Thessaloniki stands out as Greece’s culinary capital, thanks to its lively markets, diverse influences, and street food culture. It’s the kind of city where food isn’t just fuel but a way of life, with vendors selling everything from fresh olives to spicy cheeses and baklava. That makes it perfect for food tours, whether you want to sample local delicacies, learn about Greek ingredients, or see the city through a tasty lens. We particularly like the Thessaloniki: Food Tastings and Drinks tour with a Chef because of its engaging storytelling and authentic tasting stops, or the Thessaloniki Food Tour with a Local Chef, which offers a deeper dive into regional flavors. Both provide a great balance of walking, eating, and local insights, perfect for foodies who want more than just a meal.
If you’re after a broad overview of Thessaloniki’s food scene, the Open Market Food Tour with Tasting is a solid pick, while those wanting a more intimate experience might prefer the Private Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki. For a fun, casual introduction, the Street Food Tour with a Local Guide hits the mark, combining walking with sampling some of the town’s most iconic snacks. Whichever tour suits your style, each offers a taste of Thessaloniki’s vibrant flavors and character.
1. Thessaloniki: Food Tastings and Drinks tour with a Chef
At number 1 on our list, this 4-hour walking tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Thessaloniki’s culinary scene, with many food tastings and drinks included. Led by a friendly chef, you’ll explore local markets, sample koulouri (a sesame bread ring), and enjoy stories about the city’s food culture. The tour emphasizes authentic experiences, such as wandering through local vendors you’d never find alone, making it perfect for curious travelers wanting a personal connection to the city.
Guests love the engaging guide, Panos, who shares insights into Thessaloniki’s history and food traditions. The reviews praise the organization and variety of tastings — cheeses, pastries, salads, and more — with vegetarian options available. It’s a lively, well-rounded introduction for first-timers or anyone eager to understand Greek cuisine beyond the tourist spots. The worth of this tour lies in its local flavor, passionate guide, and flavorful stops. If you want a mix of culture, storytelling, and authentic bites, this one is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a lively, comprehensive introduction to Thessaloniki’s food scene with an expert guide.
2. Thessaloniki Food Tour with a Local Chef
This 4-hour tour focuses on discovering hidden local delicacies and rare drinks — ideal if you’re craving an insider perspective. Led by a local chef, you’ll visit Café Hamam and explore Thessaloniki’s markets, tasting regional honey, olives, and farm-to-table charcuterie. The tour also includes learning about spices and Greek teas, giving you culinary ideas to try at home.
Guests rave about the tour’s focus on authentic, local dishes that are off the usual tourist radar. Tonia, the guide, is praised for her passion and her ability to connect food to Thessaloniki’s daily life. The tour balances tastings with cultural stories, making it ideal for food lovers who want depth and context. It’s slightly more expensive at $107 but offers a richer, more personalized experience. For those interested in the ingredients and stories behind Greek dishes, this tour is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for serious foodies wanting to uncover Thessaloniki’s best-kept culinary secrets.
3. Thessaloniki: Open Market Food Tour with Tasting
This 3-hour tour takes you into Thessaloniki’s iconic open markets — Kapani and Modiano — where vendors sell everything from organic produce to local cheeses. Starting at the bustling Kapani market, you’ll explore maze-like stalls, tasting traditional pies and fresh vegetables, then move into lively Athonos Square and the Louloudadika neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll visit a folk art shop and sample local products like olive oil and honey.
Guests appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the knowledgeable guide, Constantina, who shares stories about each vendor and ingredient. The tour is a great way to see the city through its markets and try a variety of authentic bites. It’s affordable at $51, and with a focus on local ingredients, it offers excellent value for those interested in the everyday food culture of Thessaloniki.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an authentic market experience combined with tasting local specialties.
4. Thessaloniki: Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting
For a more immersive market experience, this 3-hour walking tour is a top contender. It starts with a complimentary coffee and then explores Kapani and Modiano markets, where you sample cheeses, organic vegetables, and pastries. Stops include Louloudadika and Athonos Square, giving you a full picture of Thessaloniki’s lively food scene while learning about local food traditions.
