aaa walking tour charleston sc

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Charleston Self-Guided History Tour

Charleston’s history dates back to 1670 when it was founded by English colonists. Luckily, it has retained much of its culture, monuments, and original architecture over the years. Walking down the streets of Charleston, you feel as though you’re walking back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour of Charleston details the city’s history from its conception to modern-day Charlestonian life.

Learn about some of Charleston’s most historically important sites, such as the Charleston Market, Fort Sumter and Patriots Point, Rainbow Row, and the Old Slave Market in this Charleston self-guided history tour.

Based on our popular Charleston history tour, this self-guided walk will take you past many of the city’s most popular sites. If you’re interested in learning more about Lowcountry history, check out our full list of tours .

Yet, if you’d rather explore the city on your own, the stops on this self-guided tour are a great place to start.

Tour Stop 1: Charleston Market

You can’t visit Charleston without stopping at its historic market .

The market’s history dates back to 1788 when famous Charlestonian Charles Cotesworth Pickney gave up a plot of land to the City of Charleston for use of a public market. The market was finally built between 1804 and the 1830s. Today it’s one of the best spots in Charleston for shopping. Visitors can browse the stalls, get a quick bite to eat, and check out the market’s most famous wares — handmade sweetgrass baskets.

Walk east on Market St., and take a right on Concord St; you’ll hit the Waterfront Park in a few blocks. Walk until you see the Pineapple Fountain.

Tour Stop 2: Waterfront Park/ Fort Sumter

The second stop on our Charleston self-guided history tour is the Waterfront Park. Charleston’s Waterfront Park offers one of the best viewpoints in the city — and some of the best photo opportunities. The park runs half a mile down the Cooper River. The focal point of the park is the famous Pineapple Fountain, which was built in 1990 and symbolizes the Charlestonian love of hospitality.

From here, you can see the Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter — the location where the Civil War began.

Walk two blocks east of the park, and take a right on Church St. St. Philip’s Church is located between Cumberland and Queen sts.

Tour Stop 3: St. Philip’s Church

St. Philip’s Church is where you can find the oldest congregation in Charleston — and South Carolina. Established in 1680, this church is the mother church of the Diocese of South Carolina. The current structure was built in 1838, and the tower served as a lighthouse for Charleston’s harbor. Several notable Charlestonians are buried in its cemetery, including Charles Pickney and Edward Rutledge.

Head south on Church St., and stop outside the French Huguenot Church at Church and Queen Sts.

Charleston Tour Stop 4: French Huguenot Church

The French Huguenot Church was built in 1845 — and is the third church to stand on this site.

It’s just one of Charleston’s many churches that lend the city its moniker, The Holy City. Its nickname is the “Church of Tides”, thanks to its original service schedule that revolved around the tide schedule as most attendees arrived by boat. Today services are held in French.

Tour Stop 5: Dock Street Theatre

Across the street from the French Huguenot Church is the Dock Street Theatre, which is the fifth stop on our Charleston self-guided history tour.

Opened in 1736, this theater was the first that was built solely for theatrical performances. The first performance was The Recruiting Officer, and the first opera, Flora, was the first-ever performed in America. The Dock Street Theatre is a public building, and visitors can enter the lobby and public areas during the day.

Head south on Church St., and take left on Chalmers St. The Pink House is on the south side of the street.

Indoor stops such as this are a must if you’re visiting Charleston in January or February, as weather during South Carolina winters can be unpredictable!

Tour Stop 6: The Pink House

Though no longer a gallery open to the public, the Pink House is still delightful to see from the outside. Historians believe it is the second oldest structure in Charleston — built in 1712. It has lived many lives and seen many decades of Charleston’s history. In the 1700s, it was a tavern and a brothel. It has also housed a publishing house and law office before becoming a gallery. It is now a private residence.

Tour Stop 7: Old Slave Mart Museum

A few doors down from The Pink House sits the Old Slave Mart Museum. Once an antebellum slave auction gallery, the Old Slave Mart is now a museum dedicated to teaching the history of the slave triangle, slave boat conditions, and the path of the enslaved once they reached the market and plantations.

Head east down Chalmers St., and take a right on State St. Take a left on Broad St. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are just across East Bay St.

