Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour

Charleston’s Historic Downtown Food Tour offers an unparalleled culinary experience for foodies. Priced at $2,215 per person, this 2.5-hour guided journey takes participants through the city’s charming streets, where they’ll indulge in signature Southern dishes at four renowned restaurants. With VIP access to skip lines, guests can savor hushpuppies, she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits while seeing Charleston’s rich history and culinary heritage. As you stroll past iconic landmarks, the tour promises to captivate your senses and leave you craving more. Discover why this tour has become a must-do for visitors seeking to truly taste the vibrant flavors of Charleston.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Food Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour food tour in Charleston’s historic district allows participants to sample signature Southern dishes at four world-class restaurants with VIP access.
• The tour covers approximately 1 mile and is suitable for adults, youth, and children, but not recommended for those with mobility issues.
• Participants can expect to try classic Charleston fare like hushpuppies, carrot cake, she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits during the tour.
• The tour explores iconic landmarks such as the Old Exchange building and Pineapple fountain, enhancing the cultural heritage experience.
• The tour is priced at Kč2,215 per person and offers flexible reservation options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Charleston Food Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic downtown district and its renowned culinary scene.

Priced from $2,215 per person, this 2.5-hour walking tour guides participants through the charming streets, stopping at four world-class restaurants to sample signature dishes like hushpuppies, she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits.

Covering approximately 1 mile, the tour provides VIP access, allowing visitors to skip the lines at busy establishments.

The experience is suitable for adults, youth, and children, though not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early and expect the tour to conclude at the original meeting point, rain or shine.

Tour Experience

Participants on the Charleston Food Tour embark on a guided journey through the city’s historic district, sampling southern cuisine from four world-class restaurants.

The tour showcases signature dishes, including:

1. Hushpuppies
2. Carrot cake
3. She-crab soup
4. Shrimp and grits

Attendees walk approximately 1 mile, passing iconic landmarks like the Old Exchange building and Pineapple fountain.

VIP access allows the group to skip the line at busy eateries. Each food stop lasts about 20 minutes, and the total samples amount to a full meal.

The tour operates rain or shine, and participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

Participant Information

The Charleston Food Tour is suitable for adults aged 18 to 99, as well as youth aged 7 to 17.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Children aged 0-6 are welcome, but their tickets don’t include food samples. Guests should arrive 10 minutes early for check-in, as the tour operates rain or shine and concludes at the same location as the meeting point.

Tour Conditions

The Charleston Food Tour operates rain or shine, allowing guests to enjoy the experience regardless of the weather conditions.

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early for check-in to ensure a smooth start to the tour. The tour concludes at the same location as the meeting point, making it convenient for guests to end their journey.

Some key tour conditions include:

1. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
2. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
3. Food samples equal a full meal, so guests should arrive hungry.
4. Participants will walk approximately 1 mile during the 2.5-hour tour.

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Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the Charleston Food Tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 46 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, the combination of hospitality and local history, and the variety of food samples.

However, some participants desired more detailed information about the significance of the foods, were disappointed in the dessert offerings, and noted variability in the dessert selection based on daily menus.

What You’ll Eat

Participants can look forward to sampling an array of quintessential Southern dishes throughout the Charleston Food Tour.

The tour provides the opportunity to indulge in a full meal’s worth of delectable bites, including:

• Hushpuppies: These savory fried cornmeal balls are a beloved Charleston staple.
• Carrot Cake: A moist, flavorful cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
• She-Crab Soup: A rich and creamy soup made with crab meat and sherry.
• Shrimp and Grits: A classic Lowcountry dish featuring succulent shrimp atop creamy stone-ground grits.

The restaurants featured on the tour are known for their exceptional culinary prowess, allowing participants to savor the flavors that have made Charleston a renowned food destination.

Historic Downtown Landmarks

As participants stroll through Charleston’s Historic District during the food tour, they’ll encounter a number of iconic landmarks that have shaped the city’s rich history.

One of the most prominent is the Old Exchange building, a former customs house and public market dating back to the late 17th century. The tour also passes the Pineapple fountain, a beloved symbol of Charleston’s hospitality.

Plus, you will witness the city’s charming architecture, with its stately antebellum homes and cobblestone streets.

These landmarks provide a glimpse into Charleston’s past, complementing the culinary journey and offering a well-rounded experience of the city’s cultural heritage.

Reservation and Pricing

The Charleston Food Tour offers flexible reservation options, allowing visitors to conveniently book their spot without immediate payment. The tour is priced at Kč2,215 per person and lasts 2.5 hours, conducted in English.

Some key details about the reservation and pricing:

• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The meeting point is underneath the awning in front of Charleston Tours & Activities windows.
• The tour is suitable for adults, youth, and children, though child tickets don’t include food.
• Participants should arrive 10 minutes early for check-in, and the tour concludes at the same location as the meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize My Food Tour Based on Dietary Restrictions?

While the tour can’t be fully customized, the operator is accommodating of dietary restrictions. Guests should notify the tour provider in advance, and they’ll make reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone can safely sample the southern cuisine.

Do the Restaurants Provide Vegetarian, Vegan, or Gluten-Free Options?

The restaurants generally offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, but the availability may vary. Customers with dietary restrictions should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated during the food tastings.

How Many Guests Typically Participate in Each Tour?

The tours typically have between 10-15 guests. The small group size allows for an intimate and personalized experience as participants explore the historic district and sample southern cuisine at several renowned restaurants.

Are Gratuities for the Tour Guide and Restaurant Staff Included?

Gratuities for the tour guide and restaurant staff are not included in the tour price. Participants are expected to tip the guide and staff directly based on their satisfaction with the tour experience.

Can I Request a Private or Semi-Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers private and semi-private tour options for groups. Guests can customize the experience and request special accommodations by contacting the company directly when booking their reservation.

Recap

The Historic Downtown Food Tour in Charleston offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene and rich history. With VIP access to four renowned restaurants, guests can savor signature Southern dishes while strolling past iconic landmarks. At $2,215 per person, this 2.5-hour guided journey promises an immersive and delightful experience for those seeking to indulge in Charleston’s culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: