Charleston Carriage Tours

There's plenty to see and do in Charleston, but one of the most original and classic ways to tour the city is in one of its famous horse-drawn carriages. This incredibly picturesque South Carolina city has a huge historical heritage that can still be seen in its cobblestone streets and fantastic buildings. So what better way to appreciate Charleston's past than on this mode of transport that has been a part of Charleston since time immemorial?

The city offers several guided carriage tours and in this article I'll tell you what they are, as well as everything you need to know about each of them, so you can choose the one that's right for you. Are you ready? Here we go!

Let me tell you, there's no better way to see Charleston than to ride in one of these traditional carriages and travel back in time to the 19th century, when these vehicles would travel the cobblestone streets from one end to the other, carrying passengers.

On this one-hour guided tour you will visit the most representative of Charleston's history, places like the classic City Market, the traditional market where you can get some crafts or souvenirs to take home. A tip, the most representative here are the baskets made of braided Sweetgrass, all handmade by local artisans.

You'll also visit Rainbow Row, a picturesque collection of Georgian-style houses, located just metres from the Cooper River. This is one of the most photographed spots for tourists, as for years the facades of these traditional houses have been painted in pastel shades, each in a different colour. A picture postcard image, so get your camera ready.

Other places you'll see on this tour include the Old Exchange, Provost Dungeon and the Battery, a picturesque waterfront promenade where you can walk down and enjoy the sunshine and views of the Cooper River.

Interesting facts

• Price: from €48
• Duration of the tour: approximately 60 minutes
• Means of transport: Old carriage pulled by a mule or horse.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to feel part of the history of the city and enjoy it at a leisurely pace, which will allow you to appreciate everything much more.
• Disadvantages of this option: Not recommended for families with babies or very young children, as it is an antique carriage, so it can move around a lot.

This interesting tour takes place in one of the historic carriages of the Old South Carriage Company, Charleston's most traditional carriage company, and will give you an insight into more than three centuries of the city's history, reflected mainly in its architecture. During the tour, you'll see imposing churches, verdant gardens and a number of 19th-century mansions, many of which face the river.

This tour covers no less than 3 kilometres, and you will be able to enjoy all the charm of the Holy City. This classic carriage, guided by elegant Percheron and Belgian horses, retains the original format and design.

The tours, of course, have experienced local guides who will tell you the history of each of the sites as you visit them. This is one of the best Charleston tours with children, as the youngest members of the family will enjoy the tour and the horses to the fullest.

This tour will allow you to take amazing pictures of the traditional 1800's homes, the typical American gardens with their wrought iron railings, as well as other beautiful Charleston architecture as you immerse yourself in the depths of Charleston's history.

Known as the Holy City thanks to its copious number of churches, Charleston is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the American South.

Interesting facts

• Price: from €50 for adults and €40 for children. Children under 3 years of age do not pay a ticket as they do not occupy a seat.
• Duration of the tour: approximately 60 minutes
• Means of transport: Old horse-drawn carriage.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to feel part of the history of the city.
• Disadvantages of this option: None

Learn about the spookiest ghost stories on a carriage tour of downtown Charleston after sundown. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you'll hear about the supernatural stories that took place on the streets you're passing through.

The Holy City is famous for its churches, its past and importance during the American Civil War, and also for being one of the most haunted in the American South. As you tour the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon with your guide, you'll see why Charleston has earned its fame.

You'll also pass the Old City Jail, the former prison where thousands of people were imprisoned and executed. Some of the most famous inmates who ended their days in the Old City Jail include the famous early 20th century serial killer Lavinia Fisher, along with Confederate generals and a number of pirates who ventured to these southern shores.

Included among Charleston's best ghost tours, this is definitely a tour only for you... if you're not too spooky.

Interesting facts

• Price: from €48 for adults.
• Duration of the tour: approximately 40 minutes
• Means of transport: Mule or horse-drawn carriage.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to feel part of the history of the city.
• Disadvantages of this option: Not suitable for the faint-hearted or for small children.

Visiting the city in a classic carriage can be quite an adventure, so here are some tips that may be useful. Bear in mind that this is not a tour like any other, but a real journey through time. Ideal for families, especially with children, who will be able to get close to the horses.

Although it depends on each type of excursion, the average price is generally around 50 €, a price that is more than affordable for a historical tour of such a high level, in a city with so many places of interest. There are reduced prices for children, and in general very young children do not pay, since they do not occupy a seat, they go in the arms of their parents.

This is a classic question I get asked all the time, and the answer time and time again is the same: it is always much more convenient to take a guided tour than to visit the city on your own. First of all, because you can relax completely, as your certified local guide will take care of everything, and you just have to enjoy yourself.

In this kind of city where there are so many historical details, if you don't have a guide you might miss out on really interesting places, stories, flavours and anecdotes that only someone with experience and a real knowledge of the place can give you. So never hesitate, even if it is not your first time in the city and you think you already know everything, I assure you that you may be pleasantly surprised.

As one of Charleston's most classic attractions, there are many companies that offer horse-drawn carriage rides. You'll see signs on the streets of the city offering horse-drawn carriage tours. However, it is easiest to book a tour online, so you can select the tour of your choice at a time that suits your Charleston itinerary.

A recommendation, it is preferable to take this type of tour as a way to get in touch with the city, that is, in the first few days, so you can get to know the different areas of interest.

It is always better to pre-book this type of tour online rather than booking it on the street, as you can read reviews from other travellers on the website, get the best prices and guarantee the best quality tour.

Most companies offering carriage rides in Charleston give this activity an average duration of 60 minutes, although 30-minute options are also available. Please inquire at the time of booking. The time really does fly by and there are several stops to take in the sights of Charleston.

You should be aware that parking meter rates in the city of Charleston, for a 2-hour parking period , are around 5 Euros. Sometimes it is much more convenient to pay 10 Euros and cover the parking of your car for the whole day.

One thing to note is that if you book a carriage tour before 10am you will be granted free hours of parking.

The city of Charleston has many interesting sights and details of great historical and architectural significance. Touring the city on foot or by car allows you to half appreciate all of these things, but the great advantage of a carriage tour is that you can devote your full attention to listening to your guide's stories and commentary, and taking in the sights as you pass by, while experiencing being driven around in a centuries-old carriage.

If you are on foot, in a car or other form of transport, you may overlook certain relevant details. In a carriage, on the other hand, you can sit comfortably at a speed that allows you to enjoy the ride. You'll also take in a number of Charleston's must-see sights.