Charleston is one of those cities where history isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you walk through. The city’s well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old landmarks make it a standout for anyone interested in American history. Plus, its vibrant food scene and scenic harbor add layers of interest beyond just the past. For travelers who love to connect stories with sights, Charleston offers a variety of historical tours that go beyond the standard guidebook. Whether it’s a guided walking tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a private sailing trip, each experience offers a unique lens into Charleston’s story-rich streets and seafaring secrets.
If you’re craving deep dives into Charleston’s colonial roots or want to learn about famous residents and ghostly legends, this city’s history tours are designed to satisfy your curiosity. Some tours focus on architecture and prominent neighborhoods, while others explore the city’s darker side with haunted walks. Food lovers can even combine lowcountry cuisine with history on an interactive cooking tour. Below, we’ve rounded up the 16 best historical tours in Charleston—each with its own flavor, focus, and appeal.
1. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
This 4-hour tour seamlessly blends history, culinary arts, and southern hospitality. Led by local chef Forrest Parker, it begins with a 1.5-hour guided walk through Charleston’s historic district, covering influential Lowcountry food traditions and architecture. Then, watch a cooking demonstration featuring regional recipes, and finish with a lunch paired with wine. This tour is perfect for those wanting an interactive experience that combines local history with food and wine. Reviewers love the expert storytelling and the chance to take home chef Forrest’s recipes. For around $250, you get an immersive 4-hour experience ideal for foodies and history buffs alike.
Bottom line: A balanced mix of walking, learning, cooking, and tasting that offers both education and deliciousness in equal measure.
2. Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More
For just over $40, this 2-hour guided walk offers a leisurely exploration of Charleston’s most iconic sights. Starting at Rainbow Row, the city’s longest pre-Revolutionary row of charming pastel houses, your guide leads you through historic churches, cobblestone streets, and the Waterfront Battery. The tour strikes a good balance between scenic views and fascinating stories. Reviewers highlight guides like Diane and Linda for their entertaining and knowledgeable narration. This tour is ideal for those who want a visual and historical overview without strenuous walking or high costs.
Bottom line: A fun, informative, and affordable way to get a sense of Charleston’s architectural and cultural highlights.
3. Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Experience Charleston’s historic charm aboard a horse-drawn carriage for about $45 per person. This one-hour tour takes you through the French Quarter, Waterfront, and Battery, with your guide sharing stories about the city’s 350-year history. Guests rave about guides like Terry and Christina, who make the history lively and personal. The carriage’s comfort and easy booking process make it a top pick for first-time visitors. Keep in mind, the tour is relatively short, but packed with iconic sights and engaging tales.
Bottom line: An authentic, relaxing way to uncover Charleston’s storied past with a personal touch.
4. Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour
This 2-hour walk takes you through Charleston’s colonial roots, with stops at historic churches, colonial homes, and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. Led by a local guide, you’ll relive events that shaped the city’s past, from natural disasters to rebellious uprisings. Guests appreciate how the guide brings history alive with detailed storytelling. The tour includes a variety of stops like Dock Street Theatre and Waterfront Park, making it a well-rounded experience. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a deeper understanding of Charleston’s early history.
Bottom line: A rich, detailed walk into the city’s colonial and revolutionary moments.
5. Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
For around $50, you can set sail into Charleston Harbor aboard the “Carolina Belle”. This 1.5-hour cruise offers spectacular views of the city’s waterfront, including Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The cruise also provides a chance to spot dolphins and pelicans, with a bar available for purchase. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable captain and the relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a romantic sunset or family outing. It’s a great way to experience Charleston’s maritime history from a different perspective.
Bottom line: An easy, scenic, and informative cruise ideal for visual learners and harbor lovers.
6. Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour
This 1.5-hour bus tour covers over 100 landmarks, including Rainbow Row, The Battery, and the Old Market. For $37 per person, you get a climate-controlled ride with insightful commentary. Reviewers like John and Vicki commend guides for their entertaining stories and catering to all ages. The tour is a great overview for visitors who want to see many sights without much walking, especially helpful for those with limited mobility.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, comfortable way to cover Charleston’s essentials in a short time.
7. Charleston’s Historic Residential Horse and Carriage Tour
This hour-long carriage ride introduces you to Charleston’s residential neighborhoods. Starting at the Charleston Carriage Works, guides share stories about the city’s evolution and notable homes. Guests love the small group size and personalized commentary, with guides describing the architecture and history of homes and gardens. The every-30-minute departure schedule makes planning flexible. The tour is perfect for families and first-timers wanting a quick yet detailed look at Charleston’s neighborhoods.
Bottom line: An intimate, informative peek into Charleston’s historic residential districts.
8. Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour tour combines history and architecture, taking you through secret alleys and iconic landmarks like St. Michael’s Church and the Old Exchange. Led by a local expert, the tour includes inside visits and storytelling about Charleston’s architectural evolution. Reviewers praise guides like Jackson and Jaxson for making history engaging with fun anecdotes. This tour suits those who appreciate building details and hidden city corners.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, architectural and historical exploration for curious travelers.
