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

“Wonderful tour of the area. Learned a great deal about the History. Your trip varies according to a lottery system. Your driver is given a BINGO ball at the beginning of the ride as to where the driver will be going. She really knew her…”

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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

“Our guide was very entertaining and also very knowledgeable about Charleston history. He also pointed out interesting facts throughout the neighborhoods we went through. We would highly recommend this experience.”

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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

“Our tour guide was a wealth of knowledge. As a lifelong Charlestonian, he gave a great overview of the city’s history from its founding as a colony all the way up to present day.”

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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

“This tour was very enjoyable and educational! Dr. Lager is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He also has a great sense of humor. Don’t miss out on the best walking tour of this charming historical town.”

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8.Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Experience Charleston's charm on a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour, exploring historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories with an expert guide.

★ 4.8

“Thank you Old South Carriage Co. Our tour was excellent! We enjoyed the ride around all the historical sites and buildings. Carol our guide is very professional and knowledgeable with the accurate land mark, arquitectural events, floods history details and explained to perfection ages of…”

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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

“Our group of 4 had the absolute best time with Chef Forest! We enjoyed the beautiful tour- and saw such beautiful areas of Charleston. Many were off the beaten path that we would have missed ourselves. It was such a lovely, educational time. But the…”

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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

“The tour was amazing. We saw all important and historical places and houses. We learned a lot about the city’s past. The driver was amazing, she showed us everything while driving and keeping us safe. She also recommended us places to visit and places to…”

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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

“Al did a great job explaining the history of Charleston. The architecture part of the tour was interesting and informative. We would highly recommend this tour.”

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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

“Nelson, our tour guide, was very informative with many historical tidbits that brought historical life to the tour. Great job! Would highly recommend if you are interested in history.”

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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