Walking Tours in Charleston

The oldest destination in South Carolina, Charleston, is littered with historic monuments that tell the city’s tumultuous past, from its Colonial beginnings to its enslaved African-American community and everything in between.

One of the best ways to introduce yourself to this cultural hotspot is through a walking tour in Charleston. These excursions aim to educate you on South Carolina’s roots, transporting you back in time to see the city in a new light.

Here's your guide to walking tours, one of the most insightful sightseeing excursions in Charleston.

What are the best walking tours in Charleston?

Walking tour in Charleston

Walking tours in Charleston typically cover the city’s colorful history, which stretches back over 300 years.

You’ll wander through the French Quarter — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — viewing the neighborhood’s most spectacular attractions, including St. Philip’s Church, which features a lofty steeple designed by the Gothic Revival architect, Edward Brickell White.

You’ll also see the French Huguenot Church, which is the only church dedicated to this form of Protestantism in North America, as well as the Pink House Gallery — the city’s oldest home that today serves as a museum.

No Charleston walking tour is complete without a trip to the Old Slave Mart Museum where visitors can explore the sinister history of African American enslavement in the United States, which was abolished in 1865.

Moving on, you’ll make your way to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon where American prisoners of war, British soldiers and slaves were all jailed during the American Revolutionary War. The final highlight of this excursion is Rainbow Row — a street lined with 13 candy-colored houses, which date back to the Colonial era.

Hidden alleyways and historic sites walking tour in Charleston

This hidden alleyways walking tour in Charleston covers many of the same attractions as on other tours, such as St. Philip’s Church, which serves the Episcopal community, Rainbow Row and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.

Alongside these tourist hotspots, you’ll also discover alternative destinations often missing from city tour itineraries, including Philadelphia Alley — one of Charleston’s nine hidden alleyways.

This narrow street is full of historic charm and served as the location of American singer Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” music video. Another sight on this tour is the Heyward-Washington House, the former home of Thomas Heyward Jr. — one of the four signers of the United States Declaration of Independence.

While today, the building serves as a museum showcasing locally made furniture, the house accommodated the first president of the U.S., George Washington, during his stay in the city in 1791.

Lastly, you’ll visit the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, which backs onto the scenic Charleston Harbor and features a pineapple-shaped water fountain — a symbol of the city’s hospitality.

Night-time ghost tour in Charleston

Those who wish to add a little more spice to their walking excursion in Charleston can opt for a ghost tour that focuses on the city’s paranormal activity.

Rather than diving into the history of Charleston that is covered on other excursions, you’ll head to attractions famed for their ghost sightings and supernatural happenings.

These landmarks include Poogan’s Porch, a restaurant that is said to be haunted by the friendly ghost of Poogan — a dog that was left behind at the building by his original owner.

Charleston Library Society is another destination that will interest all ghost enthusiasts, featuring more than 2,000 pieces of literature donated by Confederate soldier, William Godber Hinson, the ghost of whom can still be seen roaming the library.

Head to Philadelphia Alley — also known as Duelers’ Alley for the deathly bullets that were fired between Ladd and Isaacs, two friends who became engaged in a quarrel during 1786.

The last spot on this spooky tour is St. Michael’s Church, said to be haunted by the ghost of a bell ringer and his bride.

Black history walking tour in Charleston

This Charleston guided walk take you through the black history of the city, which travels back to the first half of the 16th century when a Spanish expedition landed in the region that would later become South Carolina, carrying African passengers.

The African-American history of Charleston is troubled, with slavery affecting the community for more than 200 years, between 1619 and 1865.

As well as the obvious tales of black struggles in the city, your guide will fill you in on some of the fascinating stories that have been lost over time, providing a captivating experience for anyone interested in history and culture.

Holiday decorations and history walking tour in Charleston

If you find yourself in South Carolina during the festive season, indulge your inner child in a holiday-themed walking tour in Charleston.

On these excursions, you’ll visit some of the city’s most significant destinations, including the Four Corners of Law, where you’ll discover several historic landmarks, such as St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the Charleston County Courthouse.

On top of visiting these prime tourist hotspots, you’ll also stroll the city’s web of streets admiring the twinkling lights that cover Charleston’s houses, shops and monuments.

