Charleston

15 Best Charleston History Tours

The history tours: three centuries of architecture, rebellion and Lowcountry life, including the Black Charleston routes that complete the record. The city’s beauty and its history require each other.

1.Charlestons Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

Explore Charleston’s historic streets on a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour led by knowledgeable guides and stunning draft horses, perfect for history lovers and first-timers.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Great ride. Driver was very friendly and knowledgeable! Friendly horses! Will recommend to all my friends.”

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3.Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Discover Charleston's charm on a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour featuring historic landmarks, stunning architecture, and lively stories from expert guides.

★ 5.0

“Brianna was excellent and the staff was friendly and professional. Brianna was knowledgeable on the history of Downtown and her delivery was great. Multiple tours are required to see it all. Highly recommended.”

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4.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

Discover Charleston’s history and scenic beauty on a 90-minute boat cruise, passing forts, historic homes, and bridges, with optional sunset views.

★ 4.5

“From the moment we arrived on the loading dock to the point when we're done with the tour the crew was warm and welcoming. They were willing to answer any questions we had and even told a joke every now and then.”

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5.Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

Discover Charleston’s hidden alleys, historic sites, and iconic landmarks with an engaging small-group walking tour—perfect for history lovers and curious travelers.

★ 5.0

“Great time, this tour hits hidden spots we would have never found on our own, but also hits the big stuff too. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all things Charleston. The tour did go over 20 minutes or so and it…”

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

Discover Charleston’s history on this 3-hour walking tour led by a Ph.D. historian. See iconic sites, learn fascinating stories, and enjoy an intimate experience for just $40.

★ 5.0

“Eric is an excellent tour guide for his adopted city of Charleston. Like the tour says, he is a bona fide history professor at the Citadel, and it shows! We had a very detailed and extensive tour which gave context and depth to a broad…”

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9.Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

Discover Charleston’s history and flavors on this half-day tour with a local chef—walk, learn, cook, and dine in an authentic Lowcountry experience.

★ 5.0

“Enjoyed walking through Charleston off the beaten path! We learned some interesting tidbits of history from Chef Forrest, but our favorite part of the experience was going back to his private kitchen and watching him prepare an amazing meal for us while listening to him…”

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10.Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

Discover Charleston’s top sights on a 1.5-hour guided bus tour, featuring historic landmarks, stories, and scenic views—all at an affordable price.

★ 4.6

“Terrific tour! Our guide was extremely well-informed about the history, architecture, universities, culture and people of Charleston. He did not just recite a select number of facts and figures like a robot, he really understands and loves the city. And he has a sense of…”

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

Discover Charleston's charm on a 2-hour guided walking tour covering Rainbow Row, historic churches, waterfront, and antebellum mansions for just $40.50.

★ 5.0

“Loved learning about the history of Charleston while seeing old homes and exploring the neighborhoods. So much to take in and our guide David was great. Very knowledgeable!”

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13.Charleston Horse & Carriage Historic Sightseeing Tour

Discover Charleston's historic charm on a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour. Enjoy expert guides, stunning sights, and authentic stories of the Holy City.

★ 4.5

“We had a very enjoyable time on our carriage ride. Daniel L was very kind and informative. He was very funny too. Our horse named Grayman was super sweet. We enjoyed having our pictures taken with him.”

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14.Charlestons Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

Discover Charleston’s top sights on this 2-hour guided walking tour, exploring historic landmarks, architecture, and culture for only $25.

★ 5.0

“Fin was wonderful! It was obvious he was a former history teacher; his knowledge was extraordinary. He also was eager to answer any and all questions.”

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15.Charleston History Tour /

Discover Charleston’s charm with this 2-hour walking tour featuring historic sites, architecture, and hidden gems, led by passionate guides for an authentic experience.

★ 5.0

“Excellent tour! Our guide, Joyce, was very knowledgeable and interesting- she covered history and development of the city, military related facts, architectural points, and cultural highlights. She was enthusiastic and pleasant; and it was like strolling through the streets of Charleston with a friend showing…”

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More Charleston History Tours

4.8Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour1.5 hours$29 5.0Sip History in The Sun Cabana Covered Cocktail Class2 hours (approx.)$97.00 5.0Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk2 hours (approx.)$31.50 4.5Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour2 hours (approx.)$28.50 5.0Charleston Dark History & Ghost Tour with Adam1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)$25.00 4.5Small Group Haunted History Walking Tour of Charleston1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)$32.00 5.0Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour2 hours (approx.)$28.00 4.5Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise4 hours$71 5.0SMALL group Historic Walking Tours with certified guides2 hours (approx.)$35.00 4.4Charleston: Historic City Tour & Magnolia Plantation Combo6 hours$110 5.0Historic Women of Charleston Guided Walking Tour2 hours (approx.)$40.00 4.5Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour2 hours$45 5.0Charleston’s Best History Walking Tour – 10 AM2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$45.00 5.0Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston1 to 2 hours (approx.)$125.00 5.0Charleston walking tour with a Citadel history professor3 hours$40 5.0Private Historic Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston50 minutes (approx.)$300.00 4.6Charleston: Boone Hall & Historic City Tour Combo4.5 hours$87 5.0Charleston History Tour – Small Groups Only – History & Alleyways2 hours (approx.)$28.00 5.0Private Sailing, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique2 hours (approx.)$575.00 4.7Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour2.5 hours$111 5.0Charleston: A Walk Through Charleston History2 hours (approx.)$16.70 5.0Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour2 hours$31 5.0Small Group Historic Charleston walking Tour1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$47.00 4.8Charleston: Guided History Walking Tour2.5 hours$45