Charleston , United States

Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour

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(199 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This Upper King Street Culinary Tour is provided by CHARLESTON CULINARY TOURS, the longest-running food tour company in Charleston. This 2.5-hour tour offers insight into Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood (named as one of the top 10 food neighborhoods in America), showcasing four of Charleston's culinary innovators who exemplify cooking in the New South.

The Upper King Street district has emerged as an area with tremendous energy; showcasing culinary innovation, experimental design, and exuberant nightlife. The restaurants featured on the food tour are trailblazers in Charleston's culinary scene, edgy and innovative, with tremendous passion for their craft. This Upper King Street tour is designed to show off the modern and eclectic side of the Lowcountry while providing insight into Charleston's ever-changing culinary scene.

Available options

Upper King Street Tour

What's included

City-certified guide

All pre-selected food tastings (meal for most). Advance notice required to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Detailed itinerary

This 2.5 hour tour will take you around the Upper King Street historic District

This 2.5 Hour tour will take you through the Upper King Street historic district

What's not included

Alcoholic/Specialty drinks (available for individual purchase at most locations)

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

58 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.6

141 reviews

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112

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please arrive 15-Minutes prior to departure.

Vegan, dairy/lactose, & soy restrictions cannot be adequately accommodated. Guests with multiple allergies should contact Charleston Culinary Tours prior to booking to confirm accommodation.

We cannot assume responsibility for those with severe allergies.

We make every effort to provide a full meal for all guests, however, substitutions may not be 1-for-1 with regular tour offerings.

We craft our tours to represent the unique aspects of each venue and neighborhood. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a “next best” option that also meets a special dietary need. Since we have your health, taste buds, and overall experience in mind, we truly appreciate your understanding on this issue.

We recommend weather-appropriate attire and comfortable walking shoes.

Tours operate rain or shine, hot or cold. In the rare cases of EXTREME weather (e.g. Hurricane!), we will notify all guests of cancellations in advance, as soon as a decision has been made.

Not recommended for children under 8 years old.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS must be communicated directly to Charleston Culinary Tours at least *36 hours* before your scheduled tour or restrictions cannot be accommodated.

Not recommended for travelers with severe dietary needs

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS must be communicated in advance directly to Charleston Culinary Tours

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS cannot be accommodated without advance notice (at least 24 hours prior to tour time)

Vegan, dairy, or soy restrictions cannot be accommodated

Meeting point

Meet inside the Visitor Center (375 Meeting Street)

Important notes

• Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated without advanced notice. You must contact Charleston Culinary Tours directly (843-259-2966) at least 36 hours prior to the tour for dietary accommodations. We cannot accommodate Vegan, Dairy-Free, or Soy-Free diets
• Please arrive 15-Minutes prior to departure. If you are going to be late, please call (843)259-2966.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• We require a minimum of 4 guests to operate the tour. If we do not reach the minimum, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

About Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene. With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and picturesque waterfront, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.

Top Attractions

Historic Charleston City Market

One of the nation's oldest public markets, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and unique souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and history.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for goods

Fort Sumter National Monument

The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and learn about its historical significance.

Historical Half-day $24 for adults, $15 for children (includes ferry ride and park entrance)

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, nature trails, and a zoo. It's one of the oldest public gardens in America.

Nature Half-day to full day $24 for adults, $12 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

She-Crab Soup

A rich, creamy soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, and a touch of sherry

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Popular Activities

Surfing at Folly Beach Kayaking in the Charleston Harbor Sunbathing and swimming at local beaches Spa treatments and wellness retreats Visiting historic sites and museums Attending local festivals and events Boating and sailing in the Charleston Harbor Fishing and crabbing

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and events.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5 (EST) or GMT-4 (EDT during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Charleston is generally a safe city for travelers, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Charleston International Airport • 12 miles (19 km) from city center

By bus

Charleston Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates a network of buses. The system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic District Mount Pleasant

Day trips

Folly Beach

8 miles (13 km) • Half-day to full day

A popular beach destination known for its laid-back atmosphere, surfing, and seafood restaurants. Folly Beach offers a great escape from the city with its wide sandy shores and ocean views.

Middleton Place

12 miles (19 km) • Half-day

A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, a museum, and a restored rice mill. Middleton Place offers a glimpse into the lives of plantation owners and enslaved people.

Festivals

Spoleto Festival USA • Late May to early June Charleston Wine + Food Festival • Mid-February

Pro tips

Visit the Historic District early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cobblestone streets and architecture in a more relaxed atmosphere
Take a food tour to sample the best of Charleston's culinary scene and learn about the city's rich food history
Explore the local markets, such as the Charleston City Market, for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
Consider a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Folly Beach or Middleton Place, for a change of pace and to experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry
Attend a local festival or event, such as Spoleto Festival USA or the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, for a unique and memorable experience