 1753 and then reconstructed in 1792. Look carefully, does it look familiar? The architect, James Hoban, also designed the White House. His original design was very similar to the courthouse. However, on George Washington’s guidance, he amended the design into a two-story house with eleven windows across.

Hibernian Hall

From the intersection of Meeting and Broad, take a stroll through the peaceful Washington Park, before walking down Meeting Street to Hibernian Hall .

With the look of a Greek Temple, it’s quite an unusual find. Built in 1840, the “temple” is an historic meeting hall and social venue. It’s mostly used for weddings today.

In 1860, the Democratic Party held the Charleston Convention here and failed to agree on a presidential candidate. The lack of agreement in the party most famously led to the election of Abraham Lincoln and the anti-slavery Republican party.

Chalmers to Church

Next, walk down another of Charleston’s tree-lined cobblestone streets, Chalmers Street.

A little past the intersection with Church St., at 17 Chalmers St., is one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina, and the second oldest residence in Charleston. Built between 1694 and 1712, Pink House is now a private residence, but it’s worth seeing while you’re in the area.

Next, follow Church St. north. You’ll spot the tall spire of St. Philip’s straight away. Founded in 1680, it is the oldest congregation south of Virginia. It’s often considered the “Westminster Abbey of South Carolina,” as many founding fathers are buried here.

Before you reach St. Philip’s, you’ll pass the historic French Huguenot Church . The current building is from 1845, but the original building stood on this spot in 1687.

Historic Charleston City Market

Continue north on Church St. to S Market St. Then follow the shop-lined street west for one block, to the intersection of Meeting and Market. 

At the head of the Historic Charleston City Market is a replica of the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece. Built in 1841, the building was originally a Masonic Hall. Today, it sits above the entrance to the popular city market and serves as a Confederate Museum .

The city market’s covered buildings run for four blocks and include over 300 vendors. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the city and worth a browse.

U.S. Custom House

At the end of the market, on S Market Street, is the US Custom House . In our opinion, it’s one of the grandest buildings in the city. Construction started on the federal building in 1852. However, in 1859, construction halted due to the concern of South Carolina’s possible secession.

Construction didn’t restart until 1870, and finally finished in 1879. 

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

End your tour of Charleston’s historic French Quarter with a walk along the harbor at Joe Riley Waterfront Park .

In front of the park is the Waterfront Park Pier , which is great for views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge . We always tell folks to keep a lookout for dolphins here, they are a common sight.

The elaborate Pineapple Fountain in the center of the park is a local and visitor favorite. You’ll actually notice pineapples all over the city and decorating many of the souvenirs. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Charleston’s welcoming Southern hospitality.

Looking for more on the South Carolina coast? Here are a few other posts you may be interested in.

• Could Mount Pleasant be an Alternative to Charleston?
• Weekend in Mount Pleasant
• Weekend in Murrells Inlet
• Day Trip to Brookgreen Gardens

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Charleston Tour: Self-Guided Walk

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Welcome to the charleston tour.

This self-guided walking tour of Charleston, SC, offers a taste of the authentic antebellum American South. Explore historic districts packed with lovely shops and beautiful architecture as you learn about the city’s founding, its growth into a major metropolis, and how the Revolutionary War and Civil War changed it forever. This tour offers a comprehensive view of this fascinating city and its past.

About the Tour

Your Walking Tour of Charleston begins at the intersection of Market Street and King Street. From there, you’ll stroll through historic Charleston and hear about its founding. At the historic Circular Congregational Church, you’ll get the story of a patriot who recruited hundreds to fight against the British during the Revolution. Then it’s on to Hibernian Hall, site of the chaotic 1860 Democratic National Convention.

After that, you’ll visit the famous Four Corners of Law, home to some of the city’s most storied institutions. Next, pass a collection of beautifully preserved historic homes while you learn about Charleston’s role in the American Revolution.

At the gorgeous White Point Garden, you’ll find out why South Carolina decided to secede from the Union at the outset of the Civil War. Plus, get a look at Fort Sumter across the water and hear about the battle that kicked off the war!

