Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More
From$40.5
2 hours
Commentary: Guide · en
Charleston, USA
About this activity
Join a 2-hour guided walking tour through Charleston's historic district, featuring Rainbow Row, St. Michael's Church, and more.
Highlights
- Explore Rainbow Row's colorful historic homes
- Visit St. Michael's Church, a 1761 landmark
- Discover the Battery & White Point Gardens
- Learn about Charleston's antebellum mansions
- Stroll through hidden gardens and courtyards
Full description
Step back in time with the Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More—a captivating 2-hour guided stroll that uncovers the stories behind Charleston’s iconic landmarks. Walk where carriages and motorcoaches are forbidden, delving into hidden gardens and charming courtyards normally unseen by visitors. Marvel at Rainbow Row’s pastel-hued homes, visit the historic St. Michael’s Church dating back to 1761, and stand in awe at the Battery’s picturesque waterfront. Along the way, your guide will paint vivid tales of Revolutionary and Civil War history and showcase the city’s legendary antebellum mansions. The tour also grants you admission to the unique Powder Magazine Museum, included with your ticket. Explore graveyards and centuries-old churches, and enjoy a visual tour of Fort Sumter.
Included / Excluded
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- A visual tour of Fort Sumter
- Admission to the Powder Magazine Museum is included with tour purchase
- Gratuities
- Transportation
Itinerary
1
The longest Pre-Revolutionary structure in America is one of Charleston's most iconic historical sites. These 18th century homes are painted in a variety of colors thus the name, "Rainbow Row."
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Historic Waterfront Battery is a great place for photos as you will see southern mansions, cannons, cannon balls, palmettos, incredible views of Fort Sumter and so much more.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: You will see everything from beautiful cobblestone streets and custom Iron Gates as well as an incredible collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including a large number of distinctive Charleston single houses. These houses are typically a single room in depth, and oriented with the short access toward the street, with the entrance area on a long side in the alley. Our Charleston walking tour will take you through areas with a rich history and colorful past so you can get a good grasp of America’s most charming historical district to make sure you are immersed in our city. Throughout the tour you will see some of our incredible sites such as our beautiful Antebellum Mansions, Rainbow Row which is a series of thirteen colorful historic houses in Charleston. Historic Waterfront Battery is a great place for photos as you will see southern mansions, cannons, cannon balls, palmettos, incredible views of Fort Sumter and so much more.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: Our Charleston walking tour will take you through areas with a rich Historic Waterfront Battery is a great place for photos as you will see southern mansions, cannons, cannon balls, palmettos, incredible views of Fort Sumter and so much more.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Admission to the Powder Magazine Museum is included with tour purchase.
Admission: YES
Important information
Know before you book
- Reservations are required; book in advance to secure your spot.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so plan accordingly.
- The meeting point is at 108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Parking is available near the meeting point at 108 Meeting St.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The pace of our walking tour is leisurely
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
- Operates in all weather conditions, dress appropriately
Traveler reviews
4.9709 reviews
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Wonderful tour
Andrew Kuhn was excellent. He was well informed, exercised good pacing, chose interesting spots and anwered questions fully. He is charmingly passionate about charleston and its history, the good and bad.
gtrjbrMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Nancy, our guide, was...
Nancy, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the areas she took us to and the tour was very informative! Enjoyed it very much!
Christy_WMay 24, 2026VIATOR
Excellent tour. Guide...
Excellent tour. Guide very knowledgeable and helpful. Great way to get oriented to sights and history.
Sandy_SMay 4, 2026VIATOR
Beautiful Tour
Susan was great and very knowledgeable about city history We saw some beautiful homes and gardens I recommend this tour!!
demont414May 4, 2026VIATOR
Great historical tour
This was a wonderful tour for lovers of history. Our guide (oops, so sorry that I cannot recall his name) was so knowledgeable and very passionate about history and the culture of the area. I especially appreciated his explaining historical backgrounds, including about the Gullah people and culture.
P464XZsusanaApr 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
The pace of our walking tour is leisurely Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Operates in all weather conditions, dress appropriately