Charleston’s intimate scale, flat terrain, and deep historical roots make it one of the most walkable cities in the United States. While horse-drawn carriages and tour buses have their charm, nothing compares to the sensory experience of navigating the old brick lanes on foot. Walking allows you to pause at hidden gardens, smell the confederate jasmine draping over iron gates, and hear the clip-clop of carriages echoing off centuries-old stucco walls.
However, not all walking tours are created equal. With hundreds of licensed guides competing for your attention at the City Market and along Meeting Street, choosing the right experience can be overwhelming. A bad tour can feel like a dry history lecture, while a great one can transform how you see the Holy City entirely.
To help you navigate the options, we have curated a list of the twelve best walking tours currently operating in the peninsula. We evaluated these tours based on guide credentials, storytelling quality, route efficiency, and value for money. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning history buff, there is a perfect route for your interests and physical ability.
This guide focuses on experiences that offer genuine historical accuracy and local perspective. We have prioritized licensed, professional guides who have passed the rigorous City of Charleston tour guide examination. Many of these tours also support local preservation efforts, ensuring that your tourism dollars help protect the architecture you are there to admire.
From culinary adventures in the French Quarter to eerie tales in the old walled city, the variety is impressive. We have included options for foodies, photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and those traveling with children. Most tours require comfortable shoes, water, and a tolerance for the Lowcountry humidity, which can be intense even in the shoulder seasons.
Below, you will find our definitive list of the top walking tours in Charleston, followed by essential tips for making the most of your stroll through the historic district.
Walks of Charleston
| Address | 45 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 478-7573 |
We went on the back alley walking tour in Charleston with David Collins as our tour guide. It was very informative & interesting. We were able to see, learn about & experience areas we wouldn’t normally see. It was a very hot day but many of the areas were shaded which was nice. I would recommend it if you like beautiful architecture!
We recently completed the Historic Guided Walking tour of Charleston with Evans. The rainstorm that lasted the entire tour didn't dampen his energy or passion for history. Evans was thorough and knowledgeable; he easily answered all questions. I am confident we heard an amazing history of Charleston (including its flora and fauna) we wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. Highly recommend!
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Your tour guide Duggar Baucom is not only a walking encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Charleston, but he’s also a wonderful ambassador of your fair city. His warm and engaging personality made the experience all the more enjoyable! 10 out 10 recommend Duggar to anyone considering a walking tour!
Duggar was our guide today. He taught us so much history and showed us so much of Charleston’s beauty. He moved at a perfect pace. I especially appreciated that he did not add “cheesy” jokes throughout the walk like so many tour guides do. He was extremely knowledgeable. We enjoyed every minute!
David was a native Charlestonion and provided much insight into the history and architecture of historic Charleston. He was very friendly and was quick with a funny joke or anecdote and walked at the pace of the group allowing time for pictures and questions. We would definitely recommend him or request him again. Thank you again for sharing your city with us and inviting us back again.
Walk It! Charleston
| Address | 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (503) 267-2986 |
Kay Abrams with Walk It Charleston is an amazing tour guide! The groups are small, TONS of information and unique stories. You can tell she really knows, and loves, the history of Charleston and our country in general. Definitely not your run of the mill, scripted tour. Questions were encouraged and routes are customized. She also had lots of tips for other things to do and places to see and eat during the rest of our stay. Highly recommend!
Kay Abrams was absolutely fantastic! She was engaging, knowledgeable, funny, and so inviting from the moment the Secret Tour started. I was amazed that she remembered everyone’s names and made each person feel included throughout the experience. Her energy and storytelling truly made the tour the best part of my trip. I highly recommend booking with Kay if you want to learn all there is to know about The Holy City and for an unforgettable experience!
Kay gave us a wonderful walking tour of Charleston. She is so knowledgeable and friendly. We learned so much about the buildings and homes, architecture, and the famous people who lived in or visited Charleston. She made the tour very entertaining with her story-telling style of guiding. Highly recommend!
Kay made our Charleston walking tour one of the highlights of our entire trip. From the moment we met her, it felt like we were exploring the city with a friend rather than a tour guide!
What really set her apart was how thoughtfully she tailored the tour to our interests. She wasn't just running through a script - she genuinely listened and made the experience feel like it was designed just for us.
I cannot recommend Kay enough. If you're visiting Charleston and want a tour that's fun, personal, and genuinely memorable, book her immediately. You won't regret it!
