Rainbow Row Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Rainbow Row in 2026?

Although it’s free to stroll along Rainbow Row, plenty of affordable tour options can upgrade your visit, starting as low as US$6 for a self-guided audio tour. Expert-led walking tours typically cost between US$30 and US$40, while horse-and-carriage rides are about US$45. Options such as food tours or professional photo shoots run closer to US$100.

Q: Where is Rainbow Row located within Charleston?

Rainbow Row is located on East Bay Street in Charleston, between the cross streets of Elliott Street and Tradd Street, one block west of the Public Pier in the Joe Riley Waterfront Park. House numbers 83 through 107 are the official Rainbow Row homes.

Q: Can visitors enter the homes on Rainbow Row, or are they private residences?

Despite being designated historic landmarks by the National Park Service, the houses on Rainbow Row are privately owned and are not open to the public. It’s common for tourists to take photographs of the homes, but please be sensitive and don’t disturb those who live there.

Q: Are there guided tours available for Rainbow Row?

Yes, Rainbow Row guided tours are available. Look for guided walking tours of historic Charleston, including architecture tours. There are also bus tours that pass by the colorful houses, but there are no hop-on hop-off bus services in the city.

Q: Is Rainbow Row accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, Rainbow Row is part of East Bay Street, which has a wide sidewalk that wheelchair users can safely access and navigate. There are dedicated pedestrian crosswalks at the corner of East Bay Street and Tradd Street, located just south of the houses.

Q: What is the history behind Rainbow Row?

Rainbow Row is a row of 13 Georgian townhouses that were built in the 1700s,but fell into dilapidated disrepair by the 1900s. In 1931, these colorful houses became national historic landmarks after a local preservationist purchased and restored some of them. Today, Rainbow Row is considered a keystone in Charleston culture and history.

Q: What are the best attractions in Charleston other than Rainbow Row?

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Rainbow Row. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Charleston:<ul><li><a href="/Charleston-attractions/The-Battery-and-White-Point-Garden/d4384-a6780" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Battery and White Point Garden</a></li><li><a href="/Charleston-attractions/Charleston-City-Market/d4384-a6781" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Charleston City Market</a></li><li><a href="/Charleston-attractions/Fort-Sumter-National-Monument/d4384-a16112" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fort Sumter National Monument</a></li><li><a href="/Charleston-attractions/Charleston-Waterfront-Park/d4384-a16115" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Charleston Waterfront Park</a></li><li><a href="/Charleston-attractions/Arthur-Ravenel-Jr-Bridge/d4384-a16114" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to <a href="/Charleston/d4384" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">all the best attractions in Charleston</a>.

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(6,892)

from $30

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus historic Philadelphia Alley, and many more.

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Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,622)

from $34

Experience the charm and beauty of Charleston on a morning or afternoon walking tour. With an entertaining guide, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s Historic District, passing antebellum mansions, hidden gardens, historic churches and graveyards, as well as famous sites like Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the Waterfront Battery. Along the way, learn about Charleston’s rich history and contemporary culture.

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Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(714)

from $41

Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Enjoy a time-saving way to explore one of the country’s most historic cities on this sightseeing bus tour of Charleston, South Carolina. Visit Rainbow Row, the longest stretch of Georgian row houses in the United States; the Old Exchange Building; White Point Garden, in the heart of the city's historic district; and more. You can also upgrade to include admission to the Joseph Manigault House or the Charleston Museum.

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Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,400)

from $33

See Charleston's most celebrated streets on your own schedule, without waiting for a group or keeping pace with a guide. This smartphone GPS walking tour leads you through the heart of historic downtown—past the grand antebellum homes of the Battery, the pastel facades of Rainbow Row, and along the waterfront—with location-triggered audio commentary that plays automatically as you walk.

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Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(69)

from $10

Likely to Sell Out

Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

Without a guided walking tour, you might miss some of the eclectic history and hidden nooks and crannies around Charleston that make this city such a gem. This walking tour takes you through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods to top sights such as the Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and the Old Exchange, all while your guide shares stories from Charleston history and lore.

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Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,290)

from $26

Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(286)

from $28

Charleston in Comfort: A Small Group City Tour

Experience Charleston on a relaxed 1.5-hour small-group city tour designed for comfort and storytelling. Tours are limited to just 12 guests, offering a more personal experience than the large tour buses commonly seen around the city. Travel through Charleston’s most iconic neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide who brings the city’s history to life. See Rainbow Row, the waterfront mansions along The Battery, the oak-lined streets of South of Broad, the French Quarter, historic churches, cobblestone alleys, and the College of Charleston campus. You will also pass the Four Corners of Law, one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Routes and sites visited may vary daily due to traffic, weather, or special events. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, couples, and travelers seeking a smooth, informative overview of Charleston in a smaller group setting.

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Charleston in Comfort: A Small Group City Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(35)

from $43

Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing

Charleston is a wonderful city to walk around, though there’s no beating the Southern heat quite like a relaxed, air-conditioned ride. Join this bus tour for a comfortable cruise around Charleston’s best attractions. Pass by the Fort Sumter National Museum and Charleston City Market. Stop at the Battery & White Point Gardens for a photo op. See the Charleston Harbor where your guide’s family sailed into in 1740.

