haunted history tour charleston sc

Experience Charleston’s Most Haunted Ghost Tour

Join us to unlock over 300 years of lesser-known history of Charleston and the terrifying, unexplained events and hauntings that plague the Port City to this day.

Charleston Terrors presents an unfiltered look into the dark past of this quaint southern charm. Our unique collection of captivating historical stories and real-life accounts of hauntings establish Charleston as one of the most haunted cities.

Ghost Tour Meeting Location : In front of Charleston City Hall, located at 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401.

Tour Duration : 1hr. across 1 mile

To Order : Press "Get Tickets" for availability.

Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

The Experiences You've Heard About

Charleston Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Join us in a toast to Charleston and the spirits who remain, reaching out to commune with visitors as they have for almost 350 years.

Charleston Terrors: The Ghosts of Pirates and Patriots Past

Underneath Charleston’s alluring southern charm lies a 300-year old history of harrowing hauntings forever tormenting this forsaken city.

Charleston Unchained: Pirates and Patriots

Join us to uncover a controversial side of Charleston and peel back the layers of charm to see the real history of the Holy City.

Southern Charm Foods of Charleston Tour

Join our expert guides on a unique culinary journey that will expand your palette and immerse you in the best Charleston eateries.

Visit the Most Haunted Places in Charleston

Charleston Terrors offers a raw look at the festering underworld of the jewel of South Carolina. Our unique collection of captivating and unnerving historical stories reveals what makes Charleston one of the most compelling haunted locations on the East Coast.

Join us for lesser-known stories of Charleston’s history, from Pirates to the Civil War. Like the waters of the Cooper River, history runs deep and dark around here.

Poogan’s Porch

Poogan’s Porch, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is a charming restaurant housed in a Victorian townhouse dating back to 1888. Known for its Southern hospitality and cuisine, the restaurant has become a beloved local institution. The building’s history adds to its charm with tales of its original resident, an elderly woman named Zoe, whose ghost is said to wander the house still. Guests and staff have reported sightings of Zoe’s apparition walking through the restaurant and staring out the windows.

Formally known as the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, this site is a relic of Charleston’s dark past as a port city. Don’t let the stately Georgian appearance on the street level deceive you, though the basement beneath is filled with eerie halls once occupied by long-dead prisoners, many of whom are said to haunt the building still today. As with the rest of Charleston, there’s more than meets the eye going on behind its elegantly architected walls.

F.W. Wagener Building

Named after one of Charleston’s most famous businessmen, Frederick Wilhelm Wagener, the F.W. Wagener building was initially constructed to house his cotton and phosphate trading ventures. It earned its haunted reputation after the business downturns following the end of the Civil War pushed one young associate into committing suicide on the third floor. The building has had many afterlives since, as fine-dining restaurants and breweries. However, everyone who works there reports similar ghostly incidents and an inexplicable “chill” coming from the old offices on the upper floors.

Test your bravery, and join us!

What to expect on your charleston ghost tour.

Charleston may be well-known as one of the country’s most hospitable cities, but underneath the city’s pleasant facade lies a deep history filled with terrifying stories of desperation. As we walk around Charleston’s downtown area at night, you will see places like the Wegener Building, haunted by a nineteenth-century businessman who put his final hope for financial salvation, his last harvest of cotton, on a ship and watched it sail out of the harbor only to catch fire accidentally on the horizon. He hanged himself there and then, and his swinging corpse can sometimes be seen in the top-floor windows of this regal building.

During the day, you can explore Charleston’s beautiful city center and interact with the famously friendly locals. At night, join us and take a trip through the scandalous past of Charleston’s colonial history and beyond. Your tour will help you understand that even in Chucktown, evil can lurk at the very center of civility.

Charleston Terrors is a great way to see the amazing sites of historical Charleston while also getting your fill of the ghostly atmosphere of the city’s most haunted locations. Reserve your Charleston ghost tour today and experience a side of Charleston that not many get to see.

Discover the Horrors That Haunt Charleston

Learn about the Provost Dungeon, where spirits allegedly infect the dreams of those who hold hanging chains from the walls.

Visit the Mills House Hotel, where residents who succumbed to the Great Fire are said to wander the halls.

Discover Poogan’s Porch, a popular restaurant named after the former owner’s dog that is said to still greet people.

Check out the Pirate House, which was once used to entertain pirates and house their illegal black market trade.

Take a walk with us to learn about the ghost of a colonial-era boy who haunts the Powder Magazine of Cumberland Street.

Why You Should Book Your Charleston Ghost Tour Tonight!

Thrilling experiences

Feel your heart race as you learn more about the history and ghosts at each tour stop, perhaps even seeing something moving in the dark as you walk along the guided path. After all what is more thrilling than a ghost tour?

Entertainment for All Ages

Are you traveling to Charleston and want to enjoy a fun, family-friendly event? This tour is perfect for kids and adults, and we ensure everyone will have a great time. Bring a date or even the whole family. We’ve had many romances blossom under the stars and not just after someone jumped into the arms of another! Your tour guides are professionals and love telling stories to delight the whole family.

Learn about Charleston, the Holy City by the sea.

During the Charleston Ghost Tour, you will learn new and fascinating information about the ghastly and surprising history of this many-layered city. Travel back home to tell your family and friends about the memorable stops and the unforgettable stories as well as lesser-known tales you learned during the tour. For instance, did you know Charleston strictly enforced State liquor sales rules and only sold booze one bottle at a time? This encouraged many speakeasies to open, long before Prohibition. You’ll see one on the tour, and discover the legend of the Blind Tiger!

You a Non-Believer

Charleston Terrors ghost tours are fun, even for the non-believer. You don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy the tour; the stories are captivating and full of entertaining characters and unbelievable true history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you will enjoy the stories told and learning more about each historic location. Who knows, something you experience on the tour could make a believer of you yet!

A Memorable Experience.

Charleston Terrors offer you a truly memorable experience in one of the most atmospheric cities in the United States. The tour brings everyone together as stories are told about amazing moments in the history of a truly incredible city. You will have fun remembering the highlights of the tour long after your visit is through.

The 14 Best Ghost Tours in Charleston

What is a trip to Charleston without taking a ghost tour? Charleston is known for being one of the most haunted cities in America. It is hard to find an area of the “Holy City” without some dreadful haunted tale associated with it.

With so much dark history in Charleston, you will be surrounded by haunted places everywhere. You will not be in short supply of spooky and creepy tales, from the ghosts of Civil War soldiers to haunted pubs full of angry spirits to the old haunted jail.

With so many haunted locations and different tours to choose from, let me recommend the best ghost tours in Charleston, South Carolina.

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The 14 Best Ghost Tours in Charleston, South Carolina

1. tour charleston.

What is creepier than a ghost tour? A ghost tour in a haunted graveyard! The Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard is Charleston’s best graveyard ghost tour.

This tour will take you into the graveyard after hours – when only the ghosts are lingering between the gravestones. The tour guides are a lot of fun and keep you engaged with funny and spooky stories.

As you pass Charleston’s most haunted locations, professional guides regale you with the spirits that wander around the city until you finally end at the Unitarian Church Graveyard. The stories are spooky but not too scary, so this tour is one of the best ghost tours in Charleston for the family.

The tour guides at Tour Charleston are incredible storytellers, and the exclusive nighttime access to the graveyard makes this tour one of the best ghost tours in Charleston.

Book here: Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

2. Old Charleston Walking Tours

If you want to take a ghost tour with an incredible storyteller in Charleston, I highly recommend Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour .

The tour takes you through Charleston’s “Bloody Alley,” where you will hear tales about Charleston’s history, ghost encounters and gruesome folklore. 

This is one of the best ghost tours in Charleston for people who love listening to the spookiest stories. 

The tour guide, Mike Brown, hosts the popular ​​Pleasing Terrors Podcast. He will show you spooky pictures capturing paranormal evidence at each location during the tour. So, if you go on just one tour in Charleston, make it this one.

Book here: Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

3. Old South Carriage

If you want to go on a ghost tour without walking, you should go on the Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston . 

Wander down the cobbled alleyways on a haunted horse-drawn carriage as you listen to the spooky history of Charleston’s most haunted locations. 

One perk of booking the Haunted Horse and Carriage is that the tour covers more ground than walking tours, so you will visit haunted locations that other tours do not.

If you are looking for the best family-friendly ghost tour in Charleston, I highly recommend this ghost tour.

Book here: Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

4. Bulldog Tours

Bull Dog Tours is one of Charleston’s most popular ghost tour companies, so you know they have the best ghost tours. So, if you book with Bull Dog, you can’t go wrong. They have many tours, but I recommend the Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour the most.

This tour takes you on an eerie night-time walk through Charleston’s most haunted and dark locations. You will hear stories about graveyard hauntings, botched funerals, and voodoo while you walk through Charleston’s oldest cemetery.

The pace of this tour is perfect, as the guide takes you around some of Charleston’s most haunted sites. All of the guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and personable. 

Be sure to bring your camera on this tour, as many people’s pictures return with creepy orbs! Could they be the sign of a spirit?

Book here: Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour

5. Nightly Spirits

What is better than a ghost tour? A ghost tour with a pub crawl! Join Nightly Spirits Charleston Haunted Boos and Booze Tour on a ghost walk through Charleston. This is one of the best pub crawls in Charleston .

You will stop at three haunted pubs to sip on tasting cocktails, dark history and ghost stories.

The tour guides are hilarious and interactive and know the pubs’ spooky history. Be sure to bring your camera to see if you can capture one of the many spirits that haunt them.

You will also stop at different haunted locations and learn the haunted tales about spirits, pirates and Charleston’s terrifying history.

You are responsible for buying your drinks at each stop, but you get an awesome can cooler or cup to remember the night.

Book here: Charleston Haunted Boos and Booze Tour

6. Tour Charleston With Adam

The Charleston Dark History and Ghost Tour with Adam is one of the best ghost tours in Charleston for those looking for a smaller tour group. If you want a tour guide with tons of historical knowledge about all of the haunted happenings around Charleston, I recommend this tour.

The Charleston Dark History and Ghost Tour stops at spots like the haunted Poogan’s Porch restaurant, which is full of ghosts. Other sites include the Circular Congregational Church, where tour guide Adam will show you a photo of a captured spirit.

