6 History Walking Tours in Charleston to Book First

1.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

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

Start at Charleston City Hall and walk with a licensed local guide through the French Quarter, past Dock Street Theatre, Rainbow Row, and the Battery. Guides such as Evans Byrd, Al, Dennis, and Duggar are known for clear storytelling, architecture, and practical city tips. Expect flat streets, no public restroom stops, and all-weather operation.

“I thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour with our tour guide , Evans. He was highly knowledgeable, insightful, and inspirational, as he shared his stories connected with each point of interest. I now have a much greater and deeper understanding of American history and Charleston’s place in it. I highly recommend this tour.”

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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. See Rainbow Row, Philadelphia Alley, St. Philip’s Church, and four to six lesser-known lanes. Guides such as Dennis, Duggar, Evans, Al, and Mark bring local stories and personal insight. Buildings are viewed from outside.

“Duggar was a terrific guide. We really enjoyed his perspective and engaging story telling. We learned a lot, and saw a beautiful part of the city.”

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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

Walk Charleston for about three hours with Dr. Eric Lager, a Ph.D. historian and Citadel professor. In a group capped at 12, you’ll connect colonial politics, architecture, religion, slavery, and the Civil War while seeing the French Quarter, St. Michael’s Church, the Old Exchange, and Fort Sumter from the Battery.

“Amazing tour (even in the rain) - Dr. Eric was incredibly knowledgeable, relatable, funny, and made the history of the city of Charleston come alive with an in-depth tour of the historic area (walled city). The small group size (12 or less) makes for an intimate tour, and he had the time while walking to speak with each person individually to discuss where they came from and his relation to that part of the country. Highly recommended for those looking to take a tour that is beyond the kitschy touristy fare offered around the town.”

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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 old walled city with a professional English-speaking guide. You’ll see churches, colonial homes, Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange, and Waterfront Park while hearing stories from guides such as Al, Bruce, and Eric, including Charleston’s fires, epidemics, piracy, and earthquake.

“Bruce was a fantastic guide with vast knowledge and insights about Charleston.”

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

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

Walk Charleston’s historic district with a local guide such as Gordon, Diane, or Eric. Expect Rainbow Row, antebellum homes, churches, graveyards, hidden courtyards, Waterfront Battery views, Fort Sumter from afar, and included entry to the Powder Magazine Museum.

“Eric knew so much about the history of Charleston. He was very personable, funny and interesting. He answered any and all questions we had. When we go back we will definitely take this tour again with Eric.”

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6.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 with a certified guide such as Steve Bailey, Kay, Kate, or Russ. Expect a small English-language group, old homes and churches, the Four Corners of Law, the Charleston Battery, and plenty of time for questions. The route ends near Dock Street Theatre.

“Steve’s tour of Old Charleston was the highlight of our stay. He’s a “binyah,” and his lifelong knowledge of the area came out through his detailed stories as we visited many fascinating sites around the city. He also seems to know everyone, and lots of people we ran into clearly know him, too. Highly recommended!”

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