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

“We thought we would go right by rainbow Row and the battery according to the description on the website, but we didn’t. The tour was interesting. Cold today, blankets would’ve been great.”

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2.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Discover Charleston’s historic charm on this guided walking tour. Visit landmarks like Rainbow Row, White Point Garden, and learn from expert guides.

★ 5.0

“We had a wonderful experience on our Viator tour with Evans Byrd as our guide. The tour was very informative and featured a moderate amount of walking, which made it enjoyable without being overwhelming. Evans was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Charleston and brought…”

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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

“We thoroughly enjoyed this tour! It departs at the perfect time to see a great sunset! Lots of drinks and snack options for all ages. Lots of room even with a full boat. You aren’t squeezed next to anyone! 10/10”

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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

“Our tour guide Dennis was so fun and informative! The tour was a perfect length of time and we would highly recommend it!”

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6.Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Discover Charleston’s history and scenic harbor views on a 1.5-hour daytime or sunset cruise aboard a vintage-style boat, with insightful narration and wildlife sightings.

★ 4.5

“I thought the cruise was lovely. Lots of history explained and what a great way to get perspective on the lay of the land. Initially We took our guest to visiting Charleston for the first time to all the places that were pointed out on…”

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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 was probably the most knowledgeable guide we have ever had. Along with that he was entertaining also, while explaining the history of Charleston”

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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

“This was a fun activity with a nice historic walk and a yummy lunch! Chef Forrest was very entertaining with lots of great information.”

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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

“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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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

“This particular carriage company does not operate past 5pm - this app does not indicate a close time. We showed up a little past closing time and Caroline informed us that we would have to come back the next day as the tickets would be…”

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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