Charleston’s best city tours cut straight to the heart of this beautiful Southern city. The Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour stands out as particularly worthwhile, packing plenty of essential sights into an efficient route. We especially love the 90-Minute City Sightseeing Tour for first-timers – it’s the perfect introduction without being overwhelming.
For excellent value, consider the combination tours. The Historic City Tour with Harbor Cruise gives you both land and water perspectives, which we’ve found ideal for understanding Charleston’s maritime heritage and antebellum architecture. The Boone Hall & Historic City Tour Combo is another favorite, cleverly connecting downtown history with plantation life.
Let’s explore our favorite Charleston tours in detail…
Key Points
- Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour offers engaging insights into historic landmarks with a 97% recommendation rate and knowledgeable guides.
- The tours feature climate-controlled minibuses, small-group experiences, and flexible rescheduling/cancellation options for a comfortable and personalized experience.
- Tour options range from 90-minute city highlights to combo packages like the Historic City and Southern Mansion Tour, catering to diverse interests.
- Highlights include iconic sites like Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Fort Sumter, along with insights into Charleston’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and Civil War.
- Highly-rated tours, such as the Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour and the Private Charleston Walking History City Tour, provide excellent value for money and immersive experiences.
Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
The Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour provides an engaging and informative overview of the city’s historic landmarks and charming neighborhoods.
With over 1,140 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, this tour consistently earns a Badge of Excellence.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, who bring the city’s history to life through their storytelling.
The comfortable, air-conditioned minibus accommodates up to 14 guests, offering an intimate experience.
Highlights include passing by iconic sites like St. Michael’s Church, Rainbow Row, and the Charleston City Market.
Ideal for first-time visitors, this 1.5-hour tour delivers an excellent introduction to Charleston’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
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Charleston: City Bus Tour Ticket With Live Commentary
Visitors can experience Charleston’s rich history and charming architecture on the 1.5-hour City Bus Tour with live commentary.
Priced from $43 per person, the tour provides a rundown of the 350-year-old city, including visits to iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, the Old City Market, and the Customs House.
Along the way, knowledgeable guides share entertaining stories from Charleston’s past. The tour also includes a stop at the Battery, where guests can capture photos of the stunning views of Fort Sumter.
With a 4.6/5 overall rating and flexible cancellation policies, this bus tour is an excellent way to discover the best of Charleston.
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90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
For those seeking a rundown of Charleston’s rich history and captivating architecture, the 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour provides an informative and immersive experience.
With over 1,000 positive reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence, this guided tour showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the colorful Rainbow Row to the historic Old Exchange Building.
Along the way, travelers will learn about Charleston’s pivotal role in American history, from the American Revolution to the Civil War.
The tour’s highlights include the picturesque White Point Garden and the stunning views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.
Whether visitors opt for the standard tour or choose to add on visits to the Joseph Manigault House or Charleston Museum, this 90-minute excursion offers an engaging and enriching exploration of the city’s past.
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Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour
Travelers seeking a rundown of Charleston’s rich history and charming architecture can embark on the Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour.
This 1.5-hour excursion takes visitors to over 100 points of interest in the historic district, including The Battery Sea Wall, Rainbow Row, and the Old Market Area.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, guests will explore historic homes, churches, and picturesque neighborhoods while learning about the city’s significant moments.
Traveling in a deluxe, climate-controlled shuttle, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entry to all attractions.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 657 reviews, this tour provides an informative and comfortable way to discover Charleston’s highlights.
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City Bus Tour With Charleston Museum Admission
The City Bus Tour With Charleston Museum Admission provides an engaging way to explore Charleston’s rich history and renowned landmarks.
Travelers can enjoy a 90-minute narrated tour via air-conditioned minibus, covering over 100 points of interest including Colonial Lake, Rainbow Row, and Whitepoint Gardens.
The tour includes admission to the acclaimed Charleston Museum, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the city’s past.
With 142 reviews and a 90% recommendation rate, this tour offers exceptional value. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and comfortable ride, though a few suggest more enthusiasm from some drivers.
