Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Gray Line of Charleston
Enjoy a guided tour of Charleston by mini-coach and learn about the city’s significant history. With your professional guide, explore the former city walls; visit the famous Battery Waterfront district; and stop at Charleston’s picturesque Battery Sea Wall for closer views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter and Patriots Point. This tour will entertain you with more than 300 years of Charleston’s rich history, from the American Revolution to the Civil War and beyond. Learn from your guide about the city’s pivotal role in America's history with visits to famous sites such as Rainbow Row, Colonial Lake, the Old Exchange Building and Whitepoint Gardens. You'll also see St Phillips Episcopal Church, the Public Market and more than 100 other points of interest. It's a great comprehensive overview of this charming historical city! Upgrade: Charleston Tour with a visit to the Joseph Manigault House:Upgrade your tour to include a visit to the restored Joseph Manigault House, a historic Charleston home constructed in 1803. Designed by architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother, Joseph, this 3-story, Federal-style brick townhouse reflects the lifestyle of the wealthy 19th-century rice-planting family and slaves who lived there. Explore this National Historic Landmark with your guide and discover why it’s considered one of the city’s most elegant and historically significant buildings in the city.
Joseph Manigault House
Visit the Joseph Manigault House (if upgrade option purchased at checkout)
Options
City Bus Tour Only
City Bus Tour: This is the Historical Sightseeing Bus Tour only - other check-out options also include Admission to the Joseph Manigault House.
Bus Tour & Charleston Museum
City Tour & Charleston Museum: UPGRADE: This option includes Charleston City Bus Tour with Admission to the Charleston Museum.
Bus Tour & Joseph Manigault
Tour & Joseph Manigault Combo: UPGRADE: This is the Historical Sightseeing Bus Tour with Admission included to the Joseph Manigault House.
What‘s Included
Optional upgrade to include Admission to Charleston Museum
90-minute Narrated Historic Mini-Coach Tour of Charleston
Optional upgrade to include Admission to Joseph Manigault House
Professional Driver/Guide
See over 100 Points of Interest including Rainbow Row, Old Exchange Building and Whitepoint Gardens
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,375 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Charleston history tour
Teresa K,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00We felt cheated. The driver was knowledgeable and nice but talked fast and added commentary about construction, road issues etc. Plus a strong gasoline smell occurred in the bus and he cut trip short to get it checked out.
Best experience!!
jsC8878SQ,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had such a great experience with Gray Line Tours!! They were accommodating, communicative, and hospitable! I ended up being the ONLY one signed up for the Magnolia Plantation Tour yesterday and normally they don’t take just one person. However, the bus driver, Scott, decided he’d still take me. He was amazing!!! He gave me so much history and info before even getting to the plantation. He gave me pointers and thoughts on how to make the most of my time too. Southern hospitality at its finest!! He also gave me a dinner recommendation for my final night which turned into one of the best dining experiences of my time in Charleston!! Scott - THANK YOU for making my day and being so generous with your time! You went above and beyond and I’m so thankful!!
Awesome Tour of Charleston
pamdavis268,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great tour of beautiful Charleston! John C. was our tour guide and he was fantastic…personable, friendly and full of great history info, all the while professionally navigating the challenging traffic on some roads. It was fun and we felt like we got to know so much about this gorgeous city!
Nice. Very knowledgeable...
Nick R,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice. Very knowledgeable of the history and of the area. Suggested other places to see and how to get there
History Tour
Carol H,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Complete History tour of Charleston. The guide is informative and entertaining. We highly recommend it.
Comfortable ride in the heat!
Gemma F,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history and how drive down the narrow streets! Comfortable ride in an air conditioned bus vs being in the heat!
Very informative and...
Amy R,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and friendly driver / guide. It is a great activity to do at the beginning of your vacation so you can get an overview of what you want to come back to.
Superb short tour
BigFur,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed the tour and John C. was very knowledgeable and friendly guide.
No show
Deborah K,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour was cancelled without notification to me Went with Adventure. Please credit my account asap.
Met expectations given...
Gregory C,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Met expectations given the short timeframe...driver was efficient and courteous. We would recommend it.
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Operated by Gray Line Charleston