Then, you’ll stop by another pair of historic homes, the Palmer Home and the Edmondston-Alston House, before learning about the Great Charleston Fire and the Union attack on Charleston’s harbor.

Stop by the picture-perfect Longitude Lane next, before continuing on to Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-painted historic homes. Then pay a visit to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, which the British once used to house American prisoners of war.

Later, you’ll see a couple of sites where enslaved people were once bought and sold, and where you’ll hear about an attempted rebellion that predated the Civil War by a few decades.

Finally, you’ll reach the Charleston Historic City Market, where you can find just about any kind of food or souvenir you might be looking for. Your tour concludes here.

Starting Point: 152 Market St,  Charleston , SC 29401, USA

How does it work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to Charleston, dig into the fascinating stories of South Carolina’s biggest city.

King Street

Explore the vibrant streets with restaurants and shops, and learn about Charleston's journey from Native land to a beautiful city.

Native Nations

Discover the Native Cusabo people's role in Charleston's early history and their alliances with British colonists and other tribes.

The Cherokee War

Learn about the conflict between settlers and the Cherokee, and how it shaped the nation's expansion to the west.

Marion Square

Explore Marion Square named after General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," and his guerrilla tactics during the Revolution.

Charleston’s Tea Parties

Uncover the lesser-known tea party in Charleston that took place in protest against British taxes.

Siege of Charleston

Relive the intense battle where Charleston fell to British forces during the Revolutionary War.

Reclaiming Charleston

Learn how the colonists reclaimed Charleston after the British evacuated, marking a day of deliverance and independence.

Liberty Square

Understand the significance of this wharf, where the British evacuated and where the slave trade thrived afterward.

Grimke Sisters' Home

Visit the Blake-Grimke House, home of abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimke, who fought for the cause in the North.

Cotton & Slavery

Explore Charleston's economic boom built on the cotton industry and the harsh realities of slavery.

Historic Charleston City Market

See the market, once owned by Founding Father Charles Pinckney, relying on enslaved labor.

Sweetgrass Basket Weaving

Discover the art of sweetgrass basket weaving, passed down from West African ancestors.

William Lloyd Garrison

Learn about the abolitionist's efforts to fight slavery, even in the face of Charlestonian resistance.

Old Charleston Jail

Once held America's first known female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher.

Nathaniel Russell House

A glimpse into Charleston's complex past and the world of slavery.

Washington Square Park

Home to a statue of Confederate General Pierre Beauregard.

Edmondston-Alston House

Witnessed the first battle of the Civil War.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Offers a look into Charleston's two separate worlds of slave owners and the enslaved.

The Charleston Museum

Oldest museum in the nation, filled with South Carolinian artifacts.

Joseph Manigault House

Once owned by a wealthy rice farming family, built on the backs of over 200 enslaved people.

South Carolina Aquarium

Home to a variety of aquatic life and unexpected animals like a barn owl and bald eagle.

Preview The Tour

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Walking Tour: Charleston’s Historic District

Oct 11 2018.

A deep, deep dive through Charleston history. Plus: coffee, she-crab soup, and gourmet cheese.

Cranes dominate Charleston’s upper peninsula skyline, assembling hotels and apartments at a lightning clip, but one section of Charleston remains more or less the same. The historic residential neighborhood we call “South of Broad,” and the commercial blocks above it, keep a slower rhythm, with a harmonious hodgepodge of Colonial remnants, Antebellum ostentation, private gardens, and gas lanterns that flicker even by day.

This walking tour begins and ends at the southernmost tip of the peninsula at White Point Garden , flanked by ornate homes above and the confluence of two rivers below. The garden doubles as a rookery for black-crowned night herons, so don’t be surprised to encounter a baby heron on the path trying to take its first steps.

At the northwest corner of the park, follow King Street up to the Miles Brewton House , a Palladio-inspired Georgian home that has remained in the same family since 1769. Note the menacing spikes atop its iron fence. These were added following the city’s 1822 discovery of a plot for widespread slave rebellion, a thwarted conspiracy whose mastermind, an ex-slave named Denmark Vesey, was convicted and hung. Similar ironwork cropped up around town to give slave owners a false sense of security.

