The 15 Best History Walking Tours in the USA

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour - Essex Street follows an older path through Salem

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14,564 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36Our pick

Walk Salem for about two hours with guides such as Lisa, Michael, Sean, and Ryan, visiting the Witch Trials Memorial, Ropes Mansion, Witch House, and McIntire District. Expect history, ghost lore, modern witches, and an outdoor route in all weather.

“My husband and I had such a great experience during our tour! Henry was very knowledgeable and entertaining while he guided us through parts of Salem and into the past to to late 1600s all the way to the early 1990s! It was amazing to learn about the witch trials and how Salem became the city it is today! I definitely recommend bundling up and enjoying this tour for anyone wanting to learn about the history of the Salem witch trials.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boston History Tours, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Boston, History Walking Tours in the USA, Small-Group History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

2.Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,450 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Follow Boston’s full Freedom Trail from Boston Common to Copp’s Hill Terrace with a historian guide. Expect a 2.5-hour walk through Revolutionary sites, lively storytelling, and time for questions. Guides such as Jon, Maura, Mark, and Alejandro are praised for making the past clear and memorable.

“Fantastic tour guide and a great walking tour of the city. Great history and city tour. I would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston History Tours, Guided, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Charleston, History Walking Tours in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

3.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Dark History & Haunted Tours, Dark History and Haunted Tours in Savannah, Dark History and Haunted Tours in the USA, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Savannah, History Walking Tours in the USA, Savannah History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

4.Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,235 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk Savannah by lantern for 90 minutes with guides such as Dan, Kel, or Kendra, hearing documented history, legends, murders, executions, and ghost tales. The tone is thoughtful rather than theatrical, with no jump scares. The route begins near Chippewa Square and ends at Colonial Park Cemetery.

“Dan was an incredible storyteller teller. He invited us into the history and weaved a picture that allowed us to appreciate and respect the facts. He made us feel very safe and the walking trail was easy/moderate the entire time. We will definitely be recommending Dan!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Guided, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Savannah, History Walking Tours in the USA, Savannah History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

5.Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,918 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Walk Savannah’s Historic District with a local guide for about two hours. You’ll see squares, Forsyth Park, River Street, Factors Walk, Colonial Park Cemetery, and historic homes while hearing stories about the city, its architecture, generals, and past. Headsets help you hear clearly in groups of up to 30.

“We have been in Savannah many times before and know the city pretty well. But we had friends from out of town visiting and decided to take a walking tour so they could get the essence of the city’s history. We had an excellent, knowledgeable guide who focused on the history of Savannah with energy and humor. He chose a great sampling of sites to visit. Also, the microphones and ear pieces worked really well. That’s not always the case. It was well worth the ticket price.”

Check availability →Read our full review

History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in New Orleans, History Walking Tours in the USA, New Orleans History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

6.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with guides such as Caroline, Angie, Shawn, or Sean. Hear stories of antebellum life, above-ground burials, famous homes, film locations, and local culture. The small-group tour lasts about two hours, with cemetery history explained from outside the closed gates.

“Caroline was great! Very knowledgeable & answered lots of questions too. We would never have known the history & details without her!”

Check availability →Read our full review

History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in New Orleans, History Walking Tours in the USA, New Orleans History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

7.French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,724 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk the French Quarter for about two hours with a local guide such as Scott, Tim, Libby, Renée, or Yvonne. Expect stories about architecture, religion, food, politics, and culture, plus practical dining and sightseeing tips. Groups are capped at 12 people, and the tour ends at Jackson Square.

“Scott was not only informative but he was polite, engaging and genuinely had so much fun telling the stories!! I’ve been to NOLA several times but learned many things by taking this tour. Great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston History Tours, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Charleston, History Walking Tours in the USA, Small-Group History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

8.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Food, Food & Drink, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour

9.Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,210 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Walk Ybor City with guides such as Cindy or Surch, stopping for generous portions of Cuban sandwiches, shepherd’s pie, calzone, sweets, and Cuban coffee. The tour begins at 12:30 pm outside Jimmy John’s, includes four to six tastings, and returns to the same spot.

“More than just a food tour. Cindy was highly knowledgeable and gave us fascinating stories as well as delicious food. The Cuban sandwich was the best!”

Check availability →Read our full review

History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in the USA, Old Town & Historic Centre Walks, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in the USA, Philadelphia History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

10.Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,020 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Spend 90 minutes walking Philadelphia’s Old City with a former stand-up comedian and history teacher. Guides such as Seamus, Joseph, Amanda, and Ty connect Revolutionary-era landmarks with lively stories, from Elfreth’s Alley and Christ Church to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

“Joseph was a wealth of history knowledge and had great stories and added some fun in as well! Would definitely recommend him for a future tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Drinking Tours, Food, Food & Drink, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Savannah, History Walking Tours in the USA, Nightlife, Pub Crawls, Savannah History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour

11.Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,623 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60

Meet at noon in Johnson Square for a three-hour walk through Savannah’s Historic District and River Street. You’ll sample Southern favorites and other local dishes at about six stops, hear stories of Savannah, and have chances to buy drinks. Guides may include Christina, Christine, or Cricket.

“We have been on a number of viator tours and other food tours. Unfortunately this one did not live up to our expectations. Our guide Christina did not seem to want to be there. She did not seem to enjoy questions. She would stop during the walk to give us a very short fact. We feel she could have put in more effort into the things she shared with us. When we arrived at the restaurants they weren’t ready for us. Many didn’t have enough seating. The concept is good but it was not executed well”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boston History Tours, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Boston, History Walking Tours in the USA, Small-Group History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

12.Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,590 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Follow Boston’s 2-mile Freedom Trail with an English-speaking guide and no more than 15 people. You’ll see 16 official landmarks, from Granary Burying Ground to Old North Church, then finish near North End restaurants with views toward the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill.

“I think a way to keep track of the freedom trail things we've seen as we go by would've been good. think like a hit list. there's just so much going on it's easy to get lost in the sauce”

Check availability →Read our full review

Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour

13.Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,546 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Follow Genteel and Bard through Savannah’s haunted squares, cemetery, and historic streets on a two-hour outdoor walk. Your guide may be Juliana, Jovi, Ollie, Olie, TC, or Savannah. Expect dark local history, first-person accounts, visual aids, and headsets that keep every word clear.

“It was engaging, full of history, and fun. We loved the interaction between the instructor and the crowd. Everyone was welcomed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Food, Food & Drink, Food & History Tours, Food and History Tours in the USA, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in New Orleans, History Walking Tours in the USA, New Orleans History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

14.New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,544 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $85

Walk through the French Quarter with Doctor Gumbo Tours for a three-hour progressive lunch. Sample gumbo, hot sauces, pralines, catfish po-boy, muffuletta, boudin, and more while guides such as Beth, Meg, and Dylan explain the food and history of New Orleans.

“The Professor is a gem. Very knowledgeable and with a relaxed style, we had all our questions answered and learned a lot while trying delicious food!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston History Tours, History Tours, History Walking Tours, History Walking Tours in Charleston, History Walking Tours in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA History Tours

Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel

15.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review