11 BEST Charleston Walking Tours (2024)
Abby and Sam Price
Looking for the best Charleston walking tours to explore more of the city?
Charleston, South Carolina is home to a rich history, beautiful southern charm, and phenomenal restaurants and shopping.
One way to experience all that Charleston has to offer is by going on one of the best Charleston walking tours!
Having visited the city on numerous occasion and having embarked on countless excursions, we can attest to how awesome walking tours are in Charleston.
Below you will find a list of the best Charleston walking tours so that you can go ahead and book your tour to see more of this charming city!
Top 3 Picks: Best Charleston Walking Tours
🌟 #1 Pick: 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Learn the history behind the town
- Visit popular sites like the French Quarter and Rainbow Row
- 2 Hours Long
👉🏼 Book your 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour here!
⭐️ #2 Pick: Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
- Learn the history behind the town
- Enjoy lunch paired with wine
- 4 hours long
👉🏼 Click here to book your Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class!
⭐️ #3 Pick: Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
- Hear haunted stories about the city
- After-hours access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard
- 1 hour and 30 minutes in length
👉🏼 Be sure to click here to book your spooky Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard!
The Best Charleston Walking Tours:
Below I have highlighted the best Charleston walking tours to enjoy on your next getaway.
1. 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour – Best Historic Walking Tour Charleston
Looking for the best historic walking tour of Charleston? Look no further!
This tour will take you through some of the most historic and popular districts in Charleston.
Meanwhile, your guide will teach you all about the rich history and landmarks as you pass by.
This tour is 2 hours in length, making it long enough to see various sites but short enough to keep your attention!
You will discover and visit notable areas along your way such as the French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and gain fantastic views of Fort Sumter too.
If you are looking to gain some knowledge and learn the history behind the fascinating city of Charleston, this tour should be #1 on your list.
👉🏼 Click here to book your 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour!
2. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class – Best Charleston Walking Food Tour
Experience the rich history and impeccable food that Charleston has to offer on this Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class.
This is sure to be a memorable experience for you to learn more about the history of Charleston but also take away some key points on southern cuisine.
This experience begins with a 90 minute walking tour as you learn about the deep history behind Charleston’s southern cuisine and its roots.
From there you will watch a cooking demonstration by a local chef in the area.
But you aren’t finished yet, after the demonstration is over, you will enjoy a lunch paired with wine to really take in and admire the cuisine!
For foodies out there that love to indulge in different cuisines, this Charleston walking food tour is meant for you!
👉🏼 Check out this link to book your Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class today!
3. Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard – Best Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tour
Looking for something unique and spooky? The Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard should be on your Charleston bucket list!
Charleston, South Carolina is known as one of America’s most haunted ghost towns and this tour will show you just that.
On this 1 hour and 30 minute tour, you will dive into the haunted history behind Charleston and learn about the supernatural activity that takes place at many local sites including the Unitarian Church Graveyard.
Your tour guide will draw you in as they describe the unusual activity that takes place in Charleston and share historical stories of the ghosts that haunt these grounds.
If you are searching for something unique to do when visiting Charleston, SC… look no further.
This tour will keep you on your toes and you will gain tremendous insight on Charleston’s spooky roots.
👉🏼 Be sure to click here to book your Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard!
4. The Best of Charleston: History, Culture & Architecture Tour – Best Charleston Architecture Tour
Are you enchanted by the architecture behind the city of Charleston?
This tour will guide you to some of the most historic buildings in the city and will teach you about the various history and architecture behind the notable structures.
This tour is 2 hours in length and is perfect for those history and architecture lovers!
👉🏼 Be sure to click here to book your The Best of Charleston: History, Culture, & Architecture Tour experience!
5. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston
Looking to discover one of the oldest tourist sites and public gardens in the United States?
The Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston is a great option to learn more about Charleston’s history, plantation life, and walk through one the most spectacular gardens.
This tour will pick you up and drop you back off in downtown Charleston.
Additionally, this tour includes the drive out to Magnolia Plantation where you will hear stories and history about the plantation, a walking tour of the garden, a tram ride around the plantation, and a tour of the house sitting on the property.
If you are looking to learn a tremendous amount about Charleston and its plantation roots, this tour is for you!
👉🏼 Check out this link to book your Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston!
6. Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk
Experience delicious craft beer and hoppy pints on this incredible Charleston History and Hops Tour!
If you love to learn more about the destinations you visit and you are a craft beer fan, this is the perfect walking tour for you!
This tour is about 2 hours in length and you begin your experience at a local pub.
It is important to note, that beer is not included in the price of this tour and that the focus of this tour is on the history aspect with a “side” of craft beer!
This tour is a fun and unique way to taste some of Charleston’s craft brews and learn more about the history of this southern city.
👉🏼 Click here to book your Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk!
7. Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways & Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate, walking tour… this is the perfect fit for you!
Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour was designed to keep the atmosphere quaint and friendly.
