Charleston: Ghost & Bar Walking Tour with Appetizers

Summary

Charleston’s haunted alleys and lively bars with local stories

You’ll wander Charleston’s shadowy streets with a local guide, sip craft beers at two historic bars (with snacks included), brush past old graveyards near Circular Congregational Church, and listen to ghost stories in haunted alleyways. The tour ends at a park steeped in dark history — leaving you just spooked enough to keep glancing over your shoulder.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already laughing before we even left the first bar. She’d lived in Charleston her whole life, and you could tell — she greeted the bartender by name and somehow convinced him to let us try this weirdly smoky local beer (not my thing, but hey, points for trying). We got a plate of hush puppies right away — still warm, salty on the outside — and Li started in with a story about the Boo Hag that made me side-eye every shadow for the next hour. I tried repeating the Gullah phrase she taught us but totally mangled it. She just grinned at me like, “bless your heart.”

The walk between stops was longer than I expected — not far really, but enough that you start noticing the way the air changes around those old graveyards near Circular Congregational Church. There’s this dampness that hangs in certain corners; I swear it smelled like moss and something older. Li pointed out St. Philip’s Church as we passed, lowering her voice for effect (she’s good at that). We ducked into an alley behind Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon where she told us about prisoners scratching marks into brick — I ran my hand along one wall and felt how uneven it was, rough under my fingers.

Second bar had better beer (thankfully) and some locals playing cards in the back room who barely looked up when we came in. The place creaked every time someone moved — honestly felt more haunted than anything outside. By the time we ended up in that park where they used to do executions (Li called it “the city’s worst-kept secret”), I was half convinced someone was watching us from behind a tree. Probably just my imagination running wild after all those stories… or maybe not? Either way, I still think about that last stretch of silence walking back through Charleston at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charleston ghost and brew walking tour

• View Circular Congregational Church graveyard
• Pass by St. Philip's Church
• Enter haunted alleyway for history
• Visit Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
• End tour at historic hanging park

Top questions

How many bars are included on the Charleston ghost & bar tour?

The tour includes two different bars along the route.

Are appetizers or snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, complimentary appetizers are served at the first bar stop.

Does the tour enter any graveyards?

No, guests will walk by several graveyards but do not enter them.

Is this Charleston ghost tour suitable for people under 21?

No, all guests must be 21 or older and bring valid photo ID.

What historic sites are visited on this Charleston walking tour?

The route passes Circular Congregational Church, St. Philip's Church, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and ends at a historic park.

How long is each walk between stops on this day trip?

The walks between stops are moderate; expect to be on your feet for most of the tour.

Does this tour include public transportation options?

No transport is included but public transportation is available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through Charleston’s historic streets with stops at two bars (first with complimentary appetizers), ghost stories led by a lifelong local guide, close views of famous graveyards like Circular Congregational Church (without entering), and finishes at a legendary city park once used for public executions.