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Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.3

(107)

from $43

Charleston Horse & Carriage Historic Sightseeing Tour

Travel back to Colonial times aboard a horse-drawn carriage and discover more than 300 years of history on this guided, 1-hour tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches and gardens of yesteryear on this narrated tour around historic Charleston. Enjoy the romantic clip-clop sound as this educational adventure winds through the streets and learn about this ‘Holy City’ and its rich history and role in Civil War times.

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Charleston Horse & Carriage Historic Sightseeing Tour

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.6

(518)

from $45

Likely to Sell Out

Charleston History and Architecture Tour

Experience the best of Charleston with this popular History and Architecture Tour of Charleston’s Historic Downtown. Take an immersive journey through secret alleys and colorful corridors, uncovering the city’s rich history and colorful architecture. Expert guides will provide fascinating insights into Charleston’s past and present, making this tour an unforgettable experience. The tour starts in the Historic Downtown. From there your guide will lead you through the South of Broad the French Quarter Districts with their charming architecture, cobblestone streets and historic homes, and finishes at the famous Pineapple Fountain. Highlights include visits to three hidden alleys, the beautiful wrought iron work on centuries old gates, famous Rainbow Row, bustling City Market and the Pineapple fountain

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Charleston History and Architecture Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $29

Special Offer

Charleston History Tour - Small Groups Only - History & Alleyways

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Your guide brings history to life during this Charleston walking tour of the city's historical downtown. See notable buildings including the Nathaniel Russell House, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Old Slave Mart Museum. As you walk over the flat and easy terrain with your guide, discover the history that occurred right under your feet and around every corner from Rainbow Row to the Battery.

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Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(519)

from $25

Charm of Charleston - Walk Through Time with a Charleston Native

Take a walk through time, exploring eclectic architecture and intriguing history. Lose yourself in the serene beauty of Charleston’s rich heritage and grand architecture on this journey through the famous Historic District and French Quarter. As you stroll along the City Market, hidden alleyways, majestic churches, cobblestone streets, Waterfront Park‘s Pineapple Fountain, and Rainbow Row, your certified guide, a Charleston native, will unravel the mysteries of the Lowcountry’s intricate history and culture. Find out why Charleston was once a walled city, why it is called the “Holy City,” and many other fascinating details about the port that was once known as the Jewel of the Crown. *A minimum of four guests are required for this tour to operate.*

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Charm of Charleston - Walk Through Time with a Charleston Native

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(11)

from $27

App-Guided Audio Tour: Historic District, Plantations and Beaches

Step into the storied streets of Charleston where centuries of American history unfold behind wrought-iron gates and beneath canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This self-guided walking tour leads you through the City's most captivating landmarks, from the pastel Georgian townhouses of Rainbow Row to the grounds where the Civil War began. Wander through the nation's oldest public market, pause in elegant gardens, and stand on the seawall at The Battery as the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge. Along the way, hear stories of revolution and resilience, of enslaved Africans who shaped the city's culture, and of the devastating 1886 earthquake that nearly leveled everything. Charleston's charm lies in its contradictions — a city that celebrates beauty while confronting a complicated past. From the towering spire of St. Michael's Church to the limbs of the Angel Oak Tree, every stop reveals another layer of this remarkable Southern city.

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App-Guided Audio Tour: Historic District, Plantations and Beaches

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $5

Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

Charleston is such a charming, laid-back city in South Carolina that you can’t help but slow your pace and enjoy the Southern weather. This private self-guided audio tour lets you explore at your own speed. Grab your smartphone, put your headphones on, and take a walk into Charleston’s past. As you stroll the streets, you’ll pass by historic buildings and hear stories dating back to the Revolutionary War.

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Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

1 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(30)

from $15

Special Offer

Beauty & Tragedy: The History of Charleston

A walk-through Charleston is a visit into the past. What better way to experience the beauty and history of the Holy City than with a lifetime local. Licensed by city, and with over 25+ years of storytelling experience, our guides know Charleston inside & out. Hear the whole story, from the 1670 landing to the scourge of piracy, from the Revolutionary war to the Civil war, and everything in between. Ours is a city of tragedy and redemption, destruction and rebirth. Join us for a tour like no other in town.

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Beauty & Tragedy: The History of Charleston

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Witness history on our daily walks. This breathtaking tour is filled with legends and heritage to proclaim Charleston's vibrant past and opulent history. Discover our quaint alleys, antebellum mansions, private gardens and cobblestone streets. From 1670 through the Civil War to the present day, I invite you to relish this venture into yesteryear. - Rainbow Row - French Quarter - Four Corners of Law - High Battery (visual tour of Forts Sutter & Moultrie) - Old Exchange Building - Dock Street Theatre - South of Broad - English Churches Why Travelers Choose This Tour This is a walking tour with a difference, aimed to make you feel like a local and introduce you to Charleston's hidden gems. Learn about pirates, food and architecture while discovering the city's secret sites. A small-group format ensures a personalized experience.

