Charleston, South Carolina, is a city that attracts travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and its exquisite culinary scene. One of the most engaging ways to savor the flavors of Charleston is through a food tour.
Charleston’s food tours are not just food experiences but journeys through time, reflecting the city’s diverse culinary heritage, deeply intertwined with its past.
From the beautiful cobblestone streets of the historic district to the bustling markets and waterfront eateries, a food tour in Charleston is a delightful exploration of cuisine and the stories that have shaped it.
This article shares everything you should know before buying your Charleston food tour tickets.
Table of contents
- Downtown Charleston Food Tour
- Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
- Half-Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
- Charleston’s Upper King Street Food Tour
- Charleston History and Hops Tour
- Walking Ghost and Bar Tour
- Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef’s Challenge
- Historic Charleston Dinner Club
- Tips for making most of your tour
- Charleston food tour FAQs
Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Experience a unique combination of history and culinary adventure on the Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour.
You’ll visit four locally-owned food establishments and indulge in tastings of traditional and contemporary dishes that highlight the region’s cuisine.
As you explore the French Quarter and City Market, knowledgeable guides will provide insight into the history and significance of Lowcountry cuisine.
This 2.5-hour tour is the perfect way to discover the delicious flavors of Charleston while learning about its rich cultural heritage.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 12 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$97
Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
Join a walking tour and experience the flavorful cuisine of Charleston with a knowledgeable guide.
You’ll delve into the rich history of Lowcountry cuisine as you stroll around this charming city and try out local delicacies such as stone-ground grits, pralines, collard greens, and South Carolina barbecue.
Your local guide will share fascinating stories about the food culture in Charleston as you savor the flavors of Benne wafers, barbecue, grits, and other South Carolina favorites.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$97
Half-Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
Experience the best of Charleston’s culinary scene with this walking tour and interactive lunch combo.
Your guide, certified chef Forrest Parker, will take you on a 1.5-hour historical walking tour of the city’s historic district.
Learn about the influences of Lowcountry cuisine on Charleston’s food culture while visiting top sights.
After the tour, attend a cooking demonstration by Parker and enjoy a delicious lunch paired with wine.
Take home Parker’s recipes to recreate your favorite dishes.
Get ready to savor the flavors of Charleston with this two-in-one experience led by a celebrated local chef.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$256
Charleston’s Upper King Street Food Tour
Charleston, South Carolina, has cobblestone streets, steepled skylines, and pastel antebellum houses. However, its food scene is just as impressive.
This tour will take you to the heart of the culinary hotspot on Upper King Street.
You’ll visit four restaurants and discover how this historic city has become one of America’s hottest dining spots. Your guide will provide fresh insights into Charleston’s New South cuisine.
The tour covers restaurants in Cannonborough, Elliotborough, or Radcliffeborough.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$97
Charleston History and Hops Tour
Join a fascinating walking tour and bar crawl of historic Charleston. T
he tour commences at a pub, where you will be served a snack and can purchase beer and mixed drinks while discovering the city’s rich history.
Traverse Charleston’s narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets and visit cultural landmarks such as the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon and the Dock Street Theater.
You can experience a relaxed tour that delves into Charleston’s past, including the Prohibition era.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 1 pm and will last around 2 hours.
Ticket Price: US$33
Walking Ghost and Bar Tour
Experience the haunted side of Charleston with a local guide on a combination bar crawl and ghost tour.
The tour includes visits to two bars, with a complimentary snack at the first location.
Along the way, you’ll hear ghost stories and learn about the city’s history as you stroll past graveyards and historic sites.
The tour concludes at a beautiful local park, where you’ll hear about one of Charleston’s most feared ghosts.
Please note that guests must be 21 years old and have a valid photo ID.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 8 pm and will last around 2 hours.
Ticket Price: US$36
Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef’s Challenge
Experience the best of the Lowcountry’s seasonal harvest and the culinary skills of a local chef with this 3-hour tour.
Discover the historic Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood with a certified city guide.
Then, enjoy a farm-to-table feast at a local restaurant featuring a 5+ course meal crafted from your handpicked selections.
This tour is an excellent way to discover a favorite local produce store and historic area, meet a Charleston chef, and witness their culinary creativity firsthand.
Take advantage of this unique and authentic Charleston farm-to-table experience.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 8 pm and will last around 2 hours.
Ticket Price: US$112
Historic Charleston Dinner Club
Explore Charleston’s rich history without getting tired of the Historic Charleston Supper Club Dinner Experience.
This unique tour offers a 4-course meal featuring authentic dishes from the 1730s to 1890s while a culinary historian shares fascinating stories about each period of Charleston’s history.
From the Colonial times to the Antebellum era and beyond, learn about the city’s past while enjoying a delicious dinner.
With three entrees and a dessert, this experience is perfect for history buffs and food enthusiasts.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 6 pm and will last around 2 hours.
Ticket Price: US$138
Tips for making most of your tour
To make the most of your food tour in Charleston and ensure a memorable experience, consider these tips:
Come to the tour with an appetite. You can sample various dishes, so skip a big meal beforehand to enjoy the tastings fully.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, as some tours may involve strolling between food stops.
Charleston can be hot and humid. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
While most food tours cover food and drink costs, having cash on hand for optional extras, like tipping your guide or purchasing additional items at food stalls or markets, is a good idea.
Food tours often introduce you to new and unique flavors. Be open to trying dishes and cuisines you may have yet to encounter.
Save some room for dessert, as many food tours conclude with a sweet treat or a unique dessert experience.
Charleston food tour FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about food tours in Charleston.
A Charleston food tour is a guided culinary experience that takes you through the city’s diverse and historic food scene. It includes visits to multiple restaurants, markets, and eateries to sample various dishes.
The duration of a food tour can vary, but most tours last around 2 to 3 hours. Some specialty tours or private experiences are longer.
Charleston’s food tours offer a wide range of culinary experiences. You can expect to try traditional Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, barbecue, biscuits, and more.
Alcohol inclusion varies by tour. Some food tours include beverage pairings like wine, craft beer, or cocktails, while others may offer these as optional add-ons.
Dress comfortably and according to the weather, as food tours often involve outdoor walking. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a hat on sunny days.