This is nothing worth going out of your way to see, however if you're in downtown it's definitely worth walking by while exploring the city. All the houses are very cool and the surrounding area is beautiful! read more

Love the street, beautiful homes and neighborhood. Cool vibe and very busy with students and visitors / tourists. Very walkable and I recommend just to soak up the views. Didn't know "rainbow row" was a staple or icon in Charleston! read more

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Rainbow Row is one of Charleston's iconic spots! This isn't TOO much of a walk from the main shopping district. I'd say this is a must do for any first time visitor to this Southern city. I had not been here in 25 years, but I kind of remembered this area. If you are into photography, you will have a lot of great opportunities here. I really loved seeing the architecture in this neighborhood, there are other cute touches such as well manicured flower boxes. Be sure to continue south on this street and you will shortly be near the battery where there are many other beautiful homes too. read more

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Very clean streets that contain much history. Appreciated the many plaques throughout that explain what the building history is. Mixture of current homes, many offices and some notifies/ restaurants close by make this a fun place to explore. It is amazing how much history the buildings have and how well they have been maintained and cared for. read more

Such a cute area! Clean, quiet, and pet/family friendly close walk to downtown! Unique antique houses painted pastel colors that bring cheer to all who walk by! Nice stroll and sightsee! read more

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The French quarter is fantastic and the architecture is amazing. I'm a huge fan. You have to come back and take a few pictures. You don't have sites like this all around the US! Come on over. read more

Meh. Walked out of our way to come down and check this out, I overheard someone nail this right on the head, We could have just Googled this! read more

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To me, Rainbow Row represents the diversity of our city- the homes are different colors and styles, but they're all bright and they all fit in their own little way. We often do "sightseeing runs" around the city and this is one of the landmarks on our route. If you're a tourist, it may not be a "must see" item but if you're already in the area, why not? This is one of the most photographed parts of Charleston, but it's hard to get a good picture of it due to street traffic and cars being parked near the homes- so major props if you can get some good pictures. read more

Cute little colorful sight to see, right along the water, hard to miss! Charleston is full of color and character and these houses are just the start of it. I wish my camera was wide enough to take a picture of the whole street! read more

Such a cute little spot in the French Quarter. We stopped to ready the background about Rainbow Row and we're surprised at how it came to be and that current residents can not change its appearance. It is a small sections about a block or so of beautiful houses. Great to visit during your walk through the French Quarter or specially for a photo opp. read more

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It is so pretty! Not a ton of street parking but we got lucky! We walked along the street and took pictures without any problem. Lots of cute carriage tours going by touring the area as well read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Each and every house along Rainbow Row is nicer and more impressive than the next... simply put, it's quite impressive, but I don't think most people even know where Rainbow Row starts and ends (no worries, I'll explain). They (and by "they" I mean locals) say Rainbow Row is the most photographed street in Charleston. Technically Rainbow Row is limited to just 13 buildings (houses) along East Bay Street (between Tradd Street and Elliott Street)... anything north and south of these historic streets is not Rainbow Row. People seem to walk up and down East Bay Street thinking it's all Rainbow Row.... kinda amusing. I even met some tourists walking south all the way down to where East Bay Street becomes East Battery (lovely raised walkway along the Charleston Harbor) and they commented how lovely Rainbow Row is (I pointed them back to the corrected location). So I just took a moment to see some of the pictures posted on yelp of Rainbow Row and guess what... there are at least 3 pictures that ARE NOT Rainbow Row. One of them is exactly the mistake I noted above (the raised walkway along the bay); a couple others are just great homes but they aren't Rainbow Row. With all this being said.... YES, I photographed Rainbow Row too. read more

Cute, quick little stretch of house to look at as you are walking around downtown Charleston area. I wouldn't consider it a spot to go specifically, but cute to look at if you're already there. read more

Rainbow Row - Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I honestly don't see the allure on the surface. The first time I walked down Rainbow Row, I didn't realize I walked down Rainbow Row. It's true the homes are pretty displays of historic architecture and look like they're straight out of a calendar, but I feel like most of Charleston looks that way. If you're touring around the city, you're likely to walk by. It's not too far from the Waterfront Park. If nothing else, it could be a good insta opportunity! read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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The colors gather much of the fame but it really exemplifies the essence of Charleston. From the homes to the shopping, it's an adventure in history and one that shouldn't be overlooked read more

Must see little area in Charleston. These houses are so beautifully painted and send off such a happy vibe! You only need a few mins to walk by and grab a picture! read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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With the beautiful weather, it was so picturesque. We enjoyed just walking down this road and taking in the scenery. Plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos as well. People were so friendly there. read more

