The 2 Best Walking Tours in Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina, is a city full of surprises. Its charming downtown, delicious eateries, and even a few ghostly legends make it an ideal place for walking tours that go beyond the usual sightseeing. What sets Greenville apart is its walkable layout and the way small tours highlight specific passions—food, history, and even the paranormal. Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample local bites, a history enthusiast intrigued by ghost stories, or just looking for a lively way to explore, Greenville offers options that are engaging, authentic, and full of local flavor.
If you want to get a real sense of the city’s culinary scene or test your nerve with tales of ghosts and spirits, this guide will walk you through the two top-rated options. Both tours are about two hours long, but each offers a very different experience—one fills your belly, the other fills your curiosity. To help you decide, we’ve broken down what makes each tour unique and who it’s best suited for.
Quick Overview
Greenville’s top walking tours focus on food and paranormal experiences. The Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast combines delicious tastings at top eateries with insider info on Greenville’s food scene, ideal for culinary lovers. Meanwhile, the Paranormal Walking Tour by Greenville Ghost Tours offers a spooky exploration of Greenville’s haunted spots, perfect for those interested in ghost stories and paranormal activity.
1. Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast
For around $80 per person, this small-group walking tour offers a flavorful way to start your day exploring Greenville. It’s perfect for food lovers who want more than just a bite—they want a full breakfast experience. The tour features tastings at three top eateries, including a creperie, a Southern biscuit shop, and a spot serving French-style French toast. Along the way, your guide shares behind-the-scenes insights into Greenville’s culinary scene, including a mention of a Food Network-featured destination.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on farm-to-table fare, local favorites, and southern staples, all combined with a relaxed 2-hour walk through downtown. The itinerary begins at Crepe du Jour for French crepes with eggs or bacon and mimosas, then moves on to enjoy Southern biscuits with gravy, and wraps up with homemade challah French toast with sausage, coffee, and fresh fruit. Guests consistently praise the guide Faye, who combines her knowledge of Greenville’s history with her enthusiasm for food.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to taste a variety of breakfast dishes while seeing more of Greenville’s streets. The inclusive tastings make it a good value for the price, especially considering the quality and quantity of food. Keep in mind, alcoholic drinks like mimosas are included, but other beverages are separate.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a hearty, well-rounded breakfast paired with local stories—perfect if you’re a foodie or enjoy a leisurely, social start to your day.
2. Paranormal Walking Tour by Greenville Ghost Tours
This Paranormal Walking Tour is priced at $35 per person and lasts about two hours. Led by members of the Truth Searchers: Paranormal Investigators, it offers a unique chance to explore Greenville’s darker side. Unlike typical ghost tours, you’ll actually become a ghost hunter, trying to capture anomalies like orbs, EVPs, and EMF readings. The tour mixes storytelling, comedy, performance art, and occasional magic tricks, making it a lively adventure.
The tour covers a 90-minute walk through downtown Greenville, starting at the Chihuly Sculpture on University Street. You’ll visit haunted spots, including cemeteries and historic buildings, and learn about the city’s eerie legends. The guides are experienced investigators, and many participants enjoy trying their hand at paranormal tools. Several reviews highlight how much fun the tour is—“Isaac was very knowledgeable and fun,” one reviewer states—along with the fact that it sparked renewed interest in Greenville’s ghost stories.
While this tour has a lower rating (3.5/5), it’s still a popular choice for those interested in the supernatural or in a more interactive experience. It’s especially suitable for groups or anyone curious about the paranormal, but may be less appealing if you prefer a more traditional storytelling approach.
Bottom Line: This tour is a lively, slightly humorous way to explore Greenville’s ghostly side—great for thrill-seekers or those who enjoy a good story with a dash of spooky fun.
How to Choose
Deciding between these two tours depends on your interests and how you prefer to experience Greenville. If you love food and want a relaxed, flavorful start to your day, the Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast offers delicious tastings and local insights. For a more adventurous, spooky experience, the Paranormal Walking Tour provides a fun, interactive way to learn about Greenville’s haunted sites.
Budget-wise, the ghost tour is more affordable and slightly shorter, making it ideal for travelers on a tighter schedule. The breakfast tour, though pricier, includes more substantial food and a deeper dive into Greenville’s culinary scene. Consider your interest—whether it’s in food, haunted tales, or both—when choosing the right experience. Booking early can ensure you get a spot, especially during peak seasons when Greenville’s downtown is bustling.
Final Thoughts
Greenville offers a variety of walking tours that cater to different interests. For a tasty, social morning, the Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast provides a delightful way to sample local flavors while learning about the city. On the other hand, those intrigued by ghost stories and paranormal investigations will find the Paranormal Walking Tour a fun, slightly spooky adventure.
Both tours are excellent choices—one for foodies, the other for ghost hunters—so consider your priorities and maybe even try both if time allows. Greenville’s walkable streets and vibrant scene make these tours a memorable part of any visit. Be sure to book ahead, especially during busy months, and enjoy the stories, flavors, and mysteries that make Greenville a special place to explore on foot.