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Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Ghost Tours

Tour Details

Price

Adults: Starting at $37
Ages 12+ only. Not recommended for young children.

Schedule

Evenings

Duration

45m

Meeting Location

The Old City Jail
21 Magazine Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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Ending Location

Tour begins and ends at the Old City Jail

Max Group Size:

20

Kid-Friendly?

No

Activity Level

Easy

Wheelchair Accessible

No

What’s Included?

  • Professional Guide
  • Nighttime ghost tour of the first floor of the Old City Jail (now climate controlled)

What’s Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Water

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes

Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation up to 24h in advance
  • Tours run rain or shine

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Tickets

  • Instant confirmation
  • Email & mobile tickets accepted

Tour Overview

Join us for a memorable tour of the ground level of the Old City Jail, which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, 19th-century pirates, and Civil War prisoners. Located on Magazine Street downtown, the Old City Jail operated from 1802 until 1939, and has recently undergone renovation, leaving the first floor in keeping with its original design (with the welcomed addition of air conditioning). Bulldog Tours, exclusively, guides guests through the cells, hallways and places where Charleston’s earliest criminals lived. Get a glimpse of how the incarcerated were mistreated with primitive forms of torture while living in miserable conditions. Hear stories like the legend of Lavinia Fisher, the jail’s most famous inmate and first female serial killer. Since Bulldog's first tour of this storied place in 2004, guests have returned again and again to make their own discoveries about what has transpired in this historic site.

Book With Confidence

The Lowest Price. Period.

Book directly on BulldogTours.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours. Find it cheaper? We'll refund the difference!

Free Cancellations

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a FULL refund. We know that plans can change, that’s why we offer one of the most generous cancellation policies in the industry.

Great Tour Guarantee

If you don't have a great tour, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.

What Our Guests are Saying

My whole family enjoyed a spine tingling hour at Charleston’s Old City Jail! Our guide was great with the perfect mix of history, humor and ghosts.

Paige - Google Reviews

Dang...this was a creepy place. We did our tour at night, so that certainly added to the spookiness. The guide was EXCELLENT. He was well-polished with his stories and the whole thing didn't feel hokey like some of the other ghost tours I have been on.

Frequent Flyer - Tripadvisor

We had a blast on this tour! We've always seen this jail tour and never booked it until this trip. It was fun getting to see such a historic place. Definitely recommend doing the night tour as it makes it more creepy. We loved our tour guide as well. Super knowledgeable and made our trip even better.

Parrishan33 - Tripadvisor
Facebook: 4.8 out of 1,462+ Reviews
Google: 4.5 out of 8,395+ Reviews
Travelers' Choice 2013 - 2021
Tripadvisor: 4.5 out of 8,060+ Reviews

A Brand You Can Trust

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  • Over 1.5 Million Guests Since 2001
  • 10,000+ 5-Star Reviews
  • $4.9 Million Donated to Charleston's Historic Sites

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Frequently Asked Questions


  • What do the Tour Activity Levels mean?

    • EASY – Walking tours are designed for a leisurely pace but may include uneven sidewalks, some stairs and a combination of walking and standing for up to two hours.
    • MODERATE – Tours will include a more active pace at times including stairs and uneven terrain. Expect to be on your feet for the duration of the tour covering a minimum of a mile and half of the area.
    • ACTIVE – A high physical activity level is required to walk and climb narrow stairs. This tour is not recommended for guests who require canes or walkers.

  • Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

    Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

  • What if it rains?

    Tours will go on rain or shine. If there is a hurricane in Charleston at the time of the tour, there is no need to show up. We will be busy boarding up windows or throwing a Hurricane Party. (Seriously though, we run in every kind of weather.)

  • Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?

    Because of the uneven walkways and steps, the tour is not accessible.

  • Is the tour scary?

    Different things scare different people. These tours are primarily story-based experiences. However, the tour is not designed for children, and tickets are offered for ages 12 and up.

  • Is it appropriate for kids?

    We do not recommend this tour for guests under 12 years old.

  • What if I am hard of hearing?

    Our professional guides are skilled public speakers and work hard to make sure everyone can hear during the tour. If you are hard of hearing, please let your guide know and we’ll ensure you get a front-row seat.

  • Is parking available?

    Limited parking is available on site, and there is also on street parking nearby.

  • What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a FULL refund. If you need to change or modify your tickets, simply call us at 843-722-TOUR (8687). We offer trip protection which ensures a refund within the 24 hours prior to the tour if you need to cancel.

  • What if I am unhappy with the tour?

    Our #1 priority at Bulldog Tours is giving great tours. If you don't have a great experience, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.

  • Are bathrooms available during the tour?

    Yes, there is a restroom available for our guests at the Old City Jail.

  • Should I tip my Bulldog tour guide?

    If you feel your tour guide has provided a great experience, gratuities are encouraged— and welcomed—at the end of your tour. We believe that recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, though 15-20% of your booking fee is a good rule of thumb. Gratuities for your guide are always appreciated, but never expected.

  • What if I still have questions?

    We’re here to help! Simply call us at 843-722-TOUR (8687) if you have any additional questions or concerns.

PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

We’re happy to arrange private tours or build custom group tours for schools, corporate teams, non-profits, family reunions, and more. Simply contact us or call 843-722-8687 to book.

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Sustaining Charleston's Historic Places

A portion of your ticket purchase is invested back into the properties we tour, ensuring that Charleston’s most historically significant landmarks, structures, sites, and stories endure. As of today, Bulldog Tours has raised $5,419,287 for the preservation of our historic site affiliates in Charleston. Thank you for your generous support.

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