Rainbow Row - Came here for my cousin's bachelorette weekend. - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I mean, I'm not sure how you'd give this below five stars. It's literally a row of historic houses? Haha. But they are completely beautiful! They're bursting with color, hence the name. They make for great photos and they're impossible not to admire. Definitely a must see. read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Not categorized as Painted Ladies like in San Francisco, St. Louis, Baltimore, Toledo, etc. but it is just as colorful. Rainbow Row is Georgian houses. Pros: - A few blocks from the Historic Charleston City Market and the Cooper River. - Free (excluding parking) - Rows and rows of architecture. - Plenty of parking. - Surrounded by Museums and Historical sites. Cons: - Limited 2 hour parking. - One way roads. (Going around can take longer) - Houses can get repetitive. - Side walks are narrow. If you have time to kill or decide to walk to around, this a great area! Grab an iced coffee and put on good walking shoes. read more

I'd give this four stars if you include the entire area all around blocks each way. There's a lot of shops, galleries and restaurants and the shuttered homes are mostly well kept. However, this is much hyped. It's not THAT special. I've been to many neighborhood type areas. IE: DC and places around there like Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, Old Town Alexandria and other such places. They have the same type thing. Maybe a couple of these colors are different like the lavender or most pink house, but not that different than any other area of the city except the colors. In fact, the houses on some of the other streets are a lot larger, more ornate etc. However, it's worth a pass by, see it, take a couple photos and go down a few blocks to Battery park. See the mansions there. Those are pretty nice. read more

Rainbow Row has become somewhat of an Instagram allure. It's fun to walk along and photograph but then that's it. I feel like it is a bit overhyped but it is very much a part of the culture in Charleston. We went at Christmas and most of the homes, doors were beautifully decorated with wreaths and garland. Worth 20 minutes of your time to take some cool pics and say you crossed it off your bucket list. read more

This past week I finally had a chance to visit Charleston and I knew Rainbow Row was a must visit while in town! I loved the vibrant colors of the homes on the row. They definitely added color to the very over casted day in Charleston. It was nice just to take pictures and walk around the different blocks. I will say parking is pretty limited. I don't recommend going when it's raining as the streets get pretty flooded. Rainbow row is in the perfect location not far from the Battery and Charleston Waterfront Park as well as restaurants and shopping. read more

Rainbow Row - Love the vibrant colors! - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I enjoyed my visit to this tourist spot. It was a beautiful day , despite the pollen, and a slow stroll from East Bay after a full tummy is perfect. It a very short walk from the restaurants on East Bay, so.. if you feel kinda stuffed after dinner... I suggest you walk from the restaurants to visit Rainbow Row If you go a little further , you'll run into the beach and a nice historical park after than. read more

A beautiful collection of historical homes along the water in downtown Charleston. The online listings will provide the actual address making it easy to find these homes. The street and homes are picturesque. This is a must to see if you already in the area. It's a short walk from White Point Gardens. read more

Rainbow Row - More beautiful homes along the row. - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Rainbow Row is located on East Bay Street in Charleston, SC. It is the longest cluster of intact Georgian row houses in the US. The buildings were constructed between 1670-1680. They have been residences and shops, lived through fires and earthquakes, and even bombardment during the war. A great place to go for walks in the morning. read more

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I am such a nerd for historic architecture and I about was super excited to come check these out. These are historic homes that date back to the 1770s, and boast as the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States. Several of the buildings had been burnt down and only a few had survived, but over time, everything has been restored and is in pristine condition compared to what you would have saw before the 1970s when everything was slummish and rundown. They've seen a lot of history, and if you're one who enjoys historical architecture and fun stories; you're bound to enjoy this and visiting here. read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Many of the homes are crooked, THICK with paint and have visible repair to their stucco and foundations... but after a city tour we discovered why. These homes and building suffered great damage during the 1886 earthquake. It was interesting to learn about the earthquake bolts (you can easy see) that were installed on many of these historic homes after that event. It was also interesting to learn about the city ordinance that will not allow you to change the color of your home or why the homes are narrow, but very deep in length. Influences like government taxes of the period charged you more for your homes frontage, which made owning wider homes more expensive. Living on a corner indicated you had more wealth (or so our tour guide told us). I personally couldn't imagine spending millions of dollars to own one of these homes, simply because they require tremendous upkeep and repair. My symmetrical personality would not allow me to live in a home with creaky, severly unlevel floors or porches that appear to be leaning. But then again, I don't have millions of dollars to spare, so what do I know. Overall, Rainbow Row and the surrounding area make for an interesting day of "touristy" things to do. Charleston is best visited with some sort of guide or facts sheet to help bring to life the history you might not appreciate by just walking it's streets. Every inch of it has you crossing footsteps with former Presidents, signers of the Declaration of Independence, merchant giants, tv personalities, famous writers and even the owners of the Piggly Wiggly stores... yet you would never know by it's appearance. read more

YES! These bright and vibrant colors are what I came to Charleston for! This reminds me of the glory and fame of San Fran's "The Painted Ladies". It's so nice to look at the beautiful architecture. Seriously, can I just move into one of these bad boys? Standing across the street will really help in getting the perfect photo and you can appreciate the grandeur of these buildings. Was so cute to see a new bride taking wedding photos in front of them. I'm sure the pictures will look stunning! read more