Rated perfectly with 52 reviews, this tour is appreciated for its insider knowledge and relaxed pace. The guide uncovers local shopping tips, and the stops are carefully curated for authenticity. Priced at $52.25, it’s a great budget option offering a genuine taste of Thessaloniki’s street food culture. If you love wandering markets and tasting fresh, local ingredients, this tour is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for those who want to explore Thessaloniki’s markets on foot and sample traditional Greek foods.
5. Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki with a Chef
This 4-hour private tour is designed for those who want a deeper dive into the city’s culinary landscape. Led by a local chef, the route highlights Thessaloniki’s multicultural influences, including dishes like koulouri and bougatsa, as well as fresh seafood and herbs. The tour includes visits to Kapani Market and other historic food spots, emphasizing local recipes and ingredients.
Guests describe the guide as engaging, with some noting the tour’s storytelling enhances the tasting experience. It’s a bit pricier at nearly $93, but the personal attention and customized itinerary make it worth considering for foodies who prefer a tailored experience. Perfect if you want to combine cultural insights with top-notch tastings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a private, personalized culinary exploration.
6. Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local
This 3-hour tour is a true taste of Greek culinary heritage, led by a passionate local guide. You’ll walk through Thessaloniki’s streets, stopping at lesser-known eateries and tavernas. The focus is on traditional dishes and stories behind the ingredients, giving perspective on how Greek influences shape local cuisine.
Reviewers mention guide Anna’s enthusiasm and her ability to weave history into the food, making it educational as well as delicious. The tour costs just under $92, offering a good value for an authentic, local experience. It’s ideal for travelers interested in cultural context and authentic flavors, especially those keen to explore Greek food beyond the usual.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting cultural context combined with genuine local flavors.
7. Thessaloniki Street Food Tour with a Local Guide
At around $103, this 3-hour street food tour is all about sampling Thessaloniki’s most iconic snacks. Meet at the harbor and explore Ladadika District, Bezesteni Market, and other neighborhoods. You’ll taste koulouri, bougatsa, pita sandwiches, and local sweets, all while walking through historic streets.
Reviews highlight the fun atmosphere, knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to try local breakfast pastries and snacks you’d never find alone. The tour is perfect for those who love casual, flavorful eating and want to get a real sense of Thessaloniki’s vibrant street food scene quickly.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a lively, snack-filled exploration of the city’s street food culture.
8. Half Day Food and Walking Tour with Tastings in Thessaloniki
This shorter 2.5-hour tour is perfect for travelers with limited time but a big appetite. Starting at Electra Palace, you’ll visit the Kapani market, taste Greek olives, and sample bougatsa, soutzoukaki, and regional cheeses. The tour also includes a wine or ouzo pairing and visits to local cafes.
Rated highly for its friendly guide and flavorful stops, it’s a great budget-friendly option at $81.82. It suits travelers wanting a quick but authentic taste of Thessaloniki’s culinary highlights.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, tasty overview of Thessaloniki’s classic flavors.
9. Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour With A Local
This 3-hour tour centers on Greece’s beloved drinks and meze culture. Led by a local, you’ll sample different types of Greek ouzo, enjoy cold cuts, and learn about the history of these beverages. The guide shares tips for enjoying Greek drinks like a native. It’s a different angle on food — more about drinks and small plates, perfect for an evening outing.
Rated just 7 reviews but highly recommend for its relaxed, social atmosphere. Price at $91.50 makes it a worthwhile experience for those interested in Greek drinks and tapas-style dining.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers interested in pairing local drinks with tasty small plates.
10. Get a Taste of Thessaloniki -a food tour & lunch to local tastes
For around $90, this 4-hour tour combines a walking exploration with a relaxed lunch at a local bistrot. You’ll visit artisan food spots, tasting regional dishes, and enjoying a more leisurely pace. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Thessaloniki’s culinary culture and end with a sit-down meal.
