Antigua is a lively island that offers more than just stunning beaches and turquoise waters. Its culinary scene is a mix of local traditions, Caribbean flavors, and creative eateries. For those curious about the island’s food culture, the City Lime Food Tour stands out with its lively exploration of Heritage Quay, where you’ll taste a variety of local dishes and sample some authentic rum. What makes this tour appealing is the opportunity to see the city’s bustling food scene while enjoying personalized attention in small groups. If you’re into art as well, the Private Art Tour or Food Tour offers a private mix of local artisan markets, a gallery visit, and relaxing on the beach with delicious bites—perfect if you prefer a tailored experience. Lastly, the Afternoon Mini Food Tour in St John provides a short, flavorful route through key spots, ideal for cruise visitors or those with limited time. Each offers a different glimpse into Antigua’s culinary and cultural life.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you pick the one that best fits your taste, schedule, and budget.
1. City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua’s only food tour in the city!
At number 1 on our list is the City Lime Food Tour, which is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Antigua’s city life and cuisine. This tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and includes all tastings—so come hungry. Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll explore Heritage Quay, a lively hub where you’ll sample traditional dishes like rotis, and enjoy a free rum tasting that’s sure to loosen up the evening. What makes this tour special is the small group size—capped at 15—ensuring a personalized experience where you can ask questions and really get a feel for Antigua’s food scene.
Many reviewers highlight the warmth of guide Tiffany, who combines historical insights with culinary delights—”she sprinkled in some history, architecture, and culture between lots of delicious local food.” The tour ends at a spot called One Stone Ital Shack, which offers a taste of local vegetarian and vegan dishes in a relaxed setting. All tastings are included, so no surprises. The price of $105 per person offers good value considering the variety and quality of food, and the tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Bottom Line: For a friendly, immersive introduction to Antigua’s flavors and culture, this tour hits the sweet spot with its relaxed pace and inclusive tastings.
2. Private Art Tour or Food Tour
If you prefer a private experience tailored to your interests, the Private Art Tour or Food Tour delivers. For around $150, you’ll enjoy a semi-custom 1-3 hour adventure that can focus on Antigua’s art scene, local markets, and food, or a combination of both. Your private guide will pick you up from your accommodation and whisk you around the island, starting at St. John’s craft market. Here, you’ll meet local artisans and browse their handcrafted goods—an excellent chance to pick up unique souvenirs.
Next, the tour moves to the Rhythm of the Blue Art Gallery in English Harbour, where you’ll see works by local artists. After exploring Antigua’s creative side, you can relax at a beach with some local dishes—an ideal way to combine cultural exploration with leisure. This tour is adaptable, perfect for travelers who want a more intimate, flexible experience. It’s especially great if you prefer a quieter, more personalized outing away from larger groups.
The reviews are limited but top-rated with a perfect 5.0, which indicates a high level of satisfaction. The tour runs daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, giving plenty of time to customize your experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who value privacy and customization, this tour marries Antigua’s art, food, and scenery into a seamless, relaxed outing.
$150.00 per person
3. Afternoon Mini Food Tour in St John
The Afternoon Mini Food Tour offers a short and sweet 2-hour taste of Antigua’s culinary secrets. Perfect for cruise passengers or those short on time, this tour is designed to be relaxed and flavorful. Starting at Heritage Quay, you’ll learn about the area’s history while sampling local favorites like rotis and smoothies. The tour then moves to Redcliffe Quay, where you’ll explore the architecture’s story and indulge in additional tastings.
This tour’s strength is its focus on local favorites in a small-group setting, making it feel more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend. It’s a no-fuss option for travelers who want a quick, authentic taste of Antigua without the commitment of a longer tour. The cost is $85 per person, which makes it quite reasonable for the quality and exclusivity of the experience.
While it doesn’t have reviews yet, its carefully curated itinerary suggests a good quality experience, ideal if your goal is to sample meaningful bites while learning a bit about Antigua’s cityscape.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but still eager to experience Antigua’s authentic flavors, this compact tour provides a tasty, relaxed introduction.
$85.00 per person
4. Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour
Finally, at the 4th spot, we have the Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour, a 3-hour journey that dives deeper into Antigua’s culinary diversity. Starting at the iconic St. John’s Cathedral, this tour proceeds through the city’s key spots, including the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and the lively Public Market. You’ll sample local dishes at each stop—think fresh fruits, Caribbean bites, and perhaps a tropical drink to accompany the vibrant atmosphere.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on iconic landmarks paired with food, offering a richer context for Antigua’s culture. With no reviews yet, the detailed itinerary suggests a well-rounded experience—ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting. The $180 price reflects the depth of the experience, covering several important sites and a variety of local foods.
It’s best suited for travelers who want an immersive, full-bodied experience of St. John’s history and flavors, especially those interested in cultural attractions alongside their culinary journey.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a longer, more comprehensive taste of Antigua’s city life combined with history and food, this tour covers all the bases.
$180.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Antigua
When selecting your Antigua food experience, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re short on time and want a quick fix, the Afternoon Mini Food Tour offers a flavorful snapshot in just two hours. For a flexible, private outing, the Private Art or Food Tour allows you to focus on what excites you most.
If you prefer a guided, social experience with lots of local dishes, the City Lime Food Tour excels with its small groups and inclusive tastings. And for a comprehensive exploration combining sights and bites, the Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour offers a full day of culture.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak cruise seasons or holidays, to secure your preferred time and size of tour.
In summary, Antigua offers a range of food tours suited to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want a quick city snack, a private artisan experience, or an in-depth cultural journey, these options give you a tasty way to connect with the island’s local flavors. For the best experience, pick the tour that fits your interests and enjoy discovering Antigua one bite at a time.