Charleston’s best tours focus on quality historical content rather than tourist gimmicks. Walking tours are the smartest way to experience the city’s preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture – you’ll get up close to hidden alleys and private gardens that buses can’t access. Bus tours work well for those with limited mobility, hitting Rainbow Row’s colorful homes and the grand mansions along the Battery. For history buffs, combination tours that include admission to preserved homes and museums offer the deepest understanding of Charleston’s complex past. We especially love the small-group walking tours by certified guides who share well-researched stories rather than sensationalized tales. Let’s look at our favorite tour options.
Good To Know
- The Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour provides a 1.5-hour air-conditioned minibus tour with a professional guide highlighting key landmarks and historical insights.
- The City Bus Tour with Charleston Museum Admission offers a 90-minute minibus tour with over 100 points of interest and includes admission to the Charleston Museum.
- The Private Charleston Walking History City Tour is led by knowledgeable local guides, covering architecture, neighborhoods, film locations, and ghost stories.
- The Charleston City Walking Tour with Edmondston-Alston House Admission combines a 1-hour walking tour with access to the historic Edmondston-Alston House.
- The Guided City of The Dead Walking Tour in Charleston focuses on haunted locations, blending ghost stories with local history, and is suitable for families with children.
Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
The Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the historic city.
This highly-rated 1.5-hour tour takes visitors on an air-conditioned minibus to key landmarks like Rainbow Row, the Battery, and several churches.
The professional guide offers engaging historical insights and entertaining stories throughout the journey.
With a maximum capacity of 14 guests, the tour offers an intimate experience.
Priced at $47.50 per person, it’s an excellent value for first-time visitors looking to get an overview of Charleston’s layout and history.
The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair friendly.
Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour Review
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City Bus Tour With Charleston Museum Admission
Embarking on a comprehensive Charleston sightseeing experience, the City Bus Tour with Charleston Museum Admission offers visitors a seamless blend of transportation and cultural exploration.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 with over 90% traveler recommendation, this 90-minute tour showcases the city’s historic highlights aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. Along the way, a professional driver-guide points out over 100 points of interest, including Colonial Lake, Rainbow Row, and Whitepoint Gardens.
The tour also includes admission to the acclaimed Charleston Museum, allowing guests to delve deeper into the city’s rich history and heritage.
With a maximum of 9 travelers per tour, this experience promises an intimate and informative journey through Charleston’s past and present.
Read our full review: City Bus Tour With Charleston Museum Admission Review
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Private Charleston Walking History City Tour
Offering a more intimate exploration of Charleston’s rich history, the Private Charleston Walking History City Tour immerses guests in the city’s past.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the 49-review tour covers Charleston’s architecture, neighborhoods, film locations, and ghost stories, providing an engaging and personalized experience.
Priced from $138 per person, the tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee, the tour offers flexible booking options and positive reviews highlighting the guides’ expertise and adaptability.
Read our full review: Private Charleston Walking History City Tour Review
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Charleston City Walking Tour With Edmondston-Alston House Admission
For visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Charleston’s historic charm, the Charleston City Walking Tour with Edmondston-Alston House Admission offers an immersive experience.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 with 100% traveler recommendation, this 1-hour walking tour showcases the city’s top sights, including the iconic Battery, South of Broad Street, and the Edmondston-Alston House.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides engaging historical insights and allows access to the Edmondston-Alston House with its stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
With a maximum group size of 12, this tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized and informative introduction to the charm of Charleston.
Read our full review: Charleston City Walking Tour With Edmondston-Alston House Admission Review
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Guided City of The Dead Walking Tour in Charleston
Beneath Charleston’s charming facade lies a darker, more captivating side that the Guided City of The Dead Walking Tour seeks to uncover. Rated 5.0 by 67 travelers, this ghost tour takes participants on a spooky journey through the most haunted street in Charleston.
Led by the knowledgeable and engaging guide Adam, the tour blends ghost stories with local history, offering a unique perspective on the city’s supernatural past. Suitable for families with children aged 8 to 17, the tour is wheelchair accessible and meets near public transportation.
With a maximum group size of 20, the experience promises an intimate and immersive exploration of Charleston’s haunted heritage.
Read our full review: Guided City of The Dead Walking Tour in Charleston Review
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The Sum Up
Charleston offers a variety of engaging city tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From bus tours providing a rundown to walking tours exploring the city’s rich history, visitors can choose the option that best suits their needs. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, museum visits, or a haunting experience, Charleston’s diverse tour offerings ensure there’s something for all to enjoy.