Tour Stop 8: Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

By the late 1700s, enslaved African Americans made up half of Charlestons’ population, though the city wasn’t usually their final destination. Many were here only long enough to be sold to owners in other areas of the American colonies. The Old Exchange is where many of the slave auctions took place.

The Provost Dungeon was where American soldiers were held prisoner by the British in the American Revolutionary War.

Although the Old Exchange Building is easy to find on your own, you can learn more about this famous Charleston site on our guided history tour . In addition to learning about the history of the Exchange Building, you can learn about most of the sites on this list from our knowledgeable tour guides.

Head south one block on E. Bay St., and take a left on E. Elliot St.

Tour Stop 9: Coates’ Row

The buildings at 114-120 East Bay St. are known as Coate’s Row and were built between 1788 and 1806. Originally owned by Thomas Coates, the structures were once commercial buildings, homes, a tavern, and a coffee house. 120 East Bay St. was once a meeting place of the Jacobin Club.

Head south on E. Bay St. to N. Adgers Warf.

Tour Stop 10: Rainbow Row

Possibly one of the most famous and picturesque rows of homes in Charleston, Rainbow Row shows off the Caribbean influence on Lowcountry homes.

This is one of the prettiest streets in Charleston ! Built in the 1740s, these brightly colored homes were once owned by elite Charleston merchants. Though the rainbow colors have made these homes famous, historians can’t seem to agree on why these exact colors were chosen.

Head north on E. Bay St., and take a left on Broad St. City Hall is at Broad and Meeting St.

Tour Stop 11: Charleston City Hall

The building that became Charleston’s City Hall was built from 1800 to 1804 and is a great example of the Adamesque style. Originally the Bank of the United States, the building was transformed into City Hall in 1818. Visitors can head into the building for a free tour.

Head west on Broad St., and take a left on Legare.

Tour Stop 12: Legare Street

Many of the buildings that sit on Legare St. are of historic significance, including the Robert Trail Chisolm house at 23 Legare. This house survived an earthquake and was once owned by George A. Trenholm, who is considered by some to be the “real” Rhett Butler.

You can discover the history of many Legare Street homes like this on our Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages tour , where you’ll see everything you would on our regular History of Charleston guided tour — just with a little “extra.”

Head south on Legare, and take a left at S. Battery. You’ll see White Point Gardens a block down the street.

Tour Stop 13: White Point Gardens (The Battery)

The last stop on our Charleston self-guided history tour is White Point Gardens. First built as a public garden in 1837, White Point Gardens was converted into a battery during the Civil War. We highly recommend strolling along the boardwalk at The Battery – from here, you can get spectacular views of the Ashely and Cooper Rivers, Fort Sumter, and Charleston Harbor.

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Charleston History Tour

Discover the essentials of historic Charleston on this leisurely walking tour with our knowledgeable tour guides.

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Private Tours

Take a private tour of Charleston to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy City. Allow us to create the perfect tour for your group!

Charleston's Best Downtown Walking Tours

Welcome to JWalk Tours

Charleston , South Carolina

Let's Take a Walk!

Jonathan green, founder, walking guide and history buff.

Hi, I'm Jonathan and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance and would further enjoy the opportunity to meet you in person and take you on a walking tour of Charleston, SC, the amazing place I call home. I am licensed by the city to give our visitors tours and tell you all about Charleston's unique history and appeal. I like to keep tours fun, informative and tailored for my guests. Let's take a walk and get to know each other while we explore one of our America's most intriguing cities and its rich history at the crossroads of the American Revolution, the Civil War and America's founding.

Chicora Walking Tour

Book your tour today, “Let's take a walk!”

Read More about the tour.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

French huguenot church, dock street theater, chalmers street, the pink house, ryan's mart, 8 1/2 state street, old exchange, rainbow row, robert smalls, stoll's alley.

JWalk Tours

Let's take a walk.

Visit Charleston, SC and take a walk with us! " Walking the streets of Charleston, one of the oldest cities in America, is walking through an important part of the tapestry of American history.

Contact Info

Questions + booking group and private tours.

+1 843-608-1911

[email protected]

Featured Tour

Every badass history has a badass HERSTORY... join us in celebrating Charleston's badass broads.

