Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston

A True Crime & Cocktail Adventure Through Charleston’s Historic Streets

If you’re looking to combine history, storytelling, and drinks during your time in Charleston, the Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl offers a uniquely engaging experience. For just $35 per person, you’ll spend about two hours wandering through four historic venues, each with its own story of Charleston’s notorious criminals and shady past. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is perfect for those who love a good story and a good drink, all wrapped into one.

What we love about this experience is how it brings Charleston’s gritty side to life with vivid tales of pirates, highway robbers, and cold-blooded murderers, all set against the backdrop of some of the city’s most storied bars. Plus, the intimate group size of just six people means you get a personalized, engaging experience—no more than a handful of fellow crime enthusiasts and history buffs.

One thing to consider: alcoholic beverages are not included, so you’ll want to budget for drinks at each venue if you want to sip while listening to these grisly tales. The tour is designed for guests 21 and older, and the timing is perfect if you’re in Charleston for a late evening adventure. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and nightlife—with a little edge of true crime.

Key Points

• Authentic stories of Charleston’s crime history make this tour memorable.
• Intimate group size ensures personal attention and engaging storytelling.
• Four historic venues with unique backgrounds add to the atmosphere.
• Guides are well-reviewed for their storytelling ability and knowledge.
• Cost-effective experience considering the storytelling and venue visits.
• Not included drinks mean you can choose your favorite cocktails at each stop.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: U.S. Custom House – Starting with a Grisly Introduction

The tour kicks off at the U.S. Custom House near the waterfront, where your guide sets the scene with tales from Charleston’s chaotic criminal past. We loved the way this stop combines full-blown stories of piracy, highway robberies, and even the murder of a local newspaper editor right in public view. It’s a gripping way to introduce the dark underbelly of Charleston’s history. While there’s no admission fee here, the storytelling makes it feel like you’re stepping into a true crime episode.

Stop 2: First Citizens Bank – Exploring Criminal Minds

Next, you’ll move to the First Citizens Bank building, where the focus shifts to murder motives and the psychology behind violent crime. Our guide discussed everything from what pushes a man to murder to whether past circumstances or innate impulses are responsible. The stories here get you thinking about human nature—an intriguing change of pace from the pirate tales. Expect about 30 minutes at this stop, with plenty of room for questions and discussion.

Stop 3: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon – The Gritty Underworld

The third stop takes us beneath Charleston, to the Provost Dungeon in the historic Old Exchange building. Here, the dark history of pirates, smugglers, and colonial criminals comes alive in the shadowy cells that once held Blackbeard’s crew and other infamous outlaws. It’s a haunting space, and the stories of prisoners awaiting justice or execution are both chilling and fascinating. The dungeon’s atmosphere makes the history feel immediate, tangible, and just a little eerie.

Stop 4: Blind Tiger Pub – From Prohibition to Outlaw Hangouts

The final venue is the Blind Tiger Pub, a place with roots as a hidden speakeasy during Prohibition. Walking into this historic tavern feels like stepping into a different era—one of bootlegging, bribery, and secret deals. Today, it’s a lively spot that still echoes its outlaw past. The stories here, about Charleston’s lawbreakers who defied the law, are told with enthusiasm by your guide. You’ll have about 30 minutes to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy a drink (own expense), and reflect on the tales you’ve heard.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour isn’t just about walking and listening; it’s about walking through history with a guide who is passionate about Charleston’s criminal past. Expect a small, lively group of six, which makes for an engaging and personalized environment. The pace is relaxed, with about 30 minutes at each site, giving plenty of time for stories, questions, and photos.

The guides receive high praise for their storytelling skills—Dawn called Alex an “AWESOME guide” who tailored his stories to the audience, making the experience both entertaining and educational. Others highlighted guides like Ken, whose deep knowledge and enthusiasm made the stories come alive. This personal touch turns what could be just a walk from bar to bar into a shared adventure.

While the cost of $35 seems reasonable, it’s important to remember that drinks are not included. This means you’ll want to budget for cocktails or soft drinks at each venue if you’d like to sip while you listen. The tour starts at 7:30 pm, making it a perfect way to kick off an evening in Charleston, especially if you enjoy local nightlife with a twist.

The Balance of Value and Authenticity

This tour offers excellent value if you enjoy well-told stories and want to experience some of Charleston’s historic drinking spots. You’re paying for the storytelling talent and access to famous historic venues that only come alive when filled with stories of crime and punishment.

The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized storytelling. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who manage to weave together history, human nature, and local lore seamlessly.

However, some guests noted that the storytelling can vary depending on the guide and that one stop was shorter than expected or only visited 3 out of 4 advertised venues. Still, the atmosphere, stories, and historic venues compensate for these minor issues.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for:

• History buffs interested in Charleston’s darker past.
• True crime enthusiasts who enjoy stories of pirates, murders, and outlaws.
• Nightlife lovers looking to combine drinks with storytelling.
• Travelers who appreciate small, personalized tours with knowledgeable guides.
• Those wanting to explore historic venues with a story—not just a bar crawl.

If you’re after a fun, informative, and slightly macabre way to experience Charleston after dark, this pub crawl hits the spot.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All in all, the Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of history, true crime stories, and Charleston’s historic drinking spots. The guides’ passion and the small group size ensure a memorable and authentic experience. While drinks are not included, the tour’s price reflects the entertaining storytelling and access to some of Charleston’s most storied venues.

For travelers eager to hear about Charleston’s criminal past while enjoying its vibrant nightlife, this tour provides great value and plenty of intrigue. It’s perfect if you want an entertaining evening with a dark twist, especially suited for those who enjoy history, storytelling, and a little thrill.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
No, it’s only for guests 21 and older due to the focus on alcohol and adult-themed stories.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, with about 30 minutes at each of the four venues.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll want to budget for beverages at each stop if you plan to sip while listening.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the U.S. Custom House and ends at the Blind Tiger Pub. The starting point is at 200 E Bay St.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or alternative date.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

To sum it up, if you’re after an entertaining, authentic, and historical way to spend an evening in Charleston, the Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl is a worthwhile choice. Its focus on true crime stories combined with the charm of historic venues makes for a distinctive experience that both history lovers and nightlife enthusiasts will appreciate.