Athens isn’t just about ancient ruins and historic sites. The city is a living, breathing food scene that invites visitors to taste its rich flavors firsthand. Whether it’s exploring bustling markets, trying traditional street foods like souvlaki and loukoumades, or sampling local wines, Athens offers food tours that satisfy every craving. We love how some tours go beyond the usual, like the Private Athens By Night Food Tour & Wine Tasting—a perfect way to combine culinary delights with the city’s enchanting evening atmosphere. These experiences uncover the city’s flavors in a way that’s both authentic and fun, connecting you directly with local food artisans and hidden spots.
From guided walking tastings through vibrant neighborhoods to private culinary adventures, Athens’s food scene is as diverse as its history. Whether you’re after a quick introduction or an in-depth exploration, there’s a tour tailored to your interests. Below is a curated list of the 13 best food tours in Athens, carefully selected for their unique offerings, authenticity, and reviews from travelers just like you.
1. Athens: Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings
At number 1, this Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings is a standout for its comprehensive exploration of Athens’ food culture. Over four hours, a knowledgeable guide takes you to traditional stores and the lively Varvakios Agora market. Expect to sample savory and sweet pastries, Greek wine, olive oils, cheese, and a variety of meze dishes like souvlaki and gyros. The tour’s highlight is a sit-down meal at an authentic downtown taverna, making this a full-flavored introduction to Greek cuisine.
Guests praise Nicoletta and Dora for their engaging commentary and enthusiasm. Many mention the sheer volume of food that leaves you full and eager for more. This tour is perfect for first-timers wanting an immersive experience with local flavors and a fun group atmosphere. The combination of market visits, tastings, and a traditional Greek meal offers excellent value for its 4-hour duration. If your goal is a lively, all-encompassing foodie adventure, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want a taste of everything—market, street food, pastries, and a full meal—delivered with local charm and expert guidance.
2. Athens Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour
Coming in at number 2, this Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour offers a relaxed, intimate exploration of Athens’ culinary scene. With a maximum of 8 people, the focus is on discovering hidden gems in the city’s artisan food stores and markets, including organic olive oils and local pastries. The tour seamlessly combines sightseeing with tastings, in particular at Athens’ central market, Varvakios.
The reviews highlight the guide’s friendly, knowledgeable approach and the high quality of tastings, from Greek coffee to honey and olives. It’s great if you prefer a smaller group, with enough time to ask questions and savor local specialties. The flexible departure times add convenience, making it accessible for different schedules.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an engaging, personalized experience that covers both the culinary and cultural sides of Athens.
3. Private Athens By Night Food Tour & Wine Tasting of 5 Varieties
For around $284, the Private Athens By Night Food Tour & Wine Tasting offers an exclusive, intimate way to experience Athens after dark. Starting from Syntagma Square, you’ll visit lively neighborhoods, sampling authentic Greek dishes and wines in cozy bars and taverns. The tour includes tastings of five different wine varietals, paired with local specialties, and provides a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Guests rave about the guide’s professionalism and the unique blend of food, drink, and city views at night. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a sophisticated, memorable night out. The only thing to consider is the higher price point, but the private setting and expert pairing make it worth it for special occasions.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or friends seeking an elegant, private evening with food, wine, and Athens’s illuminated sights.
4. Athens: The Classic Food Tasting Tour
At number 4, this Classic Food Tasting Tour offers a relaxed 3-hour journey through Monastiraki and Varvakios Market. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to learn about Greek culinary traditions while sampling iconic foods like koulouri (bread rings), Kretian cheeses, and gemista (stuffed peppers). The guide’s storytelling adds context, making the experience both educational and delicious.
Rated highly for its friendly guide and authentic atmosphere, guests appreciate that it’s a perfect introduction for those new to Greek cuisine. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the tour’s pace allows plenty of time to enjoy each sample without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for newcomers wanting a taste of Greece’s essential flavors with a friendly, informative guide.
5. Athens: Classic Street Food Walking tour with 7 Tastings
Number 5 is the Street Food Walking Tour with 7 Tastings. It captures the essence of Athens through its most beloved street foods, including crispy tiropita, souvlaki, and loukoumades. Over four hours, you’ll visit non-touristy neighborhoods, trying regional specialties and enjoying the lively atmosphere away from the crowds.
Guests love the variety and authenticity of the food, describing it as a true window into local life. The tour is suited for those who want an energetic, flavorful experience with a focus on street eats. The guide’s enthusiasm and the extensive tastings make it a good value, especially for travelers eager to sample a diverse range of flavors.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous eaters who want to explore genuine local street food cultures in Athens.
6. Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens
Number 6 offers Eat like an Athenian, a 3-hour tour that focuses on local hotspots in Athens. Starting at the National Library, this tour takes you through the bustling central market, sampling cheeses, honey, and olives, then moves on to the trendy Psirri district for bakery treats and regional snacks. It’s a great way to get a local insider’s perspective.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy authentic Greek foods with a friendly guide sharing cultural insights. The tour’s short duration makes it accessible for travelers with limited time, and the focus on local neighborhoods helps you experience Greece beyond the typical tourist spots.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a quick, authentic taste of Athens’s culinary soul with insider tips.
