Best Tours in Charleston
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Charleston
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Explore the dark side of the oldest city in South Carolina guided by this in-app audio tour! Charleston, a southern city steeped in history, is known for its well-preserved architecture, incredible restaurants, and rich culture. But there is a darker side to the city, and on that side, we’ll focus on over the course of this journey. The tour starts at the creepy place where the most notorious criminals were held — The Old City Jail known for its ghost stories. Scary legends often go hand in hand with love stories, and you will hear one of them while visiting the Unitarian Church graveyard. You will then marvel at the famed Dock Street Theater and be struck by the drama of Nettie Dickerson, which unfolded here two hundred years ago. The city's history is also connected with thrilling tales about pirates and convicts secured by the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. If lucky, you will hear moans and groans of the deceased. We'll continue our tour at the oldest Church in the City of Charleston, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, this is the place that can boast of two ghosts with tragic life stories. On our way, we'll also stop by the most haunted hotels where you will hear some spine-chilling stories about suicides. The tour ends at the picturesque White Point Gardens. It commemorates the hanging of one of the most famous pirates in Charleston's history. Apart from that, it offers a stunning view of the Charleston Harbor that you can enjoy from under the old oaks.
Immerse yourself in Charleston's rich history with this comprehensive audio tour. History buffs and culture enthusiasts will be captivated by stories spanning from colonial times to the present as they explore the prominent sites of the former walled city. Commence your journey at the bustling Market Street, delving into Charleston's storied past, and progress to a landmark symbolizing personal triumph and resilience. Along the way, trace the original boundaries of the Northern Wall, marvel at the grandeur of St Philip's Church, and experience the vibrant energy of the Dock Street Theater. Discover quaint alleys, historic homes, and the remnants of fortifications at Water Street Wall, echoing tales of the city's strength. Your audio guide will animate scenes from the colonial era in St Michael's Alley, showcase architectural marvels surviving the Earthquake of 1886, and allow you to appreciate the charm of Rainbow Row. Conclude your journey by paying tribute to Robert Smalls at Smalls Marker—an emblematic figure of Charleston's rich human narrative. From the cobblestones of Chalmers Street to the entrance of the Williams Mansion, anticipate an unforgettable exploration of Charleston's timeless allure and pivotal historical moments.
Delve into a vibrant journey through the corridors of time with this in-app audio tour, aimed at anyone with a curiosity for the past. The route navigates through the storied French Quarter and beyond, mapping out the intertwining legacy of war and peace that floors every cobblestone and archway. Starting at the bustling City Market, this self-led exploration lets you dictate the pace as you soak in the essence of a bygone era. As the narration guides you, the end of the road awaits you at South Carolina's oldest public building, the Powder Magazine, encapsulating centuries of history within its venerable walls. In between, landmarks like the US Custom House and the poignant Old Slave Mart Museum, as well as the famous Rainbow Row, paint a picture of old Charleston as vivid as the pastel hues of its historic homes. Capture the spirit of the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park, wander along the antique alleys, and stand beneath the gaze of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Parting from the rippling waves at The Battery, your footsteps will echo tales of heroes and renegades. Finishing this self-guided walk through the French Quarter, you'll carry snapshots of Robert Smalls' daring escape, Ann Bonny's pirate legacy, and the southern charm that the centuries have shaped. By journey's end, not only the city's great monuments but also its whispers of daily life long past will leave a lasting memory as you traverse historic Charleston at the echo of your own footsteps.
Unlock the secrets of Charleston's rich history with this self-guided audio tour that takes you through the city's most iconic heritage sites. Designed for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike, this tour is an invitation to step back in time and witness the grandeur of Charleston's architecture and the tales it holds. Starting at the famous Rainbow Row, you'll embark on a historical journey that traces the beginnings of the Charleston peninsula. The route then takes you to marvel at the timeless beauty of pivotal landmarks including St. Michael's Church and the Charleston Harbor, before concluding at the historic Edmondston-Alston House. Along the way, you'll encounter the gothic allure of the French Huguenot Church, the protective embrace of the High Battery seawall, and the opulent Calhoun Mansion gardens. You'll also unearth the stories of The Old Exchange and the whispers of the past at the Provost Dungeon. A peek into the Heyward-Washington House and Nathaniel Russell House offers a glimpse of colonial elegance, while the Dock Street Theatre showcases a legacy of arts and culture. This audio tour serves as your personal guide, revealing the enchanting spirit of Charleston one step at a time. As you walk the same streets as the settlers and historical figures of yore, you'll become part of Charleston's ongoing story. Feel the weight of history, spot the fine details of period architecture, and experience destinations where pivotal moments unfolded – all at your own pace, with the city's whispers in your ear.
