Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Charleston, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.
- Take a walking tour of Charleston, South Carolina
- Visit many of the city’s historic points of interest
- Benefit from the expertise of your professional guide
- Numerous departure times make it easy to schedule
What's Included
- 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Charleston
- Professional & Licensed Local Guide
- Stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district
- Learn about the history and events that shaped Charleston
- Explore notable sites in the French Quarter
- Several popular points of interest including Rainbow Row
- Explore the residential area "South of Broad"
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Important! Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. All tours begin on time and it is not guaranteed that you will find the guide if you arrive after the tour starts. If you arrive late, please call us.
End point
- South of Broad, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
The end location will vary depending on the guide and route taken, but they will always walk you back to the start if requested.
Itinerary
Make your way to the starting point at Charleston City Hall to meet your guide and group. City Hall is one of the pillars of the “Four Corners of Law.” You’ll also view the Courthouse, the Post Office, and St. Michael’s Church, where George Washington is known to have worshipped.
Afterwards, head to the French Quarter to explore landmarks such as the Dock Street Theatre, the first theater in America, St. Philips Church, the Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House.
Pass by Rainbow Row, the series of 13 colorful houses along the waterfront. Then head to “South of Broad,” including Battery & White Point Gardens, with views over to Fort Sumter.
Afterwards, head to the French Quarter to explore landmarks such as the Dock Street Theatre, the first theater in America, St. Philips Church, the Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House.
Pass by Rainbow Row, the series of 13 colorful houses along the waterfront. Then head to “South of Broad,” including Battery & White Point Gardens, with views over to Fort Sumter.
1
Charleston City Hall
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
French Quarter
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Rainbow Row
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Battery & White Point Gardens
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are strongly advised
- This tour operates in all weather conditions. Please check the forecast prior to the tour.
- Please contact us directly if members of your group are booked under a different name so that we can assign you all to the same tour guide.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start time as all tours begin promptly
- Water is not provided and there are very few places to purchase water along the tour, so please bring a water bottle especially during the summer months
- Please use the restroom prior to the tour as there are no public restrooms along the tour route
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Frequently Asked Questions (2)
Q:Is there parking available near the departure point for the 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour?
A:There are several “pay as you go” parking garages and open-air lots scattered throughout the downtown area. If you are joining us for the Charleston History Tour, we recommend the parking garage at 85 Queen Street.
Feb 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 6,688 reviews
Orn_B, May 2026
We really enjoyed this tour and our guide, Al. He was fantastic! He has a great sense of humor, deep knowledge of the history of the area, and he’s very good at leveraging his expertise as a retired architect to tell a lot of interesting stories about many of the old and historic buildings in the core of downtown. The time flew because of how enjoyable and educational the tour was!
Megan_R, May 2026
Al was a knowledgable and passionate tour guide. He brought me to unique parts of the historic district where I would not have found on my own and shared personal stories which helped me understand the culture of Charleston.
Gina_M, May 2026
Very knowledgeable tour guide! Sam had over 10 years of tour experience and was clearly known by so many other tour guides as the cheered hello as each passed.
She shared heaps of historical facts and even gave some great food suggestions afterwards. Thank you Sam!
Kelsey_C, May 2026
Very knowledgeable! Mark was funny and loves Charleston. His enthusiasm was infectious. He also knew all the shady spots!
Sarah_R, May 2026
This 2 hour tour gave an historic overview of Charleston’s early history. Our guide, Amy, was very knowledgeable and thoughtful when it came time for her stories. She sought out shaded areas so we didn’t get scorched in the sun. We primarily stayed in the French Quarter which was oh so quaint and rich with history. I would recommend this tour if you’re into history and want to learn about your surroundings!
Bronwyn_F, May 2026
Al was so awesome! Really loved the tour. Felt like we learned so much we wouldn’t have known otherwise!
Philip_K, May 2026
Really great tour! A very knowledgable local guide Al with a true Chaahlston accent. Funny and informative.
Cheryl_B, May 2026
Excellent tour. Paul was so knowledgeable and obviously knows his history. Definitely recommend. Hopefully will be back again.
Susan_W, May 2026
Covered a lot of downtown Charleston in 2 hours. Historic information presented in an interesting manner.
Laurie_R, May 2026
Historically informative and entertaining. The guide brought a bit of drama and humor to the experience.
Michelle_B, May 2026
It was one of the best tours I’ve ever taken!!!!! Dennis was fabulous!!!! He was so knowledgable and very entertaining !
Dean_P, May 2026
Have water and good footwear so you can enjoy the tour in comfort. You will see sights that are not included in any guide book.
Patricia_J, May 2026
Interesting and Informative Tour. Al our guide was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed learning about the historic district and its architecture.
Mark_D, May 2026
This tour gives a good overview of historical Charleston, complete with stories and anecdotes. Our guide was particularly engaging and fun
Jamie_M, May 2026
Great experience with Al. Knowledge and fun, could see his passion for architecture and Charleston in general.
Renee_W, May 2026
This was an enjoyable walk around the historic streets of Charleston learning about the history and architecture of the buildings and homes.
Susan_P, May 2026
Al was an excellent guide! So knowledgeable, and took us to some special spots off the beaten path. Wealth of information about the history and architecture of the area. He also had a very entertaining way of presenting the information. Great way to start off our first day in Charleston!
Kimberly_V, May 2026
Great tour with both an informative and funny guide! Al truly enjoys his job and gave us a thorough overview of Charleston’s architecture, history, and reasonings behind its Southern charm. Highly recommend!
Ronald_B, May 2026
Lots of great info on the history of Charleston given by an enthusiastic host. Could have stood a bench about half way through but very educational and fun.
Valerie_R, May 2026
Dennis was great! It was a very interesting and informative walk. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Jacqueline_L, May 2026
Al was amazing. He made the 2 hour tour go by fast. He was extremely knowledgeable and we had a great morning. Highly recommend!
Harrison_r, May 2026
Al was great, lots of good info and perfect pace. Would definitely recommend. He was local and very knowledgeable
Sue_B, May 2026
Dennis was a great guide; very knowledgeable and always prompted the group for questions. Nice pace and lots of insights from a local! Highly recommend!
Michael_S, May 2026
Great information on the history of Charleston and the people that shaped it from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War to the present. Great information on the wealthy and the homes they lived in.
Devana_F, May 2026
Al was an excellent tour guide! He was informative and funny…you can tell he genuinely loves giving tours and sharing his love for Charleston and its rich history.
Millie_D, May 2026
Dennis did a great job walking us thru downtown Charleston. He has a wealth of information. He also suggested several places to stop by on our own. We definitely would recommend his tour. The tour and sights are beautiful!
LORIMER_E, May 2026
This is an amazing and interesting tour, focusing on the history of Charleston, its role in colonial America, the, Civil War, and economic development. The role of the Charleston slave trade in shaping American economic, political and demographic reality is powerfully demonstrated through this tour. Our tour guide, Dennis Mardis, was well-informed and an excellent presenter.
David_N, May 2026
This guided walking tour was outstanding. Our guide, Dennis, was exceptional. It was obvious that not only was he knowledgeable about the history of Charleston but he is proud to call it his home and share it with others.
wendy_w, May 2026
Great opportunity to learn about the history of the city while enjoying a walk and the beautiful architecture
Diane_B, May 2026
Dennis was very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. He held our interest the entire time. We learned so much about the history of Charleston.
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