Backstreet Plaka: Exploring the Culinary Heart of Athens

From$140
5.5 hours
Athens, Greece

About this activity

On this food tour in Plaka, we will explore the district’s culinary diamonds in the touristy rough while at the same time getting a sense of how this ancient district shaped the growth of modern Athens. 

Highlights

  • Athens Plaka authentic food tour.
  • Explore ancient Plaka's culinary gems.
  • Greek bakery tasting in Athens.
  • Athenian food and culture experience.

Full description

Starting in one of Athens’ finest bakeries, where we will try goods that have been part of the Athenian diet since ancient Greek and Ottoman times. We will make our way into the backstreets of the Plaka, in an area that is one of Orthodox Christianity’s biggest religious centers. We will visit an establishment where priests from all over the world come to buy their vestments and then we will sample fragrant Greek coffee with kollyva.
Crossing the outcrop of the Acropolis, we will visit the neighborhood of Anafiotika, where we will stop by a family-run store that stocks seasonal products from across Greece. Moving on to nearby Syntagma, we will get a taste of Greek kebab, made by the same family for three generations, and will then go behind-the-scenes at an old-fashioned tradesmen’s canteen, where the local workers choose their food directly from the many pots in the kitchen. We will finish our tour on a sweet note: with a classic desserts based on recipes from the island of Hydra.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour through Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods
  • Tastings of traditional Greek dishes and local specialties
  • Wine tasting featuring small Greek producers
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point

Meeting point

Start Location

Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
  • Some stops may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven terrain.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater as evenings can be cool.
  • Ensure you have a valid ID if you plan to participate in wine tasting.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

More than one week before the beginning of the activity: 90% Refund Less than one week before the beginning of the activity: 50% Refund Less than 72 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: No Refund

Reviews

Google
Justin Markley
Jun 2026
5.0

We really enjoyed our tour with Dennis, great food and conversation! It was a great introduction to Tokyo and we really appreciated all his helpful tips for navigating the city

Google
Liu Marian
Jun 2026
5.0

My husband booked the Monzen-Nakacho tour a couple of months ago. We wanted to do a food tour in Japan, because did a food tour in another country with another company and had a good time. This tour is the next level. Dennis and Kan (invited by Dennis so we had two guides!) are not only personable and knowledgeable, they know how to break down the barriers for us to learn Japanese culture. My husband understands Japanese food while I’m completely ignorant, and both of us had a wonderful time. We were (apparently) there for the food, but we got to learn the history, beliefs, and culture behind and beyond the food and drinks. Getting to meet locals who are masters of their crafts is another highlight. Dennis and Kan were great in getting us to interact with locals and with each other within our small group. Six hours flew by and it felt like we have known these people for much longer because of the meaningful conversations! Will return for their other food tours when we visit Japan again!

Google
Ditha Rimadiputri
Jun 2026
5.0

I wanted to taste and get a better grasp of Tokyo’s culinary scene, and this tour delivered exactly that. Elly, our wonderful tour guide, shared a wealth of historical knowledge and fascinating insights about the city and its food culture. As a professional chef, I left the tour feeling inspired, satisfied, and genuinely impressed by the variety of foods I was able to experience. My biggest thanks go to Elly for guiding us to some of the best bites in Tokyo and making the experience so memorable.