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About Charleston
The must-see attractions in Charleston for a first visit are:
The best walking tours to do in Charleston are:
The best indoor tours in Charleston for rainy days are:
The best tours to do in Charleston with kids are:
The best tours in Charleston are:
Insider tips for visiting Charleston
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Charleston on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Charleston.
When I’m in Charleston, I slip away from the busiest squares and head to places locals quietly love. One of my favorite attractions in Charleston is the Philadelphia Alley area early in the morning, when the brick lane is empty and the old dueling history feels close. I also recommend the garden behind the Heyward-Washington House in Charleston—it’s small, shaded, and often missed. For what to see in Charleston beyond the obvious, walk the marsh edge at Hampton Park near sunset; the light there is gorgeous. Even people who usually book tours in Charleston often miss the hidden ironwork, side gates, and tiny churchyards south of Broad.
When I visit Charleston, I always tell friends to start with shrimp and grits, but not the heavy hotel version—I look for one with a rich gravy and local shrimp. Charleston is also deeply tied to she-crab soup, especially when it’s finished with just a little sherry. If you visit Charleston during oyster season, I recommend finding a casual roast where locals stand around steaming tables and eat with gloves on. For food-focused things to do in Charleston, I’d also seek out red rice, benne wafers, and fresh seafood from small neighborhood spots. Any good travel guide Charleston should mention the city’s Gullah Geechee roots behind these flavors.
For couples, one of my favorite things to do in Charleston is a slow evening walk from Tradd Street down to the Battery just before sunset. Charleston feels especially intimate there—the pastel houses catch the last light, and the side streets south of Broad are quiet enough to hear the church bells. I usually recommend pausing at White Point Garden, then wandering back through the hidden lanes near Church Street to spot gas lanterns and tucked-away courtyards. Among the most romantic attractions in Charleston, that neighborhood feels more personal than the busier spots. For what to see in Charleston, even people who usually prefer tours in Charleston remember that walk most.
In my travel guide Charleston advice, I usually recommend three full days in Charleston. That gives me time to enjoy the historic peninsula without rushing, linger over a long lunch, and still fit in quieter corners like Hampton Park or the old churchyards south of Broad. If you only visit Charleston for a weekend, two days can work, but Charleston rewards a slower pace. I like having one day for the market area and waterfront, one for house museums and neighborhood walks, and one for the food scene and nearby beaches. For the best things to do in Charleston, extra time makes a real difference.
When I’m deciding where to spend time in Charleston, I usually send people to South of Broad first for the hidden gardens, iron gates, and quiet lanes between Meeting and East Bay. It has some of the most atmospheric attractions in Charleston without needing a packed itinerary. I also love Cannonborough-Elliotborough in Charleston for row houses, local bakeries, and a more lived-in feel than the postcard streets. For what to see in Charleston, the French Quarter is worth it early in the day, especially the alleys near Church Street. Even travelers who normally focus on tours in Charleston end up loving these neighborhoods most because they reveal the city’s real rhythm.
When I visit Charleston and want a lively night out, I usually head to Upper King. Charleston’s best nightlife is there, especially between Calhoun and Spring, where you can move from cocktail bars to late-night kitchens without much walking. Locals know the side streets off King often feel better than the busiest corners, with smaller wine bars and rooftops that are less chaotic. If you visit Charleston for a more laid-back evening, I’d look at Cannonborough-Elliotborough too, where neighborhood spots stay social without feeling overly polished. In my travel guide Charleston notes, that mix of Upper King energy and local hangouts is one of the best things to do in Charleston after dark.
For solo travelers, one of my favorite things to do in Charleston is simply walking the peninsula early, before the heat and crowds build. Charleston is easy to enjoy alone because the streets themselves are part of the experience—I usually start around the French Quarter, then wander south to the quiet residential blocks near Tradd and Legare. For what to see in Charleston, I’d pause at the small churchyards, hidden gardens, and waterfront benches where you can take your time without any schedule. Some attractions in Charleston are best noticed this way, and even people who usually book tours in Charleston often tell me those solitary morning walks feel most memorable.
In my travel guide Charleston advice, I usually recommend staying in the Historic District if it’s your first time in Charleston. When I visit Charleston, I like being able to walk early through the French Quarter, reach the waterfront in minutes, and slip into the quieter South of Broad streets before the day gets busy. If you want a more local feel, Cannonborough-Elliotborough is a great base in Charleston, with good cafés, row houses, and easy access to things to do in Charleston without being right in the busiest blocks. I’d choose based on whether you want postcard charm or a more lived-in neighborhood rhythm.