Greensboro may not be as famous as nearby Charlotte or Raleigh, but its rich stories and local charm make it a fantastic place for unique tours and experiences. Whether you’re into historic landmarks, dark tales of crime, or African American achievements, Greensboro offers something for every curious traveler. Among these options, the Greensboro: Downtown Historic Walking Tour stands out for its engaging look at the city’s past, including its role in the underground railroad and industrial growth. For those interested in the city’s darker side, the True Crime Walking Tour offers chilling stories and crime sites that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Meanwhile, the African American History Walking Tour highlights pivotal moments and trailblazers from Greensboro’s Black community, adding depth to your visit. And if ghost stories and haunted sites excite you, the Haunted Walking Tour combines local legends with spooky landmarks. Each experience offers a different flavor of Greensboro, making it easy to customize your trip.
Quick Overview
This list includes four highly-rated tours in Greensboro, covering a broad spectrum of interests:
- The Greensboro: Downtown Historic Walking Tour offers a one-hour deep dive into the city’s storied past.
- The Greensboro: True Crime Walking Tour explores the city’s darker, crime-ridden moments.
- The Greensboro: African American History Walking Tour celebrates the achievements of Black residents.
- The Greensboro: Haunted Walking Tour combines ghost stories with haunted landmarks.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail so you can decide which fits your interests—and budget—best.
1. Greensboro: Downtown Historic Walking Tour
At just $19 per person for an hour, this guided tour offers a compact but comprehensive look at Greensboro’s historic core. You’ll stroll through downtown, visiting iconic sites like the Jefferson Standard Building, an Art Deco skyscraper that’s a defining feature of Greensboro’s skyline, and the Cone Export Building, which highlights the city’s industrial past. The tour also visits the Blandwood, a historic mansion that offers insights into 19th-century architecture and influential figures. A key part of the experience is learning about Greensboro’s role as the southernmost stop of the underground railroad, an important yet often overlooked chapter of US history. The guide shares stories that bring these sites to life, making history feel tangible.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on both architecture and storytelling. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy walking through city streets with a guide revealing the stories behind each building. The tour’s concise format makes it easy to slot into a busy day or combine with other activities. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in early industrial development and seeing Greensboro’s architectural gems firsthand. Expect to finish feeling more connected to the city’s roots and built environment.
Bottom Line: Affordable, informative, and well-paced, this tour is perfect for history lovers and those new to Greensboro wanting a quick yet meaningful overview.
2. Greensboro: True Crime Walking Tour
For $19, this one-hour tour takes you into the darker corners of Greensboro’s past. It explores the city’s most notorious crimes and the people behind them, including stories of murder, mayhem, and even a serial killer that once terrorized the streets. The guide points out crime scenes and sites linked to these deadly stories, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue that appeals to fans of true crime stories and history buffs alike.
What sets this tour apart is its storytelling style—the guide doesn’t just list facts but weaves narratives that make history vivid and unsettling. The tour is well-reviewed, with visitors noting the engaging and knowledgeable narration. It’s a good fit if you’re looking for a more intense experience and want to see Greensboro from a different perspective. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for children or those faint of heart; the stories can be quite graphic.
Bottom Line: An engaging, slightly spooky walk that reveals the city’s most disturbing episodes, perfect for true crime fans and those curious about the city’s less glamorous side.
3. Greensboro: African American History Walking Tour
This tour, priced at $19 for an hour, offers a meaningful look at the challenges and achievements of Greensboro’s Black community. It explores landmarks such as the Historic Magnolia House, which served as a hotel for Black travelers during segregation, and tells stories of trailblazers and community leaders who shaped the city. An interesting highlight is the story of Kilimanjaro Coffee, a multi-million dollar company founded by African Americans that became a symbol of Black entrepreneurship.
While reviews are not available, the tour’s focus on African American history and culture makes it a valuable experience for travelers seeking to understand Greensboro’s diverse social fabric. It’s particularly suited for those interested in civil rights, local activism, and Black enterprise. The guide provides insights into both struggles and triumphs, emphasizing resilience and progress.
Bottom Line: A focused, enlightening walk that provides an essential perspective on Greensboro’s Black community and its contributions, perfect for history or civil rights enthusiasts.
4. Greensboro: Haunted Walking Tour
For $24, this tour offers approximately an hour of eerie stories and spooky sites, including the Carolina Theatre, reputedly haunted and central to many ghost stories. The tour also visits Exchange Place, where burial sites are rumored to lie beneath, adding a supernatural twist to Greensboro’s story. Led by a lively local guide, it combines local legends, ghostly tales, and the history behind various haunted locations.
What makes this tour special is its blend of storytelling and local lore, appealing to those who love a good ghost story mixed with historical context. The walking route is manageable and offers a fun, slightly chilling experience after dark. It’s suitable for families with older children or anyone interested in Greensboro’s spookier side. Keep in mind, the start times vary, so check availability early.
Bottom Line: A fun, atmospheric tour packed with ghost stories and haunted landmarks—a good choice for night owls and supernatural fans.
How to Choose
Selecting the right tour in Greensboro depends on your interests and how much time you have. If you want a broad overview of the city’s history, the Downtown Historic Walking Tour offers great value for a quick look at architecture and local stories. For those intrigued by true crime and darker tales, the True Crime Walking Tour delivers spine-tingling stories in a compact format. If understanding African American contributions is important to you, the African American History Tour provides a valuable, respectful look at civil rights and community achievements. Meanwhile, the Haunted Walking Tour suits night owls seeking spooky stories and ghostly encounters.
Consider your budget, interests, and schedule: all these tours are around $19-$24, making them accessible options to enrich your Greensboro visit. Book early, especially for popular evening tours like the haunted walk, to secure your spot.
Greensboro’s tour options reflect its diverse stories—from historic landmarks and civil rights to ghostly legends and crime tales. For history enthusiasts, the Downtown Historic Walking Tour is a must, while thrill-seekers will enjoy the eerie atmosphere of the Haunted Tour. Culture lovers interested in African American history should prioritize the African American Heritage Tour. Whatever your interest, early booking is recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on these engaging experiences.