9. The Historic Table- 18th and 19th Century Dining and Museum Visit
For a dining experience with a historical twist, this 2.5-hour supper club offers a 4-course meal featuring dishes from the 1730s to 1890s. Led by a culinary historian, it combines food tasting with stories about Charleston’s culinary history. Reviewers find the storytelling engaging and the authentic dishes delicious. Costing $160 per person, it’s a unique way to experience Charleston’s gastronomic past without walking. Perfect for foodies looking for a culture.
Bottom line: A delicious, educational dinner that combines history and cuisine in an intimate setting.
10. Charleston: Citadel History Professor Guided Walking Tour
Led by a college history professor, this 3-hour tour offers deep insights into Charleston’s colonial, revolutionary, and Civil War stories. Starting at the Historic Charleston Foundation, it covers hidden alleys, famous sites like the French Huguenot Church, and stories of notable figures. Guests enjoy the academic depth and engaging delivery. The tour is ideal for those who want a scholarly perspective.
Bottom line: An educational, comprehensive tour for history aficionados and curious learners.
11. Charleston History Tour – Small Groups Only – History & Alleyways
This small-group (max 6) 2-hour tour emphasizes personalized storytelling in lesser-known neighborhoods. The tour explores the Powder Magazine, Philadelphia Alley, and the Old Slave Mart Museum, giving a multi-faceted view of Charleston’s complex past. Reviewers appreciate how intimate and detailed the experience is, with guides like Adam sharing stories that bring history to life. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized, behind-the-scenes look at the city.
Bottom line: An up-close, detailed tour suited for those wanting a deeper connection to Charleston’s stories and neighborhoods.
12. Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston
This personalized 1-hour photo tour takes you through Rainbow Row and hidden streets, with professional photos capturing your Charleston memories. The tour also offers options like Boone Hall Plantation and Cypress Gardens. With friendly guides like Dennis, you get customized pictures in famous and lesser-known spots. Travelers love the professional quality and easy-going atmosphere. It’s perfect for romantic trips, anniversaries, or family portraits.
Bottom line: A personalized, picture-perfect way to preserve your Charleston trip with expert guidance.
13. Private Sailing, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique
For a luxurious escape, this private sailing tour (up to 6 people) costs around $499. It offers a 2-hour cruise along Charleston’s coastline, passing Fort Sumter, Ravenel Bridge, and historic forts. With dolphins often spotted, and drinks provided, it’s a relaxing, personal experience. Notable for its exclusive nature and friendly crew, reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery. It’s a fantastic option for celebrations or special occasions.
Bottom line: An intimate, scenic way to combine sailing and history on Charleston’s waters.
14. Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise
This 4-hour combo combines a land tour with a harbor cruise, starting at $71. The bus tour covers famous sites like Rainbow Row and the Waterfront, while the boat tour offers views of Fort Sumter and USS Yorktown. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and relaxing boat ride. It’s good for travelers who want both land and sea perspectives in one day.
Bottom line: A comprehensive experience blending architecture, history, and maritime sights.
15. Charleston History and Architecture Walking Tour
For $27, this 2-hour tour focuses on Charleston’s architectural evolution and cultural stories, particularly along Philadelphia Alley and inside St. Michael’s Church. Led by an architectural historian, it offers inside visits and detailed explanations of historic homes. Reviewers like Emerson praise the engaging storytelling. It’s especially suited for those who want a close look at Charleston’s buildings and hidden stories.
Bottom line: An in-depth architectural exploration for design fans and history lovers.
16. Small Group Haunted History Walking Tour of Charleston
This hour-long tour reveals Charleston’s spooky side, including haunted graveyards, execution sites, and ghost stories. Led by guide Kevin, it covers most haunted locations and shares stories of pirates, patriots, and restless spirits. Reviewers enjoy the personalized stories and deep dive into Charleston’s darker past. Perfect for thrill-seekers or those curious about the city’s ghostly legends.
Bottom line: A short but spooky walk that uncovers Charleston’s haunted history.
How to Choose Your Perfect Charleston Tour
When selecting from these options, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re keen on an immersive experience combining food and history, the Undiscovered Charleston tour offers a rich combination. For those interested in classic sights like Rainbow Row and the Battery, the Historic Charleston Walking Tour is a solid choice. If you prefer a deeper dive into Charleston’s past, the Citadel professor-led tour provides more scholarly insights.
Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the Historic City Highlights bus tour, while those seeking a more intimate experience could go for the small-group alleyways tour. For a romantic or family photo session, the private photo walk is perfect.
Consider special interests: if maritime history excites you, the harbor cruise is ideal. For a nighttime thrill, the haunted tour offers spooky stories you won’t forget.
Final Thoughts
Charleston offers a wide range of historical tours that appeal to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want a comprehensive city overview, an intimate carriage ride, a scenic harbor cruise, or a food and history combo, you’ll find options that suit your interests.
For history lovers, the Historical Downtown Tour and Citadel Professor Guided Tour stand out for their depth. If your focus is capturing memories, the private photo session offers personalized images. And for a relaxing maritime experience, the private sailing tour combines scenery, history, and dolphin watching.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Undiscovered Charleston tour and the private sailing. Whatever your interest, Charleston’s depth of stories and sights will make your visit memorable.