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Charleston History Tour /

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(390)

from $49

Half Day Private Tour throughout Charleston Historic Locations

Discover Charleston, South Carolina with the help of a local to guide you around town and share fun facts about the city’s storied past and vibrant present on this private tour. See popular attractions as well as hidden gems you might have missed without your guide to show you. Get around Charleston in a comfortable, air-conditioned car with hotel pickup included, and save your energy for sightseeing.

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Half Day Private Tour throughout Charleston Historic Locations

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(46)

from $175

Streets and Eats Charleston Walking and Tasting Tour

Experience Charleston’s charm through its flavors and history on this 2.5-hour small-group walking and tasting tour. Explore the city’s most iconic streets and neighborhoods—including the French Quarter, South of Broad, and the colorful Rainbow Row—areas often missed by traditional food tours. Led by a City of Charleston-certified guide, this tour blends culinary delights with cultural insights. Enjoy three tastings from local favorites: two quick grab-and-go bites and one relaxed, sit-down experience where you can savor Lowcountry cuisine and learn about its rich heritage. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the sit-down stop. Along the way, immerse yourself in Charleston’s architecture, stories, and vibrant street life. Your journey concludes near the Charleston City Market, leaving you perfectly positioned to continue exploring the Holy City at your own pace.

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Streets and Eats Charleston Walking and Tasting Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(27)

from $95

The Badass Broads of Charleston Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(199)

from $40

Likely to Sell Out

Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(990)

from $250

Likely to Sell Out

Charleston Unchained Pirates and Patriots By Junket

Come on our History Walking Tour presented by Junket! People come from all over the country to visit Charleston, which is a renowned tourist attraction. Visitors today adore taking leisurely strolls along the lovely cobblestone walks, admiring the beauty of nature, enjoying a meal by the river, and shopping on King Street for the newest styles. Underneath all of this beauty and impressive architecture, there lie horrifying memories of destruction, mayhem, and death. Charleston has survived numerous difficult wars, Mother Nature, and threats from an endless sea of adversaries since its founding in 1670. Well-known pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet posed a threat to Charleston. Take a journey of the stunning surrounds of Charleston, from The Battery to White Point Gardens to the Stede Bonnet Monument, to discover how the city's lovely mansions and pathways came to be. This unique historical tour, which begins at The Battery, explores Charleston's history of pirates and patriots.

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Charleston Unchained Pirates and Patriots By Junket

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(5)

from $26

This private sightseeing tour of Charleston offers a local perspective on this charming city in the South. Beat the crowds of bus tours and go where carriage rides can’t as your licensed guide drives you around the peninsula in the comfort of a private vehicle. As you drive past top sights like Waterfront Park and the Battery, hear stories of Charleston history and culture in the Holy City.

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Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(376)

from $201

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Rainbow Row

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Maury_K, Aug 2026

Dave, our tour guide was...

Dave, our tour guide was terrific. Knowledgeable, funny, and very engaging. Nothing more to say but I have to fulfill the hundred character minimum of this review which is absurd.

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Joana_M, Aug 2026

Fantastic Walking Tour

Janet was an amazing guide with great knowledge of the city and history. We got a good mix of history and fun facts along with all the city charming homes and she showed us the less seen alleyways that led to beautiful courtyards.

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Kelly_S, Jun 2026

Fun Walk

June was the best guide. She had such incredible knowledge of the area and even historical facts about where each of us hailed from. I learned a lot of fun and interesting things on this tour and would recommend it to anyone that has a couple hours to spare and wants to see more of the city than just King St.

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Christy_W, May 2026

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!

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Keisha_P, Aug 2026

Mr. James’ Tour - So Cool and His Jokes are Funny:)

If you want to truly experience the timeless charm and rich heritage of Charleston, this walking tour is an absolute must. Strolling down the historic streets and taking in the breathtaking 18th- and 19th-century architecture feels like stepping back into a more gracious era. Mr. James and his stories were absolute perfection! He brought the grand churches, hidden courtyards, alleyways, antebellum mansions, and iconic pastel facades of Rainbow Row to life with incredible depth and engaging storytelling. The route offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty and historical context, making it the ultimate way to get acquainted with the Holy City. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates classic elegance, architectural depth, and a memorable, immersive experience;)

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Kelly_B, Apr 2026

This was a fantastic way...

This was a fantastic way to get your bearings in Charleston. As a local Charlestonian, our tour guide Keith was amazing at providing insight into both city history and modern culture. I appreciated that this tour didn't have one single focus; Rather, we discussed architecture and real estate, religious history, naval influence, cuisine and cocktails, Southern Charm, and of course sights to know. Taking the tour with Keith made me feel a part of the city rather than just a passerby. I will absolutely be booking with them again in the future. Thank you again "Uncle Keith"!

Rainbow Row

5.0

(18,392)

Charleston

Know before you go

Rainbow Row is a must-see for architecture lovers and first-time visitors.
Don’t forget your camera; Rainbow Row make for one of Charleston’s best photo ops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re visiting as part of a walking tour.
Guided tours that stop at Rainbow Row last anywhere from 80 minutes to three hours, depending which you’ve chosen.

Rainbow Row Tours and Tickets

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