Adam is a fantastic tour guide – you will feel like you have a new friend by the end of the tour. The tour group is small, so you won’t struggle to hear the spooky stories, creating a more intimate experience. He knows his history and knows how to deliver horror stories that will chill you to the bone.

Adam has loads of really cool paranormal photos that he shares with the group on the tour of places the tour visits. It ties the story into the spooky histories in Charleston.

Book here: Charleston Dark History and Ghost Tour

7. Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour

Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour will take you through the Holy City after-hours, where you will hear ghost stories based on historical events.

Follow a tour guide to Charleston’s spookiest locations, including the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the city’s most haunted buildings—both date back to the 1600s in some form and include a former prison.

The tour guide will keep you interested throughout the entire tour. This is your tour if you want to take one of the best ghost tours in Charleston that the whole family will enjoy.

Book here: Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour

8. Walks In History

Spend the evening with paranormal author Geordie Buxton on the Supernatural Charleston Tour . You will hear stories about the history behind some of Charleston’s most haunted sites.

You will walk through Charleston’s historic streets at night while listening to chilling tales from Charleston’s dark history. Although a paranormal author gives this tour, it focuses more on history than super scary ghostly stories, but it is such a great tour. You will be taken inside the Embassy Suite, the tour’s highlight.

Book here: Supernatural Charleston Tour

9. Ghost Walk Tour

If you want to go on an original ghost tour in Charleston, I recommend taking the Ghost Walk Tour. This tour offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience as it takes you through downtown Charleston’s spookiest streets and dark alleys, where you will hear stories about the haunted happenings around town.

Tour guide Patricia will wow you with dark stories about supernatural events and dark history that occurred throughout the city. Also, several people who have taken the Ghost Walk Tour have reported hearing noises, seeing dark shadows and smelling things like brimstone! Why not take a tour the next time you’re in Charleston and find out if you run into any dark, shadowy figures along the way?

Book here: Ghost Walk Tour

10. Paranormal Investigation: YOU are the Ghost Hunter

Do you want to go on a ghost hunt with a paranormal investigator? Then, take the Paranormal Investigation: YOU are the Ghost Hunter . This is a small group paranormal tour in Charleston, so you will enjoy an intimate tour that gives you time to learn how to use the equipment and try to reach out to the ghosts in the area.

You will visit several haunted locations around Charleston, where you can use ghost hunting equipment like spirit boxes, laser grids, and EMF meters to try to reach out to the spirits. Not only that but you will be given access to all of the videos and recordings from your ghost tour!

You will stop at a few different haunted sites in Charleston, where you will learn the history and contact the ghosts in the area. In addition, you will learn about famous and lesser-known ghost stories about Charleston.

Nicholas is an incredible tour guide and ghost hunter. His paranormal investigation is one of the best ghost tours in Charleston. He will keep you entertained and educate you at the same time. If you want to get into ghost hunting and aren’t sure where to start, take this tour.

Book here: Paranormal Investigation: YOU are the Ghost Hunter

11. Ghost City Tours of Charleston

The Death and Depravity Ghost Tour in Charleston takes you to the darkest parts of Charleston’s history, complete with seedy stories of brothels, true crime, and demonic entities.

The tour takes you to several of Charleston’s well-known haunted locations. An expert tour guide discusses the city’s ghostly history while diving deeper into the scandalous parts.

The tour guides are hilarious, and they know their history. So, if you want a fun tour where you will spend a good chunk of the time laughing – this is the tour for you.

This is not your typical ghost tour – while it does have ghosts, it is full of the sordid and mature stories of Charleston’s history. This tour is for adults only, so don’t bring the family! It’s a ghost tour with a little bit of spice!

Book here: The Death and Depravity Ghost Tour in Charleston

12. Ghosts of the South

Take a tour of Charleston’s most haunted locations with the Charleston: Small Group Guided Ghost Tour at Night . Walk the same streets as infamous pirates and Charleston’s founders.

The tour takes you to a 17th-century graveyard where you will learn why (and how) they would stack hundreds of bodies in the same burial spot. Plus, you will walk along Charleston’s historic streets with an expert tour guide as he points out where all of the local ghosts are often spotted.

I recommend taking the Charleston: Small Group Guided Ghost Tour at Night if you are looking for one of the best small group ghost tours in Charleston.

Book here: Charleston: Small Group Guided Ghost Tour at Night

13. Charleston Historic Tours

A historical and hilarious tour with a side of brews? You will get that on the Charleston: Boo-Hag and Brews Haunted Bar Hop .

This tour will take you on a bar crawl while on a ghost tour. You will fill in on alcohol (you’ll pay for your drinks) and some complimentary appetizers. You will learn so much history about Charleston’s ghost lore in between tasty beverages.

Tour guide Captain Bryan is a historian and a local, so he knows his history. He puts an entertaining, personal and spooky twist on the stories that make the tour an incredibly memorable experience.

Book here: Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour

14. Holy City Walks

If you want to take a small group ghost tour geared towards adults, I recommend taking the Real Hauntings of Charleston ghost tour . 

The tour guide, Brandon, perfectly combines Charleston’s dark history and the haunted buildings that still stand today. The tour passes haunted graveyards, restaurants, bars, churches and alleyways. You will enjoy listening to Brandon as he reveals real tales about pirates who now haunt the Provost Dungeon.

Honestly, the Holy City Walks tour is one of the best ghost tours I have ever taken in Charleston, and I know you will love it, too.

Book here: Real Hauntings of Charleston

Want to find more ghost tours in the USA?

• The 9 Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans
• The 9 Best Ghost Tours in Salem, MA
• The 10 Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine, FL
• The 17 Best Ghost Tours in Savannah, GA

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Welcome to charleston's #1 rated ghost tour.

Underneath Charleston’s alluring southern charm lies a 300-year-old history of harrowing hauntings that plague the Holy City.

Charleston Terrors takes you on a terrifying journey of the city’s darker side on a real Charleston ghost tour unveiling a disturbing history of deadly outbreaks, casualties of war, and infamous hauntings in one of the most haunted locations in South Carolina.

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Choose Your Unique Charleston Experience

Tours are held daily, rain or shine, and year-round. Please see a list of available tours below to book your tour today, or for more information.

Charleston Terrors: The Ghosts of Pirates and Patriots Past

Underneath Charleston’s alluring southern charm lies a 300-year old history of harrowing hauntings forever tormenting this forsaken city.

Meeting Location All tours meet at Charleston City Hall at 80 Broad Street

Tour Duration Tours are 1 hour across a 1-mile walking distance. Ask about the bonus extended tour!

Availability Press "Book Now" for availability

Charleston Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Join us in a toast to Charleston and the spirits who remain there, reaching out to commune with visitors as they have for almost 350 years.

Meeting Location 122 East Bay street Charleston 29401

Tour Duration Approximately 2 hours

Charleston Unchained: Pirates and Patriots

Join us to uncover a controversial side of Charleston and peel back the layers of charm to see the real history of the Holy City.

Meeting Location All tours meet at the bandstand/gazebo, in the middle of White Point Park, down at the Battery (2 Murray Blvd. Charleston, SC 29401)

Southern Charm Foods of Charleston Tour

A feast for all your senses, this tour brings together the best that Charleston's culinary scene has to offer. Join our expert guides on a unique culinary experience that will expand your tastes and immerse you in the best of Charleston living.

Meeting Location In front of 82 Queen: 82 Queen St, Charleston

Tour Duration Approximately 3 hours

THE EXPERIENCES YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT

Read All Reviews

Preview The Most Haunted Locations In Charleston

Blind tiger pub.

When it comes to the Blind Tiger Pub, the name itself says it all. The name, coined in the late 1800s, was a common phrase that usually described sordid establishments. These places allowed illicit gambling and drinking behind closed doors in an era of increased temperance legislation. 

As a port city and one of the first to enact laws against drinking, Charleston had many such establishments. The current Blind Tiger Pub plays homage to this side of Charleston’s cultural roots in a historic building that dates back to the early 1800s and boasts many ghostly encounters.

Formally known as the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, this site is a relic of Charleston’s dark past as a port city. 

Don’t let the stately Georgian appearance on the street level deceive you, though—the basement beneath is filled with eerie halls once occupied by long-dead prisoners, many of whom are said to haunt the building still today. As with the rest of Charleston, there’s more than meets the eye going on behind its elegantly architected walls.

F.W. Wagener Building

Named after one of Charleston’s most famous businessmen, Frederick Wilhelm Wagener, the F.W. Wagener building was initially constructed to house his cotton and phosphate trading ventures. It earned its haunted reputation after the business downturns following the end of the Civil War pushed one young associate into committing suicide on the third floor. 

The building has had many afterlives since, as fine-dining restaurants and breweries. However, everyone who works there reports similar ghostly incidents and an inexplicable “chill” coming from the old offices on the upper floors.

Welcome to Charleston Terrors

Deadly disease and the souls left behind.

Deadly contagions such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Smallpox ran rampant throughout Charleston’s neighborhoods, resulting in unimaginable suffering and countless painful deaths, decimating entire families. Uncover St. Phillip’s Protestant Episcopal Church Graveyard where the tormented souls of those who perished from these horrendous diseases wander amongst the decrepit gravestones. 

The spirits that inhabit the historic graveyard that is home to Secretary of War and Vice President, John C. Calhoun, are some that horror movies are made of. The ghost of Sue Howard Hardy has a wretched reputation for affecting those who have the misfortune of encountering her presence as Mary Winston did. Mary’s encounter was a frightful one, with the apparition accosting her about her lost child and resulting in Mary being unable to conceive.

Sightings beyond Sue are not abnormal. Locals believe the spirit of a child whose life was cut tragically short is bound to the cemetery as reports of an eerie, disembodied sound of a baby crying are common. Visitors on the Charleston ghost tour have also reported mysterious, ghostly figures lurking around the graveyard, in search of those they were taken from far too soon.

A Final Restless Place

St. Phillip’s Protestant Episcopal Church Graveyard may be aged but it’s certainly not the oldest cemetery in Charleston. Discover the city’s oldest and most chilling cemetery, the Circular Congregational Church Graveyard, where the oldest tombstone dates back to 1695. While natural disasters and war threatened the establishment, they also filled the cemetery with over 700 unfortunate souls in the 500 spots available. 

