History on the ground · CHARLESTON HISTORY TOURS

The 15 Charleston History Tours That Earn Their Price

27 tours  ·  from $29 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 Charleston history tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour - Starting at 14 Anson Street
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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

1.Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10,023 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $50Our pick

Ride through Charleston’s historic district for about an hour in a covered carriage pulled by a Belgian or Percheron draft horse. A certified Palmetto Guild guide, such as Wendy, Ro, Carol, or Maddie, explains the city’s colonial past, Civil War role, homes, churches, gardens, and unusual characters. Routes are assigned by the city, so each ride covers a different zone.

“It was a great tour with fantastic information and a very charismatic and knowledgeable Carriage Tour Guide.”

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - Rainbow Row and the South of Broad homes
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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

2.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet your English-speaking local guide at Charleston City Hall for a two-hour walk through the Four Corners of Law, the French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and South of Broad. Guides such as Evans, Al, Dennis, and Duggar bring architecture, war, faith, and slavery into the story. Expect a flat route, changing stops, and no public restrooms.

“It was casual walking a lot of information was given and a true insight of the peninsula and the historical background. Our guide was very professional in her historical knowledge of the area and the nature and vegetation.”

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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston - Why the guide matters more than the carriage
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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

3.Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,561 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $49

Ride through Charleston’s historic district from the Big Red Barn near City Market. A certified guide narrates the one-hour journey through roughly 30 blocks, sharing stories of pirates, wars, plantations, architecture, and Reconstruction. Routes are assigned by a city lottery, so exact sights vary. Carriages hold up to 16 people and are covered.

“Enjoyable tour with good information and stories. Weather was clear and cool - good for both horses and passengers”

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Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise - Boarding at Charleston Maritime Center
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Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

4.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,788 reviews · from $44

Board the 80-foot Carolina Belle at Charleston Maritime Center for a 90-minute narrated cruise along the Cooper River. You’ll see Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, the Battery, Waterfront Park, and the Ravenel Bridge. Choose a daytime sailing for more history or sunset for softer views and a memorable finish.

“What a fun trip touring the Harbor. The Captain regaled us with history and fun bits of information. I wish he would have acknowledged the beautiful and important Black History Museum and Memorial, along with the other activities available close by on the shore.”

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Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour - Rainbow Row and the famous Charleston view
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Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,335 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34

Walk Charleston’s South of Broad and French Quarter districts with a licensed local guide. You’ll see four to six alleys, Rainbow Row, Philadelphia Alley, St. Philip’s Church, and the Old Exchange. Guides such as Dennis, Duggar, Evans, Al, and Mark are praised for lively storytelling, though the exact route and guide vary.

“Evans was an amazing historian and horticulturist! Our 2 hour tour was so informative and a great way to learn the history of Charleston… as well as see historic downtown! Worth every dollar!”

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Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise - From the Maritime Center into the harbor
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Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

6.Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,352 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes aboard a 1920s Bay-Steamer replica. Your English-speaking captain points out more than 75 landmarks, including Fort Sumter, The Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, watch for dolphins and pelicans, and buy drinks or snacks onboard. Sunset departures add warm evening light.

“Capt Ron was very knowledgeable about region. He made the tour very interesting and funny.”

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Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel - Washington Square and the workings of civic Charleston
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Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $40

Spend about three hours walking Charleston with Eric Lager, Ph.D., a Citadel history professor. In a group capped at 12, you’ll connect the city’s churches, theaters, squares, and harbor to the Revolution, Civil War, religion, politics, and architecture. The tour starts near Meeting Street and ends on the Battery.

“Excellent history of city ! Lots of information- and answered all questions . Loved the history and the city .”

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage - From the stables to the Old City Market
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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

8.Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,009 reviews · 1 hour · from $50

Ride through Charleston’s historic downtown in a custom-built horse-drawn carriage for one hour. Your English-speaking guide covers the harbor, Rainbow Row, King Street, White Point Gardens, the Battery, and more. Guides such as Carol, Mike, Donald, and Christina are known for mixing city history with humor, while the city’s bingo-style route keeps each outing a little different.

“It was a great history of downtown and a good way to get to know the area!”

