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

“Fun activity to do while in Charleston. We were staying with a friend. So we booked it for three of us. Great little travel around town. Great knowledge of the driver. Great pictures and learned some fun history. Recommend!”

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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

“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…”

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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

“I want to start by saying that the staff was great and narration was enjoyable. It was a Saturday night so maybe fuller than other reviewers experienced. I was disappointed that there is maybe 20-30 seats on the top deck and at least 150+ people…”

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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

“Al Mixson was our tour guide and he was fantastic! Not only was he extremely knowledgeable regarding the area and the architecture, but he obviously has a love for what he does.”

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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

“The crew were wonderful! The cruise was great, and we even saw many dolphins! The Captain was very knowledgeable on everything we saw and passed not to mention a BEAUTIFUL sunset! Highly recommend!”

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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

“Great tour to get sense of Charleston through the years Annoying that Viator sets minimum length ….. there”

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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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11.Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour

Explore Charleston’s historic walls and charming streets on a 2-hour guided walking tour led by passionate local guides. Discover stories, architecture, and surprises.

★ 4.7

“The tour was exactly what I had in mind for my first morning in Charleston. Al was a great guide with a real understanding of the city, both long past history and more recent times. Nice to have a long time local share the city…”

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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

“You will be standing and walking for 2 hours. The guide was very knowledgeable and informative about Charleston. It is a worthwhile tour. I am so glad we did it.”

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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

“The guide was very well informed and gave an interesting talk as we traveled. Everyone involved in the experience was friendly and helpful.”

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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

“A wonderful tour that gives you a very good overview of the history and culture of Charleston. Brian is a fantastic historian with so much knowledge of the city. He is a master of connecting the important people from different states who formed our country…”

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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