charleston walking tours

THE 10 BEST Charleston Walking Tours

Walking tours in charleston.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

2. Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

3. Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)

4. Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

5. Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel

6. Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

7. Charleston Pirates and Ghosts Tour

8. Charleston's Hidden History Walking Tour

9. Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

10. Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

11. Boone Hall Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

12. Middleton Place Guided Tour with Lunch and Transportation

13. Walled City Spirits with Local Guide

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

15. Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

16. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

17. Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

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

19. Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour

20. Get Out of Town! Visit 12 Lowcountry Stops with the Complete Charleston Tour!

21. The Death and Depravity Ghost Tour in Charleston

22. Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

23. Get Out of Town! Lighthouses, Beaches and Forts Tour! Folly to Sullivan's Island

24. Half Day Private Tour throughout Charleston Historic Locations

25. Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour

26. Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef's Challenge

27. Paranormal Investigation: YOU are the Ghost Hunter

28. Storied Charleston Walking Tour by Author Liz Duren

29. Small Group Haunted History Walking Tour of Charleston

30. The Best of Charleston: History, Culture & Architecture Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Samuel G 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding Experience Absolutely phenomenal. Dr. Lager is an excellent orator and storyteller but also highly knowledgeable about Charleston in a way that other tours will not be able to match. His in-depth understanding of the city's history (and his academic understanding of history itself) manifests throughout the tour and it's clear he's taking you through a passionate, well-thought out, well-researched narrative that illustrates Charleston's history down to the smallest detail, while remaining entertaining and leaves you eager for more. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Read more Review of: Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel Written April 28, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Scott H 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best ghost tour of Charleston Wonderful knowledge of Charleston. Best ghost tour by far. Mike knows has spent more time researching the paranormal in the area than any other guides. Read more Review of: Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour Written April 28, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
• Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
• Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)
• Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
• Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston
• Traveling Ink
• Charleston History Walk by Eric Lager, Ph.D.
• JWalk Tours
• Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours
• Lowcountry Walking Tours
• Pineapple Tour Group
• Charleston Pirate Tours
• Heart Of Charleston Walking Tours
• Miss Alice Tours
• Free Tours by Foot
• Charleston Sole Walking Tours
• Charleston Perspective Walking Tour

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The 10 best charleston walking tours.

Experience true southern hospitality as you explore Charleston on one of these strolls.

The Best Charleston Walking Tours

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Visit Charleston's top sights with an easygoing walking tour.

With plenty of secret alleyways and hidden gems, Charleston, South Carolina , is best explored on foot. To take in the Holy City's deep history, rich cuisine and vibrant scenery, slow down and see all the top attractions with a walking tour. U.S. News gathered 10 of the best walking tours in Charleston by consulting both traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Lace up your walking shoes and start exploring.

Two Sisters Tours

Price: From $25 Duration: 2 hours

Let longtime locals lead the way on a trip with Two Sisters Tours. On this two-hour history tour, sibling guides take you through the charming streets their family has called home for seven generations. You'll hear tales of Charleston's famous historical characters and the events that have shaped the city. Along the excursion – which explores about 18 city blocks – you'll pass signature landmarks, including St. Michael's Church and Rainbow Row . Reviewers love the informative guides and the "insider's perspective" they share as Charlestonians, as well as the tour's scenic route. Tourgoers also appreciate that guides don't sugarcoat Charleston's role in the American slave trade.

Tours run at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. There is an additional weekday tour at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets start at $25 per person; reservations are required.

View & Book Tickets : Two Sisters Tours

Bulldog Tours – Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 2.5 hours

From fried green tomatoes and collard greens to sweet tea and barbecue, Lowcountry cuisine is an integral element of the Charleston dining scene. On this 2 1/2-hour walking food tour, a local guide will take you and up to 11 other participants on a journey through the city to learn its history while making sure your inner foodie is fully satisfied. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Reviewers rave about the informative experience and variety of samples, as well as the helpful tour guides. Many suggest booking this tour for one of your first days in Charleston so you can make use of the guide's recommendations throughout the rest of your trip.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $90 per person and cover all tastings and water. Hungry for more? Bulldog Tours also hosts a walking tour dedicated to the restaurants and museums within the South of Broad neighborhood, such as the Edmondston-Alston House .

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Lowcountry Walking Tours – Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Stroll through Charleston's picturesque alleys with the help of Lowcountry Walking Tours. During this two-hour tour, your guide will lead you through the network of lush (and often hidden) passages. Throughout the tour, you'll hear the historical anecdotes that tie the streets together. You'll visit between four and six alleyways within the historic district, as well as some other points of interest. Reviewers love the architectural angle and the charismatic, insightful guides.

Tickets cost approximately $30 per person. Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. When you're ready to see more, the company also hosts tours of historic downtown Charleston.

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Free Tours by Foot – Charleston Architecture Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Did you know that Charleston's buildings feature every style of architecture? On this two-hour tour, your guide will teach you the city's vibrant history through its architecture. St. Philips Church, the Nathaniel Russell House and the Miles Brewton House are among the sights you'll learn about along the approximately 1.5-mile walk. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic and accommodating guides and recommend the tour even for those who may not consider themselves architecture buffs.

