Charleston's Soul Unveiled: A Transformative Historic Walk
Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
danlxp, 10/18/2025 4:37:32 PM
While most city tours stay at a superficial level, this was a highly engaging tour that took a deeper loom at the complicated history of Charleston, the South, and slavery in the US. We were not expecting the level of detail and insight but were pleasantly surprised. Our tour guide had a sense of humor, clearly loves history, and made the tour both intense and really fun!
Leslie_W, 10/17/2025 11:57:01 AM
Bill is a passionate and entertaining historian who has a deep knowledge of history and facts. You will not learn more about Charleston than on this tour. Best city walking tour we’ve been on!
Q5444QAluciac, 10/14/2025 7:54:37 PM
You have to take a tour of Charleston with Bill- he was fabulous! Funny, energetic, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable. Great tour- lots of information and food for thought. Take this tour- you won’t regret it.
Susan P, 10/11/2025 12:32:58 PM
Bill is very knowledgeable and shared a lot of history of Charleston and the south in general. Came away wanting to read and learn more. Very entertaining.
jameswS4591KK, 10/9/2025 4:39:24 PM
Our guide was a highly educated, well-read and credentialed historian who was familiar with and able to quote source materials from American and area history. He asked questions and engaged fully and passionately with the tour group. He shared facts and current learning from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and following, including about socioeconomic conditions, causes, geography, architecture and even church history. I learned a lot and kept feeling like I was in a great college class and getting a clear view of this history. I am grateful our guide is such a passionate scholar, and I also kept thinking it would be good for everyone in America to go on this tour or read a book written by this guide.
Pamela_K, 10/7/2025 9:17:24 AM
Very unique tour. Guide was very very knowledgeable about history and imparted lots of interesting information.
kateslott, 10/5/2025 10:21:13 AM
Great city. Fun things to do, clean, great food and shopping, friendly people and interesting neighborhoods. And bonus was able to see family and friends.
Nancy_L, 10/5/2025 9:30:43 AM
Guide was very knowledgeable of the history of Charleston as well as deeper history of how and why things came to be in the development of the colony.
jantan3, 10/3/2025 7:25:27 PM
Our guide Bill was extremely passionate & knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. He was willing to respond to our questions with detailed answers. The most informative walking tour we have been on.
Kathy_O, 10/2/2025 3:51:32 PM
If you choose this tour you HAVE to request Bill. This gentleman knocked it way out of the park! He is very highly educated and tells the story of Charleston in a truthful way that you don’t get in your history class. His superior knowledge of religion also added a welcome and unexpected element to the tour. I could literally listen to Bill for hours and hours! I would love to be able to take an entire course listening to him lecture. Thanks Bill! I am pretty sure you will be the absolute highlight of our time in Charleston!
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Guests are responsible for bringing their own sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, parasols) and rain gear
- We HIGHLY recommend guests bring bottled water. It is not always available for purchase on the route
- We ask guests to check in at the meeting location 5-10 mins prior to tour time. We cannot hold for latecomers.
Departure point
We'll meet on the East Bay Street staircase of the U.S. Customs House, at East Bay Street and South Market street, directly across East Bay Street from the City Market. We recommend guests park at 1 Cumberland Street or 89 Cumberland Street. Both are ~5 minute walk from our tour meeting point.Return details
Our two hour Highlights of Charleston walking tour guides guests through the historic French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Along the way, your guide will describe the long history, unique culture, architecture, and geography of Charleston and the greater lowcountry area, painting a detailed picture of how Charleston's tumultuous past formed the city now beloved by travelers the world over. You'll view some of the city's oldest houses of worship, burial sites, theaters, the forts of Charleston harbor, and the antebellum mansions that look out across the waters of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, among many other historic and picturesque sites. Our guides also offer their expert advice on other activities, restaurants, and bars for guests to explore once they've finished their tour.Redemption
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Bring bottled water for your entire party • Bring sun protection and rain gear (if needed) for your entire party24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund