Top Charleston Cultural Tours

Discover the history and secrets of America's most historic city. Stories from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Pirate history of Charleston as well as some haunted areas as well.

As you wind through the city, you will encounter many of the iconic sights, sounds, customs and stories that have shaped the low country of South Carolina and our nation over three centuries. Beyond the iconic points of interest, we will also explore little nuances that have created the character of this amazing city. The tour is expected to last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in total.

Explore the rich architectural heritage of Charleston on a two-hour walking tour that delves into the city's stunning preserved buildings. This informative journey showcases a variety of structures, including churches, civic buildings, and private residences, revealing the unique styles and construction techniques that define Charleston. Perfect for architecture enthusiasts or anyone interested in learning about the city's history, this tour provides valuable insights into the artistry behind each building. - Two-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s architecture - Discover historic churches, civic buildings, and private homes - Learn about unique architectural styles and construction methods - Tour departs from The Griffon at 18 Vendue Range

Your guide brings history to life during this Charleston walking tour of the city's historical downtown. See notable buildings including the Nathaniel Russell House, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Old Slave Mart Museum. As you walk over the flat and easy terrain with your guide, discover the history that occurred right under your feet and around every corner from Rainbow Row to the Battery.

Learn about the history and heritage of Charleston during a small-group walking tour. Meet your guide for a city stroll that includes popular attractions such as the French Huguenot Church, the Dock Street Theater, and Waterfront Park. Hear stories about local architecture, historic figures, and cultural landmarks during this guided tour.

Charleston's main landmarks and most picturesque streets are spread across the peninsula, and this small-group tour covers them all without the long walk. Ride in a Sprinter van past St. Michael's Church, the French Quarter, Rainbow Row and the Battery, with a local guide explaining the history and culture that has shaped the city.

Bring your appetite for this tasty walking tour of downtown Charleston. You’ll spend a few hours of mouthwatering fun touring the culinary side of the Holy City, learning about the history of the city as you dine at four local restaurants. Explore the French Quarter and the Market while tasting traditional and contemporary Lowcountry cuisine.

Beat the heat while touring Charleston on this minibus tour. Relax and ride in comfort as your driver takes you to top Charleston sights such as Colonial Lake, Rainbow Row, and Whitepoint Gardens. As a bonus, this tour includes admission to the Charleston Museum—visit the downtown location on your own schedule.

Hear all about Charleston, South Carolina and its storied past with a Ph.D historian for a guide on this walking tour. Walk the city streets as part of a small group, seeing popular local attractions like the French Quarter, St. Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theater, Fort Sumter National Monument, and lots more.

The TouringBee audio guide is a convenient mobile companion for a self-guided walk through Charleston. The tour is designed specifically for getting to know the city in a short time (2–2.5 hours). Follow the route on the in-app map to walk from Washington Square to the Charleston City Market, passing the city’s main landmarks. You will definitely see: The Four Corners of Law, Rainbow Row, The Nathaniel Russell House Museum, The Williams Mansion, The French Huguenot Church. The tour includes 25 interesting stops. All stories are written by professional journalists and historians, with a touch of humor and a love of travel. After you download the tour, the app works offline. You can always hear the audio guide clearly through your headphones. Enjoy fascinating stories and legends as you move at your own pace, with no need to follow a tour group. You can stop at any time to rest in a café or turn down a picturesque alley, and then continue your walk around the city later.

Charleston's rich history and vibrant pub culture come alive on this expertly guided pub tour. Journey through the historic French Quarter, visiting local pubs while savoring craft beer, wine, or cider at each stop. This 3-hour tour offers an engaging mix of education and entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience as you learn about Charleston's past through its '5 P's'—Pints, Pubs, Prostitutes, Pirates, and Politics. With certified guides, indulge in fascinating stories, share appetizers, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for history buffs and beer enthusiasts alike, this tour is for guests 21 and over only. - Professionally guided tour through Charleston's French Quarter - Sample local craft beer, wine, or cider at three pubs - Enjoy at least one sharable appetizer along the way - Maximum of 10-15 minutes walking over the 3-hour duration

My tour is about the people that settled in Charleston and why they chose this city. By the time the Revolutionary war started Charleston was the wealthiest city in America and our homes and gardens reflected this. Status was associated with your house and also your garden. Because of this, Charlestonians employed many Gardeners and Nurserymen from Europe who brought with them plants seen in many gardens today. Charlestonians (women and men) corresponded with the Royal Society of London members and John Bartram of Philadelphia regarding plants both for export and import. The history of the city, its people, architecture and plants is fascinating and I love sharing it.

