
Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 176 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour worth booking?
Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour is a 2-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $94 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 176 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (176)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $94 per person
This fun, fascinating, unique, four course foodie tour blends the perfect pairing of culinary delights with the captivating history of Charleston's cultural blend and the evolution of the region's cuisine. While you dine on Charleston's signature dishes & delicacies of the Lowcountry, your fun, knowledgeable, engaging guide, a lifetime local of the area, will escort you to some of the city's best known restaurants, where you will receive VIP service. Why is Charleston the "Holy City?" Why do we call this area the "Lowcountry?" Most importantly, who are the Gullah Geechee, named an official Creole culture by US Congress in 2006? All of the restaurants are in Charleston's historic Market/French Quarter area, within close proximity, so minimal walking is required. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best local dining & touring experiences to make the most of your stay in Charleston. Our partner restaurants gladly substitute dishes for food restrictions upon request.
What you get
About this experience
This fun, fascinating, unique, four course foodie tour blends the perfect pairing of culinary delights with the captivating history of Charleston's cultural blend and the evolution of the region's cuisine. While you dine on Charleston's signature dishes & delicacies of the Lowcountry, your fun, knowledgeable, engaging guide, a lifetime local of the area, will escort you to some of the city's best known restaurants, where you will receive VIP service. Why is Charleston the "Holy City?" Why do we call this area the "Lowcountry?" Most importantly, who are the Gullah Geechee, named an official Creole culture by US Congress in 2006? All of the restaurants are in Charleston's historic Market/French Quarter area, within close proximity, so minimal walking is required. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best local dining & touring experiences to make the most of your stay in Charleston. Our partner restaurants gladly substitute dishes for food restrictions upon request.
What's included
Included
- History! Learn how a blend of cultures & some shocking circumstances created a thriving port city.
- Food! Taste the area's unique food & drink offerings while learning the history behind every bite!
Not included
- Alcohol or specialty beverages (But you're welcome to order alcohol for a separate charge).
- Transportation or Parking Fees
- Tour guide gratuity (not mandatory but most appreciated)
What you'll see and do
Historic Downtown Charleston
Take a leisurely stroll between three of the best restaurants in Charleston's scenic Historic District, while your guide takes you back in time on this culinary journey.
Pass by without stopping
Charleston City Market
Learn the fascinating history behind Charleston's original shopping district.
Pass by without stopping
See one of the most majestic churches in the city, the first congregation in the city, established in 1680.
Pass by without stopping
Philadelphia Alley
Your guide will unravel the many mysteries this enchanting passageway holds.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Charleston
Your guide will greet you under the alcove (between 164 Church Street, The Black Fedora and 168 Church Street, House of Jerkey). Your guide will arrive approximately five minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Best of Charleston Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 176 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
10 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
176 verified traveler reviews for Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Paige was amazing!
Very informative and really fun! We had a great time! Paige knew so much about the history of the area and about the cultures that shaped the food in Charleston. Thanks paige! We had such a great inteoduction to Charleston!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! I really enjoyed having you on the tour. I love people who love history! I hope your great introduction allowed you to fully enjoy your time in Charleston!
via Viator
Our guide, Page, was very...
Our guide, Page, was very informative providing a lot of information about the history of Charleston. The restaurants and food/drinks were great! She did a good job of keeping us on track while still giving us many interesting details. We loved it!
Response from the operator: We're so glad you enjoyed the tour!
via Viator
Good, but could be better
Overall, the food was great, and the group size was just right. Page was super sweet. I liked the first two restaurants she chose and the reasoning behind them. However, I have been on quite a few food tours and how it generally goes is you arrive at the restaurant, the guide gives a 5-20 minute relevant history spiel, and then you get about 20 minutes to talk to your party or the other groups on the tour. This was not like that. Page talked the ENTIRE time. The history was great and she is clearly knowledgeable, but I had to whisper to my husband and parents about whatever we were experiencing, and there was absolutely no time given to reflect. It felt much more like a college lecture with food than a tour. It made the experience significantly less enjoyable than it would have been. I also did not particularly like the last stop, "well-hung" winery, and it did not have the same historical backing the other two places did.
Response from the operator: Hi. First of all, thank you for the compliments. We do regret that you had any disappointment about our tour. Our description does state that this food tour is different than the others in that we do combine a full history tour with a food tour. Most of our customer reviews reflect the same, that it is a lot of history. Visitors who sign up for this tour sign up for it for that very reason. We're wondering if perhaps there was some confusion and it was the group that you were traveling with that read the description and signed up for our tour. We do encourage questions as we stated, we interact with the guest, and we do ask for opinions on the food being served. The menu item at Well Hung does tie in with the Lowcountry history and we do discuss that as it regards techniques that are connected to the culture. We enjoyed hosting your family and we hope that you enjoyed the rest of your time in Charleston!
via Tripadvisor
Historical
Guide was excellent, great historical facts about the food we had where it started and came from. Thought the portions where a little small for the price we paid. The first two stops where excellent the last one was just okay.
Response from the operator: Hi! We're so glad you enjoyed the historical part of the tour and the food. If it helps with the pricing, please know that the portions are standard for all of the food tour companies, as we all frequent the same establishments. If you look at the guest pictures on other food tour sites, you will find many some of the exact dishes you received. We are limited to the restaurants that host tours downtown which are few, but classic well-known anchors in the Market area. What sets us apart is the presentation as well as the extensive history and culture discussions we provide. Unfortunately, Charleston can be expensive in general depending on your travel time. That being said, we do still hope you enjoyed your visit to our beautiful town. (Most guests love the last stop so please feel free to email us and let us know what was lacking in your opinion at that stop. Thank you!!)
via Tripadvisor
Authentic and informative
Our guide, a local to the area, was great! She really understands Charleston and its deep history. I loved how we ate at local, long established restaurants that serve real authentic foods that reflect its rich history and traditions . If you are looking for true deep dive into food history and local cuisine this is your tour. I will bring friends to this tour when we visit again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $94 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 62
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Best of Charleston Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.4.
See everything Best of Charleston Tours runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.
How much does Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour cost?
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Prices start at $94 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Charleston usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Charleston is not rushed.
Is Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 176 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Charleston, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour?
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Around 62 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Charleston can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Charleston and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Charleston within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Charleston?
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Charleston's best experiences are small: house museum tours with an architectural historian, Gullah heritage walks, harbour sails at sunset and Lowcountry food crawls through the market district. Plantation day trips vary enormously in how honestly they handle the history, and our ranking factors that in directly. On Outty we rank every Charleston experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel, Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
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March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Charleston?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour?
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Included: History! Learn how a blend of cultures & some shocking circumstances created a thriving po; and Food! Taste the area's unique food & drink offerings while learning the history behind eve. Not included: Alcohol or specialty beverages (But you're welcome to order alcohol for a separate charge); Transportation or Parking Fees; and Tour guide gratuity (not mandatory but most appreciated). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour?
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Your guide will greet you under the alcove (between 164 Church Street, The Black Fedora and 168 Church Street, House of Jerkey). Your guide will arrive approximately five minutes prior to the start of the tour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Charleston's Tastes Through Time -Food, History & Culture Tour?
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Across 176 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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