Top 6 History Walking Tours in Charleston

1.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30Our pick

Meet your licensed local guide at Charleston City Hall for a two-hour walk through the Four Corners of Law, French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and South of Broad. Guides such as Al, Evans, Dennis, and Duggar are known for lively storytelling, architecture, and local tips. Expect flat streets, outdoor stops, and weather exposure.

“Very interesting tour of the historic district. Duggar, our guide, was very knowledgeable, interesting and fun. I would highly recommend this tour as an introduction to Charleston.”

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2.Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,335 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34

Walk Charleston’s South of Broad and French Quarter districts with a licensed local guide. You’ll visit four to six alleys, see Rainbow Row, hear Revolutionary and Civil War stories, and learn about the city’s architecture and past. Guides praised by name include Duggar, Dennis, Evans Byrd, Al Mixson, Mark Jones, and Bruce.

“Duggar was a terrific guide. We really enjoyed his perspective and engaging story telling. We learned a lot, and saw a beautiful part of the city.”

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3.Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $40

Join Eric Lager, Ph.D., a history professor at The Citadel, for a roughly three-hour walk through Charleston’s historic center. In a group capped at 12, you’ll connect buildings, politics, religion, architecture, and the Civil War, from Dock Street Theater to the Battery. Admission to the Heyward-Washington House and Old Exchange is not included.

“Highly recommend this tour. Our guide was a rare combination of hugely knowledgeable, highly engaging, humorous. We learned lots - historical and otherwise.”

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4.Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 705 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Spend two hours walking Charleston’s old streets with an English-speaking guide, often a seventh-generation Charlestonian such as Al, Bruce, or Eric. See the French Quarter, Dock Street Theatre, Old Exchange, Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, historic homes, and St. Michael’s Church while hearing candid stories about piracy, fires, epidemics, war, and the city’s difficult past.

“Touring Charleston with such a knowledgeable guide was a real treat! His rich experience and humor made for a very engaging and enjoyable tour!”

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5.Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 691 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40

Walk Charleston’s Historic District with a local guide such as Gordon, Diane, Eric, or Graham. See Rainbow Row, antebellum homes, churches, graveyards, hidden courtyards, the Waterfront Battery, and Fort Sumter from afar. The tour runs morning or afternoon, includes Powder Magazine admission, and keeps groups to 20 people.

“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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6.Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Spend about two hours walking central Charleston with a licensed guide such as Steve, Kay, Kate, or Russ. You’ll trace early city history, admire old homes and public buildings, visit the Four Corners of Law and Charleston Battery, and finish near Dock Street Theatre. Groups are capped at 10, with time for questions and some flexibility.

“The smaller group tour allowed for a much more personal experience! Kay was our guide! Very friendly, knowledgeable and energetic tour guide! I'd highly recommend this experience!”

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