The Salisbury Historic District covers roughly thirty blocks of the central town, encompassing more than 1,500 contributing structures from the late 18th century through the 1930s. It is one of the most intact historic downtowns in North Carolina, with Federal-period brick row houses, Italianate commercial blocks, Queen Anne Victorians, and a clutch of Beaux-Arts and Art Deco landmarks all within easy walking distance.
The best approach is simply to wander, ideally starting from the Bell Tower on West Innes Street and working outward. The Rowan Museum's website publishes a free downloadable walking-tour map, and the visitor centre on East Council Street stocks printed copies. Allow at least two hours; longer if you stop for coffee at one of the several cafes on Main Street.