excurgo
DestinationsToursBlog
Excellent · 4.9 out of 5Based on 128,000+ traveller reviews
Powered byViator
excurgo

Thousands of verified tours and experiences worldwide. Compare and book with trusted partners — no extra fees.

Company
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
Travellers
  • Support 24/7
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
Explore
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
  • Support 24/7
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
© 2026 Excurgo. Tour aggregator powered by Viator.
PrivacyTermsCookies
Tours/Charleston/Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

5.0(47)Charleston2 hours
VIATOR5.0(8)TRIPADVISOR5.0(39)
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
+10 photos
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

At a glance

Duration
2 hours
Price from
$39 / person
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 47 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 20
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
Tour meets INSIDE Washington Square Park (98 Meeting Street) (map) Look for your guide next to the statue of George Washington. There are many other tour companies operating in the area, so be sure to look for Eric inside the park!
Confirmation
Instant

Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Charleston

Description

Step into Charleston’s past on a small-group walking tour led by a local Charleston guide. Explore cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways while hearing stories spanning the city’s colonial era, the Civil War, and its ongoing preservation efforts. Discover Charleston’s iconic landmarks, elegant mansions, historic churches, colorful homes, and atmospheric graveyards. Depending on availability, your tour may include entry to 1–3 historic sites, including churches and theaters that remain active and in use by their congregations and communities. See landmarks such as Rainbow Row, The Battery, Washington Square, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and Dock Street Theatre while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, events, and architecture that shaped Charleston. What makes this experience special is the combination of local insight, engaging storytelling, historic architecture, and the opportunity to experience the interiors of select historic sites when available.

Tour Options

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks

Itinerary

10 min

Explore Washington Square, a peaceful historic park shaded by beautiful live oaks in the heart of Charleston. Discover the statues, monuments, and stories that reflect the city’s rich and complex history.

5 min

See Fort Sumter from Charleston’s waterfront and learn about its pivotal role in American history as the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The tour views the fort from afar; guests can visit independently.

5 min

Discover Charleston’s famous Four Corners of Law, where four historic buildings represent local, state, federal, and church authority. Learn how this unique intersection reflects Charleston’s history and the city’s distinctive character.

5 min

Admire Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, a collection of colorful historic homes and one of the city’s most photographed streets. Learn about the history and architecture behind these distinctive pastel-colored buildings.

5 min

Discover St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, one of Charleston’s most historic places of worship. Learn about its role in the city’s religious and cultural history and admire its distinctive architecture.

5 min

Discover the French Huguenot Church, a historic Charleston landmark and one of the oldest Huguenot congregations in the United States. Learn about the French Protestant community and its important place in Charleston’s history.

10 min

Discover the historic Dock Street Theatre, widely recognized as the site of America’s first purpose-built theater. Learn about Charleston’s rich theatrical traditions and the building’s role in the city’s cultural history.

5 min

Step into Charleston’s history at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Learn about its role in the American Revolution, Charleston’s colonial past, and the stories connected to this remarkable building.

5 min

Enjoy beautiful views of Charleston Harbor at Waterfront Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the historic district. Take in the waterfront scenery while learning about the area’s history and its connection to Charleston’s past.

5 min

Learn about Charleston’s history and the legacy of slavery at the Old Slave Mart Museum. Explore an important and difficult chapter of the city’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and resilience of enslaved people.

10 min

Walk along Charleston’s historic Battery, a scenic waterfront promenade offering views of Charleston Harbor, historic artillery, and grand mansions. Learn about the area’s strategic importance and its role in the city’s history.

5 min

Explore Charleston’s historic French Quarter, known for its charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, historic churches, and centuries of fascinating history. Learn how this vibrant district helped shape the story of Charleston.

Highlights

2-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District
Small-group experience
Professional local historian and tour guide
Entry to 1–3 historic sites, subject to availability

What's included

Included
2-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District
Small-group experience
Professional local historian and tour guide
Entry to 1–3 historic sites, subject to availability
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

5.0
47 reviews
5
46
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently asked questions

How long does Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks take?

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 12 stops.

How much does Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks cost?

Prices start at $39 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.

Can I cancel Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks 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 Tour meets INSIDE Washington Square Park (98 Meeting Street) (map) Look for your guide next to the statue of George Washington. There are many other tour companies operating in the area, so be sure to look for Eric inside the park!. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Reviews(47)

W
winnie218
September 4, 2026
Wonderful experience, thanks Eric!

