rovostays·

Food & drink · Charleston

Top 5 food & drink things to do in Charleston

Charleston on a fork. Walking food tours through the markets, cooking classes with local chefs, tasting flights at the bars worth your time, and a couple of long lunches that double as the day's plan.

  1. Charleston French Quarter food tour with tastings, Charleston1

    1. Charleston French Quarter food tour with tastings

    4.9· 2166 reviews· 3 hours

    Three hours of walking and tasting — explore local foods like Shrimp & Grits and She-Crab Soup while passing historic landmarks in Charleston's French Quarter.

    I finally decided to try a food tour, and I couldn't have chosen a better city than Charleston for my first experience. It was an amazing introduction, and I now regret not doing it sooner. Our guide, Crystin, truly made the tour unforgettable. She was warm and humorous, with a genuine passion for Charleston's culinary scene. Every stop was enhanced by her engaging stories about the chefs, neighborhoods, and Lowcountry traditions, making everything feel authentic rather than scripted. By the second location, our entire group was relaxed and conversing as if we were old friends. Crystin has a unique talent for fostering that connection. The food was outstanding. We visited places I would have never found on my own, from hidden local treasures to renowned Charleston dishes prepared perfectly. Every bite seemed intentional, and the variety was excellent. I gained a much deeper appreciation for Charleston's diverse food culture. As a first-timer on a food tour, I was uncertain about what to expect, but this experience far surpassed my expectations. By the end, I was full, had a camera filled with pictures, and a list of spots I plan to revisit before leaving. If you're in Charleston, make sure to book this tour. And if you get Crystin as your guide, you're in for a unique experience.Tonya_W
  2. Charleston Harbor sunset cruise, Charleston2

    2. Charleston Harbor sunset cruise

    4.8· 1044 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour cruise aboard a 45-foot catamaran — relax with views of the city skyline, islands, and dolphins at sunset.

    A wonderful boat ride with Captain Ron and Nicky made for a memorable sunset tour. Captain Ton's humor and music provided the entertainment we were looking for, ensuring a great time for my friends and me.SR621
  3. Charleston sightseeing tour on the Old Town Trolley, Charleston3

    3. Charleston sightseeing tour on the Old Town Trolley

    4.8· 372 reviews· 1.7 hours

    Two hours on a comfortable minibus — visit historic sites like the Battery, Rainbow Row, and the City Market with hop-on, hop-off flexibility.

    The trolley tour was excellent, with Lt Dan providing both informative and humorous commentary. His insights about the Civil War were spot-on, especially since I had recently read a book on the subject.Daniel_B
  1. Charleston food and history tour in the Historic District, Charleston4

    4. Charleston food and history tour in the Historic District

    4.8· 141 reviews· 2.2 hours

    Three hours of guided dining through Charleston's Historic District, featuring signature Lowcountry dishes and visits to premier restaurants with local insights.

    Paige was fantastic and created a fun atmosphere for everyone. I had a unique experience on this tour and gained so much knowledge about the city. She has a great command of Charleston's history. The food was also excellent. Keep up the good work, Paige.Ken_M
  2. Downtown Charleston culinary tour, Charleston5

    5. Downtown Charleston culinary tour

    4.7· 1419 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Two and a half hours, four local eateries — a blend of Lowcountry history and cuisine in the French Quarter and City Market.

    This was an excellent tour with plenty of food tastings. Simon was a fascinating guide who incorporated history into the experience. I believe this tour offers great value for the price.Colette_B

Top places to visit in Charleston

See all 26

More in Charleston

Other things to do

Food & drink in other destinations

Top food & drink elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked food & drink experiences across USA.

Stay elsewhere

Places to stay in other destinations

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments across our network.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Charleston?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.