Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, parasols) and rain gear
We HIGHLY recommend guests bring bottled water. It is not always available for purchase on the route
We ask guests to check in at the meeting location 5-10 mins prior to tour time. We cannot hold for latecomers.
What To Expect
St. Philip's Church
View the historic church of the longest-meeting congregation in Charleston.
French Huguenot Church
View the only church of its denomination in North America
Options
Highlights tour
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Not included in your ticket price are any parking fees if you choose to drive to your tour. Gratuity is optional, but gratefully accepted.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,280 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Deep, Provocative History lesson
patrickpC7881II,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing learning experience about the history of Charleston from an incredible guide. He provided an unfiltered understanding of the history of Charleston and the legacy of slavery in the south. I would highly recommend this for anyone with an interest in gaining a better understanding of this area's and our country's history beyond what we are "taught" in school.
Fantastic, and knowledgeable. Frames historical facts in ways that are relevant to current environment
F131DJjoeg,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill is extremely knowledgeable. Best tour I’ve ever taken
Informative historical city tour served with an opinionated take
ICTStephanie,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our guide was clearly very knowledgeable about a wide variety of current and historical topics related to the city and region. However, the members of my group left this tour feeling like his strong personal biases were a distraction to our overall experience. In the end, I'd say I learned a good deal about the history of the area and I'm sure none of us will soon forget his brash take on smacking us in the faces with the negative aspects of Charleston's past and present. I would specifically recommend avoiding this tour if you have strong right-leaning opinions.
Super informative
I3961DArachaelp,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very informative and honest about the city.
Bill was filled with...
James B,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bill was filled with knowledge of the history of Charleston as well as a love of Charleston. The walk was not too strenuous and he attempted to keep us in the shade as much as possible, thankfully. We enjoyed his tour and would recommend it for those who would like to hear a portion of Charleston’s past.
Outstanding
623frederickf,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastically interesting guide
Worth every penny of the tour.
stephaniegW6234RY,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill is more than knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. We throughly appreciated his true honesty about the history of Charleston, slavery, the whitewashing of Charleston's history. I look forward to returning to Charleston and booking Oyster Point, again, and learning more from Bill. Highly recommend.
Unvarnished Perspective on Charleston / US History
Jim P,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bill was a great guide not only taking us to key historic sites around Charleston, but sharing things about Charleston and US history that they don't teach us in school or in most history books. He will flex to what you are comfortable with but will also challenge what you think you know. Bill took us to the last remaining slave auction house museum in Charleston that very few other tour groups will take you to. My wife and I will continue to ponder and process what we learned from.Bill even after we get back home. Highly recommend!
tour
Lisa S,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Take this tour. You will get an unfiltered truth of the history of Charlston with Bill. He is enthusiastic and passionate. It is not your average tour.
Take this tour.
Speed S,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are looking for a tour based on the unvarnished truth of the matter, this tour is for you. Knowledgeable/passionate guide.
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Operated by Oyster Point Historic Tours