As a local, I've been on many tours with my visitors. On a lark yesterday, a beautiful winter day,I chose this 11:30 tour. It surpassed all the others, which tended to be rehearsed, superficial, and boring (especially the architectural and carriage). Bill, our guide, has a background in history and his breadth of knowledge is amazing! Imagine your favorite college history professor whom you could listen to for hours. This is Bill. Only he gives twice as much information because he talks so fast! His re-creation of the antebellum period from the perspective of the aristocrat planters and merchants, all the way down to the slaves, gave me an appreciation of the labor of the workers. This is a true historical tour - all the way from the Indians and colonials to the depression era and present. Truly enjoyable!
Best things for visitors:
Day1. Start with this city tour for an in-depth historical perspective.
Lunch at Magnolias (E. Bay St). Visit Aiken Rhett House (unrestored mansion).
Day 2. 1 Mile City Loop Walk.
Park early at the Battery (free on Murray St water side). Walk from the Battery up Meeting St. to the "4 Corners of the Law" (Meeting and Broad). Turn R. onto Broad towards Old Exchange Bldg. Turn R. onto E. Bay St. Turn R. onto S. Bay St. back to Battery.
Tour ornate Calhoun Mansion (1/2 hr) and Old Exchange with Dungeon (1 hr) on walk.
Enjoy Charleston. It takes years to see everything. Do start with this historical tour and then you will appreciate everything else.