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If there’s one “touristy” activity I love doing everywhere I travel, it’s a cooking class or food tour.
Call me a millennial, but I honestly don’t think a trip is complete without tasting the food — or better yet, learning how to make it.
A great example is my recent trip to Korea, where we joined an incredible cooking class with Seoul Cooking Club. We learned seven new recipes, laughed the entire time, and left with a much deeper appreciation for the country’s food culture.
I’ll even admit this: I don’t love traveling with people who aren’t adventurous eaters. Allergies and restrictions are one thing (of course those can’t be helped), but if your idea of exciting food is just a burger… we’re probably not the best travel match.
Greece, on the other hand, is a food paradise. And I don’t blame anyone who comes here just for the food.
Internationally, Greek cuisine is often reduced to gyros and “Greek salad,” but anyone who’s actually been here knows it’s far more varied — and insanely good. Even Gordon Ramsay once said it’s better than Italian in that famous clip (you know the one).
So, since we’ve established that you need to try a cooking class or at least a food tour while you’re here, let’s talk about where and when.
Athens is one of the best cities in Greece to do it. Yes, it’s the capital, and yes, it’s tourist-heavy in parts, but it’s also a hub for produce, tradition, and competition — meaning the guides, chefs, and hosts work hard to stand out.
Over the years, I’ve done a lot of Athens food tours and cooking classes, mostly while leading groups or hosting clients. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the top-rated ones you’ll find on popular booking sites, added my honest local take, and highlighted what makes each worth your time.
Athens: Greek Foodie Tour – $64 per person
Duration: ~4 hours
Rating: 4.9★ with over 2,400 reviews
This walking food tour takes you through some of Athens’ most famous foodie spots, including the Varvakios Central Market. You’ll sample street food like souvlaki and gyros, enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, and it also includes fresh fruit and other deli products.
Local take: Varvakios is a love-it-or-hate-it experience. It’s a huge meat, fish, and produce market that offers an authentic slice of Athens life — but if you’re squeamish about hanging meat or strong smells, you might find it overwhelming. The guides on this tour are a highlight, and the final meal is generous, so you won’t leave hungry.
Food Around Athens – $86 per person
Duration: 3.5 hours
Rating: 5★ with over 4,200 reviews (Viator 2024 Award Winner)
This is Viator’s highest-rated Athens food tour, covering a mix of street snacks and sit-down tastings in central locations. The pace is quick, and the variety of dishes keeps things interesting.
Local take: It’s pricier than the first tour and slightly shorter, but you get more food variety. Some reviewers note that a couple of stops can feel crowded, especially in peak season. If time is tight, this one’s a great way to sample a lot in just a few hours.
Athens Cooking Class with Moussaka, Spanakopita, and Milk Pie – $107 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Rating: 4.9★ with 282 reviews
This class is held in Monastiraki, right in the heart of Athens, with a modern and well-equipped kitchen. You’ll make classic Greek dishes like moussaka, spinach pie, and milk pie, then enjoy them in a panoramic-view dining space.
Local take: Central location is a huge plus — no trekking across the city. The setup feels professional but still relaxed, and the view while eating is a nice bonus. If you want a hands-on experience with Greece’s most famous dishes, this is a great pick.
Vegan Greek Cooking Class in Koukaki – $64 per person
Duration: 3.5 hours
Max group size: 14 people
Rating: 4.8★ with 104 reviews
This vegan-friendly cooking class features dishes inspired by Asia Minor as well as Greek classics — think ekmek kataifi dessert, koulouri bread rings, dakos salad, moussaka, and spinach pie. The class is split into two cooking teams, so you’ll get to try more dishes than you personally make.
Local take: The group size is bigger than I usually prefer, but the space is large enough to handle it. This is a great choice if you’re vegetarian or vegan — or if you’ve already done a “traditional” Greek cooking class and want something different.
Greek Souvlaki, Pita, and Gyros Cooking Class – $128 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Rating: 5★ with 25 reviews
This class focuses on one of Greece’s most misunderstood street foods — the gyros. You’ll learn how to make perfectly seasoned meat, fluffy pita bread, and two local-approved desserts.
Local take: Gyros is often done badly, even in Greece, so learning how to make it well can change how you eat it for the rest of your trip. This is a smart choice if you book it early in your visit — you’ll know exactly what to look for in quality gyros afterwards, and you can recreate it at home.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
