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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
Options
Highlights tour
Reviews
2,255 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour of Charleston.
M3349BDandyc,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with a brilliant guide. Time flew by as we were immersed in the local history. William is very entertaining with accurate in depth insight into the world we occupy as reflected in Charlestons contributions to it, both good and horrifying.
Great tour!
Anthie M,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed touring Charleston with Bill Harris as our guide. Not only was he knowledgeable about the various sites we visited, he was personable and witty. He is a real historian who possesses a great love for this beautiful & charming city.
Historical Accuracy & Led by An Historian
U9435KMjeans,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I chose this tour because it was being led by an historian. Bill was amazing in his knowledge of history in general and of Charleston, so was able to provide context. We prefer hidden gems, insider and deeper information versus sugar-coated, Disneyesque types of tours. We were fortunate to be a part of a group of 6, so it was a more intimate experience. Highly recommended!
Highly recommend
Kathleen E,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bill takes the time to go past basic history and provide his guest with some deep insight into the origins and continuing development of Charleston.
Well Worth the Time and Money
Inspire45269788230,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill gave us an outstanding tour. We had been on another historical tour a few years ago in Charleston where some of the stated information ranged between sugar-coated and inaccurate. Bill is obviously well-studied and has a wealth of knowledge. He interjected humor with story-telling and excellent historical context, presenting it the way I wish my high school history courses were taught! We all enjoyed the experience. In addition, I booked the wrong tour time by accident and because there was availability, I was able to switch to the desired time. I very much appreciated that.
Very unprofessional and disappointing
Herb W,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Tour Guide cancelled tour day of tour 2 hrs before tour at 7:00 AM.
Fantastic tour of Charleston --ask for Bill!
conors24,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a terrific experience with Bill exploring some of Charleston's best spots! Learned a thing or two and had a great time doing it. Highly recommend for people visiting Charleston as well as residents (like me) showing friends around town.
Great tour of Charleston
Mary L,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bill is an amazing historian, earnest and passionate about the real history of Charleston and of slavery and how it impacted the city’s history. He kept us engaged the entire tour. Would recommend this tour 100%!
Wear sunscreen, a hat and...
Vickie K,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear sunscreen, a hat and good walking shoes. Bill was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Charleston. He asked us questions which encouraged us to be engaged in the history of Charleston.
Know what you’re getting into
Amanda D,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00This is not a light hearted walking tour of Charleston. This is a lecture on history (for most completely not regarding the city of Charleston) as well as the guide shoving his political ideology down our throats for two hours.
From US$30.00
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