Charleston Architecture Tours: the 6 That Earn Their Price

1.Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 422 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Our pick

Spend about two hours walking central Charleston with guides Brian or Fin, both skilled history teachers and storytellers. See Rainbow Row, the Old Slave Mart, Dock Street Theater, St. Michael’s Church, historic mansions, and the High Battery. Some interiors depend on availability, and several admission fees are separate.

“Excellent tour with Brian! He was a walking history book! Extremely knowledgeable about all things related to Charleston. He tailored his tour to the group. You felt like you were walking around town with a friend. 😀 Definitely book this tour!”

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2.Charleston: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 349 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29

Walk about one mile through Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad with guides such as Jeff, Emerson, Jackson, and Paige. See secret alleys, wrought-iron gates, Rainbow Row, City Market, and, when open, St. Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theatre, and the Old Exchange.

“A very educational experience! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about Charleston history! This was an enjoyable tour! Great value for the price.”

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3.Charleston History, Homes, and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $28

Spend two hours exploring Charleston’s French Quarter and South of Broad with a licensed local guide. Expect churches, Georgian homes, Civil War and Revolution stories, and plenty of architecture. Guides such as Dennis, Al, Duggard, and Evans are known for adding local detail and humor. Powder Magazine admission is included.

“this tour was excellent. Our guide - Duggard - was so well informed and provided a vast amount of information surrounding the history of the city. I would highly recommend as it was enjoyable.”

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4.Charleston History and Architecture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · from $27Best value

Walk Charleston’s historic center with an architectural historian guide, following a two-hour route from Pineapple Fountain to Waterfront Park. Guides such as Emerson and Paige bring buildings, churches, alleys, and local culture to life, with stops at Rainbow Row, the Unitarian Church, and the Old Exchange.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She made the history come alive with stories of the people and places behind the development.”

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5.Historic Charleston: The Battery, Rainbow Row, St. Michael Church

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two hours walking Charleston with a licensed guide, visiting St. Philip’s and St. Michael’s churches when open, then seeing Rainbow Row, Dock Street Theater, Washington Square, The Battery, and the Old Slave Mart. Guides such as Eric and Erik are praised for clear stories and a relaxed pace.

“Guide was very knowledgeable and provided in-depth information of everything that we saw. He tailored the tour to our interest and provided a lot of information. Would highly recommend taking a tour with Eric.”

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6.Charleston Architectural Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Start at 9:30 a.m. in historic downtown Charleston for a two-hour architectural walk capped at the Four Corners of Law. Your guide explains St. Michael’s Church, South Battery mansions, the Nathaniel Russell House, and the French Huguenot Church in a group of no more than 10.

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