Downtown Charleston

Rated 4.8 Stars, based on 1197 Reviews.

This Downtown Culinary Tour is provided by CHARLESTON CULINARY TOURS, the longest-running food tour company in Charleston. Visit four food establishments on this 2.5-hour tour that combines elements of a historical tour with a culinary adventure! Learn about Charleston's history as you enjoy tastings of traditional favorites and contemporary innovations, all of which highlight the cuisine of locally-owned restaurants. Insight into Lowcountry cuisine accompanies the broad range of samples on your food tour. This is our original tour around the French Quarter and City Market and focuses on the traditional flavors of the region.

Rated 4.6 Stars, based on 2569 Reviews.

On this twilight tour, discover where spirits are reported to linger in downtown Charleston.  A licensed guide will regale you with spooky tales from Charleston's long history as you pass haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels and even a dungeon! 

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 1126 Reviews.

On this historical Charleston tour, journey back in time as your guide reveals the beauty and charm of one of America's most historic cities. Learn about the history of Charleston and discover its pivotal role in American history with visits to more than 100 points of interest including Rainbow Row, Colonial Lake, the Old Exchange Building and Whitepoint Gardens. Upgrade to include a visit to the restored Joseph Manigault House, an early 19th-century plantation home or the Charleston Museum.

Come walk with us on The Ghosts of Charleston walking tour, leaving nightly from Buxton Books, Charleston’s independent bookstore located at 160 King Street. Our licensed guides are expert storytellers who lead you through centuries old alleys and paths while sharing stories and solid history from Julian Buxton’s best-selling book, The Ghosts of Charleston. The true tales of intrigue, tragedy, and lost love reveal a rich underside of Charleston’s character that isn’t apparent during the day. The highlight of your tour is our exclusive nighttime access to the 18th century Unitarian Church Graveyard, where you will experience something magical. The Ghosts of Charleston is Buxton Books’ signature and most popular book-based walking tour — a favorite of visitors and locals for over 27 years. *Travelers may select either a 1-hour Graveyard Only Tour or a 1.5-hour full Ghosts of Charleston tour which includes Unitarian Graveyard and tour of haunted downtown Charleston.

Embark on a captivating 1-Hour Daytime Palmetto Carriage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour through Charleston's historic downtown district. Explore the streets of this historic city with a licensed tour guide who will gladly answer questions and offer insight into what makes Charleston so unique. Discover the city's stunning houses, lush gardens, grand mansions, charming churches, and picturesque parks while learning about its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant flora. As the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, Palmetto Carriage Works has crafted an exceptional experience that combines knowledge, wit, and humor. This tour offers an exciting and dynamic exploration, seamlessly blending 19th-century conveyance with the charm of a 21st-century city. Don’t miss your chance to explore the “Holy City” in this unforgettable way!

Tour in comfort and safety as we show you the beauty of the Holy City. Let us do the driving as you relax and watch as 300 years of history pass by your window. Our guide will escort you and your group through the historic streets of Charleston. You will see the beautiful buildings and churches of the queen city of the south in air conditioned comfort.

Hear some of Charleston's most fascinating and terrifying ghost encounters, history and folklore from Mike Brown, Charleston native and host of the popular Pleasing Terrors Podcast, which has been featured on television and radio shows including the BBC, HGTV, Voice of America Radio and Destination America's Ghost Asylum and has been giving tours for over thirty years. Join Mike as he combines suspenseful storytelling with unparalleled knowledge of the hidden and often frightening stories lurking in Charleston's past and present. Every tour is given by Mike so you are guaranteed that the quality of the experience will match the reviews.

Enjoy this 4.5-hour tour of Magnolia Plantation and see the plantation has stood the test of time dating back to 1676. One of America's most important historical sights, you will travel in comfort on board an air conditioned coach. This tour is led by a knowledgeable and professional guide, that can transport you back in time.

Your pirate guide will lead the group on a 2.5-hour walking tour through historic downtown Charleston. You will begin and end at a bar, each housed in historic buildings with their own unique ghosts and stories. Guests will have time to purchase and enjoy a delicious libation as the guide tells them all about the fascinating history of Charleston and some of its most famous and creepy haunted stories! Please keep in mind that there will be a lot of walking between drinks stops where your guide will share the haunted history of several landmarks along the way. Per city law, Alcohol must NEVER be taken out of the bar. *Tour route and drink stops are subject to availability. *All guests must be 21+ with Valid ID. Alcohol is not included.

Join us for a memorable tour of the ground level of the Old City Jail, which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, 19th-century pirates, and Civil War prisoners. Located on Magazine Street downtown, the Old City Jail operated from 1802 until 1939, and has recently undergone renovation, leaving the first floor in keeping with its original design (with the welcomed addition of air conditioning). Bulldog Tours, exclusively, guides guests through the cells, hallways and places where Charleston’s earliest criminals lived. Get a glimpse of how the incarcerated were mistreated with primitive forms of torture while living in miserable conditions. Hear stories like the legend of Lavinia Fisher, the jail’s most famous inmate and first female serial killer. Since Bulldog's first tour of this storied place in 2004, guests have returned again and again to make their own discoveries about what has transpired in this historic site. PLEASE NOTE THIS TOUR IS FOR 10 AND UP ONLY.

