Charleston: Women’s History Walking Tour & Rainbow Row

Summary

Stories of Charleston’s bold women from St. Philip’s to Rainbow Row

You’ll walk through Charleston with a licensed guide, hearing stories of rebellious women at St. Philip’s Church and Rainbow Row. Expect laughter, unexpected details at Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and real conversation—not just facts—at Nathaniel Russell House. You’ll come away seeing these famous streets through new eyes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed on this tour because my feet were still sore from the day before (Charleston sidewalks are no joke). But then our guide, Tia, showed up with this wild grin and started talking about a woman who once outsmarted British soldiers right here near St. Philip’s Church—like, actual cloak-and-dagger stuff. The church bells were echoing off the old bricks and I could smell sweetgrass in the air, or maybe it was someone’s perfume drifting by. Either way, I was hooked.

Tia didn’t just rattle off names; she made these women feel like people you might actually run into at the corner store. At the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, she pointed at the heavy stone walls and told us about a spy who used to pass notes under everyone’s noses—Li laughed when I tried to say her name in Mandarin (probably butchered it). There was this moment where a breeze picked up and all the Spanish moss started moving like slow dancers overhead. It felt weirdly cinematic.

I’d seen photos of Rainbow Row before but standing there, listening to stories about artists and entrepreneurs who lived behind those pastel doors—it hit different. The paint was peeling in places, which somehow made it better? Tia said most folks skip over Nathaniel Russell House at the end but she swears it holds some of the juiciest gossip from Charleston’s past (she wasn’t wrong). By then my feet had stopped complaining and I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in over an hour. Still think about that view down East Bay Street sometimes—felt like time folded for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charleston women's history walking tour

• Discuss Charleston background history
• Begin Badass Broads Tour
• Discuss more Badass Broads of Charleston
• Discuss Badass Broads at Old Exchange
• Continue discussion at Rainbow Row
• Discuss more Badass Broads at Nathaniel Russell House

Top questions

How long is the Historic Women of Charleston Walking Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours with a licensed guide.

Which landmarks are included on this Charleston walking tour?

The route includes St. Philip's Church, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Rainbow Row, and Nathaniel Russell House.

Is this walking tour suitable for families or children?

Infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller; service animals are also allowed.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby if needed.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals or snacks are provided during the walking tour.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

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

What’s included

Your experience includes a two-hour guided walk through Charleston with a licensed local guide sharing stories at landmarks like St. Philip's Church, Rainbow Row, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and Nathaniel Russell House—just bring comfy shoes and curiosity.