CHARLESTON CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Nightfall in the Holy City: Walking Charleston’s Real Ghost Stories
A 1.5-hour, one-mile walking tour that starts at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon and uncovers true tales of pirates, murders, and hauntings.
Nightfall in the Holy City: Walking Charleston’s Real Ghost Stories.
During the day Charleston is bright and charming; after dark the city tightens into alleys and stone courtyards where another history takes hold. On this one-mile, 1.5-hour walk you move through streets and graveyards while guides relate the real, often grisly stories of pirates, executions, murders and hauntings that linger in the Holy City.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Tours begin at the north side of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, the starting point for tales about pirates whose lives ended at the noose and whose spirits are said to have lingered inside the dungeon for more than 300 years.
A mile through haunted graveyards and alleyways
The route threads a one-mile path past haunted graveyards, churches and narrow alleyways, stopping at hotels, restaurants and bars where darker episodes of Charleston’s past are told.
Pirates, murders and Charleston’s first female serial killer
Guides weave documented accounts of executions, hauntings and murder into the walk, including the story of the first female serial killer who once called Charleston home.
What the day feels like
What the night feels like
As night falls you join a small group for a 1.5-hour, one-mile walking tour that begins at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon and moves through historic streets while a guide recounts documented and long-told tales of pirates, hauntings and violent chapters of Charleston’s past.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this tour—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience is a 1.5-hour walk covering roughly one mile.
The tour meets outside the north side of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, 122 East Bay Street.
Check operator guidance for any recommended clothing or items for an evening walking tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours.
Where does the tour meet?
Meets outside the north side of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, 122 East Bay Street.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is not suitable for young children.
Can large groups book the tour?
Parties of 10 or more are welcome; please call (843) 270-2820 to arrange a booking.
What kinds of stories will the guide tell?
Guides recount real accounts of pirates, murders, hauntings and other dark episodes, including the story of Charleston’s first female serial killer, as you pass graveyards, churches, alleyways, hotels, restaurants and bars.
How far do we walk?
The route covers approximately one mile over the course of the 1.5-hour walk.