French Quarter Historic Charleston Walk

Charleston, US

Highlights

  • Breathtaking walk through colonial and early American architecture
  • Unique landmarks with intriguing narratives
  • Colorful waterfront bay buildings on Rainbow Row
  • Oldest private building in French Quarter
  • Oldest remaining intact church building

Meeting Point

Tour meets outside on the Prioleau Street side of City Gallery at 34 Prioleau Street. There are benches, shade trees, as well as water and public restrooms nearby.

Meeting point

34 Prioleau St, Charleston, SC 29401 , United States

End point

End Point

Tour meets outside on the Prioleau Street side of City Gallery at 34 Prioleau Street. There are benches, shade trees, as well as water and public restrooms nearby.

Meeting point

34 Prioleau St, Charleston, SC 29401 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Charleston Waterfront Park

Walk through the historic Vendue Range of markets on low water land owned by the Prioleau family who arrived in Charles Town in 1687 as an escape from Catholic religious persecution in Pons, France. See the majestic harbor's Castle Pinckney, Fort Sumter, and beautiful marshy islands that create the passage to the Atlantic Ocean.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

One of the top three most historic buildings in the U.S., according to the National Historic Registry. Guide explains in detail all of the unique attributes that make this building one of America's true historic gems.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Rainbow Row

Colorful waterfront bay buildings constructed along wharves with Dutch influence (Amsterdam) during the Age of Lord Proprietors and original walled city.

Duration 15 minutes
4

Pink House Gallery

Known to be the oldest private building remaining in the French Quarter (1694-1712). The handmade, asymmetrical house set on the longest cobblestone street is built of Bermuda stone and resembles a charming man-sized dollhouse.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Charleston City Hall

Gabrielle Manigault (French Huguenot architect) designed one of the finest examples of Adamesque architecture in 1800 as a development of the Civic Square of the original Grand Modell plan of the walled city.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Included
6

Old Slave Mart Museum

One of the last vestiges of a barracoon (slave jail) which is a converted German fire station made into a gallery for the sales of the enslaved. 80 percent of what census term as African-Americans living in North America have ancestral roots in Charleston, South Carolina as a result of the 12 million people imported through the Atlantic slave trade.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7

St. Michael's Church

The oldest remaining in-tact church building left in the Holy City was built in 1752.

Duration 10 minutes
8

South Carolina Historical Society Museum

First Fireproof Building in America built by Robert Mills who also designed the Washington Monument in D.C. (probably wishes the monument has been built as earthquake proof).

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

The Powder Magazine

Oldest public building (1713) in the original walled city was used as a northern fortification during the age of Lords Proprietors.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
10

French Huguenot Church

Gothic Revival French protestant church is the centerpiece of the French Quarter. This active church is the oldest and most famous in the U.S. Twenty-three of forty-five U.S. Presidents have French Huguenot ancestry!

Duration 10 minutes
11

Dock Street Theater

National historic landmark is known as the first building to hold theatrical performances in the U.S. First show was in 1735, a black comedy depicting the social and sexual exploits of two recruiting officers in Ireland.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Included
12

Circular Congregational Church

First official "Meeting House" built on the corner of the original walled city in a Romaneque Revival Style. Three significant churches were created from the original congregation (Unitarian, First Scots, and United Church). Churchyard is home to the oldest tombstones on the peninsula.

Duration 10 minutes
13

Philadelphia Alley

Iconic alley way holds many historic attributes and lore.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

What our experts say

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    Stop by the Old Slave Mart Museum.
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    Bring comfortable walking shoes.
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    Check out nearby Waterfront Park.
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    Don't forget your camera for photos.
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    Consider visiting a local café after.

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