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Cultural & heritage · Charleston

Top 10 cultural & heritage things to do in Charleston

Heritage walks, museum days, temple complexes, and the kind of guides who explain why a place matters rather than reciting dates. The cultural side of Charleston, paced for actual seeing.

  1. Private yacht charter in Charleston with BYOB option, Charleston1

    1. Private yacht charter in Charleston with BYOB option

    5.0· 409 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Two and a half hours on a private yacht for up to six guests — sail the Charleston harbor, bring your own drinks, and enjoy beautiful views.

    This became the highlight of our 3-night visit to Charleston! It was incredibly relaxing. We enjoyed rosé while playing our own music. Captain Warren and Bethany were wonderful hosts. I highly recommend this experience!Kaitlin_K
  2. Historic walking tour of Charleston's French Quarter and South of Broad, Charleston2

    2. Historic walking tour of Charleston's French Quarter and South of Broad

    5.0· 475 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour guided tour through Charleston's French Quarter and South of Broad, exploring architecture and unique stories about the city's past.

    The guide was incredibly thoughtful and personable. I would definitely recommend this tour as it was easy to listen to and the guide was very knowledgeable.Krista_J
  3. Charleston historic district walking tour, Charleston3

    3. Charleston historic district walking tour

    4.9· 6693 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour guided walk through Charleston's historic district, exploring the French Quarter and South of Broad, with rich storytelling from your guide.

    The guide was outstanding, and I had a fantastic experience.BJ A
  1. Charleston small-group walking tour of alleyways and historic sites, Charleston4

    4. Charleston small-group walking tour of alleyways and historic sites

    4.9· 2543 reviews· 2 hours

    Two hours on foot through Charleston’s historic district, exploring alleyways, Rainbow Row, and key landmarks with a small group for a more personal experience.

    The guide was highly knowledgeable, and we explored a significant area. Without this tour, we would have missed the hidden alleyways. The experience was both enjoyable and engaging.ch1122018
  2. Charleston French Quarter food tour with tastings, Charleston5

    5. Charleston French Quarter food tour with tastings

    4.9· 2166 reviews· 3 hours

    Three hours of walking and tasting — explore local foods like Shrimp & Grits and She-Crab Soup while passing historic landmarks in Charleston's French Quarter.

    I finally decided to try a food tour, and I couldn't have chosen a better city than Charleston for my first experience. It was an amazing introduction, and I now regret not doing it sooner. Our guide, Crystin, truly made the tour unforgettable. She was warm and humorous, with a genuine passion for Charleston's culinary scene. Every stop was enhanced by her engaging stories about the chefs, neighborhoods, and Lowcountry traditions, making everything feel authentic rather than scripted. By the second location, our entire group was relaxed and conversing as if we were old friends. Crystin has a unique talent for fostering that connection. The food was outstanding. We visited places I would have never found on my own, from hidden local treasures to renowned Charleston dishes prepared perfectly. Every bite seemed intentional, and the variety was excellent. I gained a much deeper appreciation for Charleston's diverse food culture. As a first-timer on a food tour, I was uncertain about what to expect, but this experience far surpassed my expectations. By the end, I was full, had a camera filled with pictures, and a list of spots I plan to revisit before leaving. If you're in Charleston, make sure to book this tour. And if you get Crystin as your guide, you're in for a unique experience.Tonya_W
  3. Small group ghost tour of Charleston, Charleston6

    6. Small group ghost tour of Charleston

    4.9· 864 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Ninety minutes on foot, covering haunted sites over a mile — delve into Charleston's ghostly history with stories of pirates, brides, and soldiers.

    The ghost tour was excellent, combining plenty of history with spooky experiences. We truly enjoyed ourselves and even received some ghostly readings on our EMF meters.Kendra_S
  4. Charleston Harbor sunset cruise, Charleston7

    7. Charleston Harbor sunset cruise

    4.8· 1044 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour cruise aboard a 45-foot catamaran — relax with views of the city skyline, islands, and dolphins at sunset.

    A wonderful boat ride with Captain Ron and Nicky made for a memorable sunset tour. Captain Ton's humor and music provided the entertainment we were looking for, ensuring a great time for my friends and me.SR621
  5. Charleston sightseeing tour on the Old Town Trolley, Charleston8

    8. Charleston sightseeing tour on the Old Town Trolley

    4.8· 372 reviews· 1.7 hours

    Two hours on a comfortable minibus — visit historic sites like the Battery, Rainbow Row, and the City Market with hop-on, hop-off flexibility.

    The trolley tour was excellent, with Lt Dan providing both informative and humorous commentary. His insights about the Civil War were spot-on, especially since I had recently read a book on the subject.Daniel_B
  6. Horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston, Charleston9

    9. Horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston

    4.8· 10593 reviews· 1 hours

    One hour ride through Charleston — see historic homes, churches and gardens, with insights from a certified guide.

    We had a lovely, relaxed ride around Charleston. Our coachman provided a wealth of historical details. It was a perfect way to kick off our first full day in the city.Alison_S
  7. Historic Charleston horse-drawn carriage tour, Charleston10

    10. Historic Charleston horse-drawn carriage tour

    4.8· 3687 reviews· 1 hours

    One-hour tour of Charleston’s historic district by horse-drawn carriage with a licensed guide sharing insights on architecture and history.

    The tour guides were excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Charleston, a city rich in charm and history.Diane_F

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