Athens isn’t just about ancient ruins and mythic history; it’s also a city bursting with flavors, aromas, and stories that come alive through its food. The best way to really understand Athens? Dive into its local cuisine with a guided food tour. Whether you want to sample street food, explore bustling markets, or learn to cook Greek dishes yourself, Athens offers a variety of options that showcase its culinary soul. We love tours like the Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour, where you can snack like a local while learning about the city’s neighborhoods, and the Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine, which combines shopping and hands-on cooking. These experiences turn eating into a fun and immersive activity, perfect for travelers eager to go beyond the typical sightseeing.
Athens is great for food tours because its food scene is both historic and evolving, with centuries-old traditions sitting side-by-side with modern tavernas and innovative eateries. You’ll find authentic street snacks, hearty mezze, and rich desserts all served in neighborhoods where locals still gather. Many tours include visits to markets like Varvakios Agora, where the sights and smells of fresh produce and spices introduce you to Greece’s culinary heart. Plus, with options ranging from about $67 to over $200, there’s a tour for every budget and style.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of food experiences in Athens—from relaxed street food walks and market visits to comprehensive tasting tours and private cooking classes. Whether you’re after a quick introduction or an in-depth culinary adventure, the options below will keep your taste buds busy and your camera full. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour
At number 1, the Athens Street Food Tasting Tour offers a lively introduction to Athens’ most iconic snacks. For $67 per person, this 3-hour guided walk takes you through the main shopping district and Athens’ coolest neighborhoods. You’ll sample Greek street food like souvlaki, gyros, and desserts, all paired with beer or wine, making it a great way to explore local flavors while soaking up the city’s atmosphere. The tour gets rave reviews, with visitors appreciating the enthusiastic guide Fotis and the generous food portions. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of Athens without sitting down for a full meal, and the focus on local hangouts means you get insider tips along the way.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a casual, flavorful overview of Athens’ street food scene with a friendly guide.
2. Athens: Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings
Number 2 on our list is the Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings, a 4-hour experience that dives into Athens’ culinary traditions. Starting at Varvakios Agora—the city’s lively food market—you’ll explore Greek cheeses, olives, and pastries. Highlights include tasting savory souvlaki, sweet lukumades, and regional products at specialty shops, culminating in a full Greek meal at a downtown taverna. Led by guide Dora, known for her joyful approach, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Greek ingredients and recipes. At $78, the tour offers excellent value considering the variety of tastings and market insights. This is suited for food lovers who want a more immersive experience and a crash course in local ingredients.
Bottom line: An authentic, flavorful exploration of Athens’ market and food culture, ideal for curious travelers.
3. Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour
Number 3, the Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour, is rated a perfect 5.0/5 with 707 reviews. For about $77.62, this 3.5-hour tour takes a more intimate approach, limited to 12 people, touring hidden neighborhoods with a focus on traditional foods. You’ll visit 10 carefully selected shops, sampling honey, spices, sweets, cheese, and olive oil, ending with a classic Greek souvlaki. The guide’s local knowledge, combined with the small-group setting, makes for a personal and relaxed experience. Many reviews highlight the high quality of tastings and the chance to see parts of Athens seldom visited by travelers.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a small, personalized food adventure with authentic tastings off the beaten path.
4. Athens Greek Food Tour Small-Group Experience
Number 4, Athens Greek Food Tour Small-Group Experience, is another highly-rated option at $103.11. It features about 3.5 hours of walking and tasting, including visits to local delis, markets, and bohemian neighborhoods like Psiri. Highlights include sampling olives, honey, cheese, and enjoying a traditional dinner with desserts. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour emphasizes Greek culinary culture and neighborhood stories. Its focus on off-the-tourist-trail spots makes it ideal for those wanting a genuine local experience.
Bottom line: An excellent blend of food and neighborhood exploration in a small-group setting—great for those wanting depth and intimacy.
5. Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine
In position 5, the Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine offers an interactive 4-hour journey into Greek cooking. Starting with a market tour where you shop for fresh ingredients, you’ll then learn to prepare a variety of dishes under the guidance of a Greek chef. The class ends with a sit-down meal featuring your creations, accompanied by wine. At $78, this tour provides a hands-on experience that’s perfect for foodies who want to learn authentic recipes and bring those flavors home. Guests rave about the lively guide Vasai and the fun, interactive nature of the class.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who prefer to cook as they learn, with plenty of tasting and a memorable meal at the end.
6. Athens, Greek food tour including market visit
Number 6 features a 4-hour tour focusing on tastings in neighborhoods and the Varvakeios market. It’s packed with stops where you sample bougatsa, ouzo, olives, and other Greek staples. Led by a friendly local guide, the tour emphasizes the sensory experience of Athens’ food scene. With 613 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this tour appeals to those wanting a full taste of the city’s culinary diversity. The highlight is the market visit, where you mingle with vendors and learn about regional ingredients.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a rundown that mixes market visits with city neighborhood tastings.