• Discover Charleston
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• How We Got Here
• Who Is Cooper
• Local Hangouts
• Trip Planning Tips
• Dirty Little Secrets
• Let's Talk Plantations
• Let's Talk Museums
• Our Reading List
• Our History Blog
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Historic Charleston walking tours

Helping you find the best walking history tours in Charleston, SC

Learn more on our tours, than any other history tours in Charleston

A Guide to Walking Tours in Charleston...

Three things to consider.

People are always asking - What are the best walking tours in Charleston? That answer is pretty subjective, so we put together our guide to walking tours in Charleston.

1- Many companies are quick to boast about their deep-rooted family ties to Charleston, and they love to tell you stories about their grandmama. Don't let the stories deceive you. Longevity certainly doesn't guarantee expertise when it comes to history tours.

2 - Most companies rely on scripted narratives, walking you through the motions but struggling when faced with your questions. Then there's Bubba – the not-so-well-intentioned individual who thinks giving a walking tour is a breeze. They might offer a tempting bargain, but beware. Steer clear of Bubba's cheap tours and manufactured "facts". Find out more about what to look for in a tour on our Dirty Little Secrets page. 

3 - The truth is, quality walking tour experiences require context, knowledge, and a genuine passion for storytelling. Choose a company that goes beyond a script, providing you with a rich, authentic exploration of Charleston's history. Your experience deserves more than just pointing fingers; it deserves the knowledge, depth, and authenticity that Chucktown Tours promises to deliver.

There Are a Lot of Tours To Choose From

What makes us different.

Rest assured, we're not Bubba, scripts are not our style - and while our Grandmama was sweet, she just wasn't interesting enough to tell you about. We understand that when you're searching for history tours in Charleston, you're seeking a profound exploration of its 350 years of extraordinary history, delving into colonial architecture, and discussing topics not covered by other Charleston tours.

Our guides stand apart – equipped with an academic background and a passion for teaching. Unlike those relying solely on family lineage or a script, our professional credibility comes from a genuine dedication to history. We immerse ourselves in continuous learning, devouring books, attending lectures, and engaging in seminars to stay abreast of Charleston's rich historical tapestry. Read more about why that passion is so important to us on the How We Got Here page.

Being professional historians isn't just about what happens during the tour; it's about the effort we invest between tours. This commitment ensures that we can provide you with an exceptional experience, rooted in accuracy, depth, and a genuine love for Charleston's history. We believe you deserve nothing less than the best tour in Charleston.

Do Your Homework Before Booking a Tour

What should you be looking for.

Before deciding on a tour of Charleston. let's ensure you know what to look for. Here are four key indicators to help you evaluate the value of Charleston walking tours:

• Reviews Matter: Check customer reviews to discern patterns. Look for terms like "funny," "amazing," "well worth the money," and "knowledgeable." Consistency in positive feedback over many reviews reflects the true quality of a tour.
• Structure: Pay attention to the company's structure. Items such as outdated websites, only taking cash, or the use of Gmail accounts may indicate lower-end operations. Look for professionalism and commitment to quality.
• Size: Consider the size of the tour company. Smaller companies often become complacent, while larger companies often compromise quality for volume to pay the bills. Seek a balance that ensures personalized experiences without sacrificing expertise.
• Cost Consideration: While price matters, it should not be the sole determinant. Be cautious of very low-cost tours, as they may prioritize quantity over quality. On the flip side, a higher price doesn't guarantee a superior tour. Assess the overall value, including the tour's content, pattern of reviews, and the reputation of the company.

By keeping an eye on these factors, and understanding the Dirty Little Secrets , you can make an informed decision and select a history tour of Charleston that offers you not just attractions, but an enriching and memorable experience.

Our Walking History Tours

Select a walking tour below...., our group tours, our private tours.

Group - Charleston Walking Tours

Content-Based on the Group Discussion

Maximum 15 Tickets Sold Per Tour 

Group Tour Tickets are $40.00

Tour Duration is Approximately 2.5 Hours

Tours Available 10 am & 2 pm Daily

Private - Charleston Walking Tours

Customized Content 

Tour Price Includes up to 20 People

Private Tour Tickets are $600.00

Tours Available Daily 

What's the most important thing about your walking tour.... YOU

Planning your trip to charleston, maybe we can help....

Chucktown Walking Tours is more than just a business; it's a commitment to ensuring our guests have an extraordinary experience. We genuinely care about your needs, even before your arrival. Explore our Local Hangouts page for a curated list of places we frequent with our own families, inviting you to discover Charleston like a local.

Our dedication extends to the finer details that enhance your stay. Delve into our Planning Tips page for insights that will enhance your visit. It's our way of ensuring you're well-prepared for the distinctive charm of Charleston. The commitment doesn't end there. Our walking history tours go beyond showcasing sights; they're a captivating journey into history. To extend your journey beyond the tour, look at our Charleston History Blog  We've also compiled a Reading List to provide you with reference material when you return home. If you have questions about seeing a Plantation, our Let's Talk Plantations page may help, and our Let's Talk Museums page can point you in the right direction for a house museum. 

At Chucktown Tours our focus is on being good people. Whether or not you consider us the best, we want you to understand that we are genuinely good people, dedicated to providing the best souvenir of your trip to Charleston - Knowledge. 

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Dirty little secrets about tours in charleston.

By now, you've probably realized the large number of walking tours in Charleston. With so much information to navigate, we want to assist you by creating a guide to walking tours that shares some insights about the industry that other companies may not want you to know. Explore our " Dirty Little Secrets " page for a behind-the-scenes look at what you should be aware of when selecting a tour in Charleston.  

Have a question? Call us 24/7 and talk to a real person!

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(843) 885-8802 [email protected]

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• Charleston Walking & Storytelling Tour
• African-American History & Philip Simmons House Tour
• Strong Women of the South History Tour
• Family-Friendly Ghost Tour
• One Bar & Tarot Cards

Charleston Walking Tour

Book a daytime walking tour, a nighttime ghost tour, or even a tarot reading. Experience the best and most in-depth tours Charleston has to offer from licensed, local guides.

Daytime Walking Tours

Our daytime Charleston walking tours feature the best Charleston has to offer including beautiful palaces from the old world, hidden alleys and streets waiting to be rediscovered, local museums featuring world-famous artists, and gorgeous gardens sprinkled throughout a thriving metropolis. Our guides use storytelling to weave the history of Charleston together, giving you a greater understanding of the cultural and economic impact this city and its citizens have had throughout history.

Ghost Tours

Our nighttime Charleston ghost tours are a paranormal experience featuring the best of haunted Charleston including St. Philip’s Church Graveyard and Philadelphia Alley. Learn how to see a ghost, stand in front of the most photographed ghost in the United States, walk down hidden streets and haunted alleys, and hear the stories of spirits that still haunt the city today. Let our guides show you why Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

Our Favorite Charleston Attractions

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Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for regular updates on tours and everything Charleston!

Enter OWC25 to get $3.50/person for Old Walled City Walking Tour and CGT25  for Charleston Ghost Tour

Walking Tours Charleston SC

Welcome to Old Walled City Tours , your gateway to unforgettable walking tours Charleston SC. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Charleston’s history and culture as our expert guides lead you through its charming alleys  and grand boulevards. Our Charleston tours offer a unique blend of local insight and captivating storytelling.

Experience the allure of this historic city with our meticulously curated tours. Every step from the picturesque waterfront to the grandeur of antebellum architecture unveils a piece of Charleston’s fascinating story. With Old Walled City Tours, expect small, intimate groups for a personalized adventure.

Explore the best of Charleston on foot with us. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable experience, our tours cater to all. Discover why we’re renowned for offering top-notch Charleston walking tours. Book your spot today , and let us be your guide to the heart and soul of this enchanting city

QUICK DETAILS

Availabilities: 7 days a week

Duration: 2 Hours | 1.75 miles

Inclusions:  Charleston highlights

Learn more about Charleston’s History

We offer our Charleston walking tour six days a week at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tour capacity is 14, making our group experience the ideal way to enrich your visit to Charleston. Stroll Charleston’s oldest neighborhoods as your licensed guide weaves a tale of incredible glory and tragic devastation. Every tour is different, and our small group format is designed to encourage input and questions along the way. Sometimes your participation helps us decide which direction to head next!Sites along the way might include Rainbow Row, St. Michael’s Church, the Pirate House, the Dock Street Theater, High Battery and Fort Sumter, among others. Topics can include colonial and Revolutionary War history (pirates included!), antebellum Charleston, the rise of cotton, Civil War, slavery and freedom, and gardens and Charleston architecture, among others. Our seasoned guides have years of experience, and our hope is that when we part ways, you will share our love of Charleston, S.C., America’s Most Historic City.Plan to cover 1.75 miles in 2 hours.Walk the city with us!

