Charleston’s guided tours efficiently connect visitors with the city’s historical essence. Standout experiences include the 90-minute Ghosts of Liberty tour, perfect for evening thrills and local legends. History buffs will appreciate Middleton Place – this plantation tour includes a traditional Low Country lunch and expert-led museum visit. The Historic Charleston Walking Tour proves consistently reliable for first-time visitors, covering essential landmarks and architectural highlights. For independent travelers, the self-guided audio option works well.
We particularly love the Ghost tour for its engaging storytellers and the Middleton Place experience for its authentic southern atmosphere. The walking tour earns high marks for its knowledgeable guides and manageable pace.
Let’s explore our favorite Charleston tours in detail.
Good To Know
- Highly rated Charleston tours with knowledgeable local guides, offering immersive experiences exploring the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture.
- Guided walking tours of the historic French Quarter and South of Broad showcasing landmarks like Rainbow Row and Old Slave Mart Museum.
- Specialty tours focusing on Charleston’s haunted history, influential women, and architectural heritage, catering to diverse interests.
- Plantation tours at Middleton Place and Drayton Hall providing in-depth insights into the region’s complex legacy of slavery.
- Affordable self-guided audio tours allowing flexibility to explore Charleston’s Revolutionary War history and over 300 years of the city’s past.
Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
The Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an engaging exploration of the city’s storied past. Rated 4.9 out of 5 with 99% traveler recommendation, this 2-hour tour takes guests through Charleston’s historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods.
Knowledgeable guides share insights into the city’s rich history and lore, bringing must-see sights like Rainbow Row and the Old Slave Mart Museum to life. Guests can expect a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems, all while maintaining a moderate pace suitable for most.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour provides an intimate experience and ample opportunities for questions. Highly recommended for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts, this Charleston walking tour is a fantastic way to uncover the city’s captivating past.
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Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour
Consistently rated one of the best ghost tours in Charleston, the Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour transports visitors on a 90-minute exploration of the city’s haunted past.
Priced affordably at $24.99 per person, the tour takes groups of up to 20 to eerie locations like the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where knowledgeable guides share chilling historical narratives and ghost stories.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour ends near its starting point on the picturesque Vendue Range, with guides on hand to provide directions.
While the large group size can sometimes detract from the experience, the tour generally earns high praise for its engaging storytelling, educational value, and suitability for families.
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Middleton Place Admission With Self Guided Tour and Lunch
Departing from the Charleston Visitors Center, the Middleton Place Admission with Self Guided Tour and Lunch immerses visitors in the rich history and captivating landscapes of this National Historic Landmark.
With a 4.7-star rating and 94% traveler recommendation, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a narrated house museum tour, a delicious three-course Low Country lunch, and self-guided explorations of the gardens, grounds, and plantation stable yards.
Catering to accessibility needs, the tour ensures a comfortable and informative journey for all.
While some reviews suggest room for improvement in self-guided tour maps and directions, the overall consensus praises the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s ability to bring Charleston’s history to life.
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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour With Roundtrip Ferry
A visit to the historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, offers an immersive experience for travelers.
With its 2,331 reviews and 91% traveler recommendation, the Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry is a must-do activity.
The tour includes admission to the fort, round-trip ferry transportation, a 1-hour self-guided tour, and access to the Fort Sumter Museum and other facilities.
Visitors can expect a knowledgeable National Park Ranger experience and an emotional connection to the site’s history.
The tour runs rain or shine and can accommodate up to 385 travelers, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Travelers can enjoy the convenience of a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Exploring Charleston’s historic district, the Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour offers an immersive experience for travelers.
Led by professional and licensed local guides, the 2-hour tour covers approximately 3.5 miles, showcasing Charleston City Hall, Dock Street Theatre, Old Exchange Building, and more.
Admission to the Powder Magazine Museum is included, and the tour provides great views of Fort Sumter and notable sites in the French Quarter and South of Broad.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, operating in all weather conditions.
Highly rated by travelers, the tour delivers informative content, engaging storytelling, and rich historical insights into Charleston’s history and architecture.
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Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour
The Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich past and captivating architectural heritage.
This 2-hour tour, highly recommended by 98% of travelers, takes visitors on a journey through Charleston’s historic district, including the charming French Quarter and the prestigious South of Broad neighborhood.
Led by knowledgeable and passionate local guides, the tour highlights key landmarks such as Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange Building, and the Battery & White Point Gardens.
Guests can expect an engaging and educational experience, with the opportunity to learn about Charleston’s pivotal role in American history.
Comfortable walking is recommended, and the tour operates rain or shine, making it an ideal choice for history and architecture enthusiasts.
