The 16 Best City Tours in Charleston
Charleston’s charm isn’t just in its cobblestone streets and historic architecture—it’s in the stories, the ghosts, the views, and the way the city’s past blends seamlessly with its present. For those who love to walk through history, enjoy scenic boat trips, or indulge in some haunting tales after dark, Charleston offers a variety of city tours that reveal its unique personality. Whether you’re interested in exploring the colonial roots, the Civil War sites, or ghostly legends, there’s something here that’s just right for you. The key is choosing a tour that matches your interests, your pace, and your curiosity.
The city’s compact size makes it an ideal place for walking tours and bus excursions, but some of the most memorable experiences involve a boat ride or a ghostly midnight stroll. To help you navigate the options, we’ve put together a list of the 16 best city tours in Charleston—each with its own flavor and focus. From in-depth historical walks to spooky ghost hunts, there’s plenty to choose from. Just a heads up: booking early is a good idea, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot on the most popular tours.
1. Charleston: Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour
Discover the people and events that shaped Charleston on this guided walk through the original walled city. Starting at Shop Historic Charleston, your 2-hour tour is led by a 7th-generation Charlestonian, giving you a rare local perspective. You’ll pass colonial buildings, churches, and homes, reliving stories from the city’s colonial beginnings through natural disasters and key historical moments. The tour covers notable sites like the French Quarter, Dock Street Theatre, Rainbow Row, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, with stops for photos and short visits. Reviewers love the passion and knowledge of guides like Bruce, who brings stories to life in a way that no book can match. At just $31, this tour offers excellent value for a deep dive into Charleston’s history and architecture. It’s perfect for history lovers who want an authentic experience on foot.
Bottom Line: A detailed, engaging walking tour that covers the city’s core highlights with a passionate local guide.
2. Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour
If you prefer to stay seated but still want an overview of over 100 iconic landmarks, this 1.5-hour bus tour hits all the highlights. Traveling in a climate-controlled shuttle, you’ll see The Battery, Rainbow Row, and the Old Market, with entertaining stories about Charleston’s most famous moments. It’s a no-fuss way to get a broad sense of the city if your time is limited or if you’re traveling with folks who prefer not to walk much. The reviews consistently praise the friendly, informative guides and the comfortable ride. Price-wise at $37, it’s a budget-friendly way to cover a lot of ground quickly.
Bottom Line: An efficient, comfortable introduction for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Charleston’s top sights.
3. Charleston Haunted Jail Night-Time Walking Tour with Admission to Old City Jail
For those fascinated by ghost stories and haunted history, this 45-minute night tour takes you into Charleston’s eerie Old City Jail. You’ll explore prisoner cells, hallways, and hear chilling stories of notorious criminals like Lavinia and John Fisher—who allegedly poisoned guests. The stories are backed by investigations, with some visitors claiming to see or hear paranormal activity firsthand. The tour is both spooky and educational, with admission included. Guides like Sara, who combines knowledge and enthusiasm, make the experience memorable. The shorter duration makes it accessible even for a quick evening activity, and the price at $40.50 offers good value for a hauntingly good time.
Bottom Line: An engaging ghost tour that combines history, paranormal investigations, and a spooky atmosphere—perfect for thrill-seekers.
4. Charleston: City of The Dead (Walking Ghost Tour)
This walking ghost tour is rated a perfect 5 out of 5 and lasts about 1.5 hours. It takes you through Charleston’s most haunted spots, including Poogan’s Porch and St. Philip’s Church graveyard. What sets it apart is the interactive element—you can choose which stories to hear based on your interests. The tour covers ghostly legends of pirates, murderers, and tragic lovers, with stories supported by historical evidence. Guides like Darian are praised for their storytelling skill and ability to tailor the tour. For $35, you get a balanced mix of history and haunted lore on foot, making it ideal for those interested in ghostly tales with an authentic touch.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, flexible ghost tour that combines spooky stories with historical context in a walking format.
5. Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise
This combo offers the best of both worlds: 4 hours exploring Charleston’s streets by land and a scenic 1-hour harbor cruise. The city tour in a climate-controlled coach covers highlights like Rainbow Row, historic churches, and the Battery, with expert guides sharing stories along the way. Then, the boat ride provides stunning views of Fort Sumter and USS Yorktown, along with wildlife sightings such as herons and turtles. Reviewers appreciate how this tour maximizes time and provides a comprehensive experience. At $71, it’s a good value for those wanting a multi-sensory experience of Charleston.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for those who want both land and sea perspectives in one package.
6. 8pm Holy City Hauntings Tour
For dedicated ghost enthusiasts, this night tour offers a 1.5-hour walk through Charleston’s most haunted sites, with evidence captured by paranormal teams. Stops include Philadelphia Alley, Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub, and the Wagener-Ohlandt Building, each with stories supported by actual investigations. Guides like Crystal are known for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making spooky tales come alive. The tour costs $33, making it a reasonably priced way to experience Charleston’s haunted past with a focus on authentic paranormal activity. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a combination of history and the supernatural.
Bottom Line: A paranormal-focused tour backed by investigations, perfect for anyone curious about Charleston’s ghostly reputation.
7. Private Charleston Walking History City Tour
For a more personalized experience, the private tour offers 2 hours of tailored storytelling with a certified guide. Costing $138 per person, it’s a great choice for couples, families, or small groups eager for an in-depth, customizable exploration. Guide Valerie, praised for her knowledge and humor, makes the tour engaging and flexible. This option includes visiting key sites like the historic district, White Point Gardens, and Rainbow Row, with insights not available on larger group tours. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, detailed experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to get a personalized, immersive view of Charleston’s historic sites with a dedicated guide.
8. Charleston: Historic City of The Dead & Magnolia Plantation Combo
This combo blends city sightseeing with a visit to Magnolia Plantation, one of America’s oldest. For around $113, you get 6 hours exploring historic streets and gardens, plus a tram ride to spot alligators and turtles. The tour covers highlights like The Battery, Rainbow Row, and the plantation’s grounds, with guides sharing stories of Charleston’s past and its early plantation life. Visitors love the beautiful scenery and informative guides, though some note the long day may be tiring. It’s perfect for history and nature lovers who want a comprehensive low-country experience.
Bottom Line: A full-day experience combining city history and plantation beauty, suitable for travelers wanting variety.
9. Charleston: Boone Hall & Historic City Tour Combo
This half-day tour pairs a visit to Boone Hall Plantation with a city drive. For about $92, guides like John make the experience lively with stories of Charleston’s famous sites and the plantation’s Gullah traditions. The tour covers historic churches, markets, and lovely gardens, with stops at Boone Hall’s historic house and slave cabins. Visitors note the entertaining guides and the insightful stories about plantation life. It’s a good choice for those wanting a blend of city history and plantation exploration in a single half-day.
Bottom Line: A compact tour that combines Charleston’s most iconic plantation with a city overview, ideal for a short visit.
10. Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour
This 2-hour tour takes you through historic sites and into a restored Southern Mansion. For $48, guides like Jean provide detailed insights into Charleston’s architecture and history, with stops at Rainbow Row and the Joseph Manigault House. The tour offers a balance of walking and sightseeing with views from the Battery Seawall. It’s suitable for travelers who want a focused city tour combined with a mansion visit without a full-day commitment. Reviewers mention the enthusiasm and knowledge of guides making the experience engaging.
Bottom Line: A concise, insightful tour ideal for those seeking a taste of Charleston’s architecture and history.
11. Charleston: City Bus Tour Ticket with Live Commentary
This live narrated bus tour lasts about 1.5 hours and covers 350 years of Charleston history. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, informative overview with stories about Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, and the Old City Market. The guides’ lively commentary makes history accessible and fun. At $37, it’s a budget-friendly way to see the city’s major sites while relaxing in an air-conditioned bus. Visitors appreciate the professional guides and the short, engaging format.
Bottom Line: An easy, informative introduction for first-timers who want to see key sights with minimal walking.
