Charleston stands out as one of America’s most charming cities, especially thanks to its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and stories that seem to breathe from every brick. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by small-group tours, where guides share stories that bring Charleston’s past to life. We particularly love the Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour, which offers a deeply personal look at the city with a 7th-generation Charlestonian guiding you through colonial streets and picturesque churches. For those interested in exploring beyond the historic core, options like the Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour provide over 100 landmark visits comfortably from a climate-controlled shuttle.
Quick Overview: This list covers a variety of tours, from detailed walking explorations of the Old Walled City to immersive bus tours that cover over 100 sights and include museum entries. Haunted ghost walks like the City of The Dead Walking Ghost Tour offer spooky insights into Charleston’s dark side. For scenic views combined with history, a Harbor Cruise is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re after in-depth history, ghost stories, or scenic vistas, Charleston’s tour options won’t disappoint.
1. Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour
At number 1, this Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour offers a detailed exploration of Charleston’s earliest days. For just $31, you get a 2-hour guided walk through some of the most iconic colonial buildings, streets, and churches. Your guide, a 7th-generation Charlestonian, brings authenticity and local insight, sharing stories that include natural disasters, colonial life, and pivotal moments in the city’s past. This tour stands out for its storytelling depth and the chance to see picturesque sites like colonial homes and historic churches. Reviewers praise the guide’s engaging narration and the opportunity to learn about Charleston from someone with roots in the city. It’s perfect for history lovers who enjoy walking at a relaxed pace while soaking up local stories.
Bottom Line: This tour provides a solid, authentic introduction to Charleston’s origins and is great for travelers who enjoy storytelling and historic architecture.
2. Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour
Number 2 on our list, the Small-Group Tour is an excellent choice if you prefer an intimate experience. Limited to 15 people, this tour explores Charleston’s French Quarter, Broad Street’s grand mansions, and the Battery area, all while sharing stories you might easily miss on your own. The tour lasts about 2 hours and costs $28.50, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality. Reviewers highlight guides like Bruce, who combines knowledge with friendly storytelling, making history engaging and accessible. Highlights include the Circular Congregational Church with its 18th-century tombstones, and the Powder Magazine, built in 1713, the oldest surviving public structure between St. Augustine and Williamsburg.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a personalized, relaxed stroll through Charleston’s historic streets with a knowledgeable guide.
3. Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour
At number 3, this Guided Bus Tour covers more ground in less time—about 1.5 hours—and visits over 100 landmarks. For $37, you’ll see Charleston’s top sights, including Rainbow Row, The Battery, and the Old Market. Traveling in a climate-controlled shuttle, you can focus on the stories behind each site without worrying about walking fatigue. Visitors note the tour’s efficiency and the engaging commentary, which makes history come alive even from behind a window. It’s perfect if your time is limited but you still want a rundown of Charleston’s architectural highlights and key historical moments.
Bottom Line: A quick, comprehensive way to see Charleston’s highlights from a comfortable seat, ideal for travelers with tight schedules.
4. Charleston Haunted Jail Night-Time Walking Tour with Admission to Old City Jail
Number 4, the Haunted Jail Night Tour takes you into Charleston’s spooky side. For $40.50, this 45-minute walk explores behind the scenes of the Old City Jail, with stories of notorious prisoners and ghostly legends. The tour includes admission to the jail itself, which is often featured on ghost-hunting shows like Ghost Adventures. Visitors rave about the guide’s enthusiasm and the eerie atmosphere of the jail, with some claiming to feel ghostly presences or hear unexplained sounds. The tour covers cells, hallways, and places where criminals once faced their fate. It’s a must for those who enjoy spooky tales mixed with history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers who want ghost stories rooted in real Charleston history, with a short but intense experience.
5. Charleston: City of The Dead (Walking Ghost Tour)
Number 5, City of The Dead Ghost Tour is a 1.5-hour walk through Charleston’s haunted spots, including Poogan’s Porch and St. Philip’s graveyard. For $35, you get to choose which ghost stories interest you most, from pirates to tragic lovers. The tour is highly rated, and many reviews mention the engaging guides and chilling stories. Notable locations include Poogan’s Porch, one of America’s top 10 haunted restaurants, and the Mills House Hotel, which apparently has ghosts in the lower floors but suspiciously avoids the top two. Ideal for those who want a mix of fun storytelling and ghostly intrigue.
Bottom Line: A flexible, story-driven ghost tour that offers a personal touch and spine-tingling tales.
6. Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise
Number 6 combines land and sea with the City Tour & Harbor Cruise. For $71, you’ll spend about 4 hours exploring Charleston’s historic streets aboard a climate-controlled vehicle and then enjoy a harbor cruise with views of Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown. This is perfect if you want a well-rounded experience that mixes sightseeing with scenic boat rides. Reviewers appreciate the variety and the chance to see the city from different perspectives, especially the views from the water. It’s a good choice for those wanting an immersive, full-day experience.
Bottom Line: A great way to see Charleston from both land and water, combining history with scenic beauty.
7. 8pm Holy City Hauntings Tour
Number 7, the Evening Haunted Tour offers a 1.5-hour exploration of Charleston’s most haunted sites. Costing $33, it includes visits to Poogan’s Porch, the Mills House, and other spooky hotspots, with stories backed by paranormal investigations. Guides like Crystal enjoy sharing credible ghost evidence, making this tour both fun and slightly terrifying. Many rave about the stories of ghostly activity, from hearing voices to seeing apparitions. It’s a good pick for night owls or anyone curious about Charleston’s darker tales.
Bottom Line: An engaging, spooky experience perfect for ghost enthusiasts wanting a night walk through haunted Charleston.
8. Private Charleston Walking History City Tour
Number 8, the Private Walking Tour offers a tailored 2-hour experience with a certified guide. For $138, you get a personalized approach to Charleston’s key sights, including the Battery, Rainbow Row, and historic homes. Guests love the flexibility and attention to detail. Reviews mention the guide’s engaging storytelling and the chance to customize the tour to your interests. This tour suits travelers seeking a more intimate, in-depth experience, especially those traveling with a small group or as a couple.
Bottom Line: An exclusive, customizable tour ideal for those wanting a private, detailed overview of Charleston’s sights.
9. Charleston: Historic City Tour and Magnolia Plantation Combo
Number 9 offers a full-day experience with the City & Magnolia Plantation. For $113, spend 6 hours exploring Charleston’s architecture and historic landmarks, then visit the legendary Magnolia Plantation, established in 1676, with beautiful gardens and wildlife. The tour includes a tram ride to see alligators, herons, and turtles, providing a mix of city sights and lush nature. Reviewers appreciate the variety and the chance to experience both cultural and natural highlights. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a comprehensive day.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour pairing urban exploration with a stunning plantation visit for a full low-country experience.
10. City Bus Tour with Charleston Museum Admission
Number 10, the City Bus & Museum Tour offers a relaxed 2-hour ride for $43, including admission to the Charleston Museum. This tour is ideal if you want to see the city’s top sights from a comfortable bus and then explore the museum at your leisure. Highlights include the Battery, Rainbow Row, and Colonial Lake, with informative narration from your guide. Visitors mention the convenience of the museum access, which complements the tour’s sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A practical, comfortable way to learn about Charleston’s history with added museum time.
11. Charleston: Boone Hall & Historic City Tour Combo
Number 11, the Boone Hall & City Tour pairs a visit to one of America’s oldest working plantations with a city tour. For $92, enjoy a 4.5-hour journey that includes a ride in an air-conditioned coach, visits to historic churches, markets, and scenic neighborhoods, plus a walk through Boone Hall’s beautiful gardens and historic relics of enslaved people. Reviewers love the mix of history, scenery, and the chance to see both cultural highlights and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a deep dive into plantation life combined with city sightseeing.
12. Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour
Number 12 features the Historic City & Mansion Tour. For $48, you get a 2-hour ride exploring Charleston’s top sights plus a guided tour of the Joseph Manigault House, a restored Southern mansion. The tour highlights Charleston’s architectural elegance and gives insight into the city’s plantation-era history. Many reviewers find the mansion visit a highlight, providing a contrast to the city’s streets with its impressive antebellum architecture.
Bottom Line: Great for history and architecture lovers wanting a quick, immersive experience.
13. Charleston: City Bus Tour Ticket with Live Commentary
Number 13 offers a live commentary bus tour, lasting about 1.5 hours for $37. You’ll see the Battery, Rainbow Row, and the historic district while your guide narrates stories from Charleston’s 350 years of history. Many reviewers mention how lively and engaging the guide is, making the tour feel personal. It’s a solid, short option for those wanting a taste of Charleston’s history and architecture without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a lively, story-rich overview of Charleston’s highlights.
14. Charleston City Walking Tour with Edmondston-Alston House Admission
Number 14 features a walking tour with house admission. For $50, it combines a 1.5-hour walk with a visit to the historic Edmondston-Alston House, which overlooks Charleston Harbor. This tour covers the Battery, White Point Gardens, and Rainbow Row, while also giving you a peek inside the home of Charleston’s elite. Reviewers enjoy the combination of sightseeing and exclusive access, making it a good pick for history lovers who want a more personal experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Charleston’s architecture and affluent past, with a touch of exclusive access.
15. Charleston in Comfort: A Small Group City Tour with Sprinter Van
Number 15, the Small Group City Tour takes just 10 people in a luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. For $29, it offers a relaxed 1.5-hour ride through the most beautiful neighborhoods, like Rainbow Row and The Battery. Many reviews emphasize the comfort, small-group intimacy, and the knowledgeable guide’s ability to bring Charleston’s stories to life. It’s suited for travelers who want a personal, low-key experience without walking fatigue.
Bottom Line: An efficient, comfortable, and personal way to see Charleston’s iconic neighborhoods.
16. Charleston: City Tour with Charleston Museum Entry Combo
Finally, number 16 offers a city tour combined with museum admission. For $48, spend two hours exploring the city’s highlights and then visit the Charleston Museum—America’s first museum—full of exhibits that bring Charleston’s story to life. Many reviewers appreciate the blend of outdoor sightseeing and inside exhibits, especially for those who love to connect history with artifacts.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers who want a blend of city sights and in-depth historical exhibits.
How to Choose the Right Charleston Tour
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For instance, if you love history and architecture, the Private Charleston Walking Tour offers personalized attention, while the Haunted Jail Tour is perfect if ghost stories are your thing. For those short on time but wanting a broad overview, the Guided Bus Tour or the City & Harbor Combo are excellent options.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure spots on popular tours like the Small-Group Tours. Also, think about whether you want to walk, drive, or combine both—each style offers a different experience of Charleston’s charm.
Final Thoughts
Charleston’s diverse tour options mean there’s something for every traveler. For a deep dive into history, the Old Walled City Walk or the Private Charleston Tour are top picks. If you’re after something spooky, the Ghost Tours and Haunted Jail deliver chills and tales backed by paranormal investigations. For scenic views, the Harbor Cruise and combined City & Plantation tours give you a broader perspective of Charleston’s natural and cultural beauty.
No matter your style, booking early ensures you get the best experience in this charming Southern city. Each tour offers a different lens into Charleston’s past and present, so pick what suits your curiosity and enjoy exploring this unforgettable place.