Whether it’s the horrific nature in which they passed or their lack of peace from sharing a grave, the spirits that inhabit the Circular Congregational Church Graveyard are mischievous at best, and malevolent at worst. Visitors have reported orbs and mysterious transparent figures popping up in photographs as well as hearing spooky disembodied voices whispering all around them.

Perhaps, one of the most terrifying encounters was experienced by a former groundskeeper. Hear the unnerving true tale of Danny Loder, the hapless employee who was tormented by multiple menacing presences encouraging him to commit unspeakable acts, striking the groundskeeper with pure fear and bringing him to tears. 

The Legends That Never Die

Charleston’s role as a vital port city made it a hub for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. Learn all about the port city’s dark underbelly at the Pirate House, a one-stop shop for nefarious activity that dominated the area. From prostitutes to black market traders and everything wicked in between, a now hidden tunnel was a virtual gateway for everything sinister. 

Though atrocities manifested in various forms at the Pirate House, it was the notorious Blackbeard that took depravity to another level. Hear the incredible lore of Blackbeard’s treacherous treatment of pirate Stede Bonnet, leaving Bonnet and his crew stranded in Charleston where they would meet a gruesome end at the Old Provost Dungeon. 

The horrors that thrived behind closed doors have since been released and can be felt throughout this paranormal hot spot. The pirates that were hanged as a result of Blackbeard’s treachery have reportedly been seen wandering the streets near Old Provost Dungeon, no doubt vengefully searching for the legendary pirate that cost them their lives.

WHY IS CHARLESTON SO HAUNTED?

Prohibition, rebellion, gunpowder, and ghosts.

South Carolina was one of the first states to enact Prohibition laws, which came into effect on New Year’s Day, 1914. Created out of rebellion, The Blind Tiger is one of Charleston’s oldest and most famously haunted speakeasies.  Embark on a nail-biting adventure with Charleston Terrors where you might see the terrifying phantom of the Woman in Black who’s known to make frightening appearances and induce terrifying encounters by tugging on the hair of those she deems worthy, or deserving.

The Blind Tiger isn’t the only well-known location in the Holy City that has a sinister backstory. Venture to Philadelphia Alley where men settled their disputes with good ol’ fashioned duels, and where their spirits continue to seek out the ones who sealed their fate. 

In the days of mayhem and madness, Philadelphia Alley, or “Deuler’s Alley”, was the sight of nearly two dozen duels, some more grisly than others. Uncover the horrid details of the area’s most famed duel that involved a young Dr. Joseph Ladd who ultimately lost his life. To date, his apparition can be seen wandering Philadelphia Alley, whistling as though the duel never occurred. Visitors also report sounds of phantom gunshots, and being pushed out of the specter bullets’ way.

The Never-Ending Echoes of War and Death

Charleston was a crucial and strategic location that was coveted throughout the American Civil War. One location that housed the tools used for death and destruction is now filled with the unexplained and supernatural. Visit The Charleston Powder Magazine, the former storage facility for gunpowder and weapons that now serves as a prison for tortured souls. 

It’s said that the spirits of the casualties of war continue to roam the grounds, guarding their posts even in the afterlife. The crippling sounds of the forsaken can be heard in the form of screams and unimaginable pain throughout the building. Yet none of these sounds are as disturbing as witnessing a young soldier relive his own death.

Uncover the petrifying account of one teenager’s encounter with a befallen soldier. Relive his fear as you hear details of the soldier’s appearance and how his death was reenacted before the teen’s very eyes. Sadly, his spirit is one of many that are tethered to these unholy grounds in the Holy City.

Discover all the unknown details and mournful tales full of woe on a meticulously-researched and authentic Charleston ghost tour with Charleston Terrors. Prepare to uncover why the jewel of South Carolina is also one of the most haunted.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS GHOST TOUR?

Discover the darker side of an otherworldly historic destination.

Don’t be fooled by the charming ambiance of Rainbow Row in the city’s historic district. Beneath Charleston’s multiple, stately Georgian facades is a truly disturbing and sinister underbelly that can be largely attributed to the city’s involvement in the atrocities of the transatlantic slave trade.

Experience the disturbing history of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, where hundreds of runaway slaves were mercilessly executed and a plethora of other prisoners —sometimes including entire families — tragically died while rotting away in their cells. Their tortured souls are said to still roam the basement halls, crying out in anguish and begging for mercy, forever tied to this horrific site. 

The misery and pain soaked into the foundations of Charleston’s streets and buildings reverberate outward making it an incredibly active site full of negative energy, bone-chilling hauntings, and otherworldly activity. For all of the city’s glory, there’s a harrowing side that hides in plain sight.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adrenaline Rush and Experience You’ll Cherish Forever

From Poogan’s Porch and its multiple resident ghosts continuously clamoring for attention to the Mills House Hotel that still houses its original, now ghostly, residents, Charleston Terrors will introduce you to a frightful history filled with an unbelievable reality that paved the way for all manner of unexplained activity and strange happenings.

The neverending bloodshed left a grim stain on Charleston that can still be seen and heard today in the dark echoes from the land of the dead that are felt in every haunted iconic city. Take a walk on the cursed streets and see the sites where heinous transgressions replay nightly for those in their vicinity, and hear the howls of agony that consume the air in the dark of night. 

Be Part of a Growing Ghostly Community

The amount of pain, suffering, and death engrained in the stones of The Holy City created a foundation of misery and misfortune that in turn birthed unexplained hauntings, gave way to eerie otherworldly encounters, and cemented its reputation as a ghostly hotbed of terrifying tales and strange events.

Get ready to take a riveting ride through the seedy side of this incredible piece of the south. Where the wretched reign supreme and the stories are greater than fiction. You’ve experienced all of the charm, culinary delights, and gorgeous architecture that the city has to offer. Join Charleston Terrors to discover the unfortunate souls and sinful acts that helped forge the dark side of the Holy City.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

6 reasons to book the Charleston Terrors Ghost tour right now!

1) you want to learn more about a side of charleston not taught in history books.

Charleston might be one of the most hospitable cities in the U.S., but friendly smiles and sunshine can’t hide the fact that disturbing history can be found in every nook and cranny of the city’s otherwise charming streets. Odds are you’ve already studied up on historic sites like Fort Sumter, but do you know all about Charleston’s notoriously haunted past?  

Uncover the secrets of the F.W. Wagener building, named after one of Charleston’s most famous businessmen.   Everyone who works there reports the same similar, ghostly incidents and an inexplicable “chill” coming from the old offices on the upper floors.   Uncover the little-known history of this haunted location and more on a spine-tingling Charleston Terrors ghost tour.

2) You’ve already visited the classic Charleston destinations

During your trip to South Carolina, you’ve hit top tourist destinations including Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the historic City Market. But no trip to the Holy City is complete without a deep dive into its haunted past. Join Charleston Terrors and experience the gritty underbelly of the Holy City. See the spine-tingling sites of murder, suicide, disease, piracy, and inexplicable mysteries — a history you won’t see written on a door sign — while still gaining an invaluable look at one of America’s most prolific cities.

3) You’re looking to put a spooky spin on date night

Make your next date one to remember with a tour from Charleston Terrors, and get the blood pumping as you and your significant other visit destinations such as Philadelphia Alley, one of the most haunted walkways in all of Charleston. Legend has it that a man died whilst dueling to win the love of his lover. But this ill-fated romance wasn’t meant to be, as he was fatally wounded and died of gangrene shortly after. Today, his ghost allegedly can still be seen and heard today, carelessly walking down the alley, whistling and very much in love…unknowing of the grim fate that awaits him.

4) You want to learn the local tales

You might just be visiting, but don’t you want to experience Charleston like a local? Embark on a spooky adventure and hear all of the well-known tales that have been passed down to Charleston residents for centuries, including the infamous hauntings of Poogan’s Porch Restaurant. Admittedly, the site is home to some not-so-scary history: rumor has it that the friendly spirit of Poogan — the owners’ West Highland Terrier — still greets passerbyers to this day with a friendly bark or a nuzzle, despite the fact that Poogan died in 1979. But don’t be deceived, because Poogan isn’t the only ghost who remains on the property. The vengeful spirit of Zoe, a schoolteacher, and former resident is said to flicker the lights and even scream at terrified employees, crying out for her long-dead sister, Elizabeth.

5) You want to experience Charleston at night

If you’re a night owl looking to see Charleston after hours in a truly unforgettable way, look no further. Many, if not all haunted locations across Charleston are particularly active after the sun goes down, making a tour with Charleston Terrors the perfect opportunity to take your friends out on a spooky nighttime adventure they’ll never forget. From the mysterious apparitions of Civil War soldiers that roam the grounds of Charleston’s Powder Magazine to the inexplicably dark energy that can be felt in Philadelphia Alley, the port city’s otherworldly inhabitants are more often than not, nocturnal.

6) You’re tired of binge-watching Netflix

You’ve always had a taste for the macabre, from horror movies to true crime documentaries. But have you ever indulged in your love for haunted history…in real life? Turn off your TV and see firsthand the legendary locations of your favorite shows during one of our curated one-hour tours. Walk the chilling streets of Charleston and see actual haunted sites like the Circular Congregational Church Graveyard, where the first tombstone dates all the way back to 1965. There, perhaps you’ll come face-to-face with a vengeful, ethereal spirit, who once reportedly screamed at a groundskeeper to “burn it to the ground” before vanishing into the night.

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Haunted history tours through charleston, sc.

Public Haunted History Tour

Explore the dark side of charleston.

A family friendly tour, the perfect way to spend the evening with your family learning about the history and hauntings of Charleston.

Private Haunted History Tour

Explore the sinister side of downtown charleston.

Family friendly tour perfect way to spend the evening with your family learning about the history and hauntings of Charleston

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The 7 spookiest charleston ghost tours.

Experience the Holy City's history and haunts on one of these excursions.

