Self-Guided Charleston Walking Tour with Audioguide
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Explore Charleston at your own pace with the Charleston Walking Tour with Audioguide on your Smartphone. This self-guided experience takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks, all narrated by professional historians and journalists. With the tour lasting about 3.5 hours, you'll get a comprehensive overview of Charleston's rich history, architecture, and local legends.
Download the tour beforehand to access it offline, allowing you to walk freely without worrying about data or signal issues. Follow the in-app map, listen to fascinating stories, and enjoy the flexibility to pause, rest, or explore hidden alleyways whenever you wish. Whether you're a history buff or just want to soak in Charleston’s charm, this tour is perfect for discovering the city at your own speed.
Designed for small groups and individual travelers alike, the Charleston walking tour offers a mix of engaging stops, beautiful scenery, and cultural insights. It’s a fantastic way to experience Charleston’s highlights without the constraints of a traditional guided tour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Charleston walking tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, covering about 25 stops around Charleston.
What do I need to participate?
You need a smartphone and headphones to listen to the audioguide. The tour is self-guided, so there's no in-person guide.
Can I do this tour in my preferred language?
Yes, you get 1 year of access to the tour in your chosen language, including options like English and German.
Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to be accessible for all physical fitness levels, with options to rest along the route.
What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes illustrations to identify landmarks, an offline map, 25 audio recordings, and a year of access in your preferred language.
What’s not included?
You need to bring your own smartphone and headphones. The tour does not include transportation, food, or in-person guides.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 3.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
German, English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Illustrations to identify landmarks
- Offline map with route for GPS navigation
- 1-year access to the tour in your preferred language
- 25 audio recordings narrated by a professional historian
- Audio Guide app compatible with iPhone and Android
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- In-person tour guide
- Transportation
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Washington Square is a historic public garden in Charleston’s city centre. Laid out in the early 19th century beside City Hall and St. Michael’s Church, it became a civic space framed by monuments, paths, and old trees. The square reflects Charleston’s political history, commemorative traditions, and refined urban character.
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Stop 2
Four Corners of Law is the historic intersection of Meeting Street and Broad Street in Charleston. Its four corners are framed by City Hall, the courthouse, the federal courthouse and post office, and St. Michael’s Church. Together, they represent municipal, state, federal, and ecclesiastical law, highlighting Charleston’s civic and religious identity.
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Stop 3
The Hat Man is a painted figure on the corner of Church and Broad Streets. Created in the late 19th century as advertising for a haberdashery, the image is made entirely from different hat shapes. Its quirky silhouette has become a local landmark, blending commercial history, street art, and folklore.
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Stop 4
Philip Simmons’ Egret Gate is a wrought-iron gate at 2 St. Michael’s Alley, designed by master blacksmith Philip Simmons. It features Lowcountry bird imagery and showcases Charleston’s ironwork craftsmanship, reflecting local artistry and historic lanes.
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Stop 5
Meeting Street runs through Charleston’s historic core, connecting key civic landmarks, churches, museums, and historic homes. Its architecture and layout tell stories of the city’s colonial past and social evolution.
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Stop 6
Nathaniel Russell House Museum is a Federal-style townhouse built in 1808. Known for its elegant interiors and dramatic staircase, it reflects Charleston’s mercantile wealth and architectural refinement.
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Stop 7
Williams Mansion, built in the 1870s, is a grand Gilded Age residence on Meeting Street. Its ornate Victorian interiors and gardens showcase Charleston’s post-Civil War prosperity.
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Stop 8
White Point Garden is a historic park at the southern tip of the peninsula. Surrounded by live oaks and monuments, it overlooks Charleston Harbor, embodying the city’s military history and scenic waterfront.
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Stop 9
Fort Sumter is a historic sea fort where the Civil War began in 1861. Its military remains and island setting highlight Charleston’s strategic importance and the nation’s history.
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Stop 10
Robert W. Roper House is a Greek Revival mansion on East Battery, built around 1838. Its grand portico and columns reflect antebellum wealth and architectural ambition.
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Stop 11
Longitude Lane is a narrow historic alley established during colonial times. Its brick walls and tight scale reveal Charleston’s hidden urban fabric.
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Stop 12
Rainbow Row is a famous stretch of pastel-colored Georgian houses on East Bay Street. Restored in the 20th century, it’s a symbol of Charleston’s colonial architecture and maritime history.
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Stop 13
The Old Exchange, completed in 1771, served as a customs house, prison, and city hall. Its history reflects Charleston’s role in trade and early American politics.
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Stop 14
Pineapple Fountain, located in Waterfront Park, symbolizes hospitality with its pineapple motif. It’s a popular spot to relax and enjoy views of Charleston Harbor.
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Stop 15
The Old Slave Mart Museum on Chalmers Street tells the story of Charleston’s role in the domestic slave trade, offering a sobering look at a painful chapter of history.
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Stop 16
Pink House Gallery is a historic 18th-century building on Chalmers Street, now serving as an art gallery. Its architecture and history highlight Charleston’s colonial and creative heritage.
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Stop 17
Dock Street Theatre, dating back to 1736, is one of Charleston’s oldest performing arts venues. Its architecture reflects the city’s theatrical and colonial history.
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Stop 18
The French Huguenot Church is a Gothic Revival building in the French Quarter, representing Charleston’s early immigrant communities and religious diversity.
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Stop 19
Philadelphia Alley, also called Dueler’s Alley, is a narrow historic passage with legends of duels and fire recovery. Its brick walls and quiet atmosphere reveal Charleston’s layered past.
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Stop 20
The Powder Magazine, built in 1713, is one of Charleston’s oldest public buildings. It stored gunpowder and reflects early defenses of the city.
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Stop 21
Charleston City Market is a bustling historic marketplace showcasing local crafts, foods, and souvenirs. It’s a lively hub that captures Charleston’s vibrant street life and culture.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
- The tour begins at Washington Square.
- This is a self-guided experience; no guide will be present.
- Launch the TouringBee app, select the "Charleston walking tour," and follow the route on your device.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day prior
- No refund if cancelled within 24 hours of start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $11.75 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