Meeting Point

Small Groups + Private Tours

Experience charleston’s rich history one step at a time, let’s walk charleston together.

Welcome to the home of Walk It Charleston. Walk It Charleston specializes in small group tours, allowing for a custom, personalized tour to learn and see the beauty of Charleston. We offer historic & scenic tours of Downtown Charleston and curated Private Tours for your interests.

CHARLESTON WALKING TOURS

Walking tours of charleston south carolina tour guides kay abrams and steve bailey.

Walk It Charleston specializes in small group tours, allowing for a custom, personalized tour to learn and see the beauty of Charleston. We offer historic & scenic tours of Downtown Charleston and curated Private Tours for your interests.

Put your best foot forward and book your tour with WalkIT! Charleston today!

Please learn more about the historic and secret tours we offer in Charleston!

Latest Travel Guides

Steve is Awesome!

My mom and I took a tour with Steve today and it was fantastic! Steve is such a great guide and has a ton of knowledge of the city. It was so fun to roam through the historic area with him. He knows everyone too so it’s awesome to have that local feel as your cruising through the streets and people wave “Hi”. I would highly recommend taking his tour.

Catie on Trip Advisor

The Tour Was Great and Kay's Fantastic!

If you and your friends and family are looking for an informative, energetic, entertaining walking tour of old town Charleston, do not wait, sign up with Kay Abrams! The four of us did a 2.5 hr tour with Kay on Friday, May 13, 2022, and we unanimously LOVED it! Cannot recommend her highly enough! Regardless of your level of interest or expertise, Kay makes history come alive for everyone!

Linn on ToursByLocals

Steve was a Pleasure!!

Steve was a pleasure and a wealth of information. We loved the alleys he took us down, letting us know where all the public restrooms are located and recommendations for restaurants. He not only knows all of the houses and monuments, he knows all of the locals. We were out for over 2 hours and not once were we bored!!

Molly on Trip Advisor

Ah-maze-ing!

Kay could not have been more adaptable, informative or kind. She shared so much info about Charleston with us - but perhaps more importantly, she was so fun! She pointed out things that were right out in the open that we never would have seen and educated us on so many Charleston specific facts. We will call Kay EVERY time we return to learn more and more about this fabulous city!

Abby on ToursByLocals

Walking Tour of Charleston

Very enjoyable introduction to Charleston. Steve did a great job of sharing his knowledge of The Holy City.

maakestad2018 on Trip Advisor

She Is The Absolute Best

We just completed the Alley tour with Kay. I have done many private tours all over the world and Kay is one of the best . This tour was fascinating and she took us to places that most tourist would not ever discover. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for the history, gardens and just wonderful trivia was contagious. We loved her passion for Charleston and learned so much!

DeeDee on ToursByLocals

Tour with Steve

Steve was an excellent resource, regaling us with the history of Charleston and funny anecdotes. He seems to be a bit of an institution and very well regarded in his community. Don’t miss an opportunity to gain his insights!

Edie on Trip Advisor

She Deserves All 5 Stars and More

We would like to say that Kathryn exceeded our expectations with her Alleys tour of Charleston. We have taken several ToursByLocals tours in several places in the world. They are always good but Kathryn's was exceptional. She kept our attention, showed us things we would not have seen on our on, or would not have recognized them as important. She is friendly, professional, and a delight to spend time touring with.

Gordon on ToursByLocals

LET’S SEE CHARLESTON BY FOOT

History tour.

Explore over 350 years of Charleston history, intricate architecture, and elaborate churches.

SECRET STROLLS

Walk along the streets of Charleston, exploring hidden alleyways, gas lit lanterns, and cobblestone streets.

PRIVATE HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Our Private History Walking Tour explores over 350 years of our city’s past.

• 80 BROAD STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401
• 843.481.4472

Explore Charleston , South Carolina

Elegant and cultured, Charleston is one of the South's most romantic places with plenty of things to do. Timeworn cobblestone streets, battered Civil War fortifications and grand estates hark back to another era, while upscale hotels and places to eat in impeccably restored landmarks offer 21st-century luxuries that keep guests grounded in the present. Learn More...

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