Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour

Explore Charleston’s Historic Streets and Classic Bars for $32

This 2-hour walking tour in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a compelling combination of history, local lore, and craft beverages. For $32 per person, visitors meet at the O-Bar Oyster House on 70 State Street and journey through the French Quarter, visiting two historic bars and several cultural sights. Led by a licensed guide and historic commissioner, the tour balances educational storytelling with relaxed drinking. It’s ideal for those who love history, architecture, and local drinks, but it does require comfortable shoes and is not suited for pregnant women, minors under 21, or those with mobility issues.

While drinks are not included in the price, the bars feature at least 7-8 local beverage options, and the first stop includes a small snack. The small group size of up to 10 participants ensures a personalized experience. A true highlight is the guide’s passion for Charleston’s stories, which many reviews praise for making this tour both informative and entertaining.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $32 per person and lasts 2 hours.
• Starting Point: Meets inside the O-Bar Oyster House at 70 State Street.
• Includes a Snack: One small snack at the first bar is included.
• Historic and Cultural Sights: Walks through French Quarter, exploring hidden alleyways, theaters, and 300-year-old homes.
• Two Historic Bars: Visits two specially chosen historic structures with 7-8 local beverage options.
• Expert Guide: Led by a licensed guide and historic commissioner with deep local knowledge.
• Age and Physical Requirements: Not suitable for minors under 21, pregnant women, or those with mobility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Charleston’s French Quarter and Historic Bar Stops

The tour centers in the French Quarter, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Charleston. Here, the guide leads the group to two historic bars that are at least 7-8 local beverage options each, all within historic buildings. At the first bar, guests enjoy a small local appetizer while the guide shares stories of Charleston’s roots, including its colonial drinking traditions.

The stops are carefully selected to feature buildings with rich histories, adding depth to the experience. The second bar focuses on stories from Prohibition, revealing how the city’s residents navigated alcohol restrictions and piracy, many of which remain local secrets. The guide’s knowledge about Charleston’s liquor history and famous figures enriches the visit without overwhelming the relaxed pace.

Walking Through Charleston’s Alleyways and Architectural Landmarks

Between bar visits, the tour takes a leisurely stroll through the charming alleyways and cobblestone streets of downtown Charleston. Visitors pass by hidden alleyways, original city theaters, and centuries-old homes. The guide points out local lore related to these sites, including stories of piracy and civil war history.

This part of the tour is ideal for those who appreciate architecture and want to see lesser-known sights beyond the usual tourist spots. The walks are moderate in pace, making the experience accessible for most participants, although those with mobility concerns should note the cobblestone streets.

Stories of Prohibition and Charleston’s Drinking Heritage

The second bar visit emphasizes Charleston’s Prohibition era, sharing intriguing stories about how residents bypassed restrictions and kept local spirits alive. The guide recounts tales involving piracy, famous local figures, and secret speakeasies.

Guests learn about colonial-era drinking customs, and the influence of piracy and smuggling on the city’s beverage culture. Many reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling flair and passion for local history, which make the history engaging and memorable. The stories are complemented by local beverage options available for purchase, allowing guests to sample regional drinks.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Charismatic

The tour is led by Captain Bryan, a longtime Charleston resident with a passion for the city’s history. Reviewers consistently praise his enthusiasm, depth of knowledge, and ability to tell stories in a captivating way. His familiarity with local lore and offbeat places adds a personal touch to the experience.

Captain Bryan’s engaging style makes the tour both informative and fun. Many mention his fun suggestions for local beers and extra stops, which enhance the overall experience. His friendly approach ensures that even a small group feels personalized and relaxed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from inside the O-Bar Oyster House, where staff can help locate the guide, who displays a tour guide license badge. The meeting spot is clearly marked with a burgundy awning. The tour runs most afternoons and is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring passport or ID card. The tour proceeds rain or shine, so appropriate attire is advised. The small group size helps facilitate conversation and personalized storytelling.

The Drink Options and Food Offerings

While the tour price does not include drinks, the two historic bars feature at least 7-8 local beverages each, offering a variety of local beers, cocktails, and spirits for purchase. The first stop includes a small snack, which complements the drinks and adds a taste of local cuisine.

Guests are encouraged to sample the beverages recommended by the guide, who highlights local specialties. The relaxed pace of sitting, walking, and drinking makes this experience suitable for those who enjoy casual, social outings with a historical twist.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour involves walking through cobblestone streets and navigating historic buildings. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The tour is designed for most able-bodied adults and does not involve strenuous activity.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather. The rain or shine policy means weather conditions can vary, but the experience remains the same.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Charleston

This tour stands out for its focus on local drinking history combined with storytelling by a passionate guide. Other options include harbor cruises, horse-drawn carriage rides, or prohibition cocktail tours, but none offer the same small group, walk-and-drink format with such historical depth.

The price and duration make it an accessible and engaging activity, especially for those interested in history, architecture, and local beverages. Its high ratings and positive reviews confirm its reputation as a well-loved experience in Charleston.

This small-group tour delivers a relaxed yet informative look into Charleston’s colonial past, Prohibition stories, and hidden corners of the French Quarter. Led by Captain Bryan, it combines historical storytelling with tastings of local beverages, making it a fun and educational outing.

While the drink options are for purchase, the value lies in the expert narration, historic sites, and unique access to two historic bars. The 2-hour length fits well into an afternoon itinerary, especially for visitors wanting a taste of local culture without a full-day commitment.

The limited group size ensures a personalized experience, and the passion of the guide keeps the tour lively and engaging. If you enjoy history, architecture, and a good drink, this tour is a delightful way to spend an afternoon in Charleston.

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
No, the tour is not suitable for guests under 21, and pregnant women are advised to avoid it.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestone streets.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are not included; guests can purchase local beers or cocktails at the bars.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
The guide meets inside the O-Bar Oyster House, located at 70 State Street, with staff able to assist in locating the guide, who wears a license badge.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour proceeds rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for outdoor weather conditions.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Can I reschedule or cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.
Reserve now and pay later allows flexible planning without immediate payment.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, due to the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby