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Tours/Charleston/Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

4.1(31)Charleston1–3 hours
VIATOR4.1(21)TRIPADVISOR4.1(10)
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
+7 photos
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

At a glance

Duration
1–3 hours
Price from
$15 / person
Location
Charleston, United States
Rating
4.1 / 5 · 31 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Adventures with Action
Meeting point
Start on Market St near 152 Market St, Charleston, SC, just west of King St by The Riviera Theater. Suggested start; we’re not affiliated, so nearby staff won’t have tour info. Audio starts automatically—check email/text for setup, download ahead on strong internet.

Description

Get a taste of the authentic antebellum American south with this self-guided walking tour of Charleston, SC. Explore historic districts packed with lovely shops and beautiful architecture as you learn about the city’s founding, its growth into a major metropolis, and how the Revolutionary War and Civil War changed it forever. This tour offers a comprehensive view of this fascinating city and its past. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 12–90)
$15

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.

Tour Options

Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

Itinerary

Circular Congregational Church
60 min

The church was established in 1681, making it one of the oldest continuously worshiping congregations in the South. Originally known as the White Meeting House, it was built as a meeting place for Dissenters who did not conform to the Church of England. The current circular building was constructed in 1891 after the original building was destroyed by fire. NOTE: The tour is over 2+ miles long, with more than 45+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. Please note: This is a city tour, so construction, road closures, traffic, or local events may occasionally affect the route. We recommend checking current conditions and planning ahead before you begin.

5 min

Hibernian Hall was constructed in 1840 and served as the meeting place for the Hibernian Society of Charleston. The Hibernian Society was established in 1801 by Irish immigrants and their descendants to provide aid, support, and cultural activities within the Irish community in Charleston.

South Carolina Historical Society Museum
1 min

The South Carolina Historical Society (SCHS) was founded in 1855 and is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and promote the history of South Carolina and its people. The SCHS Museum serves as the primary public face of the organization, showcasing the society's extensive collection and offering educational programs to visitors.

5 min

The Four Corners of Law is a term used to describe the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets in downtown Charleston. It refers to four significant buildings, each representing a different aspect of law and government. The name highlights the diverse legal and governmental institutions that converge at this intersection.

South Carolina Society Hall
5 min

The South Carolina Society Hall, also known as the South Carolina Society for the Preservation of Spirituals, is an architectural gem that was constructed in 1803. The building was originally commissioned by the South Carolina Society, a social and charitable organization founded in 1737. The society played a significant role in Charleston's political, social, and cultural life.

5 min

I know what you’re thinking! But no, Pringle has no connection to the popular snack. But his story is a great example of life for a European colonist in early Charleston.

Pass by

The ornate home two houses down from the Miles Brewton House is the Patrick O’Donnell House. Rumor has it that O’Donnell wanted this house to be perfect for his fiancee. So perfect, in fact, that it took 12 years to build this house.

Pass by

White Point Garden has a rich history dating back to the early days of Charleston. Originally known as Oyster Point, the park was a public gathering place as early as the 18th century. It has served as a defensive position during times of war and has witnessed significant events in Charleston's history.

Pass by

Charleston was a strategically significant city during the Civil War due to its deepwater port and its role as a major center for the production and export of cotton. Controlling Charleston was vital for both the Confederate and Union forces.

Pass by

The monument is dedicated to the memory of General William Moultrie, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. Moultrie was the commander of the fort on Sullivan's Island, now known as Fort Moultrie, during the pivotal Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776.

10 min

The Palmer Home was built in 1825 for Thomas Bennett Jr., who served as the Governor of South Carolina from 1820 to 1822. The house is named after John Ravenel Palmer, who purchased it in 1861. The Palmer family owned the property for several decades.

Edmondston-Alston House
Pass by

The Edmondston-Alston House was built in 1825 and has a rich history tied to the Charleston area. The house has seen many notable residents and visitors throughout its existence.

10 min

This alleyway is known as Longitude Lane, one of Charleston’s most picturesque attractions. Remember that fake cannon in White Point Garden? This is the lane where the real cannon was taken from!

Rainbow Row
10 min

The houses on Rainbow Row have a rich history. They were originally built as mercantile stores and residences for merchants and traders. Over the years, the buildings have been restored and preserved, contributing to Charleston's architectural and cultural heritage.

10 min

This memorial marks the land where many slave auctions occurred in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It’s a stark reminder of what was actually at stake during the Civil War.

Pineapple Fountain
10 min

See that fountain shaped like a pineapple? It was built in 1990, but references a neat bit of Charleston history.

5 min

On your right is the Old Slave Mart Museum. It’s similar to the Old Exchange that we saw earlier, but with some notable differences.

Dock Street Theater
5 min

This building began as a theatre in 1736, and reopened once more as a theatre in 1937. But what about the years in between?

St. Philip's Anglican Church
5 min

You may notice that this church juts out onto Church Street. In fact, the whole street bends a little all along the church, then straightens out again. What went on there?

5 min

It’s been here since 1804, and houses arts and crafts from locals, Gullah sweetgrass baskets, and tons of delicious food.

What's included

Included
Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.1
31 reviews
5
16
4
7
3
4
2
3
1
1

How it compares in Charleston

  • Starting price $15 is 65% below the typical $43 for tours of similar length in Charleston

Excurgo comparison of 313 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: This is a city tour, so construction, road closures, traffic, or local events may occasionally affect the route. We recommend checking current conditions and planning ahead before you begin.
  • Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
  • At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
  • Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour take?

Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour lasts about 1–3 hours. The itinerary has 20 stops.

How much does Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour cost?

Prices start at $15 per person for this Charleston experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.

Can I cancel Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Start on Market St near 152 Market St, Charleston, SC, just west of King St by The Riviera Theater. Suggested start; we’re not affiliated, so nearby staff won’t have tour info. Audio starts automatically—check email/text for setup, download ahead on strong internet. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 31 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Adventures with Action.

Reviews(31)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

M
Margaret_H
October 4, 2026 · via Viator
The GPS was right now and...

The GPS was right now and we learned a lot about Charleston. The only negative was it was very hard to download. We were sent to another app and were unable to download with the codes given to us by Viator. We finally called the partner app and after a few calls they were able to help us access the download. They said this happens a lot and people have to call to get it to work. But once we were able to download it was great. But very frustrating to begin with

Operator response

I'm so glad our Support Team was able to get you up and running, Margaret! Just so you know for future trips, you don't need to call to access your tour when you buy it from Viator or anywhere else. Just download our app (separate from Viator) and enter the password we email to you, and you're good to go! If you ever need more help though, our Support Team is available to walk you through it anytime between 9 AM and 6 PM EST.

J
Janet_V
August 5, 2026 · via Viator
On our own time

This tour was great- easy to manage and follow on our phone- we were able to go at our own pace. Stopping to rest or explore- Lots of information on Charleston’s history at a great price

Operator response

Janet, thank you for taking my Charleston GPS audio walking tour. I’m so glad it was easy to manage on your phone and gave you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, stop to rest, and visit places along the way. I’m happy the Charleston history and value added to your experience. Happy exploring!

J
John_W
July 8, 2026 · via Viator
I loved how I could tour...

I loved how I could tour the city at my own pace. I was able to stop & resume whenever I wanted, & the history I learned was fantastic.

Operator response

John, thank you for taking my Charleston GPS audio walking tour. I’m so glad you enjoyed the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, stop and resume whenever you wanted, and learn the history along the way. I hope you’ll try another of my convenient walking audio tours or bundles with me soon. Happy exploring!

N
Nanette_P
June 11, 2026 · via Viator
No parking

Not able to arrive at start of tour due to road closures. No parking near stops. Many street closed.

Operator response

Sadly, I have no control over parking lot availabilities and road closures, but the good news is that the tour is yours forever, so you can still take the tour today if you’re in town!

M
mlh000
May 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Tour is fine, process to get the necessary tech not disclosed before payment & cumbersome

The tour itself was fine, once we got it going. But the technology to get there & the disclosures in advance about that were a real pain. Users are not notified before payment that they will need to download an app - so we paid, and then some of our group had real trouble downloading the app (for common technical reasons). We lost a lot of time with that and it delayed our experience.

