Charleston Walking Tour: 2 Hours Through French Quarter

Walk through centuries of Charleston history, from the French Quarter to the colorful homes of Rainbow Row

A 2-hour guided walking tour of Charleston's historic district with a licensed local guide, starting at City Hall and moving through the French Quarter, South of Broad, Rainbow Row, and the Battery. The tour covers notable sites including Dock Street Theatre, St. Philips Church, the Slave Mart Museum, and antebellum mansions, with stops varying by guide. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the route is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Historic Charleston walking tour

• Begin at City Hall Four Corners of Law
• Visit French Quarter notable sites
• See Rainbow Row historic homes
• Explore South of Broad and Battery

The Experience

The tour begins in front of City Hall at the intersection of Meeting and Broad Streets, where your guide introduces the "Four Corners of Law"—City Hall, the Courthouse, the Post Office, and St. Michaels Church. From there, you move into the French Quarter, where stops typically include Dock Street Theatre, St. Philips Church, the Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House, though the exact sites vary by guide. Your guide shares the stories and events that shaped Charleston across these two centuries-old neighborhoods.

The route takes you through South of Broad, the residential area where Rainbow Row sits—those famous multicolored row houses that appear in countless photographs. Your guide explains the history behind this iconic block while you walk past the antebellum mansions that line the neighborhood. You'll also reach the Battery, where you can see across the water to Fort Sumter, though the tour does not cover the entire length of the waterfront promenade.

Bring a water bottle; there are very few places to purchase water along the route, and the tour operates in all weather. Arrive 15 minutes early, as tours start on time. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you'll want to use the restroom before departure since there are no public facilities along the way.

What’s included

• Two-hour guided sightseeing walk through Charleston's historic district.
• professional and licensed local guide.
• exploration of the French Quarter with stops at sites like Dock Street Theatre, St. Philips Church, and the Slave Mart Museum.
• the history and stories behind Rainbow Row and the antebellum mansions of South of Broad.
• views of the Battery and Fort Sumter across the water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Walks of Charleston

Is this one for you?Walk through centuries of Charleston's past—from colonial foundations to Civil War pivots—while a local guide navigates the stories and rhythm of the historic district's hidden corners.

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Top questions

What is the Four Corners of Law in Charleston?

The Four Corners of Law is the intersection of Meeting and Broad Streets where City Hall, the Courthouse, the Post Office, and St. Michaels Church stand at each corner. This is where the tour begins and represents a key landmark in Charleston's civic and religious history.

What can I expect to see in the French Quarter?

The French Quarter typically includes Dock Street Theatre, St. Philips Church, the Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House, though your guide may vary the stops depending on the day and route conditions.

Why is Rainbow Row so famous?

Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed sites in Charleston, a row of colorful historic homes in the South of Broad neighborhood. Your guide explains the history behind these distinctive antebellum mansions during the tour.

How long is the walking tour?

The tour is 2 hours long, moving at a relaxing pace through the historic district's quaint streets.

Is this tour suitable for children and strollers?

Yes, children from age 6 are welcome. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the route is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring a water bottle—there are very few places to purchase water along the route, especially important during summer months. Wear comfortable walking shoes and use the restroom before the tour starts, as there are no public facilities along the way.