Charleston’s historic streets come alive on the "Walking History and Bar Tour." Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors explore the city’s rich past and vibrant local culture. From strolling through the French Quarter to uncovering Prohibition-era stories, this 2-hour experience offers an immersive look at Charleston’s heritage. With stops at iconic sites and popular bars, guests can sample local brews and spirits while learning about the city’s fascinating history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Charleston enthusiast, this intimate tour promises an engaging and memorable encounter.
This experience made our list of the 15 Best Drinking Tours In Charleston.
Key Points
- This 2-hour walking tour takes visitors through Charleston’s historic French Quarter, exploring hidden gems and offering insights into the city’s Prohibition-era past.
- Led by licensed guides, the tour includes stops at a 300-year-old home, the original city theater, and two popular local bars for beverage sampling.
- The tour provides an intimate experience for up to 10 participants, with a mix of walking and sitting, and highlights the unique stories known only to locals.
- Guests can expect to learn about Charleston’s rich history, including tales from the Prohibition era, while enjoying the charming alleyways and cobblestone streets of the French Quarter.
- The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and no immediate payment requirement, making it an accessible and valuable way to experience the city’s historic and cultural highlights.
Tour Overview
The Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour offers participants an immersive exploration of the city’s rich past and vibrant present. Priced from €28.66 per person, this 2-hour tour takes a group of up to 10 on an engaging journey through Charleston’s historic districts.
Led by a licensed guide and historic commissioner, the tour includes visits to popular bars, sampling local brews and spirits, and uncovering the city’s secrets. Participants can expect to discover cultural sights like a 300-year-old home and the original city theater, all while learning about Charleston’s 300-year history.
With free cancellation and no immediate payment required, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a refreshing blend of history and modern charm.
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Booking Information
With no immediate payment required, customers can reserve their spot on the Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour and pay later.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants should meet at the O-bar at Oyster House, 70 State Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
It’s important to bring a passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes. This two-hour walking tour is limited to 10 participants and is offered in English, making it a must-book experience before it sells out.
Experience Highlights
Explore the French Quarter and visit 2 popular bars on this Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour.
You’ll sample drinks from local breweries and distilleries as a licensed guide and historic commissioner shares the city’s 300 years of history.
Discover secret stories known only to locals as you stroll through charming alleyways and cobblestone streets.
Hear tales of the Prohibition era at the second bar before concluding the tour at a local park near the waterfront, where you’ll be treated to a final captivating story.
This tour provides an engaging and refreshing experience, mixing sitting and walking to highlight the city’s offbeat locations.
Tour Description
The tour begins at the first bar, where participants enjoy an appetizer and sample local beers as the guide provides an engaging commentary on Charleston’s 300 years of history.
Guests then stroll through the city’s charming alleyways and cobblestone streets, hearing stories of the Prohibition era at the second bar.
The tour concludes at a local park near the waterfront, where the guide shares a final captivating story about the city’s rich heritage.
Throughout the experience, visitors discover secret stories known only to locals and explore cultural sights, including a dungeon, the original city theater, and 300-year-old homes.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Charleston Walking History and Bar Tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 rating based on 51 reviews.
Reviewers highlight the engaging and knowledgeable guides, who bring the city’s 300-year history to life through captivating stories.
The tour’s mix of sitting and walking is deemed refreshing, with guests appreciating the opportunity to explore charming alleyways and cobblestone streets.
Visitors also note the tour’s excellent value for money, with a 4.8/5 rating in this category.
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Detailed Itinerary
The tour begins at the O-bar at Oyster House, where guests start with an appetizer and sample local beers.
As the guide shares Charleston’s 300-year history, the group strolls through the charming French Quarter, wandering down alleyways and cobblestone streets.
At the second bar, visitors learn about the city’s Prohibition era stories.
The tour concludes at a local park near the waterfront, where the guide shares a final captivating tale.
Throughout the experience, participants discover cultural sights like a historic dungeon, the original city theater, and 300-year-old homes – secrets known only to locals.
Unique Experiences
One standout element of this Charleston walking tour is the opportunity to uncover hidden gems known only to locals.
The guides, who double as licensed historic commissioners, share secret stories and take visitors to offbeat locations, including:
- An original 300-year-old theater that has witnessed the city’s rich past
- A dungeon that was once used during the Prohibition era
- Charming alleyways and cobblestone streets that reveal the city’s French Quarter influences
These unique experiences, coupled with the chance to sample local beverages and learn about Charleston’s 300-year history, make this walking tour a refreshing and engaging way to discover the city’s lesser-known stories and cultural gems.
Practical Tips
Booking the Charleston Walking History and Bar Tour in advance is recommended, as the tour often sells out quickly.
Participants should bring a valid photo ID and wear comfortable walking shoes. The tour begins at O-bar at the Oyster House, located at 70 State Street in downtown Charleston.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve their spot without immediate payment.
With a maximum group size of 10 people, this intimate walking tour offers an opportunity to explore Charleston’s historic district, sample local brews and spirits, and uncover the city’s captivating stories from a knowledgeable licensed guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code is not explicitly stated, but the tour suggests wearing comfortable shoes. As it involves walking through the city, casual and weather-appropriate attire would be appropriate for participants.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?
No, bringing your own alcohol is not permitted on the tour. The tour includes drinks from local breweries and distilleries, so participants are expected to consume only the beverages provided as part of the experience.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible, as it involves navigating some cobblestone streets and stairs. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the tour operator to discuss accommodations and accessibility prior to booking.
Do I Need to Tip the Guide?
While tips are not required, it’s customary to tip tour guides in the United States. The amount is typically 15-20% of the tour price, though you can tip more or less based on the guide’s performance.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Visitors can typically take photos during the tour, as long as they don’t disrupt the experience or disturb other participants. It’s best to check with the guide at the start of the tour for any specific photography guidelines.
Recap
The "Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour" offers an engaging exploration of the city’s rich past and vibrant culture. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can enjoy the charming French Quarter, visit iconic sites, and sample local brews and spirits. With a small group size, guests can enjoy an intimate and memorable experience. This tour is a perfect way to discover the unique history and lively atmosphere of Charleston.
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