Established in at least the 15th century, it runs for about 0.5 miles (0.80 km), from the Dundee Road (the A85) in the east to County Place (the A93) in the west, passing through the entire breadth of the city.

South Street was originally terminated at its eastern end by Gowrie House (site of today's Perth Sheriff Court), which had an arched entrance from South Street.

[4] Upon its demolition in the early 19th century, direct access was granted to the Tay.

[5] Perth's original William Low supermarket was on South Street.

It later moved to Victoria Street, prior to a second location opening on the Crieff Road.