We loved our tour with Kay when we visited! She struck the perfect balance of history and present, with plenty of fun facts along the way. So personable and fun and matched our vibe/what we were looking for perfectly. I’ve already recommended her to friends visiting the Charleston area - she’s a walking tour guide not to miss!
Walk & Talk Charleston
| Address | 28 Broad St Ste 204, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 732-6674 |
We had the best time on the Pink Houses tour with Gia! It ended up only being my friend and I, but it was never awkward. She was able to really customize the experience for us and we asked lots of questions. She is a wealth of knowledge and it was so fun to see a side of Charleston we never would have seen or learned about ourselves. I also appreciated her inclusivity, speaking about women’s and LGBTQ rights and never erasing or whitewashing history. Thank you Gia!
I did the Architecture Walking Tour with Sommer and had an absolutely great time! I left with so much new information and a different lens of looking at Charleston. Despite being the only person, she still took the time to provide an amazing tour experience and is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Charleston. Would highly recommend and will gladly take another tour with Walk and Talk when I return!
Our team did a private art gallery tour with Tyler and it was amazing! She was phenomenal, incredibly knowledgeable, fun, and friendly. She took us to all the right places. Charleston has such a wonderful art scene, and Tyler made the experience unforgettable. Could not recommend this more!
We had an amazing pink houses tour with Gia! She was so knowledgeable and shared unique insights at each stop. Also appreciated the inclusivity of content, with reflections that represented the history of women, lgbtq+ and enslaved communities in Charleston’s history. Thank you!!
We had Scott for the Revolutionary War tour yesterday. He did a great job despite rain sprinkles and the Blue Angels roaring overhead (practice for show on Saturday). He has a comprehensive knowledge of Charleston citizens involved in the War plus knowledge of the architecture and history of the old section of Charleston that we toured.
Lowcountry Walking Tours
| Address | 45 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 410-9688 |
My sisters, nieces and I had such an enjoyable time touring Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages with Evans, who was pleasant and knowledgeable, sharing so much rich history with us through his experience and stories. An added plus for me was all the information about the gardens. The plants were gorgeous and each plant had it's own story and uniqueness. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone that wants to learn more about the beautiful city of Charleston.
Our walking tour was led by Bruce Burris and he had a wealth of Charleston history to share because of his long family history in Charleston. We loved learning about the classic style architecture of the homes and the stories of the families that lived there. We saw gardens and met a few of the local people who were friends of Bruce which made the tour more personal. Would highly recommend this tour especially if Bruce is your guide.
Dave Collins was a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide.
We learned a lot and enjoyed his stories about the history of Charleston. At the end of the tour, he went out of his way to take us to the barn to sign up for a carriage tour. We will recommend him to friends and family with plans to visit Charleston.
Another wonderful tour! I have used Lowcountry Walking Tours multiple times for my visiting friends and family and they do not disappoint. Our guide, Duggar Baucom, gave us the right blend of history, architecture, hidden gems, and personal insights that made my guests say it was the highlight of their entire trip despite it being one of the hottest days of the year. And I learned a few new things, too. It was the most enjoyable way to experience the sights, sounds, and history of our beautiful city.
Charleston's Alleys and Hidden Passages: Charleston is such a charming city and the best way to see as much as you can is taking a tour. Captain Jim is a wonderful guide telling stories and history and showing us hidden gems of Charleston on an easy walking tour. He will tell you why it's called a Lowcountry tour and facts about Charleston only locals know. Do the tour - you will be glad you did.
Charleston Sole Walking Tours
| Address | 122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 364-8272 |
What a wealth of knowledge. Brian was amazing. His passion and enthusiasm for Charleston is what brings it to life.
He adapted the tour to my families interests and speed. All the hidden gems and unique things he shared with us brought the area to life. We went to places that nobody else went.
I highly recommend this tour!
Brian was our guide for my bachelorette walking tour and he was amazing! Professional, informative and passionate about the history of Charleston. It truly amazes me how he retains information. He made the tour everything we wanted and more— he had facts that tied back to places where my guests and I live, which was cool to see how many connections Charleston has to other cities. The gardens, homes and parks he took us by were beautiful and he clearly has many great connections in the area as well!
