Best overall
Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel
Highest Outty Ranking in the city right now.
Outty Ranking 93 · from $40
The 15 best things to do in Charleston (2026)
We rank 319 experiences in Charleston, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel at 93/100, and 4 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.
Quick picks
Best value
Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour
Cheapest experience we rank 70 or above.
Outty Ranking 71 · from $7
Best for families
Pirates of Charleston: Pirate Adventures and River cruises
Top ranked option that welcomes kids.
Outty Ranking 82 · from $43
Best for a rainy day
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Indoor-leaning culture pick that works in any weather.
Outty Ranking 92 · from $30
Best last minute
Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
Highest ranked option with same-day availability.
Outty Ranking 91 · from $26
Best evening out
Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Top ranked nightlife or evening experience.
Outty Ranking 90 · from $39
The ranked list
Unlike many tour companies in town that allow up to 20 people in each group, my Charleston tour is guaranteed to have no more than 12. The most unique aspect of my tour is the high level of historical professionalism tha. 90+ Club at 93/100, 5.0/5 from 1,500 traveler reviews, 3h from $40, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.
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2. Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Outty Ranking92Every corner of Charleston hides a world of history. Join us as your guide shares with you hundreds of years of stories, history, and local knowledge. This is a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming stre. 90+ Club at 92/100, 4.9/5 from 6,971 traveler reviews, 2h from $30, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.
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3. Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
Outty Ranking91Our 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, uniq. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 2,294 traveler reviews, 2h from $26, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.
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4. Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
Outty Ranking91Explore some of Charleston's enchanting alleyways and historic sites on this small group, 2-hour walking tour. With our small group tours, you are guaranteed a more intimate and up-close experience. Charleston's alleyway. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 2,666 traveler reviews, 2h from $34, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.
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5. Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Outty Ranking90Your pirate guide will lead the group on a 2.5-hour walking tour through historic downtown Charleston. You will begin and end at a bar, each housed in historic buildings with their own unique ghosts and stories. Guests w. Exceptional at 90/100, 4.9/5 from 1,629 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $39, free cancellation.
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6. Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Outty Ranking89Join us for a 2.5-hour group boat cruise through the cherished tidal creeks of Charleston, South Carolina. This excursion includes an enlightening hour-long stop on the picturesque Morris Island, giving you the opportuni. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.9/5 from 2,379 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $56, free cancellation.
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7. Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture
Outty Ranking88Our 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. Exceptional at 88/100, 5.0/5 from 542 traveler reviews, 2h from $25, free cancellation.
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8. Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings
Outty Ranking86Whether you join our classic itinerary or select our Brunch option, you are in for an unforgettable culinary journey through 300 years of history! Our classic tour features iconic Lowcountry staples like Pulled Pork Taco. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 2,359 traveler reviews, 3h from $89, free cancellation.
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9. Charleston History and Hops Tour: Bar and History Walk
Outty Ranking86Come Live the Local Life with Captain Bryan or Historian Adam! This experience is for guests who enjoy sipping their way through a new city full of history. This is not a classic "sit there and shut up tour" but an oppor. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 357 traveler reviews, 2h from $35, free cancellation.
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10. Real Hauntings of Charleston! (Small Group Ghost Tour)
Outty Ranking85Many Charleston Ghost Tours have big groups of 25+ - NOT HERE!! We limit our tour sizes to about 12 to keep them fun! Charleston is one of the most charming and colorful cities in the world; however, when the light fades. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 976 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $35, free cancellation.
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11. Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
Outty Ranking84Mike Brown is Charleston's most experienced ghost tour guide. Mike has been giving ghost tours in Charleston for 30 years and is the host of the popular Pleasing Terrors Podcast. He has been featured on television and r. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.8/5 from 1,424 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $29, free cancellation.
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12. 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston
Outty Ranking84Embark on a guided, eco-based kayaking adventure through the saltwater estuaries of Folly Creek, navigating a network of tidal creeks that wind around uninhabited hammock islands. This 2-hour marsh kayaking excursion is. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 1,023 traveler reviews, 2h from $54, free cancellation.
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13. City of the Dead The Dark Hauntings of Charleston
Outty Ranking83You choose the path, you choose the tour! Every one of our tours are based on our guests requests and preferences. Will you choose pirates or gangsters, serial killers or cursed lovers? For 90 minutes, you will be led to. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 592 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $32, free cancellation.
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14. Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Outty Ranking83Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing access to Fort Sumer National Historic Site and Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Cruise by top Charleston. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.6/5 from 3,903 traveler reviews, 2.3h from $26, free cancellation.
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15. Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide
Outty Ranking83Talk a walking tour of the most Historic city, Charleston, Southern Carolina in America with a certified and licensed guide. Charleston is where one of the first decisive victories of the American Revolution was fought,. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 261 traveler reviews, 2h from $35, free cancellation.
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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.
Must-see landmarks in Charleston
Rainbow Row (57)Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (57)The Battery and White Point Garden (46)Charleston City Market (44)Fort Sumter National Monument (33)St. Philips Church (33)Circular Congregational Church (28)St. Michael's Church (27)Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Cooper River Bridge) (23)Charleston Waterfront Park (23)Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (17)Nathaniel Russell House (10)
Head to head
- Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon vs Rainbow Row: which first?
- Rainbow Row vs The Battery and White Point Garden: which first?
- Charleston City Market vs Rainbow Row: which first?
- Fort Sumter National Monument vs Rainbow Row: which first?
- Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon vs The Battery and White Point Garden: which first?
- Charleston City Market vs Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon: which first?
- Fort Sumter National Monument vs Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon: which first?
- Charleston City Market vs The Battery and White Point Garden: which first?
- Fort Sumter National Monument vs The Battery and White Point Garden: which first?
- Charleston City Market vs Fort Sumter National Monument: which first?
When to go
March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Charleston?
Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel is the top ranked experience in Charleston right now, with an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100 from 1,500 traveler reviews, from $40 per person. It leads a field of 319 experiences we rank in the city.
What are the must-see attractions in Charleston?
The landmarks with the deepest choice of tours and tickets are Rainbow Row, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, The Battery and White Point Garden, Charleston City Market. Each has its own Outty hub comparing every ranked way to see it.
How much do things to do in Charleston cost?
The 15 best experiences average $39 per person. The cheapest of them is Charleston’s Best Highlights: History, Culture & Architecture from $25, and 15 of the 15 offer free cancellation.
What are the best things to do in Charleston with kids?
Most of the top experiences suit older kids; check the minimum age listed on each activity before booking.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows.
How is this list ranked?
Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in Charleston, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.