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Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture

577 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 577 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Charleston, USA
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from $25 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Magnificent mansions!
A look at sweetgrass baskets!
Picture perfect piazza!
Gillon Street
Second oldest continuous used City Hall in America!
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 64 (44) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Our walk is a journey through time starting in the historic French Quarter where we stroll down enchanting alleyways and cobblestone streets. The architecture of houses of worship and public buildings are discussed as we point out interesting features and tell unique stories about Charleston’s fabled past. We continue to the South of Broad area where beautiful 18th & 19th century houses abound. We enter the Nathaniel Russell House garden to get a glimpse of Charleston off the beaten path. The waterfront Battery is a perfect place to take in the sights of Charleston Harbor and imagining the opening volley of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter located just a few miles in the distance. This is not just another boring history lesson, but a walk back in time culminating the life of Charlestonians and visitors alike. Come see what makes Charleston such special place to visit. Whether being your first time or your twentieth, Charleston always has more to see and learn!

What's Included

  • Tour guide

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    122 East Bay Street
    Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    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.
    Read more

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    French Huguenot Church

    A beautiful Gothic Revival building from 1845 houses one of the only practicing Huguenot (French Protestant) in the country.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    2 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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 view. 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.
    Read more

    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 8 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-90708P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.98
    577 reviews

    Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 577 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    565
    4 stars
    10
    3 stars
    2
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 64 (44) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Tour guide.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Tour guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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