Brian from Charleston Sole Walking Tours was simply amazing. We booked his tour yesterday and were not disappointed at all, on the contrary: Brian was a wealth of knowledge which kept us captivated for the entire 2+ hrs tour of Charleston. He was funny, charming and took the time to answer every single question. His own long family history in the Holy City gave him a perspective that no other tour guides could. He showed us all the most important sites in the city and much more. I would 100% book him again. Thank you so much Brian.
There were other recommendations that people gave us for walking tours, but even though this is a small company, we felt that we would get a detailed and fun tour with this company. We absolutely LOVED the tour. Brian , our tour guide, did a fantastic job balancing out history with his own personal anecdotes. He was warm, funny, and seemed genuinely interested in the group. The tour itself walks by several important sites and again Brian did a great job. We went in early February and it was sunny, but chilly. However, since it is off season, our group of 10 were the only ones on the tour. When we come back, we definitely want to book a private tour with Brian.
Fantastic tour with a true story teller. Our guide Fin was terrific and told a great story of the city of Charleston and it’s history. He showed us the sites but interwove how the history of Charleston evolved and how it connects all Americans to this great city. I would highly recommend this tour!
Charleston Walking Tours by Charleston Footprints
| Address | 108 Meeting St, at the corner of, Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 433-9324 |
This is an excellent way to see the real Charleston SC. Eric our guide seemed very knowledgeable and was quite personable. He tailored the tour to his guests, finding ways to weave places we lived into the tour. He also gave me plenty of time to take photos and I never felt rushed. Great experience and I would highly recommend this walking tour over others we saw.
We attended Michael's tour last minute as a group on a work trip. It was so worth it! Michael brought spunk, energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and love of Charleston on this tour. While it was hot and humid, he kept us moving and down alley ways where the wind hit us perfectly. He also ended the tour in the most spectacular fashion. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants an "insider" view of the city and looking for an entertaining and enlightening time!
Al did a fabulous job showing us some of the historical sites in Charleston! He was very knowledgeable about the city’s history and did a great job of entertaining us with stories about the people, the places, and events of days long passed. Exceptional, we would highly recommend the Charleston Footprints Tours, and, specifically Al. Cold, but enjoyable day!
Michael provides an amazing tour filled with history, humor and so much more! How does this man know everyones names within minutes of meeting? We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! He pointed out so much…plants, trees, architectural charm and more! Looking for an informative tour? This is the one to select!
This was an excellent walking tour. Our guide Eric was an ex-history teacher and a very experienced tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and we learnt so much about the history of beautiful Charleston and much more. He was polite and gently spoken adding humour where appropriate. We would 100% recommend this tour which worked perfectly for us (family of 3 adults from England) on a very short visit. Eric recommended we visited The Hayward-Washington House which we had seen on the tour which we duly did and was well worth it too. Thankyou for a great tour, Eric and Charleston Footprints!
Two Sisters Tours
| Address | 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (843) 270-9945 |
We had a wonderful tour with Mary Helen last week! She is incredibly knowledgeable, has a great personal history in Charleston, and a very engaging style that she brings to the tour. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to learn the history of Charleston as they walk through some beautiful and historic neighborhoods.
Absolutely spectacular walking tour! Mary Helen (one of the two sisters) was our guide. Her energy, knowledge, and passion for Charleston, SC would be tour to beat. She had 20 people on the tour and by halfway through she knew all our names. Just added the extra personal touch! If you are visiting Charleston, this is the tour!!
This was my 7th visit to Charleston, but I definitely learned the most out of any other visit thanks to Mary Helen! She was so witty, sweet, and extremely knowledgeable due to being a 7th generation “Charlestonian”. She did an incredible job at keeping everyone engaged, showing her passion for the city. I cannot recommend this tour enough — it’s a must whether you are visiting or even if you live here!
My sister and I took our families on the sisters' tour for an after Christmas family celebration. We found them to be remarkably responsive to e-mails before the tour and very organized and professional. I would highly recommend this tour to people who want a personalized and knowledgeable inside view of Charleston. Our tour guide Mary Helen was wonderful and answered all of our questions and kept things moving along nicely. So glad we scheduled this one!
Our family enjoyed a wonderful tour with Mary Helen over the holidays. We knew we were in good hands when several locals called out her name to say "hi"! I'm a photographer and I've travelled to Charleston several times. She took us down charming alleys and passageways I've never seen before. Later, I retraced our steps so I could take more time with my camera. Highly recommend!