Experience the beauty and history of downtown Charleston from underneath the awning of a horse drawn carriage. Listen to the rich stories told by your engaging guide as you are lead through a time of revolution and splendor. This relaxing 1-hour, fully narrated group tour leads you through the quaint and charming streets of downtown Charleston. You will see beautiful gardens and parks, stately mansions, historic churches and buildings all the while learning about the people and events that shaped the history of this "Holy City". Tours depart approximately every 30 minutes beginning at 9:30am and your specific start time will be assigned to you upon check-in.

Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.

This 2-hour, walking tour explores Charleston's Historic District by visiting the streets of the French Quarter and the residential area "South of Broad". Hear the stories of Charleston's founding, see historic homes and churches and view the city architecture. Learn the story of this beautiful city—from its first settlers to today.

Discover the shoreline landmarks of the oldest and largest city in South Carolina on this cruise of the Charleston Harbor. Pass important Civil War sites including Fort Sumter & Castle Pinckney, stately antebellum homes along the Battery, and an aircraft carrier from World War II. Enjoy fresh air and harbor views as you learn about Charleston’s rich history and well-known residents from a certified Guide. Friendly dolphin often accompany the boats. * Daytime Harbor Cruises depart from Aquarium Wharf or Patriots Point (Specific departure locations must be selected at checkout).

On this historical Charleston tour, journey back in time as your guide reveals the beauty and charm of one of America's most historic cities. Learn about the history of Charleston and discover its pivotal role in American history with visits to more than 100 points of interest including Rainbow Row, Colonial Lake, the Old Exchange Building and Whitepoint Gardens.  Bonus: Included with your City Tour is admission to America's first museum, The Charleston Museum located in downtown Charleston. Make your way there for a self-guided tour of this popular attraction.

Discover the history of Downtown Charleston by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone, leading you to new places and amazing stories. Play the engaging exploration game, playing as the brother of the once-governor – murdered by “the Black Thumb”. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore St. Philip’s Church, Dock Street Theatre, The Fire Station, and other lesser-known places. • Enjoy a unique story brought to you by our talented writers. • Learn about the fascinating story of Rainbow Row. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game and a treasure hunt. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

Walk, talk and taste your way through historic Charleston South Carolina. This small-group 2.5-hour tour will immerse you in the history and culture of the Lowcountry and allow you to experience a remarkable culinary scene in downtown Charleston.  Stops along the way will include many of the city’s leading restaurants through out the city. Typical tastings include: stone ground grits, Southern pralines, sweet tea, collard greens, Lowcountry barbeque, and fried green tomatoes. ***PLEASE NOTE: If there are any food allergies in your party, we must know at least 48 hours in advance or some restaurants may not be able to accommodate. We also can't guarantee there will be a substitution at every location due to some allergies.

Experience Charleston’s dark side on this haunted horse-drawn carriage ride. Wander through historic neighborhoods, where centuries-old homes whisper secrets of their past inhabitants. Hear chilling tales of tragic events, restless spirits, and the mysteries that linger in the air. Your certified tour guide, steeped in local lore, will share spine-tingling stories of the city’s haunted sites, including eerie graveyards and spectral sightings. Discover why Charleston is known as one of the most haunted cities in America! Begin your haunted tour at the Big Red Barn, just one block off of Market Street in the heart of downtown Charleston. Your journey will take you past some of Charleston’s most talked about haunted sites, including cemeteries, churches and historic buildings. Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, this tour promises to leave you captivated by Charleston’s legends and rich history. The tour concludes back at the Big Red Barn; your original departure point.

Charleston's past is alive and vibrant, waiting to be discovered around every corner. Go at your own pace, anytime, 24/7/365 on this smartphone guided (app/gps) walking tour. On this tour you’ll see Charleston’s historic downtown, including the famous Rainbow Row, The battery, multiple alley ways, hidden gems, a hidden entranceway to a famous graveyard, 2 parks, statues and so much more! Along the way you’ll learn the stories of the holy city, the people, the civil war, the battery, GW, Edgar Allan Poe, the history of the buildings, the streets, the fences and the city’s soul. If you like to wonder the streets and wonder what’s the history of this tour, then this tour is for you. Charlestonians are known for taking it slow, and so should you. This tour is designed to go at your own pace. Stop anytime to explore more and continue when you are ready. The tour never expires, and you can take it as many times as you want!

Explore historic Middleton Place on this all-inclusive 5-hour excursion from downtown Charleston, SC. Home to two of America's Founding Fathers and boasting the oldest landscaped gardens in the country, Middleton Place is a must-see for those seeking to be immersed in American history and culture.  This exclusive tour includes round-trip transportation from Charleston aboard a luxury, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enjoy scenic views through the plantation's Gardens; a Narrated 45-min House Museum Tour; and self-guided tours through the Plantation Chapel, Butterfly Lakes, Plantation Stable Yards, Eliza's House, and the Museum Shop & Garden Market. Don't forget the Low Country lunch at Middleton Place Restaurant. Selection includes she crab soup, shrimp & grits, fried chicken, pulled pork, sides or a salad, and dessert. Guarantee your seat on this popular luxury tour to Middleton Place by booking today.