Go back in time on a private tour of Charleston. This walking tour will take you from the Battery to Rainbow Row, famous for its colorful houses. From here, you'll continue around town, learning about the city's centuries of history while seeing some of its most spectacular architectural relics, wrapping your tour up with a visit to the City Market.

Your licensed tour guide is a 7th-generation Charlestonian resident with a lineage that extends back to the colonial era. A relator who brings extensive knowledge of the people, customs, and history of this one-of-a-kind American City. Learn about the details of all the fascinating buildings, parks, and historical monuments and the stories that surround them. Join us as we take you through the journey of Charleston like a true local.

Embark on Secret Strolls, a unique walking tour that unveils Charleston's most hidden charms. Your expertly guided journey takes you through exclusive alleyways (some)only accessible on foot, presenting a side of the Holy City rarely seen by the casual visitor. You'll wander past picturesque, cobblestone streets, discover breathtaking architecture, and find serenity among historic churches. The tour showcases quintessential Southern beauty, from majestic Spanish moss-draped live oaks to vibrant crepe myrtles. As you stroll through these tucked-away paths, you'll be immersed in captivating stories steeped in low country tradition, learning the intriguing origins of the alleys and intimate details about Charlestonian life. This experience offers unparalleled photography opportunities and promises a fresh, magnificent perspective on your treasured city.

History comes alive on this combo tour. The tapestry of the city history is presented in a passionate, well rounded way. We believe history is history, the good, the bad and the ugly of it. After this tour, you will never think of Charleston the same way again. When you are done touring the house, you will stroll, at your leisure, through the oak canopied Wragg Mall on your short walk back to the Charleston Visitors Center. The tour is expected to last approximately 3 hours in total.

Skip the generic audio guides and discover Charleston's layered history through the eyes of someone who grew up in it. This small-group walking tour is led by a local author with a talent for storytelling and intimate knowledge of the area. Wander cobblestone streets and take in the city’s iconic architecture in an intimate group of no more than 12 travelers.

Enjoy a private walking tour of Charleston with a guide who was born and raised in the city. Your guide Ann will weave in her own personal stories as she shares information on the city's history and culture. Plus, because it’s a private tour, you can tailor the experience to your preferences and needs.

Explore Charleston's rich history and vibrant culture on a private walking tour tailored just for you. With a knowledgeable and licensed guide, stroll through the historic district and discover the city's stunning architecture, gardens, and hidden gems. Delve into Charleston's intriguing past, from its wars to its architectural marvels, while enjoying personalized insights and anecdotes. This leisurely tour offers an intimate experience, perfect for individuals, families, or corporate groups. - Private tours allow for a personalized pace and focus on your interests - Experienced local guides provide in-depth knowledge of Charleston's history - Explore iconic sites including private homes, churches, and graveyards - Suitable for any group size, with customized itineraries available

Just you and your crew will have a guide all to yourself! As you stroll along the City Market, hidden alleyways, majestic churches, cobblestone streets, Waterfront Park‘s Pineapple Fountain, and Rainbow Row, your certified guide, a Charleston native, will unravel the mysteries of the Lowcountry’s intricate history and culture. Take a walk through time, exploring eclectic architecture and intriguing history. Lose yourself in the serene beauty of Charleston’s rich heritage and grand architecture on this journey through the famous Historic District and French Quarter. Find out why Charleston was once a walled city, why it is called the “Holy City,” and many other fascinating details about the port that was once known as the Jewel of the Crown. *Minimum of 4 guests required for this tour.*

Learn about the impact that pirates, patriots, and the prohibition had on South Carolina’s oldest city on this private guided evening walking tour of Charleston. With a native Charlestonian guide in the lead, walk past landmarks such as the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Circular Congregational Church, the Powder Magazine, and more, and hear stories that bring the history to life.

Take an educational stroll through 350 years of Charleston history on this 1.5-hour walking tour of The Holy City with the help of a guide who’s passionate about the city’s past. Learn all about the people and events that have made this place what it is today, from pirates and earthquakes to the ones who established the town in the first place.

A combination of two of the historic museums in Charleston. The Aiken-Rhett House offers an intimate, visceral encounter with the human stories and social structures that shaped the city, while the Charleston Museum provides a broader, comprehensive understanding of its pivotal role in American history. Together, they offer a nuanced and unforgettable perspective that will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable city. The museum is a great way to immerse yourself in all things Charleston. It is just half a block from the Aiken-Rhett House and just across the street from the Charleston Visitors Center. The tour is expected to last approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes in total.