The tour emphasizes the city’s cross-cultural influences, making it ideal for those interested in the story behind the flavors. It’s a good value for food lovers wanting both sightseeing and a meal in one experience.
Bottom Line: A balanced tour for those wanting to combine city walks with a relaxed meal.
11. Thessaloniki: Food and Walking Tour with Tastings
This 2.5-hour guided tour is packed with food tastings, from cheese in the Modiano Market to regional wines and local desserts, all while exploring three lively neighborhoods. The route includes stops at a local restaurant and a market, with a focus on variety and storytelling.
Rated 4.7 out of 5, reviewers praise the engaging guide and the delicious bites. It’s a bit shorter but offers a comprehensive taste of Thessaloniki’s culinary diversity, priced at $78.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a quick, flavorful overview with local insights.
12. Thessaloniki: Guided Food Tour
This 3-hour tour explores the city’s street markets and legendary foods like Mpougatsa and Souvlaki. Led by Nicos, the guide, you’ll walk through Thessaloniki’s most famous spots and learn about what makes its street food special.
Rated 4.7/5, it’s a straightforward, no-nonsense tour perfect for first-timers who want to cover the classics without fuss. It costs $73 and is a good introduction for those who love traditional street fare.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting to see the main food spots with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
13. Cook and eat with locals in Thessaloniki – Private group
For a truly hands-on experience, this 3.5-hour private cooking tour teaches you to prepare a multi-course Greek meal in a local’s home. Led by Hara, you’ll learn about Greek philosophies around food, then enjoy your homemade dishes in a warm, personal setting.
Reviews highlight the off-the-beaten-path nature and the personal touch, making it ideal for travelers seeking an intimate cultural experience. Costing around $93, it’s an authentic way to connect with Greek cuisine and culture directly.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to cook, learn, and share a meal in a personal setting.
14. Thessaloniki Food Tour – Gastronomy Experience – 4 hrs
This private gastronomy tour is tailored to your interests, lasting about 4 hours. It includes visiting markets, tasting local foods, and shopping for ingredients. Led by a guide who adapts the itinerary, it’s ideal for those wanting a personalized experience.
At $173, it’s the most expensive but offers the chance for a customized, in-depth exploration. Reviews praise the flexibility and the quality of tastings, making it well-suited for serious food lovers with specific interests.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a bespoke, in-depth culinary journey.
15. Thessaloniki Private Treasure Hunt & Tour w Food Stops
This 2-hour 15-minute treasure hunt combines sightseeing, puzzles, and food. Starting at the Eleftherios Venizelos statue, you’ll solve riddles across landmarks like the White Tower and Ladadika, with food stops along the way.
Rated 5/5, this is a fun, interactive way for active travelers to explore while tasting local eats. It’s perfect if you love a challenge and want a different kind of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Great for families or active groups seeking a playful, food-filled adventure.
How to Choose Your Thessaloniki Food Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time, and what you most want to experience. If you’re pressed for time but eager for an authentic flavor shot, the Half Day Food and Walking Tour is a solid choice. Passionate foodies should consider the Gastronomic Food Tour with a Chef or the Private Gastronomy Experience, which offer more personalized attention.
If markets fascinate you, the Open Market Food Tour with Tasting or the Walking Open Market Tour provide deep dives into local ingredients and vendors. For those interested in street snacks and casual bites, the Street Food Tour with a Local Guide delivers a lively, flavorful experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the Open Market tours for their affordability and authentic atmosphere, while the Private Cooking Tour suits travelers wanting a hands-on experience.
Booking early is wise—Thessaloniki’s food scene is popular, especially in tourist season—and many tours fill quickly.
Thessaloniki offers a spectrum of culinary experiences, from bustling markets to chef-led tastings and interactive adventures. Whether you want a quick overview or an in-depth exploration, there’s a tour suited to your appetite. For a memorable trip, consider booking one early, plan around your interests, and prepare to enjoy some of Greece’s finest flavors.