Spooky Charleston Ghost Tours

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Though many tourists travel to Charleston, South Carolina , to see attractions like the Battery or Rainbow Row, or to sample the city's Lowcountry cuisine, others visit to learn about the dearly departed. Thanks to its pre-Revolutionary heritage, its wealth of ancient tombstones and its ghost-centric folklore, Charleston is often considered one of America's most haunted cities. With that in mind, U.S. News gathered a selection of the top ghost tours using both expert opinion and ghost hunter sentiment. Whether you choose to venture out in the twilight hours or well after dark, Charleston's ghosts are not to be missed.

Tour Charleston at Buxton Books – Ghosts of Charleston Tour

Price: Adults from $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

This jaunt takes you through the city's most historic (and haunted) areas, including the Unitarian Church graveyard, to which this tour has exclusive after-hours access. Many tourgoers report local spirits reaching out to them during the tour while guides regaled them with stories. Reviewers also applaud the amount of history shared and appreciate that the tour isn't too frightening.

This tour departs every day at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Discounts are available for seniors, students and children. Tour Charleston also offers several historical tours that highlight the city's heritage.

Check prices & availability on:

Bulldog Tours – Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Walking Tour

Price: Adults from $37; kids from $27 Duration: 1.5 hours

This unique walking tour takes you to one of the city's oldest graveyards after dark. As you traipse through the cemetery, your expert tour guide will tell you about notable graves and explain some of the town's spookiest paranormal stories. You'll even hear how past Charleston residents may have been buried alive. Travelers call this tour captivating and spooky. They especially enjoy seeing the picturesque cemetery at night.

The tour departs daily at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Bulldog Tours offers a variety of other walking tours focusing on history and food, among other topics.

Courtesy of Old Charleston Walking Tours

Old Charleston Walking Tours – Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour

Price: Adults from $28; kids from $15 Duration: 1.5 hours

This tour starts in Charleston's Washington Square Park, taking ghost seekers on an alluring stroll through the historic city to learn about its otherworldly – and often gruesome – past. Tourgoers call the experience thought-provoking, excellent and a must-do in Charleston thanks to the thorough guide.

Tours start at 7:30 or 9:30 p.m. every day.

Ghost City Tours – The Ghosts of Liberty Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $10 Duration: 1.5 hours

The Ghosts of Liberty Tour focuses solely on stories about patriotic men and women who fought for America before their demise. You'll learn about these patriots and their hard-fought battles, as well as Charleston's unique history and its famous churches. Patrons say this excursion is wonderful and enthralling.

Tours depart at 8 p.m. daily. For even more thrills, consider the company's Death and Depravity Tour, which explores famous sites associated with the city's seedier history.

Sandlapper Water Tours – Haunted Ghost Tour and Cruise of Charleston Harbor

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

This boat tour aboard a 45-foot catamaran takes you to corners of the city that are unreachable on foot to share ghostly tales of pirates, wars and the many ships lost in Charleston's harbor and just off its coast. Most reviewers recommend this tour and give it high marks, calling it fun and insightful.

These haunted ghost tours depart at 6:30 or 8:15 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and at 8:15 p.m. on Saturdays. Children under the age of 3 are not allowed. Not a fan of the supernatural? Consider Sandlapper's other tours, including its sunset cruises.

Charleston Pirate Tours – Charleston Ghost & Pirate Tour

Price:  Adults from $28; kids from $15 Duration: 1.5 hours

Learn about the Holy City's pirate folklore, legendary ghost stories and Gullah culture on this tour, led by a costumed guide. Visitors call this tour informative and a great experience for all ages, especially kids.

Tours depart daily at 7:30 p.m. Charleston Pirate Tours also offers a daytime pirate tour, as well as a treasure hunt tour for kids.

Old South Carriage Co. – Haunted Carriage Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $40 Duration: 40 minutes

This carriage ride takes you on a tour of one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. Visitors can learn about ghosts, pirates and patriots from Charleston's history. During the tour, guides will share information and local lore as guests visit alleys, graveyards, hotels and the historical Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Past tourgoers say the ride was entertaining and educational.

The carriage ghost tours depart several times daily, starting around 5:30 p.m. Old South Carriage Co. offers a variety of other historical carriage tours as well.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Charleston Walking Tours
• The Best Hotels in Charleston

Tags: Tours , Charleston, South Carolina , Travel , Vacations , South Carolina Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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Best Ghost Tours in Charleston: A Spooky Exploration of the Historic City With The Best Haunted Walking Tours

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Best Haunted Tours in Charleston

There might not be another US city as rich in history and as willing to embrace it as the port of Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1670 and christened Charles Town after King Charles II, the city played a major role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It’s location on the mid-Atlantic attracted pirates (most notably Blackbeard himself) and Charleston’s intricate involvement in the slave trade lead to a formal acknowledgement and apology in 2018.

Check out Charleston's most popular tours.

Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour

This ghostly adventure is smart phone guided. You go to the Old Exchange, open the tour, enter your experience code from Viator and press play. From there you are guided turn by turn through Charleston's haunted streets.

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.

Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour

Peek into Charleston’s shadowy history with a chilling nighttime walking tour of the city’s most eerie sites! Wind through the dark corridors of the Historic District and hear spooky tales of graveyard hauntings, voodoo and botched burials from your local guide. Pass by infamous locations with grisly histories and wander through the Charleston’s oldest cemetery after hours.

Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Join Charleston native and host of the popular Pleasing Terrors Podcast, Mike Brown, on this 90-minute Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour. Join Mike as he combines suspenseful storytelling with unparalleled knowledge of the hidden and often frightening stories lurking in Charleston's past and present.

Charleston Dark History and Ghost Tour

Explore the haunted side of Charleston with a small-group history and ghost tour. Meet your guide for a city stroll that includes popular landmarks like Hibernian Hall, Washington Park, Chalmers Street, and St. Philip’s Church. Hear scary stories and learn about local history, including true crime, during this family-friendly walking tour.

The Death and Depravity Ghost Tour in Charleston

From the city's brothels to gritty crime stories, explore Charleston's seedier history on this evening ghost tour. By combining aspects of the horrific, the salacious, and the just plain weird, this walking tour offers a unique look at the city. Keep in mind that this tour contains mature themes and language.

Charleston Haunted Boos and Booze Tour

Take a tour of Charleston on this haunted boos and booze tour with your pirate guide. This is a small group experience, with just you and 3 other friends in your group. You can sip on cocktails while your guide takes you through the city to places like the Powder Magazine, Charleston City Market, Washington Square, and more.

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

Uncover Charleston’s darkest secrets on an evening ghost and cemetery tour. Stroll through the atmospheric heart of the old city while an entertaining local guide regales you with tales of the dark deeds, restless spirits and supernatural phenomena that make Charleston one of the most haunted cities in America. Get exclusive after-hour access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard, where an overgrown southern garden surrounds historic plots said to be haunted by wandering ghosts.

Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Night-Time Walking Tour with Entry to Provost Dungeon

Explore the darker side of Charleston and experience some of the city’s most eerie sites with a 90-Minute Ghost & Dungeon Nighttime Walking Tour with Entry to Provost Dungeon! Wind through the Historic District’s dark corridors and graveyards, and hear spooky tales of ghosts, voodoo, local superstition and famous haunted spaces from your local guide. Cap off the tour with a chilling visit to the Provost Dungeon, a pre-Revolutionary dungeon steeped in grisly history.

Supernatural Charleston Tour

Discover the spooky charms of South Carolina on this supernatural walking tour. Walk the nighttime streets of Charleston as your guides share chilling tales of public executions, exhumations, and violent episodes of the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. This 90-minute tour is led by local authors who are experts in supernatural history.

Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour

Join this combination bar crawl and ghost tour with a local Charlestonian and spend your evening learning about the scary side of the city. Visit two bars as part of the tour and enjoy a complimentary snack at the first bar location. Hear ghost stories as you stroll by graveyards and historic homes. Finish the tour at a local park where you’ll learn about a grizzly historical fact. (Please note we do not enter the graveyards)

Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour

Decide for yourself if Charleston’s ghost stories are true on this haunted after-hours tour of the Holy City. Walk to infamously spooky locations—including the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon—and hear a mix of history and lore from your guide about soldiers who once fought within the city.

Small Group Haunted History Walking Tour of Charleston

Dating back to 1670, Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in America. With a history of pirates and criminals, patriots and founding fathers, the city swarms with restless souls and unexplained phenomena. On this tour, your local guide takes you to all the spookiest spots, from haunted graveyards to execution sites and more, keying you into the spirits who walk the cobblestone streets.

Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl

The Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl delivers a haunted pub tour experience focused on the ghosts of Charleston's colonists, pirates, bootleggers, and brothels. This tour will showcase the not-so-holy history of the Holy City, emphasizing Charleston's place in the Civil War, Prohibition, and Piracy.

Charleston Terrors Ghosts and Pirates Haunted Tour

Discover the most haunted locations in Charleston with this small-group walking ghost tour. Hear ghost stories inspired by the city’s past during this stroll that includes landmarks like the Dock Street Theater and the Circular Congregational Church. Learn about paranormal activity in Charleston and go in search of spirits with a guide leading the way.

Guided Walking Ghost Tour in Charleston

Discover the spooky side of Charleston with a guided ghost tour. Set out on foot to explore a different side of Charleston and see city landmarks including Philadelphia Alley, St. Philip’s Church, and Charleston City Market. Hear stories about graverobbers and ghosts during this family-friendly, supernatural-focused walking tour. Get extra value with admission to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art and Philip Simmons House included.

Ghost Walking Tour in Charleston

Charleston may be one of the most beautiful cities in America, but there is a deeper darker side to her. Come hear their stories, chilling tales of death, of lost love, of vengeance. Come hear the stories of the Dead that still walk our city streets; the chilling tales of the Shades and Shadows that haunt these stones. Walk with us and you may find, we're not walking alone.

The ORIGINAL Ghostwalk of Charleston

Discover the spooky side of Charleston with a ghost-themed walking tour. Meet your guide at a departure point and set out on a guided stroll in Charleston focused on ghost stories. See popular city landmarks during the walk including St. Philip’s Church and the Powder Magazine museum. Learn about the history of several sites from a ghost perspective during the tour.

Charleston Dark History All-Ages Ghost Walking Tour

Step back in time to explore the parts of Charleston that most only dare to talk about. You’ll hear tales about the dead that haven’t quite moved on, visit some of the most haunted places in the city and get to know the spirits that haunt the locals.

Charleston Family & Child-Friendly Nighttime Ghost Tour with Unitarian Graveyard

Come walk with us on the Kids & Family version of The Ghosts of Charleston walking tour, leaving nightly from Buxton Books, Charleston’s independent bookstore located at 160 King Street.

1-Hour Ghost Tour in Charleston

All historical information has been thoroughly researched and vetted. Photographic and audio evidence will be shown throughout the tour to confirm the veracity of these hauntings. We will make a believer out of you!

Dessert with Death in Charleston

Indulge in 5 local dessert pairings in a private 19th-century dining room while your captivating guide chronicles Charleston's dark and troubled past, evoking the haunted remnants still felt today.

Paranormal Investigation: YOU are the Ghost Hunter

If you dare, explore Charleston as a paranormal investigator and use the real tools of the trade including a thermal imaging camera. Your guide will provide tutorials on how to use each device, as well as share local ghost stories. Plus, you’ll receive access to all of the data recorded during your investigation.

A Spooky Walk Through Charleston's History

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in rich history and folklore, making it a hotspot for ghost tours. This city, known for its pre-Revolutionary heritage, centuries-old tombstones, and ghost-centric stories, is considered one of the most haunted in America. This article will take you on a virtual journey of the most popular Charleston ghost tours, delving into the city's spooky past and the haunted places that make it a favorite destination for ghost hunters and enthusiasts.

Charleston: A City of Ghosts

Charleston, often referred to as the "Holy City," is no stranger to tales of hauntings and eerie sightings. Its history is a tapestry of war, slavery, natural disasters, and financial prosperity, all contributing to its reputation as a city of ghosts. From the spirits of civil war soldiers to haunted pubs and the old haunted jail, the city is teeming with ghostly tales and haunted locations.

The Dark Side of Charleston

Despite its charm and beauty, Charleston has a dark side that is revealed in its numerous ghost tours in Charleston. These tours explore the city's haunted places and share chilling tales of hangings, serial killers, love triangles, and murders. As you walk the city's streets and back alleys, you'll discover that the spirits of the past still linger, adding a spectral dimension to the city's allure.

Top Charleston Ghost Tours

Charleston offers a plethora of ghost tours that cater to varying interests and scare-tolerance levels. Whether you're a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious, there's a Charleston ghost tour for you. Here are some top-rated tours that promise an unforgettable journey into Charleston's haunted past.

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour

This tour, operated by Tour Charleston, takes you through the city's most historic and haunted areas, including the exclusive after-hours access to the Unitarian Church graveyard. Participants often report encounters with local spirits during the tour while listening to captivating and sometimes chilling stories. Despite the presence of ghosts, the tour isn't overly frightening, making it suitable for the whole family.

If walking isn't your thing, consider this horse-drawn carriage tour that takes you around Charleston while sharing the city's spooky history. As you pass by some of Charleston's most haunted locations, you'll learn about the city's dark past in the comfort of the carriage. The tour is family-friendly and offers a unique way to explore haunted Charleston.

Led by podcaster Mike Brown, this tour is known for its excellent storytelling. You'll hear tales about Charleston's history, ghost encounters, and gruesome folklore. The tour includes a visit to the Charleston Library Society, where you'll discover the building's creepy history. This tour is ideal for those looking for a good scare and captivating storytelling.

Bulldog Tours' Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour

This unique walking tour takes you to one of the city's oldest graveyards after dark. As you walk through the cemetery, your expert tour guide will tell you about notable graves and some of the city's spookiest paranormal stories. You'll learn about Charleston's past residents who may have been buried alive, making this tour both captivating and spooky.

Haunted Locations in Charleston

Old exchange and provost dungeon.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of Charleston's most haunted locations. The building, which has served various purposes throughout history, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former war prisoners who were held in the dungeon. Ghost tours offering exclusive access to this location promise an eerie and chilling experience.

The Unitarian Church Graveyard

This graveyard is known for its ghostly sightings and is one of the stops on the Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour. As you walk through the graveyard, you'll hear tales of those who were laid to rest here and perhaps encounter a few spirits.

The Old City Jail

The Old City Jail, now a historical landmark, was once home to Charleston's worst criminals. The spirits of those who lived and died here are said to haunt the building, making it a must-visit for any ghost tour.

Ghost Tours for Every Interest

In addition to walking and carriage tours, Charleston also offers boat tours, pub crawls, and prison visits, each providing a unique perspective on the city's haunted history. Whether you're interested in pirates, wars, or the city's seedier history, there's a Charleston ghost tour for you.

Haunted Charleston

The city blends traditional southern culture with West African, French and English influences. To stroll through downtown is to inhale the scent of magnolias and take in all Charleston offers. Indulge your senses with colorful art displays, outdoor theatre, strains of jazz drifting from the clubs and, of course, the aroma of delectable seafood.

Whether you are looking for historical museums, colonial architecture or maybe just the best bowl of jumbo ever, Charleston has it and then some. It’s worth your time to book a tour to sample what’s available. Especially recommended: Old Charleston Walking Tours and Bulldog Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best ghost tours in charleston.

Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. with a lot of spooky ghost stories. Ghost City Tours and Bulldog Tours are considered the best Charleston ghost tours, with their ghost hunting adventures and spooky storyteller presentations. Notably, their Downtown Charleston and Charleston Historic District tours are especially popular.

Are there any haunted pub crawl tours in Charleston?

Yes, there are several haunted pub crawl tours in Charleston. One of the most popular ones is the Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl tour conducted by Ghost City Tours. This tour links the history of Charleston's historic district with the ghost stories associated to each pub visited during the tour.

Can I take a walking tour around Charleston’s haunted sites?

Absolutely! Old Charleston Walking Tours provides one of the best ghost walking tours in Charleston, allowing you to explore Charleston's haunted historic district at a leisurely pace.

What can I expect during a haunted pub crawl in Charleston?

You can expect a mixture of ghost stories, history of Charleston and a chance to explore Charleston's most haunted sites. The haunted pub crawls often stop at various pubs and taverns in old Charleston known for their haunted tales, while a storyteller unveils the chilling past linked with each establishment.

Are there any carriage tours to explore the haunted places in Charleston?

Yes, Old South Carriage company in Charleston offers a unique haunted carriage tour. These tours allow you to explore the city of Charleston, including haunted spots like the old Charleston Jail and St. Philip’s Church, from the comfort of a carriage ride.

How does a ghost tour in Charleston typically work?

Most ghost tours in Charleston, such as the ones organized by Ghost City Tours and Bulldog Tours, involve a tour guide, often a trained storyteller, leading a group of people around haunted sites. You will get to hear the history and ghost stories associated to these locations. Some tours might even involve a bit of ghost hunting.

Are there any free Charleston ghost tours that I can join?

While most ghost tours in Charleston come with a price, there are occasional promotional events that offer free tours. Always check with the tour companies in the historic district like Ghost City Tours and Bulldog Tours for any current special offers.

Can I explore the haunted sites of Charleston independently?

Yes, you can certainly explore Charleston independently, visiting sites such as the Haunted Charleston Jail or the Powder Magazine. However, joining a guided tour allows you to learn more about the rich history and ghost stories of these haunted places in an engaging manner.

What makes Charleston a great city for ghost tours?

Charleston's extensive history, combined with tales of the paranormal, make it a hotspot for ghost tour enthusiasts. Its rich past involving wars, epidemics and natural disasters have resulted in many ghost stories and haunted sites.

What are some must-visit places for a ghost tour in Charleston?

Some must-visit places in Charleston for a ghost tour include the Old Charleston Jail, the Powder Magazine, St. Philip’s Church and some of Charleston's oldest pubs. These are considered some of Charleston’s most haunted sites, and are frequently covered in most ghost tours.

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Charleston Walking Tour

Book a daytime walking tour, a nighttime ghost tour, or even a tarot reading. Experience the best and most in-depth tours Charleston has to offer from licensed, local guides.

Daytime Walking Tours

Our daytime Charleston walking tours feature the best Charleston has to offer including beautiful palaces from the old world, hidden alleys and streets waiting to be rediscovered, local museums featuring world-famous artists, and gorgeous gardens sprinkled throughout a thriving metropolis. Our guides use storytelling to weave the history of Charleston together, giving you a greater understanding of the cultural and economic impact this city and its citizens have had throughout history.

Ghost Tours

Our nighttime Charleston ghost tours are a paranormal experience featuring the best of haunted Charleston including St. Philip’s Church Graveyard and Philadelphia Alley. Learn how to see a ghost, stand in front of the most photographed ghost in the United States, walk down hidden streets and haunted alleys, and hear the stories of spirits that still haunt the city today. Let our guides show you why Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

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15 Best Charleston Ghost Tours to Creep You Out (2024)

Known as one of the most haunted cities in the USA, Charleston, South Carolina is one of the best places to take a ghost tour!

If you’re ready to book a Charleston ghost tour, look no further because I’ve vetted all of the best ghost tours in Charleston, including haunted tours in Charleston and Charleston ghost walks so that you can learn more about the city’s sordid past while enjoying some amazingly creepy stories.

As someone who has visited Charleston multiple times, I know that one of the best ways to get acquainted with it is on a ghost city tour in Charleston and I’ve vetted these tours to make sure you’re getting the most for your time and money.

There are a number of Charleston ghost tours to choose from so you don’t have to choose a Charleston haunted tour that is too scary if you’ve got kids with you (or just want to sleep well at night, I don’t blame you as a fellow scaredy cat).

⏳Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Charleston ghost tour is this Ghosts of Charleston night-time tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

But if you’re really into the nitty and gritty of the ghosts, ghosts, and spirits that haunt this city, I’ve also included some of the more intensely scary and best Charleston ghost tours for the bravehearted so you can really feel those goosebumps.

Ready to book a Charleston ghost tour?

Let’s get started!

Easy Guide: Best Charleston, SC Ghost Tours

1. ghosts of charleston night-time walking tour with unitarian church graveyard.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,960+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Ready for a spooky adventure in Charleston?

Join this Ghost and Cemetery Tour where your guide will spill the city’s ghostly secrets.