This tour was designed to show you the “hidden gems” of Charleston and take you to some of the lesser known alleys and historic sites paired with some of the more popular attractions such as Rainbow Row too!
This Charleston walking tour is about 2 hours in length and will guide you through some of Charleston’s hidden gems.
👉🏼 Book your Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways & Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour here!
8. Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
Are you looking for a small food tour experience that will highlight Charleston’s southern cuisine and abundant history?
The Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour was designed for small groups to indulge in local foods and learn more about the enchanting city of Charleston.
This food tour is about 2 hours and 30 minutes in length and your tour guide will escort you through a local Charleston cuisine experience where you will try local flavors and dishes.
👉🏼 Click here to book your Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour experience!
9. Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
Are you looking for a thrilling experience that will keep you alert and on your toes? The Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour is led by the podcast host, Mike Brown, who is the host of Pleasing Terrors.
On this 90 minute haunted walking tour, you will listen to stories told by Mike Brown about the spooky activity and encounters that have occurred throughout the Charleston area.
If you are searching for something unique and riveting, be sure to check out this experience!
👉🏼 Be sure to book your Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour here!
10. Downtown Charleston Food Tour
During the Downtown Charleston Food Tour you will experience and taste the local flavors that this southern city has to offer.
This tour is designed for smaller groups and is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes in length.
During this tour your guide will escort you to four different local restaurants where you will be able to try local dishes and learn the history behind Charleston’s cuisine!
👉🏼 Click this link to book your Downtown Charleston Food Tour today!
11. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
As the name suggests, this Charleston guided walking tour takes you throughout the city of Charleston and will hit the highlights that Charleston is known for!
The main goal of this tour is to touch on the historic sites and landmarks for first time visitors to the area!
This tour is two hours in length and will take you to popular sites such as the French Quarter and South of Broad.
If you are looking to grasp an overall quick history of Charleston, this tour should be your pick!
👉🏼 Check out this link to book your Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour!
Top Tips to Enjoy The Best Walking Tours Charleston SC:
There are countless tips to take into consideration when going on a walking tour.
Check out our curated list of tips and tricks below so that you have an optimal experience on your tour!
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – We recommend wearing a comfortable pair of tennis shoes since you will be on your feet for a while.
- Check the weather in advance – Be prepared for the weather! If it is calling for sunshine and warm temperatures, prepare accordingly and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
- Bring your phone, camera, and wallet – These should probably go without saying but make sure to pack your essentials!
FAQs About Charleston Walking Tours
Continue reading below as I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the best Charleston walking tours.
How much is a walking tour Charleston?
The cost of a Charleston walking tour typically ranges around $25-$35.
However, the price of a walking tour can be lower or higher depending on what type of tour you are interested in and if the tour includes food, beverages, and transportation.
Do your own walking tour of Charleston?
It is very possible to do your own walking tour of Charleston! If you would rather do your own tour, we strongly recommend stopping by the French Quarter and Rainbow Row.
However, we strongly recommend taking one of the guided walking tours because they know so much of the rich history behind the city and are able to take you through the city with ease.
What should I not miss in Charleston SC?
There are countless things you should not miss while exploring Charleston, South Carolina.
- Make sure that you stop by Rainbow Row and take in the vibrant colors of the buildings.
- Another area that you should not miss is the Joe Riley Waterfront Park. This park is absolutely stunning and filled with beautiful walkways and water fountains. Plus, you gain some beautiful views of the ocean and this park is a great area to catch sunrise or sunset.
- Indulge in one of the fantastic restaurants and bars in the area. We recommend Magnolias, Poogan’s Porch, and Hank’s Seafood Restaurant.
- Lastly, be sure to visit the French Quarter district of Charleston for its rich history.
Can you walk around downtown Charleston?
YES! It is so easy to walk around downtown Charleston.
We recommend stopping by one of the many restaurants, bars, and shops while you are exploring downtown.
Be sure to bring your phone or a camera to snag beautiful pictures of this charming town.
What is the prettiest street in Charleston?
The prettiest street in Charleston has to be Broad Street, East Bay Street, King Street or Tradd Street.
Each one of these streets is unique, vibrant, and full of southern charm.
Is Charleston Historic District walkable?
Yes, Charleston Historic District is very walkable!
In fact, that is how we recommend you explore the area so that you can take your time and truly grasp the area.
Overall Thoughts: Best Charleston Walking Tours
Charleston is one of the most spectacular cities in the south. It is rich in history, charm, and serves up some phenomenal cuisine and has a tremendous amount of shopping.
If you are visiting Charleston for the first time or if you are visiting the area again, we strongly recommend that you embark on one of the many Charleston walking tours so that you can gain knowledge and insight into this beautiful city!
If you are searching for the best option, we recommend the 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour!
This is the perfect tour to get to know the city in a short amount of time and learn all about Charleston’s rich history.
For similar posts, be sure to check out The Best Boat Tours in Charleston. Happy Exploring!
