Top Charleston Cultural Tours

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.

Charleston is the home of Lowcountry cooking, shaped by West African, French, and Caribbean influences, and this tour works through four courses across three restaurants in the Historic District. Eat signature Charleston dishes while a local guide explains how the city's cultures shaped its cuisine. Walk between stops past the City Market, St. Philip's Church, and Philadelphia Alley.

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.

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.

Experience the charm and beauty of Charleston on a morning or afternoon walking tour. With an entertaining guide, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s Historic District, passing antebellum mansions, hidden gardens, historic churches and graveyards, as well as famous sites like Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the Waterfront Battery. Along the way, learn about Charleston’s rich history and contemporary culture.

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

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.

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.

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.

Experience the best of Charleston with this popular History and Architecture Tour of Charleston’s Historic Downtown. Take an immersive journey through secret alleys and colorful corridors, uncovering the city’s rich history and colorful architecture. Expert guides will provide fascinating insights into Charleston’s past and present, making this tour an unforgettable experience. The tour starts in the Historic Downtown. From there your guide will lead you through the South of Broad the French Quarter Districts with their charming architecture, cobblestone streets and historic homes, and finishes at the famous Pineapple Fountain. Highlights include visits to three hidden alleys, the beautiful wrought iron work on centuries old gates, famous Rainbow Row, bustling City Market and the Pineapple fountain

Savor the very best of the Lowcountry on a unique Charleston food tour designed for true foodies. The family run business has designed a curated culinary experience for guaranteed line-skipping access to four of the Historic Downtown’s finest restaurants. You will enjoy iconic Charleston signature plates, including crispy hushpuppies, decadent carrot cake, she-crab soup and classic shrimp and grits. As you walk off your tastings along beautiful cobblestone streets, an expert local guide uncovers the deep history behind landmarks like the Old Exchange Building and the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. Discover where locals actually eat, learn the complex history of Southern spices, and enjoy a full meal's worth of world-class cuisine. (Note: Child tickets ages 0-6 do not include food samples).

Pickup and drop-off from downtown Charleston, South Carolina make it easy to tour Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the South. This 4-in-1 tour includes a narrated drive out to the plantation, a walking tour of the garden, tram tour through the property, and tour of the house itself, providing incredible value.

Getting to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is difficult without a car. Don't worry about hiring a vehicle or booking a taxi with this bus tour. Skip the hassle of parking at this event and spend more time admiring the festive lights. Keep your energy levels up with included snacks and light refreshments. Perfect for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.

Visit Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens on this 4.5-hour tour from Charleston, South Carolina. One of the oldest working plantations in the United States, Boone Hall was founded in 1681 and still grows crops. During your tour led by a guide in period costume, you'll see the plantation's slave quarters and learn about its history and modern-day use. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking. Enjoy a personalized experience on this small-group tour of just 15 people.

Charleston History. Jewish Soul. Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York. Experience iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a private tour that weaves Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston. We will explore a fascinating stretch of Charleston’s historic core, visiting homes once owned by Jewish merchants, including a steamship magnate and a successful clothier, as well as the site of America’s first Jewish-owned pharmacy. You’ll also see the Hebrew Orphan Society building and stroll past the colorful facades of Rainbow Row. As we walk, we’ll reflect on the vital role of African Americans in Charleston’s Jewish story and the complex legacy of Jewish involvement in both the city’s slave economy and the Civil War. This is more than a history tour—it’s a meaningful exploration of Jewish identity, community, and continuity in Charleston, led with insight, care, and a storyteller’s heart.

See Charleston's most celebrated streets on your own schedule, without waiting for a group or keeping pace with a guide. This smartphone GPS walking tour leads you through the heart of historic downtown—past the grand antebellum homes of the Battery, the pastel facades of Rainbow Row, and along the waterfront—with location-triggered audio commentary that plays automatically as you walk.

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.

Just you and your crew! Private groups allow for more opportunities to ask questions and to interact with your native Charlestonian guide. This unique foodie tour blends the perfect pairing of culinary delights with the captivating history of Lowcountry culture and the evolution of the region's cuisine. While you dine on Charleston's signature dishes and delicacies of the Lowcountry, your fun, knowledgeable, engaging guide, will escort you through the famous Historic District to some of the city's premier restaurants, where you will receive VIP service. Your guide will be glad to recommend the best local dining and touring experiences to make the most of your stay in Charleston. *Minimum of 4 guests required for this tour to operate.*

Get a look behind the scenes of the historic South Carolina shrimping industry with a guided walking tour of Shem Creek. This immersive experience will give you a chance to see this nearly century-old waterfront community at work, as you learn all about the history, ecology, culture, and language of this special place.

Visit the site where the first shots of the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as a round-trip, narrated ferry ride from Charleston. Enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, watch a battle reenactment, and browse for souvenirs before the return ferry ride.

Discover Charleston at a relaxed pace with this private, elevated culinary experience that blends food, culture, and history. Starting in the historic French Quarter, your group will enjoy a curated journey through Lowcountry classics and modern interpretations, with stops at three top restaurants for generous tasting portions—more than a full meal. Your experience is fully tailored: before the tour, your guide will connect to learn your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring every dish suits your taste. The final stop is your choice—savory, sweet, or a surprise delight. As you dine, your City of Charleston-certified guide shares stories of the city’s past and its influence on today’s cuisine. Light walking between locations keeps the focus on food and culture. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased or added with an optional libations package. Perfect for special occasions, couples, or friends, Taste of History offers an immersive way to savor Charleston’s culinary heritage.

Charleston has a rich history that’s exciting to learn about, but many of the city’s historical tours focus on just the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Go beyond that during this Charleston’s Historic Women Walking Tour that focuses on telling you stories of the strong women who helped make Charleston what it is today. Visit the Pink House Gallery, Rainbow Row, and more spots.

Step into the storied streets of Charleston where centuries of American history unfold behind wrought-iron gates and beneath canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This self-guided walking tour leads you through the City's most captivating landmarks, from the pastel Georgian townhouses of Rainbow Row to the grounds where the Civil War began. Wander through the nation's oldest public market, pause in elegant gardens, and stand on the seawall at The Battery as the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge. Along the way, hear stories of revolution and resilience, of enslaved Africans who shaped the city's culture, and of the devastating 1886 earthquake that nearly leveled everything. Charleston's charm lies in its contradictions — a city that celebrates beauty while confronting a complicated past. From the towering spire of St. Michael's Church to the limbs of the Angel Oak Tree, every stop reveals another layer of this remarkable Southern city.