Top 9 History Walking Tours in Charleston

1.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

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

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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2.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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Charleston walking tour with a Citadel history professor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · 3 hours · from $40

Spend three hours walking Charleston’s historic district with Eric Lager, a Citadel history professor specializing in South Carolina’s colonial, Revolutionary, antebellum, and Civil War eras. Expect a small group of no more than 12, with stops at the Dock Street Theater, French Huguenot Church, Washington Park, the Four Corners of Law, old alleys, and graveyards.

“It was our first time to Charleston and we wanted to see the city. Eric was a fabulous guide and extremely knowledgeable about its history, architecture, people, etc. He was personable and entertaining and kept the tour going at a great pace. The group limit size of 10 people was extremely beneficial, and I would strongly recommend this tour to get a great taste of Charleston!”

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9.Charleston: Hidden Alleys and Historic Sites Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Spend two hours walking Charleston’s historic district with a local guide such as Dennis Mardis, Bruce, Duggar, or Captain Bob. Visit four to six picturesque alleys, hear stories about the city’s founders, see Rainbow Row, and possibly enter private gardens. Wear good shoes and bring water.

“Bruce certainly knows Charleston. However, some of the background historical information was inaccurate. The One Hundred Years War finished over 200 years before the British founded Charleston. Nor were the Huguenots originally Jewish. Some non-Charleston fact checking would be beneficial. Access to private gardens was great though!”

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