Very cute block in Charleston. Beautiful architecture. Not far from good restaurants and the waterfront. If you're in a pedi cab or close by, take a peek but if you're on the opposite side of town, save the drive. Glad we did it, but it's literally a minute or two. read more

Beautiful row of historic homes in the heart of Charleston. Would definitely recommend visiting if you're in town--lots of colorful pictures that you can take of homes are bright and have a lot of character! Loved reading the history posted about the homes as well. This is a quick walk from the Pineapple fountain and 15 minute walk from King Street. I also recommend walking all the way down to the beach! read more

This row of sherbet houses is such a classic sight in Charleston. Yes, people stop for selfies. Yes, you have to pay to park anywhere nearby. It's still worth seeing and a wonderful example of South Carolinans' love for old architecture, purchased and preserved against destruction or modernization. read more

I remember getting a tour of Charleston on a family vacation. My brother and I had just finished learning about the Civil War and brought some very active imaginations with us on the trip (we spent hours pretending to be Union soldiers defending against the Confederates at Fort Sumter). Equally as memorable was giggling at the funny colored houses of Rainbow Row. These row homes are just off Waterfront Park in Charleston Harbor and used to be the location of merchants who ran shops and lived above them. Built in the 1700's, these homes have that uber cool and hard to replicate look to them that instantly makes you imagine what it was like back in the day. Why is it called Rainbow Row? Well it's fairly obvious when you see it what with the bright yellow, pink and blue homes (it might not be as interesting if you're color blind). Whether a house was actually pink back then... well don't give it too much thought, m'kay? So how is RR different than that neighbor of yours who is a little kooky and painted their house purple? Eh, it's not. But they're old and neat and just as picture worthy as those old Victorians on Post Card Row in San Francisco. read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

A set of 13 colorful houses in historical downtown of Charleston, SC! This is the longest row of Georgian houses in the U.S. and without question the most photographed area of Charleston. The houses were restored and repainted in the 30's & 40's and thanks to the pastel colors, the name Rainbow Row has stuck! read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Beautiful queue of houses with a colorful history! I love when the old is restored and renewed! Dress up, get your camera and take a stroll down the cobbled streets and bricked paths, you won't be sorry. Once you have reached these Neapolitan- hued Georgian row houses you have gone as far as the streets of the Charleston Peninsula will take you without needing a boat. Built to be riverside shops with living quarters upstairs the longest row of Georgian Row Houses, in the US, were restored and converted into one of the most photographed areas in Charleston. read more

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Rainbow Row gets a lot of flack for being, well, lame. It might be lame to just see the series of thirteen colorful houses along East Bay Street headed between downtown and the Battery. But these homes are so full of history. The homes were restored in the 30's and 40's and painted in pastel colors giving the homes the title Rainbow Row. These homes have had to have a lot of upkeep throughout the past. From fires to flooding to hurricanes to the Civil War and so on these homes have somehow remained intact and still stand. If you look closely you see where renovations have been done to keep the standing, including earthquake rods that run through the structure. Today these homes are worth millions of dollars, even though they will still require much money for update and maintenance; but after the Civil War this area was considered the slums of Charleston. To conclude the Rainbow Row isn't very lame at all. read more

There's not much to Rainbow Row outside of the obligatory picture while you're in Charleston. Start your walk from Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row is at the midpoint, and proceed to White Point Gardens AKA The Battery at the tail end. The best way to photograph Rainbow Row is to start from 99 East Bay Street and take an angled picture of the block (pink / light blue / green house with the street lamp). read more

Rainbow Row - Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Rainbow Row reminds me of visiting my Grandmother when I was little and her telling me about the socialites and fancy folks that called this area home. I had notions of balls, horse drawn carriages, southern charm, amazing costumes with the best jewelry and all the things I wish I could visualize by looking at a building. As a grown-up, visiting the row makes me think of my grandmother, but the buildings have lost some of their charm for me. Maybe it's because my imagination can't paint quite such a vivid picture anymore, or maybe it's because I live so close to Old Town Alexandria where literally ALL the houses look like this? IDK. Either way, it's a beautiful place to visit, and absolutely a must see when you are in Charleston at least once, but spending about 2-3 minutes here should be about all you need. read more

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This is iconic Charleston at it's finest. I could go into a history lesson here, but you really just need to unplug from technology and walk out to lower East Bay St and the Battery to appreciate this walk. This is a great time of year for it because everything is in bloom and the weather is perfect. Seriously, take time to smell the flowers and look up at the architecture, while still looking down at the sidewalk so that you don't trip. read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Loved stopping by this area while we were in Charleston for vacation. We stopped here before checking out the Charleston City Market and then proceeded to just walk up and down looking at all the houses! So much beauty and history in one street block. Highly recommend especially if it's a warm sunny spring day! Also great photo opportunity! read more

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How can you not love the famous Rainbow Row? This is a great spot to take some photos- especially of the homes that have beautiful window boxes full of flowers! I wish I could have knocked on doors and asked people to move their cars so I could get a car-free picture of all houses but c'est la vie! read more

Rainbow Row - Local Flavor Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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