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Dark Side of Charleston Tour

History Tours

Tour Details

Price

Adults: Starting at $37
Must be 18+ years old

Schedule

8:00pm and 10:00pm

Duration

1h 30m

Meeting Location

Bulldog Tours
18 Anson Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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Ending Location

You'll return to the starting point after your tour ends.

Max Group Size:

20

Kid-Friendly?

No, guests must be 18+

Activity Level

Moderate

Wheelchair Accessible

Yes

What’s Included?

  • Professional Guide
  • Historic walking tour through the Historic District exploring the seedier side of Charleston’s history.
  • This is an 18+ R-rated tour dealing with subjects such as crime, corruption, and sordid affairs.

What’s Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Water
  • This is NOT a Ghost Tour

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

On this evening walking tour, experience an uncensored look at the untold history of Charleston. From brothels to pirates, to corruption, crime and sordid affairs - we leave behind the pastel-colored homes and sunshine to share the seedy and scandalous stories you were never meant to hear…

Adult-Only Content

With the children safely tucked into bed, this 18+ R-rated tour explores our city’s deepest and darkest secrets in a way you won’t get anywhere else in town (especially at the visitor’s center!)

The Unspoken Truth

Charleston’s high society life has always been shadowed by scandals, temptations, and unruly behavior. See how piracy, prohibition, and organized crime are an unsavory, but essential, piece of our city’s history.

Shocking True Stories

Hear the incredible, real-life stories of Charleston’s most shadowy citizens and famous criminals. Discover how their dark and often outsized personalities shaped the city we know today.

An Experience After Dark

After the heat of the day has subsided, you’ll experience the historic city center in a completely new light. This guided nighttime stroll showcases the places regularly overlooked by visitors and residents alike.

One Of A Kind

While many guided tours in town cover familiar subject matter, we guarantee this tour is like no other. For those visitors willing to embrace the night, a suprising, fun, and truly unique experience awaits.

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

Our guide was great! He's very knowledgeable and a fantastic storyteller. Highly recommend this tour if you want to learn some of the darker history of Charleston.

Brandy - TripAdvisor

This adult tour centered on the scandalous side of Charleston. The tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone looking for a tour outside the norm. Our tour guide Andrew was the absolute best. He is a born storyteller. I have been on many tours and this was by far the best.

Mark - 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?

    We present tours rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous. Charleston is famous for its summer afternoon passing showers.

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

    Our downtown tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but it is advised that all guests take caution navigating the uneven terrain of Charleston.

  • How many stops?

    Guests will make several stops throughout their trip to hear stories, legends and facts about respective sites. Each tour guide’s route is unique, and will feature a number of stops depending on factors such as their route, the weather, and even your questions!

  • How much walking is involved?

    Our tours cover approximately one and a half miles of walking and we move at a relaxed and leisurely pace.

  • 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?

    For Downtown Tours:
    There are a few precious metered parking spaces throughout the Historic District, though they require constant feeding. For our 10 pm tours, meter parking is free. Otherwise, we recommend parking in a paid lot, parking at the Visitors Center and riding the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), or parking in one of the garages around The City Market. Here are some suggestions:


    Charleston Parking
    51 PINCKNEY STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401

    Cumberland Street Garage
    82 CUMBERLAND STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401

    Concord/Cumberland Parking Garage
    1 CUMBERLAND STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401

  • 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, we have a free restroom at our office for your convenience and most tours have regular opportunities to use the restroom throughout the tour.

  • Are tours offered only in English?

    Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. Please email or call us if you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour.

  • 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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