Charleston History Walk
| Address | 108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 655-9551 |
My mom and I took Eric’s walking tour on our first morning in the city. I am not a big tour person due to several negative experiences in the past but Eric’s tour was wonderful. It was a perfect length, he was funny and engaging, and it was an excellent overview of the city. I love that the group is capped at 12 and that Eric goes to several places off the beaten path of other tours. I would highly recommend Eric’s walking tour to anyone visiting Charleston!
Eric is a very knowledgeable tour guide, and I really enjoyed his tour. He provided a lot of insight and history to Charleston and the buildings we stopped at. He also sprinkled in humor in his presentation to keep things lively.
We had a great time. First time here and we lucked out to pick the best walking tour guide. We enjoyed the small group providing us to have a more inclusive walk. Eric has a wealth of knowledge and encourages questions. We learned a lot from the people, places to the events that occurred in Charleston. I appreciated his vast and clear knowledge of this area and more.
We had the best time with Eric on our Charleston History Walk! From start to finish, Eric brought the city’s rich history to life in such an engaging way. His storytelling is top-notch and was full of fascinating details. It’s clear how much passion and knowledge he brings to the experience.
What really stood out is how personalized and thoughtful the tour felt. Eric didn’t just rattle off facts, he painted vivid pictures of Charleston’s past and connected it to the present in a way that was meaningful and memorable. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious to learn more about this beautiful city, this tour is an absolute must.
Highly recommend booking with Eric, he’s a fantastic guide and is incredibly knowledgeable in the history of Charleston!
The history walking tour with Eric was better than my family and I could have imagined. Eric went into great about the history of the area while keeping it lighthearted and entertaining. His background as a teacher shines through as he kept the whole tour engaged. The small group aspect was great, and Eric worked really hard to get to know each person’s background. He was happy to answer questions as well and was very thorough. He kept us in the shade and gave us a restroom break along the way, which was really nice. We covered quite a bit of history on this tour but it never felt overwhelming. Eric gave us a great introduction and orientation to the physical and historical layout of Charleston. Would highly recommend!
Tommy Dew's Walking Tour
| Address | 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (843) 853-8687 |
My family and I took Tommy’s walking tour through Charleston and it was better than I imagined! It turned out that we were the only people that booked a tour that day, which made the experience extra special. Tommy’s knowedge of the city, and her history, is unbelievable. Talking and walking with him felt like being with someone we’ve known our entire lives. I came across Tommy through seeing his reels on social media about a year ago, and was glad we finally got to get there and book a tour. I can’t wait to get back and do it again. I’ve already recommended a couple of friends to go and see him, and if you are reading this and haven’t done so yet, you should definitely go! Tommy is amazing!
I have never done a walking tour before. I wasn’t even sure if I would like it. But I can honestly say I LOVED it. Tommy had so much knowledge and I felt like I took a crash course in history that just made me want more. If I had time I would have done another tour for sure. Don’t hesitate. Thank you Tommy for a memorable tour of Charleston, SC. My first time there and what an impression Charleston and Tommy made on me. I will be back.
Tommy gave us a Fantastic historic tour of Charleston. He was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the city’s history to life with engaging stories and fascinating details. His passion for Charleston really showed, and he made the experience both educational and enjoyable. I highly recommend taking a tour with Tommy if you want a deeper appreciation of the cities‘s rich history.
Tommy is extremely knowledgeable about Charleston and it's vast history. He also provides information on Charleston's involvement in the American Revolution which is never really discussed in history classes. Excellent tour guide. Highly recommend.
Easily one of the best historic walking tours we’ve been on. $40 per adult for two hours of deep history and interesting stories, tons of photo opportunities. Tommy was a delight!
Bulldog Tours
| Address | 18 Anson St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 722-8687 |
I did two different tours with Bulldog Tours and both were great!
Haunted Jail Tour:
This tour was the best activity I did while in Charleston! I think a big part of the reason why was due to my tour guide. Sara was incredible. She had a way to combing humor and comfortability with scary and nervousness. She is excellent and confident and knows how to tell the story. She also stayed after the tour and talked with me for about 10-20 minutes telling me more stories, giving recommendations and answering questions. I appreciate that more than she knows.
