Architecture Tours Of Charleston, SC


Large and ornate red and white building in the Second Empire style, Charleston, SC.

Charleston’s beautiful historic architecture is one of the best things about the city. Many people are content just to walk around the downtown Historic District and sightsee, but if you want to know more about the city’s architecture and its styles, or the history of its well-known buildings, a guided architectural tour is ideal.

Most general history tours of Charleston will include some information on its buildings and their architecture, but several more focused tours are available. Some aim for an overview of the architecture you can see in Charleston. Others focus on domestic architecture (and may include visits to one or two of the city’s several historic house museums).

One of the highlights of Charleston’s architectural tradition is its wide array of historic places of worship, the great number of which gives it its other name, the Holy City. Some local guides offer tours that explore the history and architecture of these ecclesiastical buildings.

See also:
Things to do in Charleston
Things to do near Charleston
Plantation tours
– Festivals and events in Charleston in: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Charleston Architecture Tours

The tours below provide an overview of Charleston’s architecture, or focus on a particular aspect of the city’s architectural history or preservation. Tour operators are listed alphabetically.

For a more general overview of Charleston’s history, see walking tours. Tours on other specialist topics are also available, such as Black history, Charleston’s ghost stories or the city’s restaurant scene and food culture.

With Broad Street Biz

Churches of the Holy City

From $150 for six people
Architectural and historical tour of several Charleston churches, visiting some of their interiors.

General History and Architecture

From $150 for six people
Tour giving an overview of Charleston’s history and the key elements of its architecture.

With Bulldog Tours

Custom Private Tour

Tours can be created for private groups focused on architecture, minority history, military history, cemeteries, plantations, etc.

With Exclusively Charleston

House and Garden Tour

From $125 per hour for 2 people
Private guided tour of Charleston’s historic house museums and gardens, their inhabitants and architecture.

With Free Tours By Foot

Charleston Architecture Tour

$3 per person, plus an additional payment at your own discretion
Walking tour exploring Charleston’s key sights and architectural history.

With Ghostwalk Charleston

Charleston House and History Tour

$30 per person
Historical walking tour focusing on Charleston’s historic homes and gardens.

With Old Walled City Walking Tours

Charleston Home and Garden Walking Tour

Adults $45, children $29.50
Walking tour exploring the architectural history of Charleston, including visits to two historic house museums.

Custom Tour

From $170
Customizable private tour of Charleston, up to a full day in length.

With Sites and Insights Tours

2 Hr Charleston Amen Church Tour

$25 per person
Bus tour of Charleston’s historic Black and White houses of worship.

With Walk Charleston History

The Angel of Tradd Street

Walking tour focused on the life and legacy of preservationist Susan Pringle Frost.