Charleston · GUIDED
20 reviewed
This is the shortlist we would hand a friend: the 15 guided tours worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Walk the historic streets of Charleston with a licensed local guide. See City Hall, Dock Street Theatre, Rainbow Row, and views of Fort Sumter.
“Very informative and entertaining. Learned a lot about the history of Charleston that make me appreciate the city even more. Would highly recommend.”
Prebook Fort Sumter entry with a round-trip ferry from Charleston Harbor. Harbor views, a ranger greeter, and a full hour at the fort.
“Great ferry ride. Wonderfully i formative Park Rangers. They were great at answering the numerous questions. Flag ceremony was really nice. Perfect weather”
A 2-hour guided walk through Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad, featuring major sights, lesser-known stops, and local stories.
“This was an excellent history tour and the guide was extremely knowledgeable. I definitely recommend.”
Join a 90-minute Charleston ghost and graveyard walk with after-hours cemetery access, spooky stories, and a local guide for $40.50.
“Excellent tour and host. Just bring bug spray. Darian was super knowledgeable about the history of Charleston and its many ghosts!”
Paddle Charleston’s tidal creeks with a small-group guide, gear included, and real wildlife odds in the Lowcountry salt marsh.
“Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. He put together a great route based it being high tide and having rained a lot the prior two days.”
Climate-controlled Charleston bus tour with a live guide, passing The Battery, Rainbow Row, and Old Market Area in 90 minutes.
“Lots of good historic information. Our guide had great detailed information and recall.”
A 90-minute guided ghost walk in Charleston mixing spooky tales with street-by-street history, led by engaging guides.
“Michael was a great guide! The tour was fun and not too much of a walk for our 6 year old. Learning the history was fun.”
90-minute guided walk through Charleston’s Historic Downtown with secret alleys, ironwork gates, and landmark interiors, ending at Pineapple Fountain.
“Great tour! We loved our tour guide and it was amazing to see the history of the city. Would recommend!”
Tour Middleton Place from downtown Charleston with round-trip van, narrated house museum time, animal-filled stable yards, and lunch.
“It was an excellent excursion. The driver was excellent, super informative!!! Great ride. Plus Middleton was amazing 🤩 The lunch was ok.”
Two-hour guided walk through downtown Charleston’s City Hall, Rainbow Row, and the Old Exchange, with Powder Magazine entry for $28.
“If you’re interested in the history of Charleston, this is a great walking tour. Our tour guide, Dennis, was excellent. He provided a lot of facts and information with a wicked sense of humor. I highly recommend this tour which takes two hours.”
Small-group Old Charleston walk with a licensed guide. City Hall Four Corners of Law and Charleston Battery included, $35.
“Kay was the best! She knows the history of the city well and makes sure to add parts to the tour unique to your interest. If we visit again, I will be sure to book another tour with her.”
90-minute uncensored night walk through Charleston’s scandals, brothels, and street history with a pro guide. Adults 18+.
“Tour guide was very informative. I learned information about Charleston you wouldn't learn elsewhere.”
Follow Charleston’s historic women through five iconic stops on an easy, 2-hour walking tour led by Jonathan Green.
“Highly recommend Jonathan Green’s tour Bad Ass Broads of Charleston! He brings to life the history of these remarkable women who influenced this area and far beyond. I have some new heroines! Jonathan also provides some interesting details about Charleston’s general history as well as some of the architecture on the walk.”
Interpreter-led tour at Drayton Hall in Charleston with an orientation video, house visit, museum galleries, and a cemetery stop plus outdoor time.
“Original plan was a girls trip with my two girls & grandson. One daughter was unable to travel due to storm expected. We only got to the first room of Drayton House and grandson was not a fan of being still or quite (19 mo) the picture is us leaving as the rest of the trip fell apart. 3 tickets & no tour 😥🥺”
Charleston hotel pickup plus guided Middleton Place visit: small group stories, clear pacing, and $47 admission extra for manor and gardens.
“My tour with Mr Mike was outstanding from start to finish! He is easily the most knowledgeable, flexible, attentive, and thorough tour guide I've ever had. He tailored the experience to meet my desires, answered every question with insight and enthusiasm, and made the entire tour both informative and enjoyable. Mike's passion and expertise truly sets him apart from other tour guides and you can clearly see that he genuinely cares about what he does. Cannot recommend his tours enough, he turned what could have been a standard tour into an unforgettable experience.”