Feel your festive cup being filled as you marvel at the magical displays of decorations that litter the city, featuring wreaths, reindeer, Santa and everything in between.

You’ll also step inside the Edmondston-Alston House, which is known for its spectacular decorations throughout the holiday season and offers panoramic views across Charleston’s Harbor.

Which places are visited?

Old Slave Mart Museum

The Old Slave Mart Museum was built in 1859 and is believed to be the last slave auction facility constructed before the practice was outlawed in 1865.

During the period of more than 200 years that slavery was rife throughout the U.S., up to 40% of slaves entered into the country through Charleston, numbering up to 200,000 in total.

As such, the destination was a hotspot for trading and today, the site houses a museum that allows visitors to gain an insight into the African American history of Charleston.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the city’s history and its museum is one of the most popular attractions in Charleston.

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon was built over a 5-year spell between 1767 and 1771.

While it has served many purposes over the last 250 years, the building’s most notorious use was as a prisoner-of-war facility run briefly by British troops during the American Revolutionary War.

The site has also served as a customs house and public meeting place, and today is home to a museum operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

What is the cost of walking tours in Charleston?

Basic walking tours in Charleston operate in groups capped at 20 participants and cost just over US$20 per adult. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 cost just over US$10 each while those under 4 can participate for free.

Ghost tours in Charleston cost just under US$30 per adult and run in groups of 20 guests. Children are classed as those between 6 and 14, and cost between US$10 and US$20 each.

If you wish to participate in a tour of Charleston’s hidden alleyways and historic sites, you’ll pay just over US$30 per adult, and be part of a small group, limited to 13 travelers. Children under 7 can join this excursion for free.

The cost of a black history walking tour in Charleston is between US$30 and US$40 for adults, classed as those aged 13, and above.

Members of the American Automobile Association benefit from a small discount, reducing their ticket to US$30 each. Seniors aged 65 and over, members of the military, and first responders also qualify for this discount, while students with appropriate identification cost between US$20 and US$30 each. Children under 13 cost just over US$20 each.

Festive walking tours in Charleston are available throughout December and cost between US$30, and US$40 per adult. Children aged 4 to 12 benefit from a reduced rate of between US$20 and US$30 while those under 4 incur no additional fee.

What do the tours include?

Walking tours in Charleston typically include the services of a local guide who will lead you through the city, visiting various landmarks and filling you in on their history.

Some excursions, such as Christmas tours, visit paid attractions, the admission of which may be included in the overall price.

Alternatively, hidden alleyway walks include admission to the Powder Magazine Museum, which you can visit at your leisure after the tour.

Where do walking tours start?

Walking tours in Charleston begin at a wide range of recognizable landmarks across the city,  including the Old Exchange and Washington Square Park.

Alternatively, you may meet your guide at a prominent hotel that is easy for travelers to locate.

Either way, you’ll be able to find out the exact meeting point of your chosen excursion ahead of time, enabling you to plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation in advance.

Charleston is home to an extensive network of public buses, which help you to navigate its maze of streets easily.

How long do they last?

Typically, walking tours in Charleston last between 1.5 and 2 hours, making them an easy activity to slip into any itinerary. In most cases, you can choose between various time slots on your chosen date, providing even more flexibility to time-poor travelers.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Charleston?

The best time for a walking tour in Charleston is typically during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather in Charleston is usually mild and comfortable, making it ideal for walking tours. This is a stark contrast to the hot and humid summer months, which can be quite challenging for outdoor activities.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Several walking tours in Charleston are wheelchair accessible, including holiday-themed excursions and ghost tours. However, others, such as standard walking tours and those that include the city’s hidden alleyways are not suitable for wheelchair users.

You can find out the accessibility of any excursion by consulting its booking page. In some cases, you may need to contact the provider directly to see if they can cater to any additional needs you may have.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Charleston?

• Horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston
• Charleston city tours
• Boat tours in Charleston
• Charleston food tours

Travel tips

• Check the weather forecast in advance and dress appropriately.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Charleston's historic streets can be uneven and cobblestoned.
• Stay hydrated, especially if you're not used to walking long distances.
• Book in advance if you're planning to join a guided tour, as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist months.