Backtrack the half-block south and turn west onto Lamboll Street, but first, pause at the Thomas Lamboll House , built in 1739. The third floor doubles as a two-bedroom bed & breakfast with its own piazza, to help pay for the home’s upkeep.

Turn right on Legare (pronounced Luh-GREE), walking south to north to admire the balconies of Italianate and Neoclassical villas positioned to catch sea breezes. Pause at 14 Legare Street, wrongly nicknamed the “ Pineapple Gates House ” by the general public despite its Italian pinecone pinnacles, where just beyond the gate, the garden speaks to secrets trapped in Charleston’s soil. When current owners purchased this circa-1800 property, they invited local archaeologists to sift beneath their lawn, an investigation that yielded an unexpected find: the shell-path outline of an ornate parterre boxwood garden dating to 1818, now fully restored. The dig also unearthed an 1803 brass slave tag, as well as Revolutionary War cannonballs, Antebellum hair combs, and 18th century delft tableware, all now in the collection of the Charleston Museum.

Pass by the impressive iron gates of the Sword Gate House at 32 Legare Street,  named so for obvious reasons, a Federal-style stunner constructed in 1803 by the man for whom Legare Street is named. From here, take a right on Tradd Street and your first left on Orange Street, which slices through a long-gone orange grove and spills onto Charleston’s original business artery, Broad Street , a palmetto-lined zipper of law firms, art galleries, and a resurgent food scene.

The John Rutledge House commands with its lacy two-story wrought iron balconies and checkerboard sidewalk. Built in 1763 by a signer of the Constitution, the building is now a luxury bed & breakfast where you can sip afternoon tea and nibble on savory canapés while ogling Revolutionary musket balls. The house is also famous for its turn-of-the-century butler, William Deas, who gussied up crab bisque with the addition of bright orange crab roe in anticipation of President Taft’s 1909 visit, thus the origin of one of Charleston’s delicacies, “ she-crab soup.”

By now, you’re probably hungry. Head east on Broad and left on King to enter Millers All Day , co-founded by local miller Greg Johnsman. By “miller,” I mean that Johnsman restores vintage grist mills on his family farm on Edisto Island, where he grows and stone-grinds heirloom corns and grains into grits and cornmeal. Drop in for coffee and super-salty country ham with fig jam on a biscuit, or opt for more substantial Lowcountry dishes like Hoppin’ John, a slow-cooked sea island combo of red peas and Carolina Gold rice folded with veggies and broth. Shrimp and grits is another must.

On King, check out the Preservation Society store for an excellently curated lineup of local artisanal products, including small-batch cocktail bitters, coastal salts, scores of Charleston cookbooks, plus free coffee and couches in the back. Then continue north to the steps of the Charleston Library Society , the third-oldest subscription library in the United States, whose main reading room is worth a peek. Directly across the street, you’ll see the gates to the Unitarian cemetery . Venture down this narrow shady path, past small tenements, to reach a hauntingly beautiful, lushly planted old cemetery. If the church is open, take a look at its Gothic Revival vaulted ceiling.

Back on King, walk south past intimate wine & cheese hangout Bin 152 (a great rainy day spot), then turn left on Queen Street. You’ll pass the lauded southern restaurant Husk . You’ll want to return here for dinner (reservations needed) or for a classic lowball bourbon Old Fashioned at Husk’s adjacent bar.

Hook a right onto Meeting Street, proceeding to the intersection of Meeting and Broad we call the “ Four Corners of Law ” for its collection of city, state, federal, and church buildings.

Below the intersection, you’ll see Gullah basket-weavers, descendants of enslaved Africans, who maintain an ancient art form passed down through generations. Talk to them. They are happy to tell you about the sewing techniques and variety of natural grasses used to their shape bowls and baskets whose prices correspond to the hours required to weave and “sew” each piece.