The actual tour was fascinating. You do only tour the lower level, but this is due to the fact that upper levels are commercial and office space now sadly. With that being said, you still go in multiple rooms, see multiple things and get told many stories about the inmates and how the ghostly energy effects people. But, my guide also shared her personal experiences and experiences about guests on her tours as well. This really did add to the experience. Over 10/10 for this!
Savor the Flavors of Downtown Charleston:
This food tour was really good. Talk about southern comfort food at its finest. I was introduce to foods I knew I didn’t like, but ended up loving on this tour. You did get at least 7 tastings and was definitely enough food. I do not recommend eating before the tour as this is a lunch. Now, my guide Graham was also great. He is very knowledgeable about the local food scene, but also basic culinary terminology. Most of the tour was spent just talking about how things are made or the origin of something. This was really a “food” tour!
Janet was an absolutely wonderful guide! From the moment we met her, she was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and easy to talk to. Her passion for Charleston’s history truly shined through as she shared so many fascinating facts and stories that made the city come alive.
She kept the tour fun, engaging, and captivating from start to finish, and we especially appreciated how well she connected with the kids in our group. She made everyone feel included and interested, which isn’t an easy thing to do!
If you’re lucky enough to get Janet as your guide, you’re in for a fantastic experience. We learned so much, laughed along the way, and left with an even greater appreciation for beautiful Charleston. Highly recommend!
Gordon, our tour guide is a true gem of Charleston! We spent two hours walking the streets, and it was the absolute highlight of our trip. He has an incredible depth of knowledge about the town’s history, but what really sets him apart is his delivery; he is hilarious, charismatic, and a master storyteller. He has a way of making history feel alive rather than just a list of dates. It felt less like a formal tour and more like walking through the city with an old friend who knows every secret Charleston has to share. If you want to truly understand this city and have a great time doing it, book Gordon. Five stars aren't enough!
We did the Bulldog walking tour with a guide named Coleman, and honestly, it ended up being one of the highlights of our Charleston trip.
Doing it early in the trip gave us a much deeper appreciation for the city because we actually understood the history, architecture, and stories behind so many of the places we kept seeing afterward. What I really liked was that it wasn’t just a straight war history tour. It was a really good mix of war history, architecture, local stories, and how the city developed over time.
I’m the type of person who’s always wondering why buildings, streets, and design choices are the way they are, so I walked away with a bunch of little details and stories that I probably won’t forget.
A couple things to know going in: it is a walking tour and you cover a lot of ground, so bring a water bottle and wear the most comfortable shoes you own. Our group was pretty small, which made it feel more personal and easy to interact during the tour. We bought tickets the morning of and were able to get into a 2pm weekday tour without any issues.
I’ve honestly avoided tours on vacations in the past because I always worried they’d feel boring or cheesy, but this was absolutely worth it. The guide makes a huge difference on experiences like this, and Coleman did a fantastic job. If you have the option to book one of his tours, I definitely recommend it.
Beau was great!!! Heading home and stopping by his recommended lunch spot now (Sweatmann's). Beau was engaging with the group, told stories about the history with a dark twist (not corny ghost stories), and didn't rush through anything. It wasn't scary but that's not really what they are supposed to be, its the darker history of the town. We've done a few of these in different cities (including New Orleans) and the stories told were just as engaging and interesting. If you want scary and jump scares, maybe not for you. But if you want to learn and explore the gritty history or a city with special access to places others dont have..... this is your winner.
Charleston Tour Company
| Address | 195 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 284-3668 |
Mohammed was the best tour guide! Super easy to talk to! He was very informed and knowledgeable in all things bars and Charleston. Would highly recommend. Made great conversation and although it’s a personal time gig you can tell he is thoughtful and cares about his job! Will definitely use them next time we are in Charleston!
Wonderful and informative tour by Jeff. Great historical and architectural knowledge of Charles town!!! Thank you
Great experience with Jackson on this Charleston SC history and architect tour. Highly recommend
Emerson was an amazing guide! He knew so much about the city of Charleston and its history. His explanations and sense of humour made the tour a memorable one. Highly recommend!
Don’t waste your money. The tour guide Mohammed asked US what kind of places we liked to go and what cocktails we liked and led us into the bar we met in front of. He suggested a drink with either rum or whiskey and left. After we ordered and paid for our drinks he came back. No history of the building, establishment, nothing. We can do this kind of tour on our own!