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Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class - Starting at the Pineapple Fountain
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Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Chef Forrest Parker leads a 90-minute Charleston walk linking local food to the city’s past, from the Pineapple Fountain to Rainbow Row. Then watch him prepare three Lowcountry recipes at Bistro Au Vin, enjoy a wine-paired lunch, and take home the recipes. Small groups, a 9 a.m. start, and advance allergy notice make planning easy.

“Fabulous way to spend the morning! Chef Forrest was full of knowledge and humor throughout our walk around the French Quarter. He shared culinary history as well, which was incredibly interesting. The food he cooked afterwards for us was absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try the recipe at home but there’s no way it will be as good.”

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Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour - Leaving the Visitor Center for the historic core
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Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

10.Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 719 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join Gray Line Charleston outside the Charleston Visitor Center for a 90-minute English-language bus tour through the city’s historic core. A local guide such as Alan, John, Bonnie, or Valerie may lead the way, covering The Battery, Rainbow Row, churches, markets, historic homes, and more than 100 sights from a climate-controlled shuttle.

“The tour was amazing. We saw all important and historical places and houses. We learned a lot about the city’s past. The driver was amazing, she showed us everything while driving and keeping us safe. She also recommended us places to visit and places to eat. 10/10 experience. 🌞”

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Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour - French Quarter streets and Charleston’s early growth
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Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour

11.Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 705 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Spend two hours walking Charleston’s historic center with an English-speaking guide, often a longtime local such as Al, Bruce, or Eric. See the French Quarter, Dock Street Theatre, the Old Exchange, Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, colonial homes, and St. Michael’s Church while hearing stories about Charleston’s growth, disasters, famous residents, and difficult past.

“Touring Charleston with such a knowledgeable guide was a real treat! His rich experience and humor made for a very engaging and enjoyable tour!”

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Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More - Waterfront Battery views and distant Fort Sumter
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Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 691 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40

Spend two easy-paced hours walking Charleston’s Historic District with a local guide such as Gordon, Diane, Keith, or Graham. See Rainbow Row, antebellum mansions, churches, graveyards, hidden courtyards, the Waterfront Battery, and distant Fort Sumter. Admission to the Powder Magazine is included, and morning or afternoon departures make planning simple.

“Very informative. Gordon was entertaining and knowledgeable about Charleston history. Would recommend it to other visitors.”

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Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour - Starting in the French Quarter and South of Broad
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Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

13.Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 349 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29Best value

Spend 90 minutes walking about one mile through Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad with guides such as Jeff, Paige, Emerson, and Jackson. See three tucked-away alleys, Rainbow Row, City Market, historic gates, and the Pineapple Fountain. Interior visits to St Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theatre, and the Old Exchange depend on availability.

“Emerson, our guide was excellent! Highly recommend this tour with him!”

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Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise - What the coach tour shows you in 90 minutes
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Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

14.Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 260 reviews · 4 hours · from $71

See Charleston by climate-controlled coach and boat in one four-hour outing. A licensed city guide introduces you to the churches, homes, Rainbow Row, Old Market, and Battery Seawall before a narrated harbor cruise passes Fort Sumter and USS Yorktown. English commentary, transport between tour sections, and rain-or-shine operation make this a useful first look at the city.

“Had a wonderful time learning about the history of the town and the northern aggression... tour guides were wonderful.”

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Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide - Reaching the Charleston Battery
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Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

15.Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Spend about two hours walking Charleston’s old center with a licensed, certified guide. Kate, Kay, Steve Bailey, or Russ may lead the tour, covering early history, architecture, churches, folklore, and the Charleston Battery. The small-group format makes it easy to ask questions and adjust the walk to your interests.

“We had a wonderful walking tour with Steve Bailey. He is a wealth of knowledge about Charleston. It was only our group of 4 on the tour so we were able to fully engage with Steve. Would definitely recommend this tour.”

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New in Charleston History Tours

★ 4.7Charleston:Evening Haunted History Horse-Drawn Carriage TourFrom $5138 reviews
★ 4.8Charleston: Sip History Cocktail Making Class w Drinks Incl.From $9728 reviews
★ 4.8Take a History Tour with an actual Historian – Cooper!From $4561 reviews
★ 4.7Charleston: Historic Downtown Food TourFrom $11167 reviews
★ 4.9Charleston: Hidden Alleys and Historic Sites Walking TourFrom $3022 reviews
★ 5.0Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique84 reviews

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