7. Acropolis & Athens Highlights with Food Tasting
Number 7 combines ancient history and modern flavors in a 4-hour tour that pairs a guided walk of the Acropolis with food tastings in Plaka and Anafiotika. You’ll marvel at the Parthenon and other ruins, then wander through picturesque streets full of traditional tavernas and specialty shops. The food stops include local delights, giving you a taste of Greek culinary heritage amidst stunning historical scenery.
Guests comment on the seamless blend of sightseeing and tasting, with many noting the guide’s depth of knowledge both on history and food. The tour is suited for travelers who want a well-rounded experience combining culture and cuisine.
Bottom Line: A great choice for history lovers who also want to enjoy authentic Greek bites in beautiful neighborhoods.
8. Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend
At number 8, this Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend is a true local experience. As a born and raised Koukaki resident, your guide offers insider access to beloved local eateries and hidden spots. Over two hours, you’ll enjoy souvlaki, homemade pies, and a visit to a microbrewery with Greek craft beers.
Guests love the personal touch and the opportunity to see Athens through a resident’s eyes. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking an authentic, less touristy experience that emphasizes local life and flavors.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to experience genuine Athenian hospitality and local food in a laid-back setting.
9. Athens evening food tasting tour-small group
Number 9 offers a Small Group Evening Food Tasting Tour, ideal for combining dinner and drinks. Over three and a half hours, you’ll visit various eateries, sampling spinach pies, koulouri, and regional meze. The small group setting ensures an intimate experience, with the guide sharing insights into Greek culinary traditions.
Guests say it’s a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing, with many noting the delicious variety and lively atmosphere. It’s especially suited for night owls and those wanting a relaxed evening outing.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers seeking a relaxed yet flavorful dinner with a local guide.
Number 10 is the Street Food Tasting in Hidden Places, a three-hour tour that focuses on local favorites in less touristy neighborhoods like Psiri. You’ll visit an acclaimed souvlaki house, enjoy gyros, and savor honey and olive oil tastings, all in spots loved by locals.
Guests praise the tour’s authentic atmosphere and the opportunity to try regional street foods away from commercialized tourist traps. This tour is perfect for intrepid eaters eager to discover what real Athenians enjoy in their daily lives.
Bottom Line: Great for adventurous food lovers wanting authentic, local street food experiences in a relaxed setting.
11. Athens Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 11 features a Private Athens Food Tour, offering a bespoke experience tailored to your interests. Over three hours, your private guide takes you through historic neighborhoods with stops for seafood, cheeses, and olives, all with personalized insights.
Reviewers love the chance to avoid crowds and enjoy a customized itinerary. This tour works well for those wanting a flexible, private experience that combines culinary and cultural discoveries.
Bottom Line: Best suited for private groups or couples who want a fully personalized, rich food experience.
12. Athens Koukaki food and culture tour: Alluring sensations 4hr
Number 12 is the Koukaki Food and Culture Tour, a four-hour walk focused on local food and neighborhood life. Your guide shares stories behind traditional pastries, savory dishes, and drinks in this lively district, giving you an authentic feel for daily Athenian life.
Guests mention the friendly guides and the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes in genuine settings. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of culinary delights and local atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth, authentic neighborhood experience paired with delicious local foods.
13. Greek Private Food Walking Tour – Taste (Y)Our Way
Finally, at number 13, this Greek Private Food Walking Tour offers a personalized 4-hour culinary journey through key markets like Athens Agora. It includes sweet treats, cheeses, olives, and savory dishes, all tailored to your preferences.
Guests rave about the chance to customize their experience and visit famous markets and authentic eateries. It’s perfect if you want a flexible, private tour that covers your specific food interests.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a flexible, private experience focused on personalized culinary discovery.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Athens
When selecting your perfect food tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re after a comprehensive introduction with multiple tastings and a sit-down meal, the Greek Foodie Tour is hard to beat. For a more intimate experience and insider access, the Small Group Gourmet Tour or the Private Tours offer personalized options.
Budget travelers might prefer the Street Food Tours, which combine great value with extensive tastings. Night owls or couples celebrating a special occasion may find the Night Food & Wine Tour perfect, while those wanting a deep cultural dive should consider the Acropolis & Food experience.
Book early, especially in high season, and check availability for specific departure times. Many tours offer flexible or private options—great for tailoring your experience!
Wrapping Up
Athens offers a wide array of food tours that match every interest—whether you want to sample street foods, explore market stalls, or enjoy a private wine and dine experience. For a comprehensive introduction, the Greek Foodie Tour provides a well-rounded taste of Athens’s culinary scene. If you prefer a more intimate setting, the Small Group Gourmet Tour and private options allow for deeper engagement.
For those eager to discover local hidden gems and authentic street eats, tours like the Street Food Tasting and neighborhood explorations provide both fun and flavor. No matter your style or budget, Athens’s vibrant food scene is ready to delight you—just remember to book early and come hungry!