Greek food is so much more than moussaka and souvlaki — though those are excellent too. The best way to discover Athens’ culinary secrets is with someone who knows where locals actually eat.
After researching dozens of options, here are the 8 best Athens food tours for 2026, from street food adventures to hands-on cooking classes.
Quick Comparison#
| Tour | Duration | Tastings | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Market Walk | 4 hours | 10-12 | €79 | Serious foodies |
| Street Food Tour | 3 hours | 8-10 | €59 | Budget-friendly fun |
| Evening Food & Wine | 4 hours | 8 + wine | €89 | Couples, date night |
| Cooking Class | 5 hours | Full meal | €95 | Hands-on learners |
| Private Tour | 4 hours | 12+ | €150 | Families, custom requests |
Our Top Pick: Monastiraki & Central Market Tour#
Athens Food Tour: Monastiraki & Central Market
The definitive Athens food experience. Walk through the historic Central Market, taste 12+ local specialties, visit family-run shops dating back generations, and learn the stories behind Greek cuisine. Small groups (max 12) with passionate local guides.
1. Central Market Food Tour (Best Overall)#
The Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora) is a sensory overload — fish merchants shouting, butchers slicing, spice vendors haggling. It’s chaotic, authentic, and absolutely essential.
What you’ll taste:
- Fresh olives and olive oil
- Greek cheeses (feta, graviera, kasseri)
- Cured meats and pastirma
- Freshly baked koulouri (sesame bread rings)
- Loukoumades (Greek honey donuts)
- Local wines and ouzo
Why it’s the best:
- See where Athenians actually shop
- Taste products you can’t find in tourist areas
- Learn about regional Greek ingredients
- Meet multi-generational family vendors
2. Street Food Walking Tour (Best Value)#
Athens has incredible street food — and most tourists only scratch the surface with gyros. This tour shows you the good stuff.
Typical stops include:
- Iconic souvlaki spots (beyond the tourist traps)
- Tiropita and spanakopita from bakeries
- Meze at a local ouzeri
- Greek coffee at a traditional kafeneio
- Pastries at a historic zacharoplasteio
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Covers the most ground
- Great introduction to Greek food
- Active and engaging
Cons:
- Less market immersion
- Faster-paced
Athens Street Food Tour with 10+ Tastings
Walk through Monastiraki, Psyrri, and the old town tasting authentic Greek street food. Includes souvlaki, pies, pastries, and drinks. Small group with local guide.
3. Evening Food & Wine Tour (Best for Couples)#
Athens transforms at night. This tour combines excellent food with Greek wines in atmospheric neighborhoods.
What makes it special:
- Visit local tavernas (not tourist restaurants)
- Wine pairings with each course
- See Athens lit up at night
- More relaxed pace
- Often includes live music stops
Perfect for:
- Date nights
- Wine lovers
- Those who prefer sitting to walking
- Summer visitors (cooler evenings)
4. Greek Cooking Class (Best Hands-On Experience)#
Want to recreate Greek flavors at home? A cooking class teaches techniques you’ll use forever.
What you’ll learn:
- How to make authentic moussaka
- Proper Greek salad technique (it’s not what you think)
- Phyllo dough handling
- Traditional spice combinations
- Olive oil selection
Class structure:
- Market visit to buy ingredients
- Cooking instruction in small groups
- Sit-down meal of everything you made
- Recipes to take home
Athens Cooking Class with Market Visit
Visit the Central Market with your chef-guide, select fresh ingredients, then cook a full Greek meal. Includes appetizers, main course, dessert, and wine. You eat everything you make.
5. Private Food Tour (Best for Families)#
Traveling with kids or picky eaters? Private tours adapt to your group.
Benefits:
- Customize stops to preferences
- Go at your own pace
- Kid-friendly options
- Dietary restrictions handled easily
- More personal stories from guide
Best for:
- Families with children
- Vegetarian/vegan travelers
- Food allergies
- Special interests (olive oil focus, wine focus, etc.)
What You’ll Eat on Athens Food Tours#
| Food | What It Is | Must-Try Version |
|---|---|---|
| Souvlaki | Grilled meat skewers | Pork belly souvlaki |
| Gyros | Meat shaved from vertical rotisserie | Pita with everything |
| Tiropita | Cheese pie in phyllo | Koulouri (spiral version) |
| Spanakopita | Spinach and feta pie | Freshly baked, still warm |
| Loukoumades | Fried dough balls with honey | With mastic ice cream |
| Dolmades | Stuffed grape leaves | Meat version at tavernas |
| Taramasalata | Fish roe dip | Homemade (pink, not orange) |
| Baklava | Layered phyllo with nuts and honey | Walnut with cinnamon |
Neighborhoods You’ll Explore#
Monastiraki
- Central food market
- Oldest souvlaki shops
- Spice and herb vendors
Psyrri
- Emerging food scene
- Modern Greek cuisine
- Craft cocktail bars
Plaka
- Traditional tavernas
- Rooftop dining
- Historic pastry shops
Exarchia
- Student favorites
- Cheap, authentic eats
- Mezedopoleio (small plates)
Food Tour Tips#
1. Come hungry Seriously — food tours include 8-12+ tastings. Skip breakfast or have something very light.
2. Wear comfortable shoes Most tours cover 3-5 km of walking. Cobblestones are charming but uneven.
3. Bring cash Some traditional vendors are cash-only. €20-30 covers any extras you want to buy.
4. Ask questions Guides love sharing knowledge. The more you ask, the better your experience.
5. Note your favorites Ask for addresses of places you love. You’ll want to return.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is an Athens food tour worth it?#
Absolutely. You’ll discover places you’d never find on your own, learn about Greek food culture, and taste far more variety than you could eating independently.
How much does an Athens food tour cost?#
Budget tours start around €50-60. Premium and private tours run €80-150. Cooking classes with market visits are €90-120.
Are Athens food tours suitable for vegetarians?#
Yes — Greek cuisine has excellent vegetarian options. Let your guide know when booking, and they’ll adjust the tastings.
Which is better — morning or evening food tour?#
Morning tours hit the markets when they’re most active. Evening tours have a more relaxed, atmospheric vibe. Both are excellent.
How much walking is involved?#
Expect 3-5 km (2-3 miles) over 3-4 hours. The pace is leisurely with frequent stops.
Do food tours include drinks?#
Most include some drinks — water, coffee, wine, or ouzo depending on the tour. Alcohol is often included in evening tours.
The Bottom Line#
For the complete Athens food experience, choose the Central Market tour. You’ll taste incredible products, meet real vendors, and understand Greek food culture from the ground up.
Want something more casual? The street food tour packs maximum tastings into a fun, affordable walk.
And if you want skills to take home, the cooking class is an investment you’ll use for years.
Planning more Athens activities? Check out our guides to wine tasting tours and rooftop restaurants.
