Charleston Walking Tour: Churches, Rainbow Row & Historic Stories

Summary

Charleston’s stories echo through Rainbow Row and old churches

You’ll walk Charleston’s cobbled streets with a local guide, exploring Rainbow Row’s pastel houses and centuries-old churches. Hear stories—funny, tragic, honest—right where they happened. Stand in quiet graveyards and lively squares; let history sink in as you go.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that graveyard?” our guide asked, pausing just long enough for the humidity to settle on my skin. I’d already lost track of how many church spires we’d passed, but this one—St. Philips—felt different. Maybe it was the way the morning light caught the ironwork or just how quietly everyone listened when she explained the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery (I never knew there was one). At some point, I realized we were all just following her voice through these winding streets, half in awe, half just trying not to trip over the cobblestones.

Rainbow Row looked almost too perfect to be real, all those pastel colors lined up like candy. Someone in our group tried to guess which house was oldest and got it wrong—our guide grinned and told us about the families who’d lived there before Instagram ever existed. The air smelled faintly of salt and something sweet from a bakery nearby. When we stopped by the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, she didn’t shy away from Charleston’s darker history. It got quiet for a minute; even the seagulls seemed to hush up while she talked about what went on inside those walls.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did—there’s something about hearing dramatic stories right where they happened that makes them stick. We peeked into churchyards where Spanish moss dripped off tombstones, saw the Nathaniel Russell House with its spiral staircase (I still think about that curve), and tried to imagine theater crowds from centuries ago. By the time we reached St. Michael’s Church, my feet were tired but my head was full of names and faces I’d never heard before. Two hours sounds short until you’re actually living it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Charleston's historic landmarks

• Visit St Phillip's Church and graveyard
• See the Calvinist French Heugenot church
• View the first North American theater building
• Stop at the second oldest house in Charleston
• Explore the 1856 slave market site
• Visit Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
• Take photos at Rainbow Row
• Tour Nathaniel Russell House mansion
• Visit St. Michael's Church
• See Circular Congregational Church graveyard
• View the oldest municipal building in Charleston

Top questions

How long is the Charleston walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Which landmarks are included on this Charleston tour?

You’ll visit Rainbow Row, St. Michael’s Church, St. Philips Church, Nathaniel Russell House, Circular Congregational Church, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or strollers?

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

Does the tour discuss Charleston’s history of slavery?

Yes, at the former slave market site your guide will address Charleston’s role in slavery honestly.

Is lunch included on this Charleston walking tour?

No meals are included; it is a guided history walk only.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Do I need to be very fit for this walking tour?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended as you’ll be walking for 2 hours.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your two-hour day includes a friendly local guide leading you through Charleston’s historic center—you’ll see iconic sites like Rainbow Row and several landmark churches along with stops at places like Nathaniel Russell House and Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. No meals or entry fees needed; just bring your curiosity (and maybe comfy shoes).