Athens Food Tour: Markets, Souvlaki & Greek Pastries Walk

Summary

Athens street food walk markets pastries and mezedes with local stories

You’ll walk Athens’ busy markets with a local guide, tasting koulóuria bread rings fresh from the oven and sweet loukoumades donuts at century-old bakeries. Sample cheeses and olive oil inside Varvakeios Market before sharing mezedes plates in Psiri’s taverns. The day ends with classic souvlaki gyros — expect laughter, full bellies, and new cravings you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting spot at Monastiraki Square because I got distracted by a guy selling knockoff sunglasses — classic. Our guide, Eleni, was already waving her “Athens Walks The Food Tour” sign by the tiny church. She grinned when I apologized for being late (she said everyone gets lost in Athens at least once). We kicked things off with koulóuria — those sesame bread rings that look simple but somehow taste like home even if you’re not Greek. Warm, chewy, a little nutty. She told us to eat slowly because there’d be “a lot more coming,” which I thought was just something guides say. It wasn’t.

The next stop was this pastry shop that’s apparently been around longer than my grandparents — loukoumades (those honey-soaked donuts) and custard filo squares. I tried to pronounce “bougatsa” right; Eleni laughed and said it sounded more Turkish than Greek (oops). Walking along Aiolou Street, we passed old men playing backgammon outside cafés and the air started to change — suddenly it smelled like roasted coffee and something herbal I couldn’t place. Evripidou Street is basically a wall of scent: dried oregano, sharp cheese from open windows, even a whiff of vinegar somewhere in the mix.

Inside Varvakeios Market it got loud — but not in an annoying way. Fishmongers shouting prices, meat cleavers hitting wood blocks, people bargaining over olives. We tried samples everywhere: salty feta that crumbled in your hand, olives so briny they made my mouth water for minutes after. There was this one stall where we tasted olive oil straight from tiny spoons; it burned my throat a bit (in a good way?). Then came yogurt with honey so thick it stuck to the spoon and made everyone go quiet for a second.

By the time we hit Psiri, my stomach was protesting but Eleni insisted we had to try proper mezedes plates at a tucked-away tavern. Wine appeared out of nowhere (well, she poured it), and suddenly strangers were laughing together over plates of spicy cheese dip and grilled veggies. Last stop was souvlaki — chicken or pork gyros wrapped up tight with fries inside (I went for pork). I probably should’ve paced myself better but honestly? No regrets. Still think about that first bite sometimes when I’m hungry back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Athens food market walking tour

• Meet at Monastiraki Square
• Walk along Aiolou Street
• Stroll through square near Agia Irini Church
• Visit aromatic street for herbs and spices
• Explore Varvakeios central market
• Discover local restaurants at Theatrou Square
• Wander through Psirri art neighborhood
• Return to Monastiraki Square

Top questions

Where does the Athens food tour start?

The tour starts at Monastiraki Square near the entrance of the small church.

How long is the Athens gourmet food walking tour?

The walking tour lasts about 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included on this Athens food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Monastiraki Square.

What foods are included on the Athens market food tour?

You’ll try koulóuria bread rings, loukoumades donuts, custard filo squares, pies, cheeses, yogurt with honey, olive oil tastings, mezedes plates, wine and souvlaki gyros.

Is this Athens food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarians are welcome on this tour.

Are gluten-free options available on this Athens food walk?

No gluten-free options can be accommodated on this tour.

Does the Athens gourmet food tour include drinks?

Yes; coffee or tea and wine are included during tastings.

What neighborhoods does the Athens food tour visit?

The route includes Monastiraki Square, Aiolou Street, Evripidou Street, Varvakeios Market and Psiri neighborhood.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings: fresh koulóuria bread rings for breakfast; loukoumades donuts and custard-filled filo pastries at historic bakeries; savory pies and cheeses; stops for coffee or tea; olive oil tasting plus aged vinegars and honey; mezedes plates with wine in a local tavern; and finally classic souvlaki gyros before returning to Monastiraki Square—no need for lunch after this one!