As you stroll through historic streets, their guides share chilling tales from “The Ghosts of Charleston” by Julian Buxton, revealing hidden stories of dark deeds and restless spirits.

The grand finale takes you to the Unitarian Church Graveyard, an overgrown southern garden with rumored hauntings.

While real-time ghost sightings are rare, since ’96, some guests have reported eerie encounters.

Choose an early or late evening tour, meeting at Buxton Books on 160 King Street.

After 90 minutes of haunting stories, you’ll return to the Unitarian Church Graveyard, where you started.

Need-to-knows about this tour :

• Maximum participants: 20
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No public restroom is available while on the tour so plan accordingly!

2. Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston : spooky Charleston tours

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,750+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  40 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Experience the spookier side of Charleston in style with this haunted horse and carriage ride .

No need for walking – just hop on a comfortable carriage and let our guide take you on a spine-tingling journey through the city’s twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways.

Note: this is a great ghost tour in Charleston with kids, as it’s fun and a little bit spooky without being too scary.

This wheelchair-accessible ghost tour is not only a fun way to immerse yourself in Charleston’s ghost stories and niche history, but it also allows you to cover more ground in less time compared to a walking tour.

Start and end your adventure at the Old South Carriage Company’s stable, where you can greet the draft horses, grab a bottle of water, or use the restroom.

Your certified tour guide will be ready to take you on a 40-minute after-dark journey, spanning over 15 eerie blocks of Charleston’s old walled city.

You’ll pass by historic landmarks like the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Circular Congregational Church and St. Michael’s Church.

• Narrated by a professional guide
• Food is not allowed on the carriage, but drinks are
• Strollers can be stored at the stables while on the tour

3. Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 904+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Prepare for a spine-tingling journey through Charleston’s eerie past on this Ghost & Graveyard Tour .

As darkness falls, join your knowledgeable local guide at a central meeting point and venture into the city’s shadowy Historic District.

Wander through the city’s oldest cemetery after hours, peering into the chilling depths of Charleston’s history.

During this 90-minute adventure, you’ll encounter infamous locations with grisly histories and hear the eerie stories that have given rise to sayings like ‘graveyard shift.’

Discover the ghost of Sue Howard, a grieving mother who prays at her child’s grave from the spirit world, and learn why famous rebel warrior John C. Calhoun and his wife still dance in the street every year, over 150 years running.

Brace yourself for tales of being buried alive, a grim consequence of old Charleston’s approach to contagious diseases.

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your booking time
• Walking pace is leisurely, so you won’t be too exhausted afterwards

4. Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : best Charleston ghost walk

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 980+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get to know the historic streets of Charleston with the one and only Mike Brown, the host of the beloved Pleasing Terrors Podcast.

This 90-minute Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the eerie tales that Charleston has hidden in its cobblestone corners.

Mike is not just your average tour guide – he’s a master storyteller who seamlessly weaves together suspenseful narratives with his unparalleled knowledge of the city’s chilling past and haunting present.

Mike’s expertise has been featured on major television and radio networks, including the BBC, HGTV, Voice of America Radio, and Destination America’s Ghost Asylum, making this tour a must for any thrill-seeker or history buff visiting Charleston.

5. Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 370+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

This isn’t your typical ghost tour – it’s a ghostly voyage on a 45-foot catamaran , The Palmetto, that takes you to eerie sites you can’t reach on foot.

Departing from the Charleston Maritime Center, just a stone’s throw from the South Carolina Aquarium in Downtown Charleston, this US Coast Guard Certified catamaran can accommodate up to 49 brave souls.

As you set sail into the mystic waters of Charleston Harbor, you’ll be captivated by tales of pirate attacks, naval battles, and other chilling stories from the city’s haunted history.

Feel the cool harbor breeze and let your imagination run wild as you explore the sites that have witnessed lost fortunes, pirate ships, and tragic deaths.

• Maximum passengers: 49
• Paid parking is available nearby, or participants can be dropped off outside the building for free

6. Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Night-Time Walking Tour with Entry to Provost Dungeon

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 360+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Note: this ghost tour is more focused on Charleston history, so if you want something more history-based and not too scary, this is a great option!

Get ready for a hair-raising journey through the historic streets of Charleston on the 90-Minute Ghost & Dungeon Nighttime Walking Tour , where you’ll even gain access to the infamous Provost Dungeon.

Led by local guides with a passion for the eerie, this tour delves deep into Charleston’s dark side, taking you through dimly lit alleys and ancient graveyards while regaling you with tales of voodoo, local superstitions, and the restless spirits that haunt the city.

The tour’s pièce de résistance is a visit to the Provost Dungeon, a relic of the pre-Revolutionary era where infamous pirates and Colonial patriots were once locked away.

You can choose from two evening departure times to embark on this unforgettable journey into Charleston’s spectral past.

• Maximum passengers: 20
• Leisurely walking pace

7. Supernatural Charleston Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 400+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

One of the best rated ghost tours in Charleston , the Supernatural Charleston Tour is all about those ghouls, goblins, and spirit that haunt the city and peer around the corners.

Your experienced guides know the city and its history like the back of their hands, so you’ll be in good company as they take you around the historic landmarks in Charleston pointing out all of the haunted sites and chilling your bones with the supernatural encounters that locals and visitors have had around town.

If you want an all-around great ghost tour in Charleston, this is a great pick and meets in Marion Square, an easily accessible part of the city.

• Operates in all-weather, so be prepared with layers!

8. Charleston’s Haunted Ghost Tour – Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 37+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  50 minutes to 1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Embark on a chilling journey into Charleston’s ghostly past with this self-guided audio tour .

Simply download the app to your phone, and you’re ready to start whenever you desire, just by making your way to the Old Exchange.

Stroll past some of the city’s most haunted locations as you immerse yourself in the eerie tales that shroud them, including the renowned Dock Street Theater, the enigmatic Pirates Courtyard, the haunting Circular Church Graveyard, and more.

With a self-guided audio tour, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Effortlessly navigate with turn-by-turn directions as the stories unfold, and if you ever want to relive the spine-tingling experience, you can revisit the tour by listening to the captivating tales afterward.

It’s a ghostly adventure on your terms, offering a fascinating glimpse into Charleston’s haunted history.

• Self-guided and done at your own pace – there are no tour guides, it is an app download

9. Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 953+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Join this small-group haunted boos and booze tour in Charleston for an unforgettable night of spooks and spirits, guided by none other than a lively pirate guide.

As you wander through the city’s cobblestone streets, you’ll have the chance to enjoy handcrafted cocktails (at your own expense) while your guide regales you with eerie tales and takes you to iconic locations such as the Powder Magazine, Charleston City Market, Washington Square, and more.

This intimate group experience is perfect for those aged 21 and over (don’t forget your valid ID) who want to blend some libations with their spine-tingling stories.

Plus, you’ll have a cool keepsake to remember the night—a commemorative cooler or cup.

• Maximum participants: 14
• 21+ and over, only!

10. Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 420+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Prepare for a chilling adventure in Charleston, as you embark on the Holy City’s haunted after-hours tour .

This tour will take you to some of Charleston’s spookiest locations, including the renowned Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.

As you stroll through the historic streets, your guide will weave together a tapestry of history and local legends, sharing stories of the brave soldiers who once fought in this city.

The tour’s highlight is a visit to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, a place with a rich history and an even richer collection of ghostly tales.

With origins dating back to the late 1600s, this site has seen it all, from freedom seekers to prisoners who found themselves on the wrong side of authority.

• Maximum passengers: 9
• Near public transportation

11. Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour : haunted tours in Charleston

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 144+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Want to go on one of the best ghost tours in Charleston for adults ?

Led by a friendly local Charlestonian, this tour is a unique blend of history, hauntings, and happy hours .

You’ll kick things off with a stop at the first bar location, where a complimentary snack awaits to fuel your ghostly journey.

As you sip your drinks, get ready to be enthralled by eerie tales of the city’s haunted past.

You’ll meander through the dimly lit streets, passing by iconic landmarks like the Circular Congregational Church and St. Philip’s Church, where ghostly legends come to life.

Your adventure culminates at a hauntingly beautiful local park, where you’ll hear the bone-chilling story of one of Charleston’s most feared ghosts.

• Maximum participants: 10
• Must be 21+

12. Ghosts! Charleston Dark History and Ghost Tour with Adam

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 133+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready to dive into Charleston’s chilling past on a captivating small-group history and ghost tour with Adam !

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll embark on a fascinating city stroll that takes you through the most haunted corners of Charleston.

Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like Hibernian Hall, Washington Park, Chalmers Street, and the historic St. Philip’s Church, each with its own spine-tingling tales of ghosts and eerie occurrences.

Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill-seeker, this family-friendly walking tour promises an unforgettable evening as you listen to scary stories and uncover the darker side of Charleston’s rich history.

• Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bugspray!

13. Charleston Pirates and Ghosts Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 82+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Ahoy, matey!

If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the thrilling world of pirates and ghosts, look no further than this swashbuckling adventure in Charleston .

This isn’t your ordinary history tour – it’s a 2-in-1 experience that lets you unearth the secrets of both pirates and restless spirits in this historic Colonial city.

As you wander the very streets where these legends were born, you’ll visit old pirate haunts, eerie cemeteries teeming with ghostly tales, and even the ancient prison that once held the most infamous pirates in the world.

It’s a journey through time that promises to shiver your timbers and send chills down your spine, all while immersing you in the captivating history of Charleston.

• Good weather is required for this, so you’ll receive a refund if it can’t go ahead

14. Paranormal Investigation: YOU are the Ghost Hunter

⭐️  RATING:  4.4 out of 5 Stars, 223+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 – 2.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Gear up for an unforgettable Charleston adventure that’s not for the faint of heart!

Join a small group of fellow thrill-seekers as you step into the shoes of a paranormal investigator on this immersive ghost tour .

You’ll receive hands-on training with real ghost-hunting tools, including a thermal imaging camera, and your guide will regale you with spine-tingling local ghost stories.

Plus, you’ll have exclusive access to all the data collected during your investigation.

Suitable for all ages, this family-friendly tour takes you to iconic locations like Philadelphia Alley, St. Philip’s Church, The Powder Magazine, Washington Square, Lawrimore Park, 235 E Bay St, and French Quarter Lodge Alley.

