Culinary Secrets of Downtown Athens
From$135
5.5 hours
Max 7 people
Athens, Greece
About this activity
On this 5½-hour food tour, we will explore the culinary backstreets and secrets of downtown Athens, in search of the soul of this historic yet always vibrant city.
Highlights
- Culinary walking tour
- Visit Downtown Athens and Market
- Meze sharing with locals inside the fish market
- Delicious Artisanal Yogurt
- Artisanal cheese tasting and Honey tasting
Full description
From downtown Athens, one’s eyes rest on the timeless vision of the Acropolis up on the hill, looming grandly above this ancient Greek city. But in the bustling market streets below, another classic, though less well-known, Athens exists. On this tour we will explore the culinary backstreets and secrets of downtown Athens, in search of the soul of this historic yet always vibrant city.
Here, people line up for a proper souvlaki done in the style of Northern Greece, older gentlemen sit down for a bowl of authentic Greek yogurt covered in honey and walnuts, the smell of fresh ground coffee wafts over neoclassical Kotzia Square, and a Cretan accent booms out of a humble kitchen that turns out the rustic yet utterly delicious food of that Mediterranean island. It is clear that in this part of town, life is lived by the bite.
Here, people line up for a proper souvlaki done in the style of Northern Greece, older gentlemen sit down for a bowl of authentic Greek yogurt covered in honey and walnuts, the smell of fresh ground coffee wafts over neoclassical Kotzia Square, and a Cretan accent booms out of a humble kitchen that turns out the rustic yet utterly delicious food of that Mediterranean island. It is clear that in this part of town, life is lived by the bite.
We’ll visit an old-school dairy bar and a hidden gem of a loukoumades joint. We’ll sample souvlaki, and a kebab made according to a recipe brought to Athens by refugees from Constantinople. The food tour will explore the hidden seafood eateries of the stoa, the arcades that are among downtown Athens’ most unique architectural features. There will be artisanal cheeses and honey and even a few sips of homemade spirits, accompanied by an unforgettable bite in the center of the main fishmongers’ market. At once rough and beautiful, ancient and modern, the culinary backstreets of downtown Athens live on and tell the story of this city in a way few other landmarks can.
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
21 Apollonos, Monastiraki Square, Athina, GR
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