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Historic Women of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
Immersing visitors in the captivating histories of Charleston’s trailblazing women, the Historic Women of Charleston Guided Walking Tour provides an enlightening exploration of the city’s lesser-known narratives.
Led by the passionate historian Jonathan Green, this top-rated 2-hour tour delves into the influential contributions of remarkable women who shaped Charleston’s past.
Exploring the city’s picturesque streets, travelers will uncover stories of pioneering figures, architectural wonders, and the broader history of the region.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience, earning rave reviews from those seeking a unique perspective on Charleston’s storied past.
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Dark Side of Charleston Guided Night-Time Walking Tour
Intrigue and allure beckon travelers to embark on the Dark Side of Charleston Guided Night-Time Walking Tour, an immersive journey into the city’s sordid past.
This 90-minute excursion explores Charleston’s notorious locations, delving into the city’s scandalous history of brothels, criminals, and debauchery.
Led by expert guides, the tour emphasizes the darker aspects rather than ghost stories, providing historical context on illicit activities like prostitution and gangsterism.
With a minimum of 4 and maximum of 20 participants, the tour operates in all weather conditions and offers wheelchair accessibility.
Positive reviews praise the engaging storytelling and wealth of knowledge shared by the guides, making this a unique opportunity to uncover Charleston’s hidden history.
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Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour
For those seeking to uncover Charleston’s supernatural side, the Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour offers a spellbinding exploration of the city’s haunted past.
Led by local licensed guides, this highly-rated tour (4.5/5 stars from 1,040 reviews) takes visitors on a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, regaling them with captivating ghost stories and local lore.
With a badge of excellence, the tour is praised for its informative and engaging presentation, though some guests note the experience may be less spooky than expected.
Priced at $39.50 per person, the tour accommodates groups of 4 to 20 and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a must-do for those intrigued by Charleston’s dark history.
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Charleston Historical Walking Tour With Local Guide
With a badge of excellence and 100% recommendation rate, the Charleston: A Walk Through Charleston History tour offers an engaging and immersive exploration of the city’s rich history.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Charleston’s past, blending popular and lesser-known historical facts with dynamic storytelling.
Participants can expect breaks and opportunities to ask questions, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
Praised for their expertise and enthusiasm, guides like Dennis and Evans have earned a reputation for their depth of knowledge and ability to connect participants with Charleston’s unique culture and heritage.
Wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable and informative exploration of Charleston.
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Charlestons Haunted Ghost Tour – Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour
The Charleston’s Haunted Ghost Tour – Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour offers participants a spooky and immersive exploration of the city’s dark history.
Rated 4.7 out of 56 reviews and recommended by 98% of travelers, this self-guided audio tour lets you explore Charleston’s haunted sites at your own pace.
You’ll discover key locations like the Dock Street Theater and Circular Church Graveyard while navigating with GPS and turn-by-turn directions.
The tour is accessible for most travelers, though not suitable for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
While some reviewers noted navigation and distance challenges, many praised the flexibility, engaging narrator, and unique approach compared to traditional tours.
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Middleton Place Plantation – 3 Hour Guided Tour – Hotel Pickup
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Charleston’s historic Middleton Place Plantation can embark on a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour. Priced at $125 per person, this tour provides hotel pickup and explores the grounds, gardens, and historical context of the site.
Led by the knowledgeable and friendly guide, Mike, the tour earns high praise for its informative content and personal touch. Participants appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and insight into the plantation’s history, including the complex legacy of slavery.
While the house may be inaccessible due to repairs, the tour’s highlights, such as the beautiful grounds and the guide’s recommendations, make for a memorable experience.
With a 91% recommendation rate and 4.5-star reviews, this tour is a standout option for experiencing Charleston’s rich history.
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Self-Guided “The French Quarter Charleston” Solo Walking Tour
Visitors exploring Charleston’s historic French Quarter can embark on a self-guided audio tour that offers the freedom to discover the area at their own pace.
The tour features 31 reviews with a 4.0 rating, highlighting its engaging content and informative nature. Priced from $7.50 per person, the experience includes the Old Slave Market, Pineapple Fountain, and a virtual tour for later replay.
While the audio and navigation have received mixed feedback, the tour’s flexibility and ability to pause and revisit sites are praised.
Travelers seeking autonomy and personalized pacing will find this self-guided option well-suited for exploring Charleston’s charming French Quarter.
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Guided City of The Dead Walking Tour in Charleston
Amid Charleston’s historic streets, the “Charleston: City of The Dead (Walking Ghost Tour)” offers a captivating exploration into the city’s spooky past.
Rated 5.0 with 68 reviews, the 100% recommended tour is led by the knowledgeable and personable guide, Adam.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour seamlessly blends historical facts and ghostly tales, creating an immersive and educational experience suitable for families.
Guests praise Adam’s engaging storytelling and the tour’s customization to group interests.
Wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, the tour departs from the convenient meeting point of Cumberland St & Church St.
Priced at $35 per person, this must-do Charleston experience is a Badge of Excellence winner.
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Drayton Hall Interpreter Guided House Tour (Summer)
Drayton Hall’s Interpreter Guided House Tour (Summer) provides visitors with a captivating 1-hour exploration into the property’s rich history.
The all-inclusive tour offers access to the 18th-century African-American cemetery, the Almeida and Gates Galleries, and an orientation video, all set against the backdrop of the estate’s beautifully preserved grounds.
While the house itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible, the tour is service animal-friendly and accessible via strollers.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the property’s fascinating past to life, with many joining the preservation association after the tour for further involvement.
With a 4.2-star rating from 14 reviews, this tour promises an immersive and informative experience for history enthusiasts visiting Charleston.
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Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
One of the best ways to experience the storied charm of Charleston is through the Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour. This engaging audio tour covers unique tales and history, including the Revolutionary War, at key historical sites like the Old Charleston Jail and Rainbow Row.
With offline maps, hands-free audio, and an easy-to-use app, the tour offers flexibility to start, pause, and explore at your own pace. Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
The 4.1-star rated tour is priced at $13.49 per person and is valid for one year, allowing you to revisit Charleston’s captivating story as often as you’d like.
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Guided Walking Ghost Tour in Charleston
Visitors seeking to uncover Charleston’s eerie past can embark on the captivating Guided Walking Ghost Tour. This family-friendly experience takes participants on a journey through the city’s haunted landmarks, including Philadelphia Alley, St. Philip’s Church, and the Charleston City Market.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour focuses on supernatural stories, from ghosts to grave robbers, providing a thrilling glimpse into Charleston’s dark history. Included in the $35.90 per person price are admission fees to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Philip Simmons House, adding cultural depth to the ghostly adventure.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour is accessible to all, including wheelchair users and those with service animals.
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300 Years of War and Peacetime in Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Immersing oneself in Charleston’s rich history is made easy with the self-guided “Years of War and Peacetime in Charleston” audio tour.
Covering 300 years, the tour highlights notable sites like High Cottage Charleston Restaurant and the Old Slave Mart Museum. History buffs can explore the city at their own pace, learning about Charleston’s past from the Revolutionary War to modern times.
Accessible through the VoiceMap app, the tour offers offline access and a lowest price guarantee. While not wheelchair-friendly, the tour’s flexibility makes it ideal for independent travelers.
With an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars, this self-guided audio tour provides an affordable and convenient way to uncover Charleston’s captivating history.
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Charleston Self-Guided Audio Tour
Flexibility is the hallmark of the Charleston Self-Guided Audio Tour, empowering visitors to explore the city’s storied past at their own pace.
With access to audio guides for 14 attractions in a single playlist, travelers can navigate the tour using a provided map and enjoy private access for six days.
While entry fees may apply, the tour’s self-guided nature allows for customizable starting and ending points.
Designed for self-motivated explorers, the tour features enhanced audio quality and engaging narration, addressing previous issues.
Whether seeking an in-depth experience or a more casual introduction, this tour offers a tailored experience to suit each visitor’s interests and preferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Early Should I Arrive for the Guided Tours?
Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended for guided tours. This allows time to check-in, get oriented, and ensure you don’t miss the start of the tour. Many tours have set departure times, so being punctual is key to enjoying the full experience.
What Happens if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule My Tour?
Most tour companies have flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies. Clients can usually cancel or reschedule their tours up to 24-48 hours in advance without penalties. However, last-minute cancellations may result in forfeited tour fees.
Can I Take Photos During the Guided Tours?
Most guided tours allow participants to take photos during the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as some may have restrictions to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all guests.
Are the Tours Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?
Many guided tours in Charleston are wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing visitors with mobility needs to fully experience the city’s historic sites. Inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure the tour meets individual requirements.
What Should I Bring With Me on the Guided Tours?
When going on a guided tour, it’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and any necessary medications. Plus, bringing a camera can capture the highlights of the tour. Dress appropriately for the weather to ensure a comfortable experience.
The Sum Up
Charleston offers a diverse range of guided tours that cater to various interests. From walking tours showcasing the city’s rich history and architecture to ghost tours exploring its haunted past, there’s something for all. Visitors can also explore the renowned Middleton Place plantation or take a trip to the historic Fort Sumter. With self-guided audio tours available, travelers can discover Charleston at their own pace and tailor their experience to their preferences.