Be prepared for possible route changes based on paranormal activity, and don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes. Dare to explore Charleston’s haunted history like never before!

• Maximum participants: 12
• Family-friendly

15. The Death and Depravity Ghost Tour in Charleston

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 270+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Explore the intriguing and shadowy aspects of Charleston’s history on an evening ghost tour that takes you from the city’s former brothels to gripping crime stories.

This unique walking tour combines elements of horror, scandal, and the truly bizarre to offer a fresh perspective on Charleston.

Please be aware that this tour features mature themes and language.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the city, this tour is an ideal way to discover another side of Charleston’s history while visiting some of its landmarks at night.

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Ghost Tours in Charleston SC

Charleston is widely considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States of America.

This post reviews and compares the various Charleston ghost tours.

There are many options, including walking tours, carriage trips, prison visits, and pub crawls.

• Ghost Tours
• Dark Side of History Tours
• Ghost Carriage Tours

Haunted Jail Tour

• Ghost Pub Crawl
• Deals & Offers

Disclosure:  While we think you should take our tour, we have listed several other options. Our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

GHOST TOURS

The tours listed in this section are more traditional ghost tours in the sense that they combine both history and ghoulish lore, but do not use any investigative technical equipment.

All of the tours welcome families, though some (as we note) are scarier than others.

Can't attend this tour - we also have a GPS-led audio Ghosts of Charleston tour for those brave enough to go at it alone.

And if you're interested in spooky experiences, consider visiting Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon .

Listen to a sample of the audio tour.

Bulldog Tours

This company offers the widest selection of ghost tours in Charleston.

I have taken the Ghosts and Graveyard Tour with Bulldog Tours. Our guide was a local who shared a great ghostly story from his childhood, making the tour very personable. I love the chance to go inside one of the graveyards - though some we viewed from the street as the grounds were closed. Once he told us the story, I was happy not to be among the graves!

Guests can choose between their Ghost and Graveyard Tour , The Dark Side of Charleston Tour , the Ghost and Dungeon Tour , the USS Yorktown Ghost Tour, and more.

Each tour introduces visitors to the haunted history of some of Charleston’s most famous buildings and neighborhoods.

Though many ghost stories are told throughout the evening, these tours are not intended to terrify guests.

Bulldog Tours aims to offer insight into the darker history of Charleston, and they have exclusive access to the Provost Dungeon, the Old City Jail, and the oldest graveyard in the city.

Ticket Details

• Prices: $37/Adults | $27/Children (7-12)
• Availability: Daily
• Hours: 7 pm - 10 pm
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: Two of the tours provided by this company are included with a Charleston tourist pass . For more details on this service, please read our deals and offer section.

This company comes highly rated on TripAdvisor thanks to a 4-star rating with well over 1600 reviews.

There are also many positive reviews for their ghost tours.

This tour is typically a hit with anyone who wants to learn about the haunted history of Charleston, but visitors looking for actual paranormal experiences should probably look elsewhere.

It's worth noting that this company offers what they call a "Great Tour Guarantee," which means that if you didn't enjoy the outing, they will do whatever it takes to make it right, including the possibility of a full refund.

Tour Charleston, LLC

The Ghosts of Charleston Tour led by Tours Charleston, LLC is another solid option for those keen to take a ghost tour in the city. 

This is the only company with night-time access to the haunted Unitarian Church Graveyard, which was established in 1772. 

Additionally, this is the oldest ghost tour offered in Charleston!

• Prices: $35/Adults | $25/Students | $22/Children (7-12)
• Senior/Military/AAA Offer: $3 off
• Kids 6 and under are free.
• Hours: 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm & 9:30 pm
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Meeting Location: Buxton Books

This company has earned a 4.5-star TripAdvisor rating and nearly 1,200 reviews for all of their tours.

Reviewers of the ghost tour praise the guides in particular, who they describe as “fab” and “informative.”

An excellent way to learn a bit of Charleston’s history as well as a number of very entertaining ghost stories.

According to guests, the addition of a visit to the Unitarian Graveyard is one of the best things about this outing.

Revolutionary Charleston

This company also offers a Charleston ghost tour which covers a variety of creepy subjects.

During the course of this outing, you can expect to learn about pirates, lost loves, burial practices, and even reported hauntings.

Revolutionary Charleston offers significantly lower prices than their competitors, so if you're looking for something more affordable, this is an excellent option.

While their main ghost tour is open to the public, they also offer private tours for up to 20 people at a price of $450.

At $22.50 per person, that's actually cheaper than the public tour price!

• Prices: $25/Adults | $15/Children (6-11)
• Concession of $5 off for Military, Veterans, Police, Fire & Rescue
• Ages 5 and under are free
• Hours: 7 pm and 9 pm

This is a relatively new tour company in Charleston, but currently, they have a full 5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor.

There really aren't enough reviews to make any conclusions yet, but it's definitely a good sign.

The reviewers who have left comments report that their tour guides are very friendly and informative.

At least one guest suggested the tour was appropriate for kids under 13, so it's definitely family-friendly.

Old Charleston Walking Tours

This is another popular tour company offering a spooky tour covering the haunted history of Charleston, SC.

Lead by Mike Brown, the host of the Pleasing Terrors Podcast, guests can expect this outing to cover a lot of the more frightening and disturbing stories from throughout the history of this city.

One notable location you'll visit is the Charleston Library Society, which is reportedly one of the most haunted locations in the area.

• $28/Adults | $15/Youth (6-14)
• Availability: Tueday - Sunday
• Hours: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm
• Meeting Location: Washington Square

The Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour currently has a full 5 star rating on Viator and has received their badge of excellence.

Guests report that their guide is a great storyteller, managing to keep both adults and children captivated throughout the tour.

There really aren't many negative reviews, but among the few that were left, it appears some had to do with bad weather, which isn't necessarily the fault of the tour company or their professional guide.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the three most popular ghost tours listed above, there are several additional options you may want to consider.

Here are a few of the other haunted tours available in Charleston.

• Walks in History
• Charleston Pirat e Tours

DARKSIDE OF HISTORY TOURS

These tours aren’t necessarily ghost tours, but some of the tales are dark enough to give anyone a fright.

Rather than focusing on the supernatural, this type of tour will introduce guests to the darker side of history! 

You will hear stories about murder, true crime, prostitution, the city's brothels, ghost encounters, and infamous debauchery.

While some of these outings are more theatrical, others dig deep into the historical background of Charleston.

Darkside of Charleston Tour

In addition to their other ghost tours, Bulldog Tours also offers a Darkside of Charleston Tour for mature audiences.

The tour “takes an uncensored look at history” as it tells tales of prostitution, crime, and other sordid affairs. 

This is not a ghost tour, but rather a history tour that focuses on the more graphic and gruesome side of Charleston’s past.

Due to the descriptions and details provided on this outing, this tour is only available for ages 18+.

• Price: $37 per person
• Availability: Nightly
• Hours: 8 pm & 10 pm
• Duration: 1 ½ hours
• Purchase tickets and learn more .

This company averages an overall 4-star rating on TripAdvisor and the reviews for this tour are generally very positive. 

Small groups such as couples and those who brought their friends were more likely to give a good review of this experience.

GHOST CARRIAGE TOURS

Haunted carriage tours are a unique way to learn about Charleston’s dark past.

As carriage tours tend to be somewhat of a novelty, this is a great way to combine the experience of riding in a carriage with a ghost tour. 

Old South Carriage Company Ghost Tour

Old South Carriage Company offers a range of carriage tours throughout Charleston, including their Haunted Carriage Tour which covers several historic landmarks. 

This is the only haunted carriage tour offered in Charleston.

As it is only 40 minutes long, the Haunted Carriage Tour is also the shortest of all ghost tours offered.

• Prices: $50/Adults | $40/Children
• Kids 3 and under are free
• Availability: Feb - Oct
• Hours: 5:30 pm - 10 pm
• Duration: 40 minutes

Like their other services, the Haunted Carriage Tour by Old South Carriage Co. comes highly recommended with an average of 4 ½ stars and nearly 2,300 reviews for all of their tours. 

Guests describe it as very entertaining and informative, praising the guides for their in-depth knowledge.

HAUNTED JAIL TOURS

This section will provide details about each of the Charleston tours which include a trip to either the Old City Jail or the Provost Dungeon.

If you're a fan of popular television shows such as Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and Paranormal State, chances are you'll be familiar with this historically haunted jail.

These outings cover both the disturbing history of each location and some of the reported hauntings that have taken place.

Old City Jail and Provost Dungeon

There are a lot of reportedly haunted locations in Charleston, but few are as spooky as the Old City Jail and Provost Dungeon.

These historic locations housed a variety of criminals from Civil War prisoners to 19th-century pirates!

In addition to housing disturbing criminals, these landmarks were also the site where several people spent their final days, which makes one wonder whether or not their spirits are still hanging around.

These tours aren’t recommended for small children, but they do provide tickets for kids 7 and older.

• Ticket Prices: $37/Adults | $27/Children
• Hours: Every 30 minutes from 7 pm - 10:30 pm

Ghost & Dungeon Tour

• Hours: 7 pm & 9 pm
• Availability: Tue-Sat

NOTE: The Ghost & Dungeon tour is included with the Charleston Tour Pass . If you’re looking for a way to save money on tickets, check our deals section for more details about this opportunity.

As we’ve mentioned in our ghost tours section, this company has very good overall ratings on TripAdvisor. 

Customers indicate that they learn a lot about the history of the landmark and some even report feeling or experiencing something haunting!

GHOST PUB CRAWLS

Ghost pub crawls can be a fun and interactive way to discover Charleston’s creepy history while also enjoying a few drinks at some of the city’s most popular pubs.

Needless to say, this is an adults-only type of tour, so best for those who are not traveling with kids.

Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market

In addition to their other ghost tours, Bulldog Tours offers a Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market – a ghost tour that doubles as a bar crawl! 

Guests hear stories about the many ghosts haunting Charleston whilst visiting several traditional pubs and taverns, where they'll have the opportunity to grab a few beers or even a cocktail or two!

Additionally, guides share the superstitious history behind certain late-night spirits like Plateyes and Boo Hags.