12. Charleston City Walking Tour with Edmondston-Alston House Admission
This walking tour offers a combination of city sights and an interior visit to the historic Edmondston-Alston House. For $50, your guide takes you through sites like White Point Gardens and Rainbow Row, ending with a guided tour of the elegant 19th-century home. Reviewers enjoy the personalized attention and unobstructed harbor views. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine outdoor sightseeing with a peek inside Charleston’s elite homes.
Bottom Line: A balanced tour for those who want both scenic views and a historic house experience.
13. Charleston: City Tour with Charleston Museum Entry Combo
This combo pairs a guided bus tour with a visit to the Charleston Museum, offering a full cultural experience. At $48, guides share stories of famous families and historic buildings, with stops at Rainbow Row and the Battery. The museum visit allows you to see artifacts that bring Charleston’s past to life. Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to connect stories with tangible objects. It’s best for history enthusiasts who want context and physical exhibits.
Bottom Line: An educational tour blending outdoor sightseeing with museum exploration for history aficionados.
14. Walled City Spirits with Local Guide
Led by lifelong Charleston local Gia Nocturne, this specialty ghost tour focuses on paranormal activity within the original walled district. For $20, you’ll explore historic sites like Philadelphia Alley and the old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, learning about spirits linked to Charleston’s earliest days. Gia shares personal experiences and insights into local hauntings. It’s a more in-depth paranormal experience for those interested in Charleston’s spiritual lore rather than just ghost stories.
Bottom Line: A focused ghost tour emphasizing paranormal activity backed by a local’s personal stories.
15. Charleston: City Bus Tour and Harbor Cruise Combo
This combo includes a 2-hour bus tour plus a scenic harbor cruise. For $81, you get a comprehensive look at Charleston’s historic architecture, landmarks, and natural beauty. The bus tour covers sites like the Battery and White Point Gardens, while the cruise offers views of Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing that combines land and water.
Bottom Line: A complete experience for those who want to see Charleston from both land and sea.
16. Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Rated a perfect 5-star, this bus tour provides a relaxing, air-conditioned ride passing by key sights like Rainbow Row, the Battery, and White Point Gardens. It lasts about 1.5 hours, making it perfect for an overview without much walking. Reviewers enjoy the knowledgeable guide Neal and the comfortable experience with wide viewing windows. For $47.50, it offers excellent value for a quick but thorough introduction to Charleston’s most famous landmarks.
Bottom Line: An effortless way to see the highlights of Charleston in comfort, especially during hot days or for visitors with mobility concerns.
How to Choose Your Perfect Charleston Tour
When deciding which tour fits your style, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re a history buff craving a detailed walk through the city’s colonial past, the Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour offers rich storytelling on foot. For a quick overview, the City Bus Tour provides a broad brushstroke of Charleston’s major sights. Ghost lovers might prefer the City of The Dead or Hauntings Tour, both offering spine-tingling tales backed by paranormal investigations.
For those who want to combine scenic views with history, the Harbor Cruise and City Tour or the City & Magnolia Plantation provide immersive experiences. If privacy is your priority, the Private Charleston Walking Tour makes for a more personalized day, while families or larger groups might find the group bus tours more suitable.
Booking early, especially for popular tours like the Ghost Tours, ensures you secure a spot during busy seasons. Also, think about your walking limits, weather preferences, and whether you’d like to mix history with nature or ghost stories.
Final Thoughts
Charleston’s diversity means you can tailor your experience to your interests. For a deep dive into historic architecture and city stories, the Old Walled City Walking Tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed overview, the Sightseeing Bus Tour or combined Harbor Cruise deliver quick but comprehensive glimpses. For thrill-seekers, the haunted night tours offer a spine-chilling peek into Charleston’s darker side.
Ultimately, your choice depends on how much time you have, your budget, and whether you want a guided walk, scenic cruise, or ghostly adventure. Whatever your preference, Charleston’s stories await—so book early, lace up those walking shoes, and prepare for a memorable exploration of the Holy City’s many layers.