7. Best Seller: Semi-Private Athens Morning Food Tour (15+ tastings)
Number 7, the Semi-Private Athens Morning Food Tour, offers over 15 tastings in about 4 hours. It starts at Syntagma with Greek pies, then visits local delis, bakeries, and taverns. You’ll explore the Athens Central Market and enjoy traditional dishes like spanakopita and Greek yogurt. The small group (max 12) ensures personalized attention, and reviews mention the guide’s knowledge and generous portions. Priced at $103.11, it’s ideal for foodies who want a comprehensive morning of tasting and cultural insights.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a detailed, morning immersion into Athens’ culinary scene with a friendly guide.
8. Get a Taste of Athens Food Tour
Number 8 features a 3-hour tour exploring Monastiraki, Psirri, and the central market. For $78.78, you’ll try filo pies, cheeses, cold cuts, and sweets, with the tour ending at a cozy tavern for lunch or dinner. Known for its relaxed pace and authentic bites, guide Cosentina helps you uncover Athens’ best-kept food secrets.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a manageable overview that includes a mix of market visits, neighborhood strolls, and a sit-down meal.
9. Athens Evening Food Tour
Number 9 offers an evening 3-hour experience at $84.58. You’ll explore local eateries and taste meats, cheeses, and seasonal dishes, ending with a dinner at a traditional taverna. It’s perfect for those who want to see Athens’ nightlife while indulging in authentic flavors, with many reviews praising their guide Constantina and the quality of food.
Bottom line: A great way to combine food, culture, and Athens’ lively evening scene.
10. Best Food Tasting Tour of Athens, taste 18+ iconic Greek foods!
Number 10 features a 4-hour tour at $91.53, with stops at Central Market, and tasting koulouri, bougatsa, loukoumades, and more. This tour showcases both famous staples and lesser-known delights, ideal for travelers eager to sample a broad spectrum of Greek cuisine. Reviewers mention the variety and the knowledgeable guide Elias.
Bottom line: A comprehensive tour for those eager to taste a wide array of iconic Greek foods in a relaxed setting.
11. PREMIUM Semi-Private Athens Afternoon Food Tour & Wine Tasting
Number 11 ranks as the most upscale offering. For $202.75, this 4-hour evening experience combines dinner at a top restaurant, wine tasting, and olive oil sampling in a small-group setting. It offers a refined look at Greek gastronomy, with evenings illuminated by city views. Reviewers appreciate the intimate atmosphere and the quality of the food and drinks.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a luxurious, relaxed evening of fine Greek dining and wine in a small-group environment.
12. Athens: Authentic Greek Food Walking Tour
Number 12 features a 3-hour tour at $77. It emphasizes local food stores, secret snacks, and market experiences, including mezes and regional specialties. Led by a personable guide, it’s ideal for travelers who want an authentic taste of Athenian everyday life.
Bottom line: A highly recommended, authentic experience for those curious about local food and hidden spots.
13. Athens at Twilight Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
Number 13 offers a 3.5-hour evening tour at $91.53, exploring Monastiraki and Psiri with dishes loved by locals, plus wines and desserts. It’s perfect for warm evenings and those who want to combine dining with lively street scenes.
Bottom line: Excellent for night owls who want a lively, full-flavored experience in Athens’ most festive neighborhoods.
14. Athens Street Food Walk
Number 14 provides a 3-hour stroll at $69.91, focusing entirely on Athens’ street food. You’ll try spanakopita, gyro, peinirli, and sweets in neighborhoods where locals eat. The small-group format ensures a relaxed pace and plenty of personal attention.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to focus solely on Athens’ street eats on a manageable schedule.
15. Athens Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Finally, number 15 offers a 3-hour, intimate walk ($105), uncovering hidden food spots around Monastiraki and Plaka. You’ll learn the stories behind Greek staples and see landmarks en route. This tour is great for travelers wanting an insider’s view of Athens’ culinary secrets.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who enjoy stories and secret spots alongside their tasting experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour in Athens
When deciding which tour suits you, consider your budget, interests, and how much walking you’re comfortable with. If you want a shorter, casual experience, the Athens Street Food Tasting Tour or the Street Food Walk are great options. For those eager to learn cooking skills, the Food Market Visit and Cooking Class is hard to beat, especially if you enjoy hands-on experiences.
If a more luxurious, evening experience appeals, the Semi-Private Athens Afternoon Food Tour & Wine Tasting offers a refined meal paired with wine in a small-group setting.
For market lovers and those wanting a comprehensive introduction, the Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings provides a full-day glimpse of Athens’ local ingredients and dishes.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred date and guide.
In sum, Athens offers a wonderful variety of food tours that suit every taste and pace. From street food walks to market visits and cooking classes, you can tailor your culinary adventure to match your interests. For a quick, flavorful taste of Athens, the Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour is a top pick. If you’re eager to learn and cook, the Food Market Visit and Cooking Class promises a memorable hands-on experience. Meanwhile, the Semi-Private Athens Afternoon Food Tour & Wine Tasting is perfect for those seeking a refined evening with excellent food and drink. No matter your choice, Athens won’t disappoint when it comes to its culinary treasures.