The 5 Charleston Architecture Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 422 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Our pick

Spend about two hours walking Charleston with guides Brian or Fin, tracing colonial politics, slavery, religion, architecture, and the Civil War. You’ll visit the Old Exchange, Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart, Dock Street Theater, City Hall, St. Michael’s Church, and the Battery. Some interiors depend on availability, and several admission fees are separate.

“Fin was a fantastic guide! He was knowledgeable, accepted questions, and friendly. Thank you Fin! ..”

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2.History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 349 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29

Explore Charleston’s Historic Downtown with a local guide such as Jeff, Emerson, Paige, or Jackson. Walk about one mile through South of Broad and the French Quarter, visit three tucked-away alleys, and see Rainbow Row, City Market, St Philip’s Church, and the Pineapple Fountain. Interior visits to St Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theatre, and the Old Exchange depend on availability.

“Our guide, Jaxson, was young, funny, and engaging. He did a good job keeping things moving while spending enough time to elaborate on features of the tour.”

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3.Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $28

Spend two hours walking Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad with a licensed local guide. See St. Michael’s Church, Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange, and the Battery while learning about the Revolution, Civil War, architecture, and local life. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with Powder Magazine Museum admission included.

“Not really their fault but we were only 5 mins late to the tour and they were GONE. Who knows if they were even there since they didnt answer the contact attempt. Maybe go for another! There’s like 7 other tours operating in the same area.”

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4.Charleston History and Architecture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · from $27Best value

Spend about two hours walking Charleston with an architectural historian guide. You’ll see the Pineapple Fountain, Rainbow Row, the Unitarian Church, Twenty-one Magazine, the Old Exchange, and Philadelphia Alley while hearing stories about architecture, culture, colonial life, and the people who shaped the city. Paige and Emerson are among the praised guides.

“Good tour. Guide was a little too apologetic for everything. The sun, cobbles stone just everything - things that didn’t need to be appolgized for.”

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5.Historic Charleston: The Battery, Rainbow Row, St. Michael Church

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Charleston by Foot for a two-hour walking tour of Charleston’s oldest streets. Your licensed guide, including guides such as Eric, covers St. Philip’s, St. Michael’s, Rainbow Row, the Battery, Washington Square, and the Old Slave Mart area. Church entry depends on congregation schedules, so expect a flexible route with plenty of local stories.

“It was a leisurely pace. Erik was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. Well worth the time and money.”

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