While the cost is on a pay-what-you-like basis, there is a $3 administration fee per ticket and reservations are required. Tours are generally offered Monday and Thursday; exact times vary by day. Free Tours by Foot also hosts walking tours focused on ghost stories and the Civil War.

View & Book Tickets: Free Tours by Foot

Charleston Sole Walking Tours – History, Culture, & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $15 Duration: 2 hours

See Charleston through the eyes of a local with Charleston Sole Walking Tours. Brian Simms, a 10th-generation Charlestonian, or a member of his team will take you on a two-hour tour of the city. You'll stroll through hidden alleys and tree-lined streets to iconic landmarks and sites of famous Charleston historic events. Sights include St. Michael's Church, Rainbow Row, the Dock Street Theatre and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Your guide will go beyond the usual textbook tour, which reviewers love, and give you a rich walking layout of the city.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children 6 to 12. Tours run at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Charleston Sole also offers private and group tours.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Courtesy of Walks of Charleston

Learn all about Charleston's history on this stroll with Walks of Charleston.

Walks of Charleston – Charleston History Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

Satisfy your inner history buff with Walks of Charleston. On this roughly two-hour tour, you'll visit sites that date back to before the Civil War and Charleston's modern renaissance, including City Hall, the French Quarter and the Battery . Along the way, your guide will share stories of the city's founding, as well as insights into several of its signature buildings. Reviewers love the energy of the guides and the insider knowledge. If you're visiting Charleston in the summer, travelers recommend a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

Tours are offered multiple times daily starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $25 per adult and $18 per child ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free. Walks of Charleston also hosts tours of the city's alleys and private tours with custom experiences.

Tour Charleston at Buxton Books – The Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $35; students from $25 Duration: 80 minutes

Charleston is full of haunted tales, and there's no better way to acquaint yourself with the city's ghosts than on a walking tour. On this 80-minute excursion, a guide will lead you around the historic district past dusk to regale you with legends and supernatural occurrences derived from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book. During the evening stroll, you'll enter the Unitarian Church graveyard, a site that dates back to the late 1700s. Reviewers rave about the graveyard's eerie atmosphere and the educational, engaging tour guides. They also say this experience is suitable for families with kid ages 10 and older.

Tours are offered at 7:30, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets cost approximately $35 per adult and $25 for students with an ID; discounts are also available for seniors and members of the military. For a less spooky tour of the Holy City, consider the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

Charleston Culinary Tours – Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're looking to experience Charleston through your taste buds, allow Charleston Culinary Tours to oblige. On this 2 1/2-hour walking tour of the French Quarter and City Market , you'll experience the city's food and beverage scene with the help of a knowledgeable foodie guide. Stop into four local restaurants and learn about culinary history while sampling classic Lowcountry flavors. Reviewers love the samples of local cuisine and the historical tidbits from the knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered multiple times a day (as early as 10 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m., depending on the day). Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. The company runs a variety of other tours, including a culinary tour of upper King Street.

Charleston History Walk by Eric Lager, Ph.D.

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2.5 hours

Let a history professor from The Citadel, a military college, show you around Charleston on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by Eric Lager, who has a doctorate in history, the tour covers everything from Charleston's founding in 1670 to the creation of the historic district in 1931. During the approximately 1.5-mile walk along the city's famous cobblestone streets, you'll pass by sites like the Heyward-Washington House , Huguenot Church, Fort Sumter and more. Travelers highly recommend this tour, praising its pace, the size (groups are limited to 10 people) and the passionate guide.

Tours are generally offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., though an additional 9:30 a.m. may be offered depending on the day. Ticket costs start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids age 7 to 17.

Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours – Highlights of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods on this approximately two-hour tour that offers plenty of sightseeing, in addition to a history lesson. As you stroll past sights like Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and more, you'll learn about Charleston's history, architecture, economics and geography. Travelers applaud the tour guides for their personable, humorous and thought-provoking delivery, as well as their storytelling abilities. Reviewers say this tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Charleston.

The Highlights of Charleston Tour is available daily as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 3 p.m., depending on the day. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for kids. Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours also runs a tour designed for visitors interested in the best photo spots around town; it's available by reservation only.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston
• The Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Tags: Tours , Travel , Charleston, South Carolina , Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations , South Carolina Vacations

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Enter OWC25 to get $3.50/person for Old Walled City Walking Tour and CGT25  for Charleston Ghost Tour

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Best Walking Tours in Charleston SC

A great journey begins with a single step, so put on your sensible shoes and explore our beautiful city with the best walking tours in Charleston. You can experience a walking tour that ensures you get everything, whether your goal is to explore the streets of Charleston or get up close to the ghost tour. Our Charleston tours provide a well-paced variety of walks suitable for every individual.  

Old Walled City Tours guides are experienced, passionate about history, and hold a license from the city of Charleston. Our guides are skilled storytellers who engage their groups to retain history and entertain simultaneously.

We offer various packages, including the Old Walled City Walking Tour, Ghost Tour , Gardens and And Architecture Walking Tour, Private Tour, Private Historic Charleston Driving Tour , and Special Request Tour. Experience the best walking tours in Charleston SC, with Old Walled City Tours and enjoy your moment.

Tour Historic Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods, wending our way through the Old Walled City. Your licensed Charleston Tour guide will relate to you a history both glorious and notorious! Topics include a unique early ethnic and religious diversity, the rise of Rice and Cotton, Pirates, Wars, Slavery, Gardens and Architecture and local traditions and culture.

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Charleston Old Walled City Walking Tour

Charleston Ghost Tour

Our “Spectral Adventure”  Charleston Ghost Tours  are offered nightly at 8 PM or 10 PM or choose it as a Private Event for your family or group of up to 20 at an excellent price point. Unlike any other ghost walk offered in Charleston, hear the legends of an ancient city only whispered from generation to generation!

Charleston History Tours – Charleston Old Walled City Tours

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Feel free to reach out to us regarding your Charleston visit.

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Two Sisters Tours

The most authentic walking tours in charleston, sc, experience the charm of charleston in a two hour walking tour with genuine local flavor.

Experience the charm of Historic Charleston in a two hour walking tour with local guides. Join native Charlestonian sisters, Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe, whose family dates from 1793, as you stroll through downtown Charleston’s historic district along its most beautiful streets and scenic alleyways. These local ladies are widely recognized as one of the leading tour teams of Charleston. Share in their hometown knowledge of Charleston’s rich history from its wealthy colonial days to the turbulent times of the Civil War and its aftermath. See some of the most historic homes of South Carolina now beautifully preserved and restored to their former glory. Along the way you will be entertained with anecdotes of colorful local characters, tales of lesser known events in Charleston’s past, and stories of days gone by.

Each tour of Charleston includes:

• Highlights of History
• Personalities of the Past (and Present!)
• Back Streets and Alleyways
• Rainbow Row and The Battery
• Architecture and Earthquake Bolts
• Gardens and Wrought Iron Gates
• Lowcountry Myths and Legends

Ready to Book? Only $25!

Now limited to groups of 20, some of our happy customers, meet your guides to charleston, the two sisters.

Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe are 7th generation native Charlestonians whose family first arrived in the Lowcountry in 1793. They grew up in the historic downtown South of Broad area and know all the ins and outs of Charleston’s past, its turbulent history and its cultural preservation, but with an insider’s perspective. Both Mary Helen and Therese are happily retired attorneys who enjoy sharing their love of Charleston with visitors.

• 843-343-2981
• 843-270-9945
• [email protected]

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• 80 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401
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Charleston SC Walking Tours

Explore Charleston's most comprehensive historic tours.

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WALKING TOURS OF HISTORIC CHARLESTON, SC

Continuing the legacy of our founder, michael trouche, our staff of 4 professional and certified charleston tour guides have 90 years combined experience in the industry..

Discover the charm and character of Charleston, America's most historic city, with acclaimed tour guides whose knowledge of Charleston Traditions, heralded events, architecture and cultural heritage is unsurpassed.

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Discover the history, architecture and culture of Charleston with a local guide!

• All Charleston Perspective   walking tour guides are local Charlestonians.
• Explore the cobblestone streets, hidden passages and alleys, as you uncover the history, the architecture and the culture that make up the framework of this centuries old town.
• From the founding in 1670 through wars, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, religious diversity, the slave trade, the Gullah/Geechee culture, economic swings to present day growth and expansion.
• See many historic sites along the route including Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange, the Old Slave Mart museum, Churches, the Harbor, High Battery and more.
• The 2 hour walking tour will end the courtyard of the Middleton Family Home, built in 1783, in the heart of the walled city district. Prince Charles visited the same courtyard in February of 1990.
• Check out our Things To Do  page to continue your experience in Charleston.

Charleston Perspective     Walking Tours

D iscover the history of Charleston with a local, licensed and   certified guide.

E xplore the cobblestone streets as you uncover little known history   of Charleston including the 50 years of Proprietory rule, the   Charleston Tea Party, the 1st decisive victory of the Revolutionary   War at Ft Sullivan, the African art form of the Gullah/Geechee sweet   grass baskets, the trash fill that makes up 50% of the peninsula of   Charleston, the religious diversity of the holy city, the unique   architectural style of the Charleston Single House and more.

C ome away from the walking tour with a better understanding of the   complex history of this centuies old town, and a better knowledge of   the distinctive architectural styles and features. You will have a   better understanding of the the culture and people who lived in and   built the structures that have withstood centuries of hurricanes,   wars, earthquakes and fires.

D iscover Charleston's history with Charleston Perspective !

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2 Hour Daily Walking Tour

$30 Adults, $15 Child(6-12), Free (Infants-5)

         10am Tour  (Year Round)           1pm Tour  (Limited - September thru April)

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 For larger groups, g uests will have the option   to use a personal listening device to better   allow for social distancing. The guide will   provide an earpiece, the device has a 3.5mm   port. Feel free to bring your own headphones   or earbuds to use.

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