Charleston Old Walled City Tours , Charleston Tours, Charleston Garden and Architecture Tours
| Address | 108 Meeting Street at the corner of, We gather at the coping facing, Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 343-4851 |
Great experience! Eric has a vast, detailed knowledge of the history of Charleston, in addition to which he provides relevant "color" and familiarity with the many unique attributes of this charming city. We visited buildings and parks, swung by churches, Gullas and graveyards, and were educated about the unique and intriguing aspects, thanks to Eric's vast array of knowledge and research into each of these. A brilliant walking tour which we would recommend to everyone!
By far, This is one of the best guided tours we have ever done. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and great attention to detail. Even if it was hot and humid, our tour guide made the tour so pleasant. It was a real pleasure to learn so much about the history of Charleston. I highly recommend this company for your guided tours in the city, you won't be disappointed.
Al was a knowledgeable and personable tour guide! I learned a lot about the architecture and history while taking a great walk through Charleston.
We went on the 2 hour historic walking tour, Linda was our guide, she was wonderful. She has been doing tours for 15 years and she has so much hisorical knowledge and was happy to answer questions. She went at a great pace, not too quick or too slow, we saw beautiful architecture and gardens all around the historic district. Highly recommend!
Al was probably the best city tour guide I've ever had. He's a native Charlestonian. He's been doing this for 40 years and it shows. He knows the history of every building and block it Charleston from the 1700s through the present. Every factoid was interesting, his delivery was fantastic, and the pace was just perfect for a laid back sunny Saturday afternoon. We left the three hour tour filled with knowledge and a great feel for the history that has taken place in this cool town.
Not only that, Al knows the best eating spots, he knows where to stay, he just knows everything! We'll look forward to seeing him again in a few years.
Tips for Choosing and Enjoying Your Charleston Walking Tour
Before you lace up your walking shoes, there are several insider strategies that will significantly improve your experience. Charleston’s climate, strict tourism regulations, and cobblestone terrain present unique challenges that first-time visitors often underestimate. Understanding how to prepare, when to book, and what to expect from your guide will ensure that your time on foot is as comfortable as it is educational. The following tips are based on local expertise and feedback from thousands of visitors who have walked these streets before you.
Book the earliest morning slot available. Charleston’s heat and humidity can be brutal from May through September. An 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM departure not only offers cooler temperatures but also provides softer light for photography and thinner crowds at popular landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Battery.
Verify that your guide is a licensed City of Charleston tour guide. The city requires guides to pass a rigorous 200-question history exam. Licensed guides display an official badge, and their training ensures that the stories you hear are historically accurate rather than embellished folklore. If a tour seems suspiciously cheap, check the operator’s credentials.
Wear shoes with real traction, not fashion sneakers or sandals. The historic district is paved with uneven bluestone, old brick, and occasionally slick cobblestones. After a rain shower, these surfaces become treacherous. A shoe with a sturdy, non-slip sole will prevent twisted ankles and allow you to focus on the architecture instead of your feet.
Ask your guide for a dinner recommendation at the end of the tour. Licensed guides are deeply embedded in the local community and often have relationships with restaurant owners. Their suggestions are typically far more reliable than generic online reviews, and they can point you toward spots that locals actually frequent rather than tourist traps on Market Street.
Carry a small bottle of water even if the tour says it is short. The combination of salt air, sun exposure, and walking can dehydrate you faster than you expect. Many guides pause in shaded areas, but having water on hand ensures you remain alert and comfortable without needing to break away from the group to find a store.
Tip your guide in cash if you enjoyed the experience. While some tours include gratuity in the booking price, most do not. A standard tip for a two-hour walking tour is $10 to $20 per person, depending on the group size and the guide’s performance. This directly supports the local experts who make Charleston’s history come alive.
Walking through Charleston is an exercise in looking up, down, and all around. The city reveals itself slowly, from the earthquake bolts on historic mansions to the wrought iron gates designed by enslaved blacksmiths. By choosing one of the tours listed above, you are ensuring that the person leading you has the knowledge to interpret these details correctly and the passion to make them memorable.
The best way to experience Charleston is to put away the map, silence the phone, and let a professional storyteller guide you through the layers of history. Whether you spend your afternoon chasing ghosts in the Unitarian Cemetery or sampling shrimp and grits in a hidden alleyway, you will leave with a deeper appreciation for a city that has survived fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, and war. Take the time to walk slowly—Charleston has been waiting for you for over three hundred years.
