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The Best of Charleston: History, Culture & Architecture Tour

The Best of Charleston: History, Culture & Architecture Tour

Overview

We pride ourselves on researched history and anecdotes of the city and its people. We try to tailor the tour to our guests' interests and make connections to further explain Charleston's history and make it fun.....not just another boring history lesson! Come see what makes Charleston such special place to visit. Whether being your first visit or your twentieth, Charleston always has more to see and learn! We keep learning as well!

City: Charleston

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Tour guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

What To Expect

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

Our starting point is one of the most historical buildings in South Carolina, c. 1771. The Declaration of Independence was read here in 1776, it was used a British prison for roughy two years during the American Revolution, US Constitution ratified in SC in 1788, George Washington was entertained during week-long visit in May 1791, plus many more events.

Old Slave Mart Museum

Known as Ryan's Slave Mart in the 1850's, this building was an auction site of the interstate slave trade. We will speak about Charleston's role in the slave trade. The City of Charleston operates the museum and tours are available on site. We do not enter the building.

Dock Street Theater

Entrance depending on availabilty. Built on the site of the first theater in the British colonies, The Dock Street Theatre, c. 1937 was restored from the old Planter's Hotel, c. 1809. The Charleston Stage company operates as the largest professional theater company in South Carolina. Roughly 120 performances take place every year.

Charleston City Hall

This building sets on one the "Four Corners of Law", named by Robert Ripley (Ripley's Believe it or Not). Built in 1801 as a bank, City Hall has been as such since 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously run city hall's in the country. During the weekdays, visitors can enter the council chamber and see their collection, complimentary.

St. Michael's Church

Entrance depending on availability. Oldest house of worship in the city, c.1761. We speak about Charleston's religious history of the past and present. The building has much of the original woodwork and beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows. John Rutledge and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, US Constitution signers, are buried in the churchyard.

Nathaniel Russell House

We enter the garden of this beautiful Federal style townhouse built in 1808 and owned by Nathaniel Russell. Reigning from Rhode Island, he was a wealthy merchant involved in shipping. Private tours of the home are available for $12 on site.

Edmondston-Alston House

We walk up on the High Battery wall to take a look at the waterfront mansions and discuss the beginning of the Civil War. Ft. Sumter is in the distance. The Edmonston Alston House has been in the family since 1838 and was a site where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter with other onlookers.

Rainbow Row

See the longest row of attached Georgian row houses in the country. These were mariner's stores in the 18th & 19th centuries. Restored in the 1930's during Charleston's preservation efforts to a bright Caribbean color scheme.

Show 5 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (170)

Stephanie J

Dec 2022

This was a great walking tour! Our guide, Finn was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about this city-its history, architecture and culture. Really learned a lot and had an enjoyable time. Highly recommend.

Colleen_M

Dec 2022

Easy, chill, great stories & history! We appreciated Brian’s personal way. We also appreciated his respect for culture & history in his word choice, & details shared.

Linda M

Dec 2022

Brian is a miracle of stories and knowledge. By far the best walking tour we have taken in 40 years. Not to be missed. Thank you Brian!