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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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)
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
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 & Joseph Manigault
Tour & Joseph Manigault Combo: UPGRADE: This is the Historical Sightseeing Bus Tour with Admission included 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.
Reviews
1,350 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Kirsten H,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Josh was an amazing guide. He was very informative and engaging, it didn’t feel like 90 minutes, it felt like a short drive with a good friend showing you the area. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good tour.
No "wow!" Factor, Just Average
LibraryLady328,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Maybe this is my own personal bias, but I don't enjoy a guided tour that is HEAVILY filled with names and dates as this one was. Granted, there is a lot of history in Charleston, but it can be effectively told with more attention to experiences and stories that people may actually remember. Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable, but at times he seemed like a human encyclopedia reciting numbers rather than imparting the unique flavor and spirit of Charleston. He did share interesting and memorable bits a few times, such as the story of the primitive Hunley submarine and some architectural details of Charleston houses that aren't commonly known. He also drove us through the grounds of The Citadel and explained its unique operation, which we really enjoyed. So there were some good aspects of this tour. But two of the most devastating events in Charleston's history were barely mentioned: the 1886 earthquake and Hurricane Hugo, both of which had huge impacts on the city. The price of the tour was reasonable, the bus was clean, and the driver was friendly and polite. But I feel our overall experience was just average. If you've never been to Charleston, you may get something from it. I hope you have a different guide.
The driver was difficult...
Marnie F,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The driver was difficult to hear and understand. The tour was fast and we really felt that we didn't get to see or learn enough of Charleston. We would not recommend this tour.
We loved it. Our guide...
Katherine S,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved it. Our guide was great, tons of interesting stories and information, really great way to get familiar with Charleston
Wedding trip
Sandra H,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, took a bus tour of historic downtown Charleston. Beautiful city, friendly people. Attending my granddaughters wedding Saturday.
Comfortable and Informative
John O,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Driver / Tour Guide was knowledgeable and gave a great history of Downtown Charleston. Tour Bus was clean and comfortable.
Very informative
U6856IFjudithh,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and tour guide - John C
A beautiful Sunday afternoon!
Jeffrey G,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour guide was fantastic and he was quite hilarious. But he shared so much knowledge of the city. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
Day 1 of our trip
Joyce R,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our driver, John was very informative and professional. Also, he was very helpful when our 10:00 tour was cancelled without our knowledge- he rescheduled us onto his 10:30 tour which we enjoyed. He was an excellent driver!
Charleston’s tourist industry is a highlight of the city and for good reason!
Lynne S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide was superb, coach was adequate, information was at the appropriate level and very amusing. The visitor center is amazing! Knowledgeable people, great ambience, wonderful shop.
From US$29.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Gray Line Charleston