Duck into City Hall for ground floor public restrooms (very well maintained) and exhibits, including bones excavated from the 18th-century meat market that stood on this very spot. Take the elevator up to the second floor chamber, hung floor-to-ceiling with a hodgepodge of political portraits, from racist statesmen to Confederate leaders to Civil Rights heroes. A 1791 portrait commemorates George Washington’s visit to Charleston, in which Washington’s horse appears to be preparing to urinate on our skyline. There is a chatty guide to fill you in.

Cut through Washington Square’ s mature live oaks, then exit north and turn right on Chalmers Street, one of the few remaining cobblestone streets in Charleston, strewn with old ship ballast. Turn left on Church Street to Queen. At right are the dainty pink spires of the French Huguenot Church. At left is the beautifully restored 1835 Dock Street Theatre , free for viewing. Note the Royal Coat of Arms hanging above the stage, a nod to the troupe’s Colonial beginnings.

Return to Queen and walk east. You’ll pass Philadelphia Alley , dating to 1766, where many a duel went down. Then, duck into Robert Lange Studios , an unpretentious artistic hub of talent in a 340-year-old former grain warehouse. There’s a piano “for those who play” and an indoor swing you can sit on while you admire works of contemporary realism. Continue to Waterfront Park’s pier, watch cargo ships creep by, and see kids playing in fountains.

Thirsty? Take the elevator to the Vendue hotel’s rooftop bar for deviled crab fritters with whipped benne butter. The views from the upper deck are worth the ascent. Keep the hotel’s Revival restaurant on your list for dinner options too, helmed by a talented chef whose passions lie with resurrected grains. Hushpuppies incorporate nearly extinct corns, and shrimp-&-grits use rare “forbidden black rice grits” revived by Anson Mills. There’s also subtly spiked velvety she-crab soup true to William Deas’ 1909 receipt (not the gloppy versions you’ll encounter in some other establishments).

From Vendue Range, turn south onto East Bay which, centuries ago, abutted wharves where tall-masted ships unloaded their goods and their frisky sailors, many of whom walked into a tavern called McCrady’s on the Bay . McCrady’s was built in 1778 by my fifth-great-grandfather, an Irish immigrant. You’ll want to check out its brick arcaded bar for cocktails and “caviar and tater tots.” 

Continue through Unity Alley, just as Edward McCrady himself did before he was arrested and imprisoned by the British for hosting revolutionary grumblings in his tavern. Turn left on State Street, then right on Chalmers, where we take a sobering pause. The Old Slave Mart Museum operates within the walls of a former auction house. The 1,900-square-foot space is unflinching in its treatment of this history—no “moonlight and magnolias” glazing here. Forty percent of all enslaved Africans were brought to North America through Charleston’s port. 

Diagonally opposite from the museum is one of the oldest houses in Charleston: the “ Pink House .” which has seen use as a coffee house, tavern, brothel, home, art studio, law firm, and art gallery. Next, take either Church or State Streets one block south to Broad Street. Duck into the Blind Tiger Pub , a low-slung 1803 establishment, whose majority of taps showcase Charleston breweries, from Westbrook’s lemon cucumber gose, to Low Tide’s peach habanero IPA. Or, grab a coffee across the street at Normandy Farms Bakery.

Walk east towards the Old Exchange Building,  then turn right onto East Bay until you reach the pastel-hued facades of thirteen Georgian row houses we call “Rainbow Row,” a colorful stretch of 18th-century vertical homes sharing common walls, built as storefronts beneath with residences above. Just north of Rainbow Row, head west on Elliott Street, then right on Church Street where you’ll find the city’s finest retail cheese shop, Goat.Sheep.Cow . Buy some provisions for an end-of-walk picnic, then stroll down sleepy Church Street, past the block nicknamed “Cabbage Row” for the fact that its 1920s inhabitants set cabbages and other vegetables on their window sills for sale, inspiring writer Dubose Heyward’s novel Porgy set to music in Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess . You’ll also pass the stately brick home of Thomas Heyward, Jr . , a signer of the Declaration of Independence who hosted George Washington in 1791. The house is open for tours, and its kitchen garden out back is exemplary.

Then, 58 Church Street is a 1754 home with a rear garden made famous by Emily “Cheeka” Whaley’s 1997 New York Times bestseller “ Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden ”—part memoir, part gardening advice. The garden thrives in the hands of Cheeka’s daughter Marty, an artist. Marty and her husband Charles are kind enough to leave the garden gate open to visitors, but as the small sign states, please slip some cash through the mail slot to help with upkeep and plantings. As Cheeka would say, relax on a garden bench to “let your soul catch up with itself.”

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20 Things to Know Before You Go to Charleston

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Walking Tours in Charleston, SC

Family owned and operated from the beginning, Walks of Charleston is passionate about the history, architecture, and culture of Charleston and is dedicated to sharing it with you for a memorable experience on every tour.

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Charleston History Tour

Discover the essentials of historic Charleston on this leisurely walking tour with our knowledgeable tour guides.

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Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages

This is the most popular tour offered by our sister company, Lowcountry Walking Tours, which specializes in small-group tours for a more intimate experience.

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Private Tours

Take a private tour of Charleston to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy City. Allow us to create the perfect tour for your group!

Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

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Get a taste of the authentic antebellum American south with this self-guided walking tour of Charleston, SC. Explore historic districts packed with lovely shops and beautiful architecture as you learn about the city’s founding, its growth into a major metropolis, and how the Revolutionary War and Civil War changed it forever. This tour offers a comprehensive view of this fascinating city and its past. After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit. New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14.99

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per traveler

What's Included

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

What's not Included

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
• How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing savings: Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. There's no expiration, making it perfect for revisiting on future trips. • Start and pause the tour at your leisure, accommodating breaks and side excursions without the pressure of keeping up with a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.

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Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

One Day In Charleston SC – The Perfect Itinerary + Map!

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Soumya

Planning your Southern USA trip and want to squeeze in one day in Charleston, South Carolina?

Do you wish to see the best that Charleston, SC, has to offer in under 24 hours?

Well, you are at the right place because we have just the perfect 1-day Charleston itinerary for you.

You will dig into the Holy City’s centuries-old history, walk through a charming French Quarter, visit a historic public market, and be wowed by amazing antebellum architecture.

Add to this some delicious Southern food, and you have the best way to spend your first 24 hours in Charleston.

You may ask if one day in Charleston is enough.

It is not. However, it is definitely better than no day in Charleston.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Charleston that I am sure you will keep returning for more later. But one day is a great way to get started, explore Charleston’s historic center, and dive into its history and charm.

If you have more time, please check out our long weekend itinerary for Charleston .

Table of Contents

The best itinerary for 1 day in Charleston SC

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Begin the day with breakfast at Toast

I am always up for a good breakfast while traveling. And there’s no better place to begin your day in Charleston than at the Toast.

Voted by The New York Times Magazine as a must-eat place in Charleston, Toast is a winner all the way.

Their breakfast is especially popular. Try their classic breakfast biscuits, stuffed French toast, or Lowcountry omelets – you cannot go wrong with anything here. And do not forget to sample some of the New Orleans Beignets for me. Yummy!

Take a stroll through Charleston’s French Quarter

Once done with your delicious breakfast, head to Charleston’s French Quarter, just 5 minutes from the restaurant.

A small neighborhood in the historic district, the French Quarter, gets its name from many French Huguenots who fled religious persecution and settled there.

Today, the French Quarter is deemed one of the most romantic places in Downtown Charleston.

It is perfect for a leisurely stroll as you sample architectural delights and centuries-old history.

Here are some old buildings you should not miss checking out.

• Dock Street Theater: America’s first theater – designed solely for theatrical performances. It was built in 1736, was remodeled several times, and now serves its original purpose. It is also one of the most photographed buildings in the city.
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church : The oldest church in Charleston – St. Michael’s white spire has become a Charleston icon over the years.
• St. Phillips Church : This is a historic church on 142 Church Street and a National Historic Landmark. The steeple adorned with several clocks is especially attractive.

✦ Pro Tip : Looking for more Charleston attractions? Check out our post on 25 Best Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina .

Learn about the history of slavery at Old Slave Mart

The Old Slave Mart is located at 6 Chalmers Street and is a must-have on your itinerary, even if you visit Charleston for one day.

One of the first African-American slave museums in the country, Old Slave Mart, is housed in a building that was once a slave auction gallery .

Slave auctions were held here until 1863.

Today, there is a lot to learn here through informative posters, artifacts, and an interview with a former enslaved person. Plan to spend at least an hour here to soak in all the history.

The museum is open 9 am – 5 pm every day of the week except on Sundays.

P.S. Displays at the museum can be disturbing. We did not feel quite right after visiting. The artifacts and stories are very moving. However, these stories need to be told and are ones that we should not ignore. It can be tough to learn about history sometimes but we should learn to prevent such atrocities from happening in the future.

Head to the Pineapple Fountain

Next up on our one day in Charleston itinerary is the beautiful Pineapple Fountain, a must-do when in Charleston .

This famous Charleston icon sits right along the harbor in the middle of a green public space called the Waterfront Park.

Did you know that pineapple is the symbol of hospitality in Charleston? And the fact that there are so many pineapple icons sprinkled all over the city in art, architecture, and even jewelry?

Indulge in a delicious Lowcountry lunch

I can never get enough Lowcountry food when visiting the American South .

All that fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes keep calling me back to these places again and again.

Cannot blame myself for stuffing on Southern food , especially when there are such amazing restaurants in Charleston.

I suggest you pick one of these for your lunch.

• SNOB Charleston : Fresh, local ingredients paired with eclectic Southern recipes – that is what the brand of Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) stands for. Besides their delicious dishes, they are known for their charming decor, great service, and nice cocktails. It is highly recommended that you reserve a table in advance – this place gets super packed even on weekdays.
• Magnolias : One of the best restaurants in Charleston for upscale Southern cuisine, Magnolias is known for its crab cakes and fried green tomatoes. Make sure you get your reservation before you go. They have a dress code – business attire or dressy casual.
• Bumpa’s : Looking for someplace cheap? Try Bumpa’s. Guests love their chilled-out vibe, Disco fries, Scotch eggs, and burgers.

Soak in some history and culture

Depending on how you wish to spend your afternoon, you can head to the Historic Charleston City Market, one of Charleston’s historic homes, or Fort Sumter.

Alternatively, you could take a 1-hour carriage tour through the historic district of Charleston . It is a quick and efficient way to learn more and see more.

Charleston City Market

If you want to buy some souvenirs to take back home, head to the Charleston City Market . It is not just a great place for purchasing goodies but for soaking up local culture too.

Do not forget to pick up a sweetgrass basket, a quintessential souvenir from the South. Gullah artisans have been weaving these baskets for more than 300 years now!

Historic homes in Charleston

Even though I love the historic homes of Savannah more, there are some pretty good ones in Charleston, too.

Aiken-Rhett House is one of the finest historic homes in the country . Take a tour to see some gorgeous architecture and dig into decades of antebellum history. The Aiken-Rhett slave quarters, virtually untouched since the 1850s, are especially moving.

Nathaniel Russel House , with its magnificent cantilevered staircase and elaborate plasterwork, is another great option.

Fort Sumter

Learn more about the American Civil War at Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired. Take a 1-hour tour to explore the ruins of the fort and browse through the souvenir store downstairs.

Be sure to note that there are two ferry departure points: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and Patriot’s Point in Mt. Pleasant. You must factor in the time needed to get to these departure points when planning for your Charleston 1-day itinerary.

I highly recommend purchasing a Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride beforehand to avoid messing with your 24 hours in Charleston.

We made the mistake of not buying tickets earlier and could not get on the ferry departing from downtown. We had to ride the one leaving from Mt. Pleasant. Not the most efficient use of our time!

Get pictures at the Rainbow Row

Need some great pictures for your gram? Go, visit the Rainbow Row.

A row of 13 pastel-colored historic houses makes for a pretty photo op.

It is not a surprise that Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed areas in the entire city.

✦ Pro Tip : Looking for a longer itinerary? Read our post on How to spend the perfect weekend in Charleston, SC?

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront

Around sunset is the best time to enjoy a leisurely walk along Charleston’s waterfront.

There are so many green spaces here that you can just sit down and relax, watch people go by, and take in the calming vibe of the historic district.

Perhaps you would want to go back to the Pineapple Fountain and dip your feet in its cool waters.

If you are hungry, grab a gelato and some pancakes at Belgian Gelato .

Maybe take a walk to the Battery, adore the beautiful antebellum architecture right in front of it, and watch the sun go down the horizon.

End your day with an evening carriage tour

If you still have some energy left after spending this exciting day in Charleston, explore the charming historic district on a private horse-drawn carriage .

Or maybe try a spooky ghost tour in the evening if you have the nerves for it. I was too scared to do one but some of my friends absolutely loved them. Here are some great options.

Feeling hungry after all the wonderful activities in Charleston? End your day with dinner at Husk or 82 Queen .

82 Queen is my favorite place to eat when I am in Charleston. Their she-crab soup is delicious.

An interactive map of how to spend one day in Charleston SC

More than 1 day in Charleston SC?

• Have a look at our Charleston 3-day itinerary .
• Check out our exhaustive list of the best things to do in Charleston .
• Do more day trips. Check out this fascinating list of  10 best day trips from Charleston .
• There are several gorgeous plantation homes around Charleston. Do a tour of Magnolia Plantation or explore Boone Hall and its intriguing history .
• Join a food tour and sample Charleston’s culinary specialties such as stone ground grits, pralines, benne wafers, and gourmet chocolates.

Practical information for visiting Charleston in one day

Best time to visit charleston.

The best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina is during spring (March – May) or fall (September – November). Weather is enjoyable during this time with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity levels.

That said, between September – November is also the hurricane season in Charleston. Not all hurricanes make landfall but some do.

Be sure to check the weather report before planning for a fall trip.

You can also catch the Festival of Houses & Gardens and the Charleston Wine & Food Festival in spring. During fall, you can attend MOJA Arts Festival and Charleston Restaurant Week.

Where to stay in Charleston SC?

Since you will be in Charleston for just one day, I highly recommend you stay in the Historic District. It is a little expensive but very time-efficient. Here are some great options.

• Hampton Inn-Charleston Historic District : This place is located in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District and comes with all modern conveniences, including comfy beds, free breakfast, and a nice swimming pool.
• Francis Marion Hotel : Located just 1km away from the French Quarter and Charleston Museum, this historic hotel boasts of charming rooms and great service.

Find more hotels in Charleston here.

Getting to Charleston SC

You can get to Charleston by flight, train, and car.

If you are flying, check out the complete list of airlines that operate out of Charleston International Airport.

If you are taking the train, check out the Silver Service/Palmetto trains operated by Amtrak.

If you are driving, then you should be looking at  I-26 and US 17.

Getting around Charleston

The best part about this Charleston one day itinerary is that you can literally walk to all the places that I have listed here. Only time when you need a car is if you decide to go to Fort Sumter and need to travel to the ferry boarding points. Or if it is too hot to walk around. Click here to rent a car .

You can also use Charleston’s free downtown shuttle service known as DASH to get to major attractions including City Market and Waterfront Park. Download a free printable map here .

Charleston SC Travel Essentials

• Use Viator and  Get Your Guide  to find great deals and discounts on tours, attractions, and more across the city. I highly recommend it and use it all the time.
• Get a  Charleston Tour Pass  if you wish to see a lot when you are here. This helps you save a lot and is quite popular among visitors.
• Find the best hotels in Charleston, SC here .
• Get a good pair of walking shoes with you because there’s a lot to be seen on downtown walks.
• Carry sunscreen, hat, and lots of water because Charleston can get HOT!

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