Located in downtown Charleston, the French Quarter is a historic district named after French merchants who once resided in the area.
The bustling neighborhood is part of Charleston’s original walled city and is bordered by the Cooper River to the east, Broad Street to the south, Meeting Street to the west, and Market Street to the north.
The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and was also given its name in the same year during the preservation of warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block.
It was settled as part of the original Grande Modell of Charles Towne in 1680.
The area boasts many magnificent historic buildings, including the Pink House Tavern, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 19th-century City Market, and the Waterfront Park on the Cooper River.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Charleston French Quarter Tour
Top Charleston French Quarter Tickets
Table of contents
What to expect
Embark on a fascinating 2-hour Charleston French Quarter Tour, and explore the oldest French quarter in the United States.
Led by a certified local guide, this informative stroll takes you through the historic district, past national landmarks, and along the magnificent harbor.
Traverse from Joe Riley Waterfront Park to Philadelphia Alley, making over ten stops along the way.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply appreciate the evolution of a city, the area offers a treasure trove of historical tales to discover.
Walk through alleyways and cobblestone streets, past redans and churchyards, and admire the architecture and points of interest that you may not have seen on your own.
Learn about the French Quarter’s impressive castles, amazing forts, and popular and fascinating lore.
Visit the oldest burial grounds, where the signers of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution rest, and take in the remains of a 17th-century drawbridge.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for the Charleston French Quarter Tour can be purchased either at the attraction or online in advance.
We suggest booking your tickets in advance to save time and money.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
How do online tickets work
To book your French Quarter Tour Charleston, head to the booking page and choose your desired date and time and the number of tickets.
Once you’ve made your purchase, your tickets will be sent to your email.
You don’t need to take any printouts.
On the day of your visit, simply present your ticket on the smartphone and embark on an adventure.
Cost of Charleston French Quarter Tour
Adult tickets for the Charleston French Quarter Tour are available to visitors between the age of 15 and 66 for US$30.
For visitors over 67 years of age, the French Quarter Tour Charleston tickets are available for US$26.
Child Tickets can be purchased for a discount price of US$18 for all children between the ages of six and 14.
For infants under five, tickets are available for free.
Charleston French Quarter Tour tickets
The French Quarter, rich in history, is a charming part of downtown Charleston, a perfect destination to discover centuries-old sites and take a leisurely stroll.
The Charleston French Quarter Historic Walking Tour covers more than ten stops, starting from Joe Riley Waterfront Park and ending at Philadelphia Alley.
Explore the city on foot as your guide shares fascinating stories about its history and shows you its most impressive sights.
Take a walk through the historic Vendue Range of markets at Joe Riley Waterfront Park as you see the majestic harbor’s Castle Pinckney, Fort Sumter, and beautiful marshy islands that create the passage to the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon for free and learn about one of the top three most historic buildings in the country, according to the National Historic Registry.
Check out Rainbow Row, a collection of colorful waterfront bay buildings constructed along wharves with Dutch influence during the Age of Lord Proprietors and the original walled city.
Explore Charleston City Hall, one of the finest examples of Adamesque architecture.
Check out the Pink House Gallery, the oldest private building still standing!
Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum, a sobering reminder of the history of enslaved people being bought and sold in Charleston, now turned into a gallery.
Make sure to visit St. Michael’s Church, a significant historical church and the oldest religious building that still stands in Charleston.
Visit the South Carolina Historical Society Museum, the first fireproof building in America.
See the Powder Magazine, the oldest public building in the original walled city, which was used as a northern fortification during the age of Lords Proprietors.
Visit the stunning French Huguenot Church, located in the heart of the French Quarter, which is the oldest and most renowned church in the country.
Check out the Dock Street Theater, known as the first building to hold theatrical performances in the United States.
Visit the Circular Congregational Church, the first official “Meeting House” built in a Romanesque Revival style on the corner of the original walled city, also home to the oldest tombstones on the peninsula.
End your tour with a stroll through Philadelphia Alley, an iconic alleyway with many historic attributes and lore.
It is best to bring sunglasses and a water bottle if it’s hot and sunny outside.
Wear comfortable shoes as well.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15 to 66 years): US$30
Senior Ticket (67+ years): US$26
Child Ticket (6 to 14 years): US$18
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Save up to 40% on retail ticket prices with this exclusive Charleston Pass that guarantees 100% full admission to 40+ attractions and historic sites. Use the mobile pass to make reservations, access maps, and find detailed information.
Meeting point
The meeting point for the Charleston French Quarter Tour is located near the City Gallery at Prioleau Street. Remember, it’s subject to change. Always check the booking page for the latest information on the meeting point.
Address: 34 Prioleau St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Get Directions
You can reach the meeting point by public transport or car.
By Bus
Get down at the Waterfront Park stop to reach the meeting point.
It can be reached by boarding bus 211.
By Car
If you want to drive to the attraction, turn on Google Maps and get started!
You can park at the Parking Garage Charleston near the meeting point.
Timings
The Charleston French Quarter Tour is available at different times across the day.
The tour includes options that can be booked at 9 am, 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm.
Best time to visit
If you want to have the tour when it is least crowded, planning your tour on a weekday morning is best.
The earlier you start the tour, the less crowded your experience will be.
Weekends and public holidays tend to be the most crowded time in the area.
How long does the visit take
The Charleston French Quarter Tour takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
It includes several stops, ranging from five to 15 minutes each.
The tour provides some admission tickets at certain stops, but visitors are required to purchase their own tickets at other locations.
FAQs about Charleston French Quarter Tour
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before taking the Charleston French Quarter Tour.
The Charleston French Quarter Tour is a guided walking tour that lets visitors explore the historic French Quarter neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina.
Visitors can expect to see historic homes, churches, and public buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
They can also learn about the history and culture of the French Quarter neighborhood.
The French Quarter Tour Charleston takes about 2 hours to complete.
The tour route is mostly on flat ground, but there may be some uneven surfaces and stairs.
It is recommended that individuals with mobility issues contact the tour company in advance to discuss accommodations.
Visitors are allowed to take pictures when on the French Quarter Tour Charleston.
The Charleston French Quarter Tour allows service animals.
Sources
# Mycharlestoncarriage.com
# Ccprc.com
# Experiencemountpleasant.com
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