I really enjoyed my time on the walking tour with Eric. He is so knowledgeable about the history of Charleston and knowing I am from Maryland he was able to tie in pertinent details and make connections. I really enjoyed all of the interesting architectural facts as well as his emphasis on all of the important roles the European and Island settlers made in the conception of the city as well as his high lighting the importance of the African enslaved peoples in building and maintaining The city. I did not know that Charleston was a leading rice grower prior to the Industrial Revolution- so many interesting tid bits. Thanks so much, Eric! I can’t wait to take this with my husband the next time we visit.

J
Jamie_N
September 4, 2026
Super interesting open ended walking tour

Eric was awesome. He knows so much about Charleston’s history and the History of the country in general which made for very interesting conversations. The tour was casual with room for lots of questions and tangents, which I really enjoyed. I would definitely do it again the next time I come back.

J
jc760
May 13, 2026
Great tour — go!

Fantastic and educational tour given by Eric. Did NOT feel “canned” or rehearsed at all.

P
purplesneakers
January 3, 2026
A really good way to kick off our visit

We did the Charleston walking tour with Eric from Free Tours by Foot early in our visit, and it turned out to be a really great way to start our time in the city. Eric was knowledgeable and easy to listen to, and the tour felt well paced and thoughtfully put together. We came away with a much better understanding of Charleston and its history, plus useful local context that shaped the rest of our trip. I’d happily recommend this tour to family and friends.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're delighted to hear that Eric helped make your Charleston visit off to such a great start. It's wonderful to know the tour gave you a deeper understanding of the city's history and provided helpful local insights for the rest of your trip. Your recommendation means a great deal to everyone at Free Tours by Foot, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future!

Z
Z4980YXsarahf
December 30, 2025
Highly Recommend!

We loved touring Charleston with Eric! This was the first thing we did in the city and it was a great pick to get started. Not only was Eric very kind and accommodating to everyone in the group, he was also very knowledgeable and clearly adapted the tour based on what everyone was interested in. We enjoyed strolling the side streets and getting bits of background about everything we were seeing. Thanks for an amazing tour!

8
811tessr
December 28, 2025
Eric was great!

Our guide, Eric, was one of the most knowledgeable and kind guides we’ve ever had during a walking tour. Super informative and took time to answer everyone’s questions. Thank you!

A
Allison S
November 18, 2025
Excellent walking tour

Erik provided an excellent tour of historic Charleston. He is very knowledgeable and was great with questions. It was a small group and we were able to see specific places of interest to us. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring historic Charleston with Erik. His knowledge, engaging style, and willingness to tailor the experience to guests' interests help make every tour memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and thank you for choosing Free Tours by Foot. We hope to welcome you back for another tour in the future!

B
Brenda H
October 26, 2025
Eric Wright was a great walking tour guide!

Our guide, Eric Wright, asked our group where we were from and other questions. He tailored our tour to how we responded. We had an amazing tour with so much information. After the tour, Eric also gave us recommendations for restaurants and other places to see. We were greatly impressed!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing tour with Eric. He loves getting to know his guests and tailoring each tour to make it as engaging and memorable as possible. We're also glad his local recommendations helped you make the most of your time in Charleston. Thank you for choosing Free Tours by Foot, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour in the future!

A
Aaron_P
October 12, 2025
Great experience

Great tour guide. Interesting information. Even in the rain it was worth it. Highly recommended. Bring good walking shoes.

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and found it interesting, even with the rainy weather. It's great to hear it was still well worth the walk! Thank you for your recommendation and for the helpful tip about comfortable walking shoes. We appreciate you choosing Free Tours by Foot and hope to welcome you back on another tour in the future!

M
Michelle_Y
September 8, 2025
Great tour!!

Eric was very knowledgeable. We learned so much from him. He was very friendly, answered all our questions and tied historical events together.

Operator response

Thanks for sharing! Glad Eric made the tour informative and enjoyable for you.

$39/ person
5.0(47)
Duration2 hours
LanguagesEN
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
Travellers1–15 pax
ConfirmationInstant
OperatorCharleston by Foot
Book on Viator →
Booking on the official Viator website
Free cancellation

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Best price — we compare across partners
Secure booking on official partner site
Excurgo support 24/7

Compare similar tours in Charleston

TourDurationRatingPrice
Historic Charleston Walking Tour: History & LandmarksHistoric Charleston Walking Tour: History & Landmarks2 hours 5.0 (47)$39
Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ TastingsCharleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings3 hours 4.9 (2,323)$91View
Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)1h 30min 4.9 (969)$32View
Old Town Trolley Charleston Sightseeing TourOld Town Trolley Charleston Sightseeing Tour1h 40min 4.8 (525)$40View
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage TourCharleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour1 hour 4.8 (10,913)$50View
Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of CharlestonHaunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston40 min 4.7 (4,293)$42View
Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip FerryFort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry2h 15min 4.6 (3,872)$43View
5.0(47)
Book now