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Charleston: City Tour With Charleston Museum Entry Combo
Exploring Charleston’s captivating history and renowned landmarks, the Charleston: City Tour with Charleston Museum Entry Combo offers an immersive experience.
Priced from $47.70 per person, this 2-hour guided bus tour showcases the city’s historic attractions, including the iconic Rainbow Row, historic churches, and the Battery Seawall.
Visitors will also explore the Charleston Museum, one of the oldest museums in the U.S., and learn about the American Civil War and natural history.
With a knowledgeable and humorous guide, the tour provides valuable insights and a rundown of Charleston’s rich heritage.
Rated 4.5/5 by previous guests, this combo tour delivers excellent value for money and a memorable Charleston experience.
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Private Charleston Walking History City Tour
Delving into Charleston’s captivating past, the Private Charleston Walking History City Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks and rich heritage.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 with 98% traveler recommendation, this private walking tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable local guides. Priced at €133.62 per person, the tour includes all taxes, fees, and gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour caters to those with moderate fitness levels, making it suitable for most travelers. With the option to reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this Charleston walking tour promises a flexible and memorable journey through the city’s storied past.
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Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour
Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour is a 2-hour exploration of Charleston’s rich history. Priced at $47.70 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) takes visitors through historic sites like the Joseph Manigault House, Rainbow Row, and Charleston’s churches.
Led by licensed guides, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off. Highlights include panoramic views from the Battery Seawall and an interior tour of the Joseph Manigault House.
Reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and engagement, though some note challenges with sensitive historical topics and logistics. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes early and consider local transportation options after the tour, especially for those with mobility issues.
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Charleston City Walking Tour With Edmondston-Alston House Admission
The Charleston City Walking Tour with Edmondston-Alston House Admission offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Charleston’s historic heart.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, the guided walking tour showcases the city’s top sights, including the Battery, South of Broad, Rainbow Row, and Charleston Harbor.
Guests also enjoy admission to the Edmondston-Alston House, a 19th-century home with captivating harbor views.
Led by knowledgeable and engaging guides, the 1-hour walking tour and house visit provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to learn about Charleston’s elite and historical families.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour ensures a personalized and enjoyable experience for all.
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Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise
Amidst Charleston’s historic charm, visitors can embark on a captivating journey that combines a guided tour of the city’s landmarks with a serene harbor cruise.
The Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour provides a comprehensive 1.5-hour overview of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Citadel and Old Exchange Building.
For a more immersive experience, the Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise allows guests to admire Charleston’s picturesque waterfront and learn about its maritime history.
Coupled with the option to visit Fort Sumter, this excursion offers a well-rounded exploration of Charleston’s rich heritage and stunning natural beauty.
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Charleston: Boone Hall & Historic City Tour Combo
Visitors seeking to enjoy Charleston’s captivating history can embark on a comprehensive tour that combines a visit to the renowned Boone Hall Plantation with a guided exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
This 4.5-hour experience offers an air-conditioned coach tour, a 30-minute guided tour of the Boone Hall main house, and free time to explore the plantation’s grounds, gardens, and presentations on history and culture.
The tour also includes a 90-minute guided city tour, showcasing Charleston’s historic churches, old markets, the Battery Sea Wall, and the famous Rainbow Row.
Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing the overall travel experience for guests.
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Charleston: Historic City Tour & Magnolia Plantation Combo
After exploring the historic city of Charleston, guests embark on a captivating 6-hour tour that combines a visit to the renowned Magnolia Plantation with a guided exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The tour starts at the Charleston Visitor Center, where participants board a climate-controlled coach. At Magnolia Plantation, they’re treated to a guided walk through the Romantic gardens, a narrated tram ride through the Audubon swamp, and a tour of the historic plantation home.
The second part of the tour focuses on Charleston’s highlights, including the Battery Sea Wall, Rainbow Row, and historic churches.
With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and value-for-money pricing, this combo tour provides an immersive experience.
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Recap
Charleston offers a variety of city tours, from bus tours that provide live commentary on the city’s historic landmarks to walking tours that include admission to notable houses. Whether visitors want to explore the city’s rich history, scenic harbor, or surrounding plantations, they’ll find an engaging tour option to suit their interests and schedule.