Operator response

I’m glad to hear you liked my Charleston GPS Audio Walking Tour once the initial setup was complete. I’m sorry the process felt cumbersome at first. The listing does mention that this is a GPS app-based tour, and after booking, travelers receive step-by-step setup instructions along with a tutorial video. I also recommend downloading the tour in advance, since service can sometimes be limited and may cause issues during the download. If anything feels difficult, my support team is always happy to walk you through the app and help with setup. I’d also be happy to offer a replacement tour or assist with a refund. Please feel free to reach out — I’m available daily from 9 AM–6 PM EST.

D
David_W
April 4, 2026 · via Viator
Bad experience

Do NOT register for this tour through Viator! It told us to start on Meeting Street ( 2+miles) from the actual start of the tour. Once we downloaded the tour, we had to walk well over 2 miles in what felt like a wild goose chase to get to the actual starting point using Google Maps, which kept changing as we walked. We wasted a whole hour trying to find the starting point. Halfway through the tour, our phone battery died, so we didn't get to finish. The actual tour was decent, but the overall experience was highly disappointing.

Operator response

David, I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. The correct meeting point for the Charleston Audio Walking Tour is 152 Market St, Charleston, SC. I include a nearby landmark in the instructions to help you find it. Could you let me know where you started? This will help me understand what may have gone wrong. Please reach out to me with your booking details, and I’ll ensure a full refund is processed. I'm available daily from 9 AM to 6 PM EST and am happy to assist.

R
raemarlatt
January 19, 2026 · via Viator
Excellent people doing...

Excellent people doing customer care and an excellent way to learn about a city Very easy to understand the system

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review of my Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the experience and found the system easy to use. It’s always our goal to ensure our customers can explore at their own pace while learning about the city’s rich history. If you're planning your next adventure, consider my East Coast USA Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle, which features iconic spots like Shenandoah, Cape Cod, and the Boston Freedom Trail—perfect for exploring at your own pace.

L
Lisa_S
October 10, 2025 · via Viator
Nice to be able to take...

Nice to be able to take breaks and see museums along the way or stop for lunch. It’s also great to be able to stop for pictures.

Operator response

Lisa, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed my Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour. I’m thrilled that the flexibility to take breaks, visit museums, and stop for lunch made your experience even better. It’s great to know you had the opportunity to pause for pictures along the way too. If you're planning your next adventure, consider my East Coast USA Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle, which features iconic spots like Shenandoah, Cape Cod, and the Boston Freedom Trail—perfect for exploring at your own pace.

J
Jacq_B
July 25, 2025 · via Viator
Great tour!

really good - downloadable so you dont need wifi and interesting. Very good history and cleverly constructed

Operator response

Jacq, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Charleston audio tour. It’s great that the downloadable feature made it easy to explore without needing Wi-Fi, and I’m happy you found the history fascinating and well-constructed. If you're planning your next adventure, consider my East Coast USA Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle, which features iconic spots like Shenandoah, Cape Cod, and the Boston Freedom Trail—perfect for exploring at your own pace.

L
Lisa_B
June 1, 2025 · via Viator
Another Satisfied History Buff!

We saw an amazing amount of historical sites and it was wonderful! Being able to listen to all the incredible history was really awesome! Being able to stop at sites and just take our time was just what we needed! It was wonderful that the market was near our last stop so we could be able to look at all the wonderful craft stands available...Thank you for making our vacation even more special! I would definitely suggest this if you are visiting Charleston...You won't be disappointed! :)

Operator response

Lisa, I’m thrilled to hear my Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour made your history-filled adventure even more special. It’s terrific that you could explore at your own pace, soak in all those incredible stories, and wrap up near the market for some local crafts—sounds like the perfect way to experience the city. If you're planning your next adventure, consider my East Coast USA Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle, which features iconic spots like Shenandoah, Cape Cod, and the Boston Freedom Trail—perfect for exploring at your own pace.

$15/ person
4.1(31)
Duration1–3 hours
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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