Charleston’s Haunted Ghost Tour – Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour

Introducing a spooky yet budget-friendly way to explore Charleston’s haunted past. This self-guided, phone-based ghost tour offers a chance to wander through some of the city’s most haunted spots while hearing eerie stories narrated in a lively, pirate-inspired voice. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, ghosts, and the freedom to set their own pace.

What we love about this tour is how flexible and affordable it is — costing only $7.75 per person. Plus, the narration and sound effects add an atmospheric touch that makes the ghost stories come alive, even without a guide by your side. On the downside, some might find the instructions to download and start the app a little tricky at first, and a few reviews note that the stories could be more engaging than traditional in-person ghost walks.

This tour is well-suited for independent travelers, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a fun, inexpensive activity after a day of sightseeing. If you like wandering at night with a bit of a spooky story in your pocket, this experience could become a highlight of your Charleston visit.

Key Points

• Self-guided, flexible ghost tour you can do anytime, anywhere in Charleston.
• Affordable at just under $8 per person, great value for a spooky experience.
• Narration with sound effects creates an immersive, atmospheric atmosphere.
• Stops include iconic haunted sites like the Old Exchange, Circular Church, and Old City Jail.
• Suitable for solo travelers, groups, families, and even those with service animals.
• The tour lasts roughly 50 minutes to an hour, but you set the pace.

What makes this tour appealing? It’s the chance to explore Charleston’s haunted spots with your own device, listening to spooky stories whenever you choose. No need for a group or fixed schedule — you simply download the app, start the tour at your convenience, and walk at your own speed. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, making navigation straightforward, and you can relive the experience by replaying the stories later.

Starting Point: The Old Exchange Building

Your ghostly journey begins just across from the Exchange Building on Broad Street. This spot is historically significant and reputedly haunted by the spirits of prisoners past, who allegedly still scream out in agony. The setting is perfect to set the mood for a ghost tour — historic, atmospheric, and tinged with a sense of mystery. From here, the tour takes you past several sites, each with its own ghostly legend.

Stops & Stories

Our first stop outside St. Philip’s Church gives you the chance to look for the Ghost of the Weeping Woman. The church’s exterior and cemetery set a somber tone, and the story of mournful spirits is a recurring theme throughout the tour. The quick stop here lasts about a minute and remains free of charge, which is typical for most locations on this tour.

Next up is the Circular Congregational Church. Outside the cemetery, you’re invited to listen for the Ghosts of Revolutionaries Past. This spot is not only steeped in history but also rich in tales of revolutionary spirits, echoing Charleston’s role in American history. Again, a brief stop, but the stories add a fascinating layer to the walk.

Poogan’s Porch is more than just a cozy restaurant — it’s said to be guarded by a ghost dog named Poogan, who has watched over the porch for over 40 years. Whether you believe in canine spirits or not, the story adds a charming, if slightly spooky, element to your stroll.

At the Unitarian Church, the tale of Anna searching for her love Edgar Allan offers a romantic, haunted twist. Standing outside the church and cemetery, you can imagine the ghostly figure of Anna wandering in search of her lost love, adding a poetic note to the ghost stories.

The final stops include the Old Charleston City Jail at Twenty-one Magazine Street, where the ghost of Lavinia is said to haunt the area. The jail’s dark history is well-known locally, and the story of Lavinia is just one of many chilling tales associated with this site.

What’s Unique About This Tour?

The narrated stories are delivered by an engaging, pirate-themed voice that includes ambient sound effects, heightening the spooky atmosphere. Reviewers have praised the “English piratey narrator” and “ongoing sound effects”, which help bring the stories to life and make it feel more immersive than just reading a brochure.

Plus, because the tour is self-guided, you control how long you linger at each site. Some guests appreciated the “ability to go at your own pace” and the chance to pause and reflect. One reviewer even noted catching ghosts with their own detectors, which, while not part of the tour, adds a fun, interactive element for ghost buffs.

The Practicalities

The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes to an hour, but you can extend or shorten it depending on your interest. The start point is easy to find — at the Exchange Building on East Bay Street — and the end point is conveniently located at the parking area on 21 Magazine Street.

The tour’s price point is particularly attractive. For just $7.75, you get a self-guided experience that rivals more expensive guided ghost walks. Many reviews highlight “good value for money” and praise the “entertaining narration” and “clarity of instructions”. Some found the download instructions initially tricky, but that’s a minor hurdle for most.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for independent travelers who prefer to explore on their own schedule. It’s perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families with kids (though the spooky stories may not be suitable for very young children). The fact that it’s a phone-guided experience means you don’t need to wait for a group or stick to a strict timetable, making it flexible for busy schedules.

It’s also excellent for those on a budget — the low price makes it accessible for anyone wanting a fun ghostly diversion without breaking the bank. Reviewers have expressed delight at how easy and enjoyable it was to set up and follow.

For those seeking a spooky, flexible way to explore Charleston’s haunted spots, this self-guided tour offers an engaging and wallet-friendly option. The narration and sound effects elevate the experience beyond just reading about ghost stories, making each site feel a little more alive — or perhaps, dead. The convenience of starting whenever you want and walking at your own pace is a big plus, especially for independent travelers or those with limited time.

However, if you’re after a highly interactive, in-person ghost walk with a guide, this might not fully satisfy, as it lacks the personal touch of a live storyteller and the social aspect. Still, for an affordable, atmospheric journey through Charleston’s haunted corners, it’s a smart choice.

Most importantly, if you appreciate stories woven into historic settings, don’t mind a bit of ghostly imagination, and want to explore at your own pace, you’ll find this tour good fun. It’s a clever way to add some spooky mystery to your Charleston visit, all while keeping costs low.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the ghost stories can be spooky. Families with children should consider whether the content is appropriate.

Can I start the tour whenever I want?
Yes, as long as you download the app and have your phone ready. You can begin at the Exchange Building and go at your own pace.

How long does the tour last?
It takes about 50 minutes to an hour to complete, but you can extend or shorten your experience depending on your interest.

Is the tour accessible with public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transportation, making it convenient to reach without a car.

What if I get lost or have trouble with the app?
The tour provides turn-by-turn directions, and the app is designed to be user-friendly. If you encounter issues, you can try restarting the app or checking your internet connection.

Can I relive the stories after my walk?
Absolutely. The app allows you to listen to the stories again, helping you savor the spookiness at your leisure.

In the end, this ghost tour offers a fun, cost-effective way to experience Charleston’s haunted sites on your own terms. Whether you’re a ghost enthusiast or just looking for some atmospheric entertainment, it’s likely to leave you with a few chills and a lot of stories to tell.