Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

French Huguenot Church

View the only church of its denomination in North America

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

4.92

2,230 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2139

Highly Recommend!!
Janet B,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Bill, our tour guide, is very well versed in the local history of Charleston as he holds multiple degrees in history and religious studies. He did not whitewash the history of this area, yet he made the tour very enjoyable with humorous anecdotes. He led us through the different sites applying the moral, social and economic factors which influenced the history of Charleston. It was very interesting and often sobering how the the influences of the British colonization, the American revolution and civil war eras all helped shape the growth, decline and renewal of Chareleston. I would highly recommend this tour, especially with Bill.
Great walking tour
Mark H,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guy Bill was very knowledgeable about Charleston and history. There were only four of us and we saw him later the same day again with a small group. Compare that with other groups we saw with 20 people on tour. Took Bills advice to visit the Old Slave Market Museum and his recommendation for lunch — both were spot on!
Exceptionally knowledgeable guide.
Expedition762010,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bill is exceptionally knowledgeable about history and about the local Charleston scene. He talks quickly but is full of interesting information. If you want a watered-down version of history, he may not be your cup of tea, but as history buffs, he was perfect for us.
The real deal
katja154,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who did a deeper dive of history than you typically get. If you want more than the generic, surface-level tour, this one is for you.
Interesting and Engaging
Climber794483,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really enjoyed walking around Charleston. Bill was fantastic. He was interesting and engaging. We learned so much about history, building architecture and some about the plants (peppermint peach tree!!!!). Thank you Bill!
More than highlights
Lorraine P,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Extremely informative walk. Knowledgeable guide answered all our questions with well thought out responses.
Great tour!
onebull2,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot about Charleston’s history. Would recommend!
Highly recommend this!
Momirific,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bill was knowledgeable and entertaining at the same time. He educated us about the history of Charleston and provided some insights on why and when some buildings were constructed. Good overview of all things Charleston!
Never knew it could be like this
E8128NBvirginiaw,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, William Harris, was extraordinary. As a professor of history, Bill’s extensive knowledge, impassioned perspective and keen intellectual insights thoroughly wowed our family group, which included five attorneys and two professors of our own. Tired cliches were dissected and destroyed. Bill’s insights into the conflict between the states and especially, its slave-based economic foundation, made us feel newly informed. Clever wordplay engaged and entertained us. We spent hours afterward discussing what we had learned. Truly the best tour we have ever taken. So interesting and fun.
Man, I learned so much
Cynthia J,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We were so lucky to have Brian for our guide. What an experience! Brian has a clear love for the city and region, a super fast brain and an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Charleston, South Carolina and the history of this region of the US. We learned so much about the influences on Charleston, especially from pre-revolutionary years to the 1900's. Brian took our questions seriously and, when answering, provided context and expanded on the interrelationships of the full range of influences and outcomes. Over several days following our tour we cast back over what we learned and were now thinking as a result of our time with Brian.