• Prices: $45 per person
• Availability: Fri & Sat
• Duration: 2 ½ hours
• Hours: 4 pm

Recent reviewers praise the tour as “fantastic” and “a must.”

Guests also highly rate the pubs that are visited during the tour, saying that they in and of themselves were “awesome.” 

This is a popular activity to enjoy with a friend, so consider bringing along your best buddies for this spooky trip through the haunted pubs of Charleston.

US Ghost Adventures

Discover some of the most haunted bars and speakeasies in Charleston while on the Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.

Much like their competitors, this company also covers notable local legends such as the Boo Hag and Angel Oak.

You'll also visit locations such as the Powder Magazine. Charleston City Market, Washington Park, and more.

• $35 per person
• Hours: 5:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• Meeting Location: Blind Tiger Pub
• Purchase admission or learn more .

This outing is just as popular as the pub crawl offered by their competitors, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Guests note that the pubs (while great) aren't even the best part of this outing, as most people indicate that the storytelling and haunted stories are the real highlight of the service.

If you decide not to take this tour, they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the pub crawl is scheduled to begin.

DEALS & OFFERS

This section will cover several different ways to save money on various ghost tours in Charleston.

In addition to providing details about tourist passes, we will also include information about concession sites.

Tourist Attraction Concession Pass

Several ghost tours are included with the Charleston Tour Pass , as are some of the most haunted locations in the city.

This pass will allow you to pay one flat price for tickets to each of the included activities and attractions, potentially saving you 50% or more off general admission prices.

Each pass is valid for 3 days, which means you’ll probably have an opportunity to take at least 3-4 different ghost tours if you want!

Here are the haunted tours and sites included with this service:

• Ghost & Dungeon Tour | Bulldog
• Spirits of Magnolia Cemetery Tour | Bulldog
• Powder Magazine | Historic Site
• Provost Dungeon | Historic Site

If you want to save money on tickets for any of these activities, make sure to read our post about Charleston tourist passes for more information about how to use these services.

Promo Sites

For budget-conscious travelers, there are several websites that regularly offer concessions on ghost tours in Charleston. 

Both Groupon and Living Social promote a variety of local ghost tours on their Charleston pages, so be sure to check their websites before visiting to see if there are any great deals you can score.

In addition to the concessions they provide to begin with, these sites also offer promo codes every now and then which allow you to save even more money on tickets.

Make sure to check for these promo codes on banners either at the top or bottom of the page when you visit the site.

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Charleston Ghost Tours

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic city located on the coast of the state. Known for its well-preserved architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and lush gardens, this city, founded in 1670, has a rich history full of tales of the undead just waiting to be explored. Thus, Nightly Spirits Charleston has created the best Charleston Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub Crawls that you can experience!

Why Nightly Spirits?

Hauntingly good service, spooktacular for all ages, affordable prices, explore charleston's top-rated ghost tours, charleston booze and boos tour®.

Take a journey with Nightly Spirits down the cobblestone streets of Historic Downtown Charleston. The charming antebellum homes reveal their earliest recollections, the sweet smell of Confederate Jasmine fills the air, and over 300 years’ worth of unsettled spirits lurk around every corner.

Charleston Spooktacular All-Ages Ghost Walk

Nightly Spirits is now offering a family-friendly version of our famous ghost tour in Charleston, SC. This tour is open to all ages and dives deeper into the ghosts and history of the Holy City. We have spent countless hours hunting and researching ghosts in this beautiful historic city.

• Age: All Ages

Charleston Nightmares And Nightcaps Tour℠

Your costumed guide will take you on a 1.5-hour journey through historic Downtown Charleston. Your walking tour will begin at a haunted bar, where you can purchase a nightcap if you would like, and while you soak up the spirits that lurk behind the bar.

Charleston Private Booze and Boos Tour®

Looking to spice up your next event? The Nightly Spirits Charleston Haunted Pub Tour is the perfect choice for your next celebration, corporate event, team-building exercise, or holiday party. A unique and fun time with customizable options to fit nearly any budget and group size.

Charleston Private Spooktacular Ghost Walk

Can’t get enough of the hauntings? Our Charleston Spooktacular All-Ages Ghost Walk will cover even more of the haunted Holy City With non-stop stories and spooky landmarks, this tour is perfect for the entire family, so bring them all!

Charleston Private Nightmares And Nightcaps Tour℠

Charleston private nightmares and nightcaps tour, booze and boos tours.

• Charleston Boozy Ghost Tour by Nightly Spirits Charleston is unique and enjoyable for both ghost hunters and non-believers.
• Features the best ghost hunters, researchers, and engaging tour guides.
• Explores the oldest structures, alleyways, and haunted bars in the historic district of Charleston.
• Provides a 2 ½ hour ghostly pub crawl through the historic district. Has been featured in various
• Has been featured in various renowned media outlets.
• All guests must be 21+ with a valid ID. Under 21 guests can be accommodated with private tours.

• The tour is open to all ages and focuses on the ghosts and history of the city
• The guides have spent countless hours researching and hunting ghosts in Charleston
• The tour is conducted by experienced Nightly Spirits guides who know the city's ghostly residents
• The tour begins outside of Henry's on the Market and covers about 1.5 miles of walking over 1.5 hours
• The tour includes stops at oldest buildings, graveyards, and the harbor to see the spirits of Fort Sumpter
• The tour runs rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately

Private Tours/Celebrations/Corporate Events & Team Building in Chalreston

• Nightly Spirits Charleston Haunted Pub Tour is suitable for events such as birthday, graduation, or wedding celebrations, family reunions, corporate events, team-building exercises, or holiday parties
• The tour is a unique combination of ghost stories and pub crawling in historic downtown Charleston
• The tour is guided by costumed guides and includes stops at three bars for drinks and spooky stories
• The tour is customizable to fit nearly any budget and group size

Nightly Spirits Haunted History Field Trips

• The Haunted History Tour of Charleston's Historic District is a walking tour that balances education and entertainment
• The guide will lead you through some of the oldest buildings in the city, past cemeteries, dungeons and jails, and through historical alleys
• You will hear tales of pirates, poltergeists, and other spooky stories of Charleston's haunted history
• *These tours are only offered to school groups and other organizations,  Monday through Friday between 9am-5pm. .

Private Tours/Corporate Events/Team Building/Holiday Parties in Charleston

• Nightly Spirits Charleston Haunted Pub Tour is suitable for events such as celebrations, corporate events, team-building exercises, or holiday parties
• Age: 9 and up
• The guide will lead you through some of the oldest buildings in the city, cemeteries, dungeons and jails, and historical alleys
• The tour is guided by a costumed guide who will use an EMF reader to detect the presence of ghosts

Dark History Charleston Ghost Tours

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Charleston’s Top 5 Most Haunted Locations

Established by English colonists in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest and most storied American cities. From its history as a shipping port, its struggle during the Revolutionary War, and its involvement in the Civil War, Charleston is a rich well of history. The stories and characters from its

Discover a Spooky Stay in Charleston: A Guide to Haunted Hotels

If you’re seeking a spooky escape in the picturesque Holy City, the ghostly residents have a range of accommodations to offer you, and they’re more than willing to share. If you’re searching for a holiday spot that provides top-notch hauntings as a must-have amenity, then take a look at the impressive selection of  Charleston Haunted Hotels.

Indulge in a Spooky Dining Experience in Charleston: A Guide to Haunted Restaurants

Haunted Places to Stay in Charleston, SC

Charleston Haunted Hotels: Rooms with a Boo! If you are vacationing in the beautiful Holy City, the spirits have plenty of accommodations that they are more than happy to share! So, if your must have amenities include five-star hauntings, then check out these Charleston Haunted Hotels. MEETING STREET INN The Meeting Street Inn is a beautiful renovated home that was once the home of German immigrant, Adolph Tiefenthal, who sold German beer and wine in the first-floor saloon and his family lived in the upper floors. It was quite fancy for its day, as it was one of the only homes around with piped and running water. Adolph died suddenly and left the property to his wife who grieved for her loving husband by getting remarried as soon as possible. So, as you would imagine, Adolph is a bit unsettled in his afterlife. He is suspected to be forever residing

The Spirits of The Haunted Poogan’s Porch Restaurant in Charleston

Beneath the tall, gently swaying palms of Charleston lurks lifetimes of history and mystery. The city of carriages and cobblestone has seen centuries of tragedy. This quiet coastal town is home to some of the most infamous ghosts and spirits in the country.  Founded in 1670, the port city was

is Nightly Spirits?

Charleston, South Carolina, is a playground for ghost enthusiasts and hunters alike. Explore this culturally rich city with the best tour company in Charleston. We specialize in providing the best and most authentic ghost tours in the USA. Come find out what we were voted as a top 3 ghost tour in America by USA Today so years in a row, and book your Nightly Spirits Charleston experience today.

What to Expect

Nightly Spirits has created the best ghost tour that you can experience in the deep South. As one of the most haunted destinations in America, Charleston has a rich history, including legends and creepy tales of the past. Are you ready to explore this city’s legendary tales? Do you like a bit of history with your scares? Then Nightly Spirits is perfect for you!

On this unique experience, you’ll learn all about Charleston’s eerie past and spirits that just don’t seem to want to stay there. Our most popular tour combines a ghost walk through iconic parts of the city with a pub crawl, so you can enjoy some delicious spirits while learning about the city’s spookiest tales. Along the way, our guides, who are professional storytellers, will take you to some of the most haunted spots in town.

It is important to note that while the tours focus on the haunted side of Charleston, we do offer a version that is perfect for guests of any age with our all-ages ghost tour. It’s not a super frightening tour. Instead, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy this entertaining and informative experience.

If you are looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city, Nightly Spirits Charleston is definitely worth considering.

In the mood for something spooky? Check out our blog post about Charleston’s most haunted destinations, ghost stories, forgotten secrets, and things to do. But beware, you might be in for quite a scare.

Explore the Dark Side of Charleston with Nightly Spirits: The Top-Rated Ghost Tour Company

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Daily 9am - 9pm (Varies seasonally)

Where History Meets Hospitality ™

Additional tours, private tours, book today & save $2 per person, we are no longer offering the ft. sumter tour combo.