Charleston: French Quarter & South of Broad Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Charleston’s storied streets from Rainbow Row to old churches and hidden corners

You’ll walk Charleston’s French Quarter & South of Broad with a local guide who brings stories to life—from Rainbow Row’s faded colors to pirate legends at St. Philips Church. Expect real history, honest tips for food and bars, plus those small moments where time slows down between old stones and sea air.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Charleston to smell like magnolia and old brick at the same time. We met our guide just outside the French Quarter, and she had this way of talking that made you want to lean in—like she knew every secret the city ever tried to hide. Right away, we were dodging sunlight between pastel houses on Rainbow Row. I’d seen photos before but standing there, colors faded by salt wind and time, it felt different. A couple was taking wedding pictures and their laughter bounced off the shutters—somehow that made it all feel less like a museum and more like a place people actually live.

Our walking tour kept winding through narrow streets where you could almost hear old carriage wheels if you listened hard enough. The main keyword here is “Highlights of Charleston walking tour,” but honestly, it didn’t feel rushed or checklist-y. At St. Philips Church, our guide paused under live oaks dripping with Spanish moss (she called it “the city’s jewelry”) and told us about pirates who were once buried nearby—apparently locals still argue about the details. I tried to imagine the bells echoing on a humid morning centuries ago. There was a moment when someone asked about a cracked gravestone and she just smiled: “That’s another long story.”

We passed the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon—its stone walls looked cold even in June—and heard about how it used to be the heart of economic life before the Revolution. There was this faint sea smell drifting up from the harbor if you paid attention, mixed with something sweet from a bakery down the street (I never did find out what they were baking). Our guide gave us honest advice on where to grab lunch after—she scribbled names on my map with a pen that barely worked. She even joked about how everyone in Charleston has an opinion about shrimp and grits.

I still think about how quiet it got in certain corners—just footsteps on old bricks and distant gulls over the Cooper River. Not every story was pretty, but none of them felt glossed over either. By the end I realized I’d stopped checking my phone for two hours straight, which says something these days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Charleston's historic landmarks

• View St. Philips Church
• View unique North American church
• View oldest private residence
• View enslaved history museum
• View Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
• View Rainbow Row

Top questions

How long does the Highlights of Charleston walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

What neighborhoods does this walking tour cover?

The tour covers the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods in downtown Charleston.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

No, guests should bring their own bottled water as it is not always available for purchase along the route.

What are some key sights included on this tour?

The tour includes Rainbow Row, St. Philips Church, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, historic churches, burial sites, antebellum mansions, and more.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Can infants or small children join in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals permitted on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods with an expert local guide; you’